Category Workplace Health & Safety

"Families First Coronavirus Response Act” Becomes Law

By BrownWinick | 03.19.2020

Yesterday afternoon (March 18 at 3:32 p.m.), the Senate passed H.R. 6201 the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” with a vote count of 90 to 8. The President signed the bill into law last night and the law will go into effect 15 days from signing. In summary, the law provides paid emergency leave for employees, free coronavirus testing,... Read More

Iowa Employer and Employee Unemployment Assistance Program Just Announced

By BrownWinick | 03.16.2020

Governor Reynolds just announced a plan to provide assistance for employers and employees affected by COVID-19-related layoffs. If an employee is laid off due to COVID-19 or stays home to self-isolate, care for family members, or because they themselves are ill due to COVID-19, those employees might be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if... Read More

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

By BrownWinick | 03.11.2020

As can be seen from the stockpiling of goods, many people are frightened by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. However, employers must not act out of fear and assumptions, but based upon facts, guidance from the government and the law. For example, the CDC provides the following sage advice for employers, “Do not make determinations of risk... Read More

Coronavirus — Advance Planning is Key

By BrownWinick | 03.10.2020

As instances of the coronavirus are on the rise both nationally and across Iowa, it’s important for businesses to assess their contingency and disaster plans. Yesterday, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a disaster proclamation following the Iowa Department of Public Health's confirmation of 8 cases of COVID-19 in Iowa. The threat is real and requires... Read More

Failing to Follow OSHA Procedures Can Be Costly

By BrownWinick | 10.31.2019

No matter how many training sessions or precautions an employer might take, employee accidents and injuries are bound to happen. Most employers are necessarily familiar with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), a law that sets forth minimum safety standards employers must ensure in their workspaces. Creating an OSHA-compliant workspace... Read More

OSHA PENALTIES GOING DOWN?!?

By BrownWinick | 10.31.2017

Beginning on January 28, 2018, OSHA penalties will actually be going down. That is not a misprint. They won’t be going down by much but they will be going down. The adjustments which take place every year are based on the Consumer Price Index. As a result, beginning January 28, 2018, the penalties will be as follows: A. Willful violations –... Read More

Some Delays and Some Immediate Changes with OSHA

By BrownWinick | 04.10.2017

On April 6, 2017 the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a delay in the enforcement of the crystalline silica standard that applies to the construction industry. The new standard was to go into effect on June 23, 2017 but now will not be enforced until September 23, 2017. The reason for the delay was... Read More

Allergic to Work?

By BrownWinick | 03.24.2017

According to the Mayo Clinic, allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or to a food that does not cause a reaction in most people. “Allergy symptoms depend on the substance involved and can affect the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In... Read More

An OSHA Inspector is in my Lobby and They Want to Inspect. What Do I Do?

By BrownWinick | 03.09.2017

Are you going to require a warrant? The advantages to requiring a warrant to inspect is that if there is a problem you are aware of and you can fix it quickly then you can avoid some citations. The disadvantages to requiring the inspector to go to court to get a warrant is that by causing the inspector to do the extra work they are going to come... Read More

OSHA's New Recordkeeping Rule - Do You Have It Down Right?

By BrownWinick | 05.20.2016

On May 12, 2016, OSHA published its new recordkeeping rule, which is entitled “Improved Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses.” The new rule includes (1) additional reporting obligations for some employers; (2) procedures for informing employees of their right to report work-related injuries and their access to the company’s accident and... Read More