WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a series of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the use of masks in the workplace.

ATLANTA, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will offer two joint webinars on June 10, 2020, to educate employers and employees in the Southeast on the paid sick leave, and expanded family and medical leave benefits available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and whistleblower protections.

WHITE PLAINS, MD – A Maryland electrical contractor has reinstated an employee after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) found the employer denied paid sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

WEST POINT, GA – A West Point, Georgia, custom machine and fabrication company has paid $1,060 to an employee after the U.S. Department of Labor determined the employer wrongly denied emergency paid sick leave for a qualifying reason covered under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of three Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) totaling $16,836,480 to help address the workforce-related impacts of the coronavirus public health emergency. These awards are funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided $345 million for DWGs to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus.

CHICAGO, IL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) in Chicago, is joining with the IRS and the U.S. Small Business Administration to discuss paid sick leave requirements, tax relief and other coronavirus-related information critical for employers and business owners during a webinar on June 12, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to noon, CDT.

GRANT PARK, IL – After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Farmers Elevator Co. – based in Manteno, Illinois – was cited $205,106 and placed on the Severe Violator Enforcement Program for failing to provide safety protections to its employees. A worker suffered fatal injuries after falling into a grain bin at its Grant Park facility.

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.

Reopening America’s Economy:

WEST COVINA, CA – The U.S. Department of Labor will offer a webinar on June 9, 2020, – in Spanish – for garment industry employees and employers in Southern California on the impacts of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited CJM Roofing Inc. – based in West Palm, Florida – for exposing employees to fall and other hazards at three residential worksites in Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie, Florida. The contractor faces penalties totaling $199,711.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Bureau. This centennial celebration is a recognition of the only federal agency focused exclusively on working women.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement on the May 2020 Employment Situation report:

COVINGTON, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor has entered into a conciliation agreement with Oldcastle Building Envelope Inc., a federal government contractor that supplies building materials – in which the employer will pay $300,000 in back wages and interest to eligible class members to resolve hiring discrimination allegations at the company’s Covington, Georgia facility.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that three finalists chosen to build an application to better match transitioning service members’ skills with employers needs will begin field testing on June 22, 2020.

In the week ending May 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 1,877,000, a decrease of 249,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 3,000 from 2,123,000 to 2,126,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,284,000, a decrease of 324,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 750 from 2,608,000 to 2,608,750.

MINOOKA, IL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited the Minooka Grain, Lumber and Supply Company for grain-handling safety violations after corn engulfed an employee clearing clumps in a grain storage bin. First responders were able to rescue the worker. The company faces $69,010 in penalties.

MINOOKA, IL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited the Minooka Grain, Lumber and Supply Company for grain-handling safety violations after corn engulfed an employee clearing clumps in a grain storage bin. First responders were able to rescue the worker. The company faces $69,010 in penalties.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today issued an Information Letter under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) concerning private equity investments as a component of a professionally managed asset allocation fund offered as an investment option for participants in defined contribution plans. 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement regarding the retirement of Department of Labor Inspector General Scott Dahl.

“For seven years, Scott Dahl has helped improve the integrity and quality of the Department of Labor’s programs. The Department and the people it serves have benefited greatly from his contributions. We wish Scott and his family the very best in the future.”

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today issued guidance that includes recommended actions to protect agriculture workers from exposure to the coronavirus.