How to Stay on Top of Ever-Changing COVID Regulations

Laws and regulations regarding COVID-19 can change at a moment’s notice. The situation is extremely fluid, particularly with post-holiday surges being accompanied by the initial vaccine rollout.

The landscape is, therefore, incredibly complex for companies. Organizations have to adjust to new regulations quickly, ensuring they remain compliant while also sustaining operations.

By staying on top of new COVID-19-related regulations, companies are better equipped to adapt. If you aren’t sure how to remain current, here are some tips that can help.

Federal and State Leave Laws

In the early days of the pandemic, the federal government passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The legislation launched temporary changes to paid leave policies, expending coverage for those impacted by COVID-19.

Further, some states passed their own regulations. Generally, these expanded on the federal rules, providing additional protection.

While the FFCRA expired on December 31, 2020, Congress did expand company tax benefits into the first quarter of 2021. This allows companies to offset the cost of leave, creating an optional framework for supporting their employees.

However, with a new administration beginning on January 20, 2021, additional changes could be on the horizon. Additionally, states could launch new legislation, regardless of what happens at the federal level.

Ultimately, monitoring leave laws is a must for companies. Along with tracking information through major news sources, consider signing up for news alerts focused on leave. That way, if discussions begin, you’ll know that a change may be on the horizon.

An easy way to begin is to sign up for new bill alerts on Congress’s website and with your local government. You can also request alerts that allow you to track bills introduced, ensuring you know which ones move forward.

OSHA Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is another government organization that changed what companies must respond to COVID-19. Additionally, the agency frequently releases supplemental guidance, including tips on how to keep employees safe.

Companies should monitor the OSHA Coronavirus Disease page to stay apprised of changes. It contains a link to relevant regulations, details about recordkeeping and reporting, and information about enforcement, allowing you to remain fully aware of what’s currently required.

You can also subscribe to the OSHA RSS feed. With that, you’ll receive alerts when new information is published, giving you another option for remaining on top of the situation.

Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security adjusted I-9 requirements, creating a remote verification option in response to COVID-19. However, that may not be the only change you need to monitor.

By heading to the department’s Worksite Enforcement site, you can sign up for alerts. That way, if a new change occurs, you’ll receive a notification, ensuring you can adjust your processes as quickly as possible in response.

Ultimately, staying on top of changing COVID-19 regulations can be challenging. However, by using the tips above, you can stay informed, ensuring you can adapt to remain compliant whenever the need arises.

If you’d like to learn more, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today.

 

 

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