Updated: December 27, 2021
Contractor Resources
Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
Sample Forms for Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
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- Some of you may be considering implementing a mandatory vaccine policy for your workforce. If so, we have a sample policy you may rebrand and use accordingly. If this is your preference, please keep in mind that employees may be able to assert a religious or medical objection to being vaccinated. In those cases, you must accommodate them per the law.
OSHA Fact Sheet on its Covid-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS
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- OSHA’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) covers employers with 100 or more employees and requires them to take steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act protects workers from retaliation for exercising their rights under the ETS.
COVID-19 Prevention
COVID-19 Prevention Plan for Employers
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- In response to Cal/OSHA’s emergency temporary standards regarding COVID-19 prevention in the workplace, here is a California COVID-19 Prevention Plan compliant with the new Cal/OSHA regulation and California’s AB 685 notice requirement.
COVID-19 General Checklist for Construction Employers
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- This checklist is intended to help construction employers implement their plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and is supplemental to the Guidance for Construction Employers.
Exposure Notices and Documents
COVID-19 Workplace Exposure Notice and Reporting Forms
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- As explained in the New 2021 California Employment Laws Summary, contractors are required to send COVID-19 exposure notices to the union, employees, and subcontractors. Below are the forms employers should send:
COVID-19 Reporting Requirements Guide
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- This guide helps employers know how to comply with SB 1159, AB 685, and Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Regulations when an employee tests positive for COVID-19.
Employer Requirements
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Updated COVID-19 Employer Obligations
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- If your employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, here are helpful questions you can ask to provide them the help they need.
Cal/OSHA Industry Specific Safety and Health Guidance Sheet
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- Cal/OSHA has issued guidance to the construction industry on COVID-19. This is the first industry-specific guidance issued by Cal/OSHA on COVID-19 worker protections.
Sample Cards for Employees
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- As authorities continue to enforce orders put in place, you may want to provide your employees with cards showing their right to work and where to direct further questions.
Legislative Updates
Financial News
Extension of Payroll Tax Credit – American Rescue Plan
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Employers who are providing voluntary FFCRA leave should be aware of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, including the Act’s paid leave categories and additional leave as of April 1, 2021.
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COVID Relief Bill: Changes to PPP Loans and New Lending Terms
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- Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are underway since the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which contains the Economic Aid Act, on December 27, 2020.
New Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Guidelines
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- FFCRA Leave Requirements Expired Dec. 31, 2020, but employers can claim the FFCRA tax credit through March 31, 2021 by voluntarily offering FFCRA to their employees.
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This post includes previous information regarding FFCRA and AB 1867 (COVID-19 Supplemental Sick Leave)
Insurance Commissioner Approves Critical COVID-19 Workers Compensation Rules
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- The California Insurance Commissioner has approved the industry supported special regulatory filing to make rule changes to the California Workers’ Compensation Uniform Statistical Reporting Plan—1995 (USRP) and the California Workers’ Compensation Experience Rating Plan—1995 (ERP).
Cal/OSHA
Cal/OSHA Emergency COVID Regulation: Overview and Resources
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- Read important information about Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 regulations and access helpful documents, including a fact sheet, the Model Written COVID-19 Prevention Program, and the FAQs page.
Cal/OSHA Cites and Fines Employers for COVID-19 Violations
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- Read the importance of following Cal/OSHA guidelines to prevent citations and fines.
Fed/OSHA
Federal OSHA Issues Long-Awaited “Vaccine or Test” Emergency Regulations
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- On December 17, 2021, a three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the OSHA rule requiring employers with 100 or more employees to ensure either that their employees are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by January 4 or submit to weekly testing and mandatory masking. The new compliance deadline is now January 10.
Legislation Summaries
AB 685 – COVID-19 Notification: Key Points
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- The Legislature passed AB 685, which establishes mandatory COVID-19 notification requirements. Notification requirements do not apply until January 1, 2021.
AB 1867 – Overview, Key Points, and FAQs
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- On September 9, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1867, which establishes new COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave requirements for large employers not covered by the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
SB 1159 Relating to COVID-19 and Workers’ Compensation: Overview and Key Points
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- On September 17, 2020, Governor Newsom signed SB 1159 into law. For employers with more than 5 employees, the bill establishes a workable presumption of compensability for employees who contract COVID-19 from any employer that experiences an “outbreak” of COVID-19 cases at a particular work location.
Governor Newsom and State Announcements
Governor Newsom Announces Regional Stay-at-Home Order – December 3, 2020
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- On December 3, 2020, Governor Newsom announced a “Regional Stay-at-Home Order” that will be triggered if the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity drops below 15 percent in a given region. Once the order is implemented, residents will be required to stay at home as much as possible and minimize mixing to reduce exposure.
Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order N 62-20 to Expand Workers’ Compensation Utilization
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- On May 6, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-62-20 declaring that COVID-19-related illness of an employee shall be presumed to have occurred in the place of employment for purposes of awarding workers’ compensation benefits if specific requirements are satisfied.
California Issues Statewide Mask Order
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- California Department of Public Health has issued updated guidance for the use face coverings. It is important to note that the rules provide an exemption for persons who are engaged in outdoor work when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others or are working alone.
The State of California Links
State of California COVID-19 Website
Official United States COVID-19 Webpage
U.S. Department of Labor COVID-19 Webpage