Health & Safety Watch: OSHA Launches National Emphasis Program

 In response to President Biden’s executive order on protecting worker health and safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a National Emphasis Program (NEP) focusing enforcement efforts on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. The program also prioritizes employers that retaliate against … Read more

Health & Safety: OSHA Issues Stronger Coronavirus Workplace Guidance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued stronger worker safety guidance to help employers and workers implement a coronavirus prevention program and better identify risks which could lead to exposure and contraction. Last week, President Biden directed OSHA to release clear guidance for employers to help keep workers safe … Read more

Study Concludes Construction Industry Has Among Highest COVID-19 Positivity Rates

The results of a recent study administered by testing firm Curative in Los Angeles between August and October, were revealed in an article on Construction Dive. The study tracked the results of more than 730,000 COVID-19 tests and compared positive test results with an occupational questionnaire. Although the study has … Read more

Application Deadline for Paycheck Protection Program Extended

Saturday July 4 the legislation was signed that extends the deadline for small businesses to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to August 8, 2020. Enacted in the weeks following the economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the PPP allows businesses to get direct government subsidies for payroll, … Read more

OSHA Issues Guidance As Non-Essential Businesses Reopen & Employees Return to Work

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued guidance to assist employers reopening non-essential businesses and their employees returning to work during the evolving coronavirus pandemic. The guidance supplements the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ previously developed Guidance on Preparing Workplaces … Read more

OSHA Adopts Revised Enforcement Policies For Coronavirus

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted revised policies for enforcing OSHA’s requirements with respect to coronavirus as economies reopen in states throughout the country. Throughout the course of the pandemic, understanding about the transmission and prevention of infection has improved. The government and the private sector have … Read more

Conditions for Home Contractors Begin to Stabilize

According to an article recently released by Qualified Remodeler, a new weekly survey of home-improvement contractors shows that conditions have improved after the initial COVID-19 lockdown crisis. If you would like to keep track of conditions yourself, the Farnsworth Group and Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) provide frequent updates on … Read more