Update on OSHA’s Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard

On December 17, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit lifted the stay placed by the Fifth Circuit and cleared the way for OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to proceed.  A coalition of trade groups quickly appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court for final determination. Almost immediately, OSHA updated its […]

OSHA Issues COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard

On November 4, 2021, OSHA issued its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS)  and a helpful FAQ detailing the federal mandatory vaccination and testing requirements for large employers across the country. The ETS is lengthy and detailed, but major highlights include the following: Who: The mandatory vaccination and testing requirements apply to US employers with at least 100 employees firm or […]

Dane County Face Covering Emergency Order #4

Public Health Madison & Dane County has issued Face Covering Emergency Order #4. The new order is effective November 5, 2021. The only change from the previous order (see Lake Effect’s summary of the previous orders here) is to extend the face covering requirements until November 27, 2021. At this time, PHMDC plans to let […]

EEOC Provides Additional Guidance on Religious Objections to Vaccine Mandates

Lake Effect HR Law

On October 25, 2021, the EEOC updated its COVID-19 Technical Assistance to specifically address religious objections to employer vaccine mandates. The update provides employers with additional guidance regarding their Title VII obligation to accommodate employees who request exceptions to vaccination requirements based upon religious beliefs. Key updates in Section L. Vaccinations – Title VII and […]

CDC Issues Updated Guidance on COVID-19

Lake Effect CDC Guidance

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) held a telebriefing (transcript to be uploaded when available) today at 2:00 p.m. CST to provide updated guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic in light of the prevalence of the highly contagious Delta variant. They key points of the CDC’s updated guidance include: New data shows […]

Long Awaited OSHA Guidance to Continue Workplace Health and Safety Measures

Lake Effect HR & Law OSHA guidance

On June 10, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) with a very narrow scope, focused on the healthcare industry. Fortunately, OSHA also updated its January 29, 2021 guidance for all employers to reflect the increasing prevalence of vaccinations and the lifting of mask orders around the country. […]

Mask mandates end, but employers have options

Lake Effect Employment Law

With mask orders lifting around the country, many employers are left wondering what to do in their own workplace. In most communities, employers have several options, including the following: Remove all masking requirements in your workplace or place of business Require all employees and visitors to wear masks at all times Allow fully vaccinated employees […]

Wisconsin Communities’ Face Covering Requirements Expiring

Lake Effect HR & Law

Outagamie County, Dane County, and the city of Milwaukee have joined the growing list of communities across the country that are lifting their mask and other COVID-related public health orders. Outagamie County lifted its face mask requirements on May 13, 2021. Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) announced on May 18, 2021 that its […]

Dane County Public Health Emergency Order #16

Lake Effect HR & Law

Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) has issued a new public health order, Emergency Order #16, effective May 5, 2021. The new order includes additional exceptions to the face covering requirements and increases to the capacity limits for indoor gatherings and activities. Face Coverings Face coverings are not required when playing a wind instrument […]

CDC Updates Guidance for Vaccinated Persons

Lake Effect HR & Law

Today, April 27, 2021, the CDC issued updated guidance for fully vaccinated persons (2 weeks after last vaccine dose or 2 weeks after the J&J vaccine). Employers should use CDC’s guidance but may require stricter safety precautions for their workplace, if needed. Employers must also follow applicable local and state public health orders. Per the […]