News and Analysis
What the New CDC Mask Policy Means for Employers
July 30, 2021As reported in the OMA’s COVID-19 Update this week, the CDC has adjusted its masking guidelines as the Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread. (In Ohio, the incidence rate has risen to 77.4 new cases per 100,000 residents during the past two weeks — well above the threshold Gov. Mike DeWine once used in determining whether to lift health orders.)
Specifically, the CDC now recommends people in areas with “substantial” and “high” COVID-19 transmission wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. (See this COVID-19 data tracker to find out if you are in such an area.)
In its analysis of the new guidance, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips writes that employers in areas with substantial and high transmission “may need to implement masks for fully vaccinated workers” to protect unvaccinated or otherwise at-risk workers.
The firm has also published this insight addressing a recent U.S. Department of Justice memo, which confirms that the “emergency use” status of COVID-19 vaccines does not prohibit employers from requiring workers to be vaccinated. 7/28/2021
OSHA Considers Indoor Heat Standard
July 30, 2021OSHA is working on a new heat standard to protect indoor workers without climate-controlled environments, including those in manufacturing. According to EHS Today, while the proposed standard is in its early stages, it appears the OSHA standard could require break times and order employers to monitor employee acclimatization, as well as temperatures and humidity levels in workplaces.
“Such provisions could effectively require costly changes in manufacturing worksites that do not have air conditioning and have a local source of heat, such as a furnace or an oven,” one attorney said. 7/28/2021
OSHA to Update Mechanical Power Presses Standard
July 30, 2021OSHA has announced it is seeking public input as the agency considers updates to its mechanical power presses standard. The agency will use the information it receives to determine what actions, if any, to take to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining safety. Comments are due Oct. 26. 7/28/2021
Aug. 18 Webinar Will Tackle Workers’ Comp Costs
July 30, 2021On Aug. 18, the OMA will host a free webinar to help manufacturers contain their workers’ compensation premium costs. The OMA’s Brian Jackson will review the factors that go into your BWC premium, as well as strategies to help ensure you’re saving the most money possible. There will be time for questions following the presentation. 7/28/2021
Summary of Pro-Business Changes in Ohio Workers’ Comp Budget
July 23, 2021Last month, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 75, the biennial budget for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). The legislation takes effect Sept. 27 and includes pro-employer, OMA-supported changes to Ohio’s workers’ compensation law. OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore has published this summary of HB 75’s key provisions and how they will affect employers. 7/20/2021
BWC Accepting Employer Applications for Workplace Wellness Grant Program
July 23, 2021The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is accepting applications for the Workplace Wellness Grant Program, which assists employers with the creation and implementation of a workplace wellness program. Employers may receive $300 per participating employee over a four-year period, up to a maximum amount of $15,000 per policy. Learn more. 7/21/2021
BWC Changing Email Delivery Address
July 23, 2021Beginning Aug. 2, employers that receive monthly invoices from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) will notice the messages come from a different email address: OhioBWC@public.govdelivery.com. The BWC, which is transitioning to a different email system, says if you don’t receive email notices when you normally would, check your spam folder. Call 1-800-644-6292 with questions. 7/20/2021
What Employers Need to Know – and Do – About the COVID-19 Delta Variant
July 16, 2021The Delta variant is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the U.S., as Midwestern and Plains states are seeing a bulk of the outbreaks. Gov. Mike DeWine this week said he plans to announce another coronavirus vaccine incentive soon.
To help employers decide what, if any, actions to take as COVID-19 cases increase once again, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this new guidance. The firm advises employers to closely monitor the situation and continue to encourage employees to get vaccinated.
Meanwhile, OSHA has made substantial changes to its National Emphasis Program for COVID-19. This includes the removal of some industries — several of which are in the manufacturing sector — from the agency’s list of targets for intensified inspection activities. 7/15/2021
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Legalizing Recreational Marijuana
July 16, 2021This week, Reps. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) and Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) announced they will introduce legislation to legalize recreational marijuana cultivation — personal and commercial — and sales in Ohio. According to reports, the proposal will be modeled after Michigan’s marijuana market, and would allow people previously convicted of low-level marijuana crimes to have their records sealed. The OMA will share more details as they become available. 7/15/2021
Annual True-Up: What Payroll Is Reportable?
July 16, 2021Due to the pandemic, several changes to payroll reporting have been implemented by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, thereby affecting how employers complete their annual true-up. A list of the changes, as well as general guidelines for payroll reporting, can be found here. 7/15/2021