Safety and Health (including COVID-19)

New York State Releases Retail Worker Safety Act Model Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and Model Workplace Violence Prevention Training Program

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As we previously reported, the New York Retail Worker Safety Act, which will impose significant workplace violence prevention requirements on retail employers took effect on June 2, 2025.  Under the new law, covered employers are required to (1) implement a written retail workplace violence prevention policy, (2) conduct workplace violence prevention training, and (3) provide … Read more

Reminder: New York Retail Worker Safety Act – Effective June 2, 2025

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As a reminder, the New York Retail Worker Safety Act, which will impose significant workplace violence prevention requirements on retail employers will take effect on June 2, 2025.  Under the new law, covered employers will be required to (1) implement a written retail workplace violence prevention policy, (2) conduct workplace violence prevention training, and (3) … Read more

OSHA Issues New Enforcement Guidance

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On January 26, 2023, The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) has issued new enforcement guidance to make its penalties more effective in stopping employers from repeatedly exposing workers to life-threatening hazards or failing to comply with certain workplace safety and health requirements. OSHA Regional Administrators and Area … Read more

New York City to Lift Private Employer COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate November 1, 2022

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced that the city’s coronavirus vaccine mandates for private sector workers and student athletes will end on November 1, 2022. However, the vaccination requirement will remain for New York City municipal workers, including police officers, firefighters and teachers. It will now be up to individual business owners to … Read more

OSHA Implements National Emphasis Program on Heat Inspections

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) has issued a new National Emphasis Program (the “program”) on heat inspections and is launching a rulemaking process to develop a workplace heat standard.  In addition, OSHA is forming a National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group to provide better … Read more

COVID-19 Vaccination Paid Leave Extended through December 31, 2023

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law a bill that extends New York State’s COVID-19 vaccine paid leave law for an additional year, through December 31, 2023.  The law requires New York employers to provide employees with “a sufficient period of time, not to exceed four hours” of paid leave per dose (including … Read more