Tag archives: safety

US: Why a Mandatory Vaccination Policy May Not Restore Business as Usual for Companies

Throughout the United States, employers are weighing whether to have a mandatory vaccination policy for COVID-19. The objective is to bring employees back to work safely and the understandable desire to return to our pre-pandemic status quo. This post does not advocate in favor or against a mandatory vaccination policy—except to note there may be … Continue reading

US: Virginia becomes first state to adopt COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard

By Kevin Mayer (US) and Jackie Karama (US) on August 12, 2020 Posted in Coronavirus, North America, United States

On July 27, 2020, the first state “Emergency Temporary Standard” (ETS) for COVID-19 went into effect. The ETS requires employers in the state to develop and implement COVID-19 prevention and control measures in the workplace. The ETS is in effect for six months, although this period could be shortened if the Virginia State of Emergency … Continue reading

Victorian Workplace Manslaughter legislation has passed both Houses (Part 4)

By Nicki Milionis and Tanya Puri on November 28, 2019 Posted in Australia

The Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter and Other Matters) Act 2019 was passed by the Victorian Legislative Counsel on 26 November 2019 without any amendments. It is now awaiting royal assent, and will come into operation on a day to be proclaimed or on 1 July 2020 at the latest.… Continue reading

The employer’s refusal to adapt the employee’s workstation may constitute moral harassment

By Judicaël Fouquet on March 30, 2015 Posted in Discrimination and harassment, Europe, France

The legal context Under French employment law, employers are under a strict duty of care which requires them to ensure the protection of their employees’ health and safety (duty of care), the mere breach of such obligation will trigger their liability even if there is no fault on their part. Such duty of care is … Continue reading

Dismissal Upheld for Dishonesty and Cover Up of Safety Risks

By Michael Torrance on September 15, 2014 Posted in Canada

In a recent arbitration decision involving a utility company, an Ontario arbitrator reiterated the importance of trust in the employment relationship and upheld the dismissal of a seven-and-a-half-year employee with no disciplinary history for covering up a safety violation. Facts On October 9, 2012 the grievor, a supervisor, was working with his team to remove gaskets from an old generator. It … Continue reading