By Lynne Curry bio Question: After I spent a weekend bar hopping, I felt remorseful, and self-quarantined so I wouldn’t bring COVID into my workplace and make others ill. I also took a COVID test and luckily tested negative. Since my employer had moved everyone back on-site, I couldn’t work remotely and labeled my time off as sick leave. I just got my paycheck and apparently … [Read more...] about Do employers owe employees paid sick leave when they self-quarantine?
Compliance
How to Create a Legally Sound Substance Abuse Policy
Bottom Line on Top: Make it all about fitness for duty, rather than zero tolerance Although it may sound good, zero tolerance may not be the best foundation on which to build a legally enforceable workplace substance abuse policy. This is especially true in states that have legalized recreational marijuana. The reason drug and alcohol use and impairment in the workplace cannot … [Read more...] about How to Create a Legally Sound Substance Abuse Policy
How to create a legally sound COVID-19 medical screening policy
As essential workplaces, medical offices need to remain open and operating during the pandemic. At the same time, they need to ensure that employees practice social distancing and keep the infected and potentially infected away from the well. Like so many other companies facing the same challenge, you may be considering medically screening your employees each day before … [Read more...] about How to create a legally sound COVID-19 medical screening policy
New COVID-19 guidance for your medical office from EEOC
By Mike O'Brien bio The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently updated its COVID-19 guidance page, addressing a number of issues. Here are some of them: On coronavirus testing, the EEOC said general testing administered by employers consistent with current CDC guidance will meet the ADA’s “business necessity” standard, and noted that employers should ensure … [Read more...] about New COVID-19 guidance for your medical office from EEOC
Who’s an independent contractor? DOL explains
By Mike O'Brien bio DOL tries to clarify independent contractor definition The US Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed what it believes is a simplified definition of independent contractor (IC) for purposes of applying wage provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which applies only to employees. The new DOL proposal still focuses on the factors of economic reality, … [Read more...] about Who’s an independent contractor? DOL explains
Office’s duty to protect returning employees from COVID-19 discrimination and harassment
SITUATION Fully recovered from his bout with COVID-19, Max is thrilled and excited to return to his custodian job after 14 days of mandatory home isolation. But almost immediately, he senses that something is wrong. His co-workers shun him and leave the room the moment he enters. And, while hygiene and handwashing are de rigueur for all maintenance staff, Max alone is required … [Read more...] about Office’s duty to protect returning employees from COVID-19 discrimination and harassment
Telecommuter home office hazard assessment & inspection checklist
While not an OSHA obligation, it’s highly advisable to take measures to protect the health and safety of telecommuting office employees who work from home. How? By having employees seeking approval to telecommute designate a room or area as their home workspace and arranging for somebody to perform a hazard assessment inspection to verify that the workspace is safe, healthy and … [Read more...] about Telecommuter home office hazard assessment & inspection checklist
Can racial discrimination be proven with circumstantial evidence alone?
SITUATION An equipment repair technician who also happens to be the office’s only African American employee endures racial abuse at the hands of his supervisor and co-workers. He complains to management and is warned to “stay in his lane.” Shortly thereafter, somebody leaves a noose on his desk. It’s the last straw. The technician claims he was subject to systemic racial … [Read more...] about Can racial discrimination be proven with circumstantial evidence alone?
Tool: Model Mandatory Face Mask Policy
More than 20 states have enacted laws requiring the use of face masks or coverings in indoor public places, which would include workplaces like medical offices. Here’s a Model Policy incorporating current legal requirements and public health guidance that you can adapt for your own office. … [Read more...] about Tool: Model Mandatory Face Mask Policy
Can my employer fire me for going to a bar or do I have any freedom left?
By Lynne Curry bio Question: My employer sent a two-part email to every employee last week. “As you know we’ve had a local spike in COVID-19 infections. The health department has provided a list of the establishments, primarily bars, where COVID-19 individuals spent extended time. The health department asks that anyone who was in these businesses during these times monitor … [Read more...] about Can my employer fire me for going to a bar or do I have any freedom left?