White House Reopening Guidelines: How Will Workplaces Open Up Again?
On April 16, 2020, the White House issued “Guidelines: Opening Up America Again” (Guidelines), with criteria for how state and local officials, employers... Read more.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Releases Compliance Guidance for COVID-19 Pandemic
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (“IEPA”) posted a Compliance Expectations Statement (the “Statement”) as guidance during the COVID-19 crisis.... Read more.
OSHA to Manufacturers: Coronavirus “Safety Tips” in an “Alert” to Manufacturing Employers
By Gabrielle Sigel, Co-Chair, Environmental and Workplace Health and Safety Law Practice On April 16, 2020, OSHA released an “alert” with “safety tips” that... Read more.
EPA Issues Guidance on COVID-19 Impacts for Ongoing Cleanups
Following up on its March 26, 2020 temporary enforcement policy, on April 10, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued an interim guidance... Read more.
OSHA to Most Employers: Limited Exemption from Recording Requirement for Employees’ COVID 19 Cases
On April 10, 2020, US OSHA partially retracted its initial instructions to employers, which had required employers to evaluate employees who contracted COVID‑19... Read more.
OSHA to Employers: Some Relief from Respiratory Protection Rules in the Face of N95 Shortages
By Gabrielle Sigel, Co-Chair, Environmental and Workplace Health and Safety Law Practice On April 3, 2020, U.S. OSHA issued two Enforcement Guidance memos which,... Read more.
EPA’s Temporary Enforcement Discretion Policy for COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced a temporary policy regarding EPA enforcement of environmental legal obligations... Read more.
Does the OSH Act Give an Employee the Right to Refuse to Work Due to Fear of Workplace COVID-19 Exposure?
Responding to COVID‑19, many state and local governments are issuing orders encouraging or requiring workers to stay at home (“Stay-At-Home Order”) unless... Read more.
Does Environmental Investigation and Remediation Continue Despite COVID-19 Business Restrictions and Social Distancing?
As the United States rapidly transitions to working from home (when possible) companies involved in environmental investigations or remediation work must determine... Read more.
White House and Congress Use Liability Immunity to Address the Shortage of Respirators in Healthcare Settings
Due to COVID-19, the nation’s healthcare industry is facing a severe shortage of respiratory protection equipment for healthcare workers. Both Congress and the... Read more.