Employer’s guide to common issues involving remote work environments

Remote working environments take many forms. If an employer seeks to impose physical standards on remote workspaces, it should have legitimate reasons for doing so, such as confidentiality concerns, the need for access to high-speed internet services, etc., writes Courtney Bru of McAfee & Taft. JD Supra

MIOSHA cites six employers for COVID hazards

After performing random sweeps, Michigan OSHA has cited and fined six businesses, including a construction company, for failing to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Fines for the citations are as much as $7,000. ABC 57 (South Bend, Ind.)

OR-OSHA trying to clarify pandemic-related rules

Oregon OSHA has proposed a temporary rule to reduce the workplace spread of coronavirus across industries, and is accepting public comments on the plan until September 7. Presently, employers must ensure 6 feet of distance between employees; if that’s not practical, employees must wear face coverings. The proposed rule is generally consistent with guidance already issued by the Oregon Health Authority and the governor. East Oregonian

Nevada OSHA issues 5 more citations for COVID-19 compliance

Nevada OSHA issued five more citations to businesses, including a pet supplies retailer and a restaurant/lounge, for COVID-19 compliance issues last week. Since observations to determine compliance with pandemic-related health and safety measures began, state officials report having found a 95 percent statewide compliance rate. KTNV (Las Vegas)

Complaint alleges Texas business allowed employees to work after testing positive

In Texas, San Antonio post office employees returning from vacation with flu-like symptoms were allowed to work; a New Braunfels hospital ran out of certain sizes of N95 masks and refused to let employees use their own; and San Antonio International Airport employees who emptied aircraft lavatories did not have access to hot water for handwashing, according to complaints made to Fed-OSHA and assembled in a nationwide map by Strikewave. mySA