California Politics and Industry News
Cal/OSHA For Construction Industry COVID-19 Compliance in the Workplace
Workplace safety and health regulations in California require employers to take steps to protect workers exposed to infectious diseases like the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), which is widespread in the community. Cal/OSHA has posted guidance to help...
Commissioner Lara Issues Order Resulting in Workers’ Compensation Premium Savings for California Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Commissioner’s action mandates workers’ compensation carriers reflect reduced risk of loss in premiums due to “stay-at-home” ordersEarlier this week Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued an Order adopting emergency workers’ compensation regulations in...
California Public Health Officials Release Guidance Requiring Californians to Wear Face Coverings in Most Settings Outside the Home
SACRAMENTO -- The California Department of Public Health today released updated guidance that requires Californians to wear a face covering in high-risk settings. A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of...
Governor Newsom Releases Updated Industry Guidance
SACRAMENTO -- Yesterday, to follow up on the state’s announcement that it will begin modifying the stay at home order on Friday, May 8, Governor Gavin Newsom released updated industry guidance – including for retail, manufacturing and logistics – to begin...
Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order Creating a “Rebuttable Presumption” on COVID-19 Related Workers’ Compensation Claims
SACRAMENTO -- Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order establishing a new rebuttable presumption for employees who contract COVID-19 to be eligible for workers' compensation (WC) benefits. The rebuttable presumption applies to all workers who...
Department of Labor Urges Masks, Distance For COVID-19 Construction Safety
Earlier this week LAW360 released the following article:"Wearing masks and staying six feet apart in work trailers can help keep construction workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Department of Labor said.The Occupational Safety and Health...
Cal/OSHA Responds to CA Construction Industry Questions on Recording and Reporting of COVID-19 Illnesses at the Workplace
SACRAMENTO -- The question for construction industry employers of “how” and “when” to report and record a COVID-19 related illness is important to answer. Cal/OSHA affirmed to CAL SMACNA today they will be posting guidance to employers on how report and...
Federal Paycheck Protection Program: 1) Gets New Guidance from SBA & Treasury; and 2) Congress Promises Delivery of More Funds
SACRAMENTO -- The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of Treasury, provided guidance today to employers on the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Borrowers and lenders may rely on the guidance...
Governor Newsom Unveils New Resources to Aid Small Businesses
SACRAMENTO -- Today, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a series of new resources to aid small businesses in California amid the COVID-19 pandemic.What you need to know:1.Through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) the state is...
COVID-19 Related Construction Project Shutdowns Could Trigger Mechanics Lien, Stop Payment Notice, and Payment Bond Deadlines
SACRAMENTO -- The following article was written for CAL SMACNA members by William C. Last. Mr. Last is an attorney who has been specializing in Construction Law for over 40 years. In this article he reviews the latest COVID-19 related project shutdowns in...
WARNING: Construction as an “Essential Industry” During COVID-19 Remains a Revocable Privilege in CA
Is construction activity allowed in California or not? This vexing question is difficult to answer with certainty because different jurisdictions have different opinions. California Governor Gavin Newsom and the federal government have both issued guidance...
With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, Treasury and SBA Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute Funds
WASHINGTON – Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today announced that the SBA and Treasury Department...
US Senate Publishes Small Business Guide to CARES Act
SACRAMENTO -- The US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship has released a helpful guide for small businesses to navigate the CARES Act federal relief package. This document covers Q&A in the following areas: Paycheck Protection...
CAL SMACNA COVID-19 Recommended Practices for Construction Jobsites
SACRAMENTO -- CAL SMACNA’s new ADR Administrator and Broker of record Epic Insurance has provided our members with a "COVID-19 Recommended Practices for Construction Jobsites" document. It outlines Personal Responsibilities, Social Distancing,...
Coalition Letter to Cal/OSHA / Division of Occupational Safety and Health
On March 20, 2020, a Coalition comprised of organizations who represent the majority of California's construction industry employers and tens of thousands of workers, wrote to Cal/OSHA seeking urgent clarification of regulatory policies related to the...