COVID-19 Updates

ALERT: Scammers Could Be Using Your Information to Fraudulently Claim Unemployment Benefits

2023-04-17T11:26:31-04:00October 26th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Labor News|

The following is from the Federal Trade Commission on the rising unemployment scams and fraud: In a large-scale scam erupting in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, imposters are filing claims for unemployment benefits, using the names and personal [...]

SBA Issues New FAQs for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness

2023-04-17T11:26:31-04:00October 26th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Legislative News, Paycheck Protection Program, SBA Stimulus Programs|

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released guidance Tuesday confirming that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness applications are not due on Oct. 31. Fears of a late-October PPP surprise came to the SBA’s attention because the program’s loan [...]

OSHA Clarifies COVID-19 Reporting Hospitalization and Fatality Requirements

2023-04-17T11:26:32-04:00October 7th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Employee Benefits, Legislative News, Safety Tips|

On September 30, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding an employer's obligation to report to OSHA cases of work-related COVID-19. The FAQs build upon previous OSHA guidance governing when and how [...]

Maine DOL Updates Lost Wages Assistance Program

2023-04-17T11:26:34-04:00September 9th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Labor News, Legislative News, Maine News|

FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Maine for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. Additional unemployment benefits from FEMA will be paid out mid-month. Maine Department of Labor gave an update on the funds on Friday. $300 [...]

OSHA Requirements for Automotive Shops: Respiratory Protection

2023-04-17T11:26:37-04:00August 18th, 2020|2020, Automotive Industry News, COVID-19 Updates, Safety Tips|

General Information (29 CFR 1910.134): Respirators protect workers lungs from hazardous airborne chemicals or particles. Employers are responsible for providing adequate respiratory protection that corresponds with the hazardous chemical exposure of the task being performed. Tasks in your shop [...]

OSHA Requirements for Automotive Shops: Personal Protective Equipment

2023-04-17T11:26:38-04:00August 13th, 2020|2020, Automotive Industry News, COVID-19 Updates, Safety Tips, Workers Compensation|

OSHA Requirements for Auto Shops: Listed below are the OSHA requirements and safety topics relevant to auto shops, which all of our members should have a part of their company safety program. Hazardous Communication: Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR [...]

Safety Tips: Hierarchy of Controls to Protect Workers

2023-04-17T11:26:39-04:00July 27th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Safety Tips, Workers Compensation|

Controlling exposures to occupational hazards is the fundamental method of protecting workers. The pyramid below highlights a Hierarchy of Controls, which shows the most effective to least effective control methods in reducing workplace injuries. Elimination and Substitution Elimination and [...]

DOL Publishes More Q&A’s on Employment Laws and COVID-19

2023-04-17T11:27:49-04:00July 22nd, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Employee Benefits, Employee Benefits Legislation|

Additional Guidance Applies FLSA, FMLA and FFCRA to COVID-19 Workplace Situations On July 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the agency's publication of additional questions and answers about the operation of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act [...]

N.H. Bill Would Impose New Insurer Requirements in Wake of COVID-19

2023-04-17T11:27:50-04:00July 20th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Employee Benefits Legislation, Legislative News, New Hampshire News|

The New Hampshire House of Representatives has passed H.B. 1166. If voted into law, this legislation would require the state to provide free personal protective equipment to small employers, eliminate cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment, and extend paid [...]

The Employee Retention Credit and How it Can Help Your Business

2023-04-17T11:27:50-04:00July 15th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Legislative News, SBA Stimulus Programs|

Organizations that have been impacted financially by COVID-19 may be able to take advantage of a refundable tax credit called the Employee Retention Credit. The credit is designed to encourage organizations to keep employees on their payroll and is [...]