In putting together our thoughts on this post, it was hard not to think about the elephant in the room (see what I did there?). The change in administration has already brought significant changes in our nation’s environmental priorities. While time will show us all of the specific ways this will play out in 2025
Health & Safety
2024 Environmental, Health, and Safety Outlook for Manufacturers
This week’s post includes an excerpt from our co-authored article “PFAS will be increasing concern for manufacturers in year ahead,” published in the Hartford Business Journal’s Economic Forecast issue on January 8, 2024.
PFAS — perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances — have been on the scene for years now, but we expect to see…
Tackle Flu Season with Confidence
This week’s post was co-authored by Robinson+Cole Labor and Employment Group lawyer Madison C. Picard.
It’s the season of football, fall foliage, and unfortunately, the flu. As the temperatures dip and boxes of tissues begin to fly off the shelves, it’s time for employers to prepare to meet the challenges of cold and flu…
As the Temperature Rises, Employer Obligations Rise Too
Below is an excerpt of an article co-authored with Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer Jon Schaefer, published by EHS Today on August 31, 2023.
Across the country, manufacturers are learning they need to ensure employees working both inside and out are adequately protected from heat-related risks. Earlier in the summer, OSHA issued the…
OSHA May Seek to Allow Union Officials to Join Inspections at Non-Union Facilities
Below is an excerpt of an article co-authored with Robinson+Cole Labor and Employment Group lawyer Natale V. DiNatale and Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group Jon Schaefer published by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) on April 12, 2023.
OSHA is poised to revive a policy that would require employers to permit union officials to…
Let the Gifts Be the Only Surprise at the Company Holiday Party
‘Tis especially the season this year for company holiday parties. Manufacturers may have avoided hosting large group gatherings over the last few years, including parties, and may be seeking ways to engage workers and increase morale in the workplace at this time of year; to that end, hosting holiday or festive lunches, parties, and gatherings…
The EEOC Releases New COVID-19 Guidance – What Employers Should Know
This week’s post was co-authored by Robinson+Cole Labor and Employment Group lawyer Emily A. Zaklukiewicz.
Over the last two years, employers have followed the evolving laws and guidance issued by federal, state, and local governments and public health authorities. On July 12, 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) made several noteworthy revisions to…
Is Your Business Prepared for the Legal Risks of the Company Picnic?
This week’s post was co-authored by Robinson+Cole Labor and Employment Group lawyer Emily A. Zaklukiewicz.
With the arrival of summer, employers may be planning summer activities and offering other benefits or incentives to their employees. Manufacturers, whose employees have been frontline workers for over two years, may be particularly interested in providing such benefits…
Who’s calling the shots? A look at the current status of COVID-19 vaccine mandates
Below is an excerpt of an article co-authored with Kayla N. West and Jonathan H. Schaefer that was published in ISHN on February 16, 2022.
The article points out that since the COVID-19 vaccination was made available to the public in late 2020, the topic of vaccination has been widely discussed across the country, in…
Mandatory Vaccination and Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors
This week’s post was co-authored by Robinson+Cole Labor and Employment Group lawyer Emily A. Zaklukiewicz.
Last month, President Biden issued an Executive Order which effectively imposes several COVID-19 safety standards and protocols, including mandatory vaccination, upon certain federal contractors and subcontractors. Specifically, the Executive Order directs federal agencies to incorporate a clause into all covered federal contracts which will require federal contractors or subcontractors to comply with guidance published by the White House’s Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (Guidance), and which was released on September 24, 2021. Under the Executive Order and Guidance, certain manufacturers and other companies doing business with the federal government will soon be required to mandate vaccination for their workforces and ensure compliance with masking and social distancing requirements, among other requirements.
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