Articles by Editorial Staff

June 10, 2020
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OSHA Releases Guidance on Masks in the Workplace

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a series of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the use of masks in the workplace. "As our economy reopens for business, millions of Americans will be wearing masks in their workplace for the first time," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health L...
May 28, 2020
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Workers’ Compensation Coverage of COVID-19 Illnesses

Each year, millions of workers are injured or become seriously ill because of their working environment. In fact, in November 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their annual Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Report stating that there were over 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses during 2018. In certain circumstances, these affected workers may...
May 26, 2020
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OSHA Revises Coronavirus Enforcement Policies

The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL’s) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued two revised policies for enforcing OSHA's requirements with respect to the coronavirus. As businesses begin to reopen across the country, OSHA wanted to update these resources to ensure that employers are acting to protect their employees. First, OSHA is increasing in-person inspections at ...
May 23, 2020
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Retirement Plan Info Can Be Delivered Electronically Beginning July 27th

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) recently announced the publication of a Final Rule that expands the ability of private sector employers to communicate retirement plan information online or by email. In a press release dated May 21st, 2020, the EBSA revealed that the Rule would allow employers to deliver disclosures to plan participants pr...
May 21, 2020
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Final Rule Expands Access to Pay Bonuses | WWC

On May 20th, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced a Final Rule that allows employers to pay bonuses or other incentive-based pay to salaried, nonexempt employees whose hours vary from week to week. The Final Rule clarifies that payments in addition to the fixed salary are compatible with the use of the fluctuating workweek method under the Fair Lab...
May 7, 2020
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OSHA COVID-19 Poster in 13 Languages

On May 4th, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published its “Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus” poster in 11 additional language translations. Originally released on April 6th, in English and Spanish, the non-mandatory poster highlights 10 infection prevention measures every employer can...
May 5, 2020
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EBSA Releases Updated Model COBRA Notices

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has recently announced changes to specific notices required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA). Generally speaking, COBRA allows employees (and their families), who would otherwise lose their group health coverage due to certain life events, to continue their same group...
May 4, 2020
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COVID-Related Resources for Benefit Plans Released

On April 28th, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued a number of items under Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to help participants and beneficiaries of employee benefit plans, and their service providers, who have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. These items include a final rule, new d...
April 29, 2020
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Revised M-274 Handbook for Employers Now Available

In a news release dated April 28th, 2020, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department (USCIS) announced that an updated version of the M-274, Handbook for Employers: Guidance for Completing Form I-9 is has been published. The M-274 provides employers with detailed guidance for completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Summary of M-274 Changes  The following ar...
April 24, 2020
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UPDATED: $484 Billion Stimulus Package Signed Into Law

On April 24th , President Donald J. Trump approved a new stimulus relief package that includes hundreds of billions of dollars in new funding for small businesses hurt by the coronavirus outbreak. The $484 billion package also includes monies for hospitals and expanded COVID-19 testing. This proposed bill comes after the passage of a $2 trillion rescue package that Congress approved last month....