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Legal Update Header On May 10, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released guidance on the taxability of dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs) for 2021 and 2022, clarifying that amounts attributable to previously issued carryover and extended grace period relief generally are not taxable.

Specifically, if these dependent care benefits would have been excluded from income if used during taxable year 2020 (or 2021, if applicable), these benefits will remain excludible from gross income and are not considered wages of the employee for 2021 and 2022.

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HR Compliance Bulletin header image The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has updated its “COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act Questions and Answers” web page, originally published in 2020.

As before, the Q&As explain that—under the FMLA—covered employers must provide eligible employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for specified family and medical reasons. Additionally, employees on FMLA leave are entitled to the continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms that were in effect before they took leave.

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HR Compliance Bulletin header image In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, states have passed new laws and issued new regulations and guidance about employee leave taken for COVID-19 reasons.

These provisions are in addition to the federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, passed on March 18 as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

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Coverage insights header image Workers’ compensation insurance not only helps employers cover costs related to employees becoming ill or getting injured on the job, it’s also required in nearly every state.

Yet, some employers have a harder time securing coverage than others. After all, a range of factors (e.g., a poor loss history or involvement in a high-risk industry) can make insurers hesitant to offer workers’ compensation insurance to certain employers. In these instances, employers can utilize assigned risk plans. Such plans provide a safety net for employers who are unable to acquire workers’ compensation coverage from insurers in a standard market.

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Coverage insights header image Employees who face work-related injuries and illnesses commonly have subsequent stress and anxiety.

Oftentimes, this stress is made worse should employers stop communicating with the employee while they’re unable to work. It is important for employers to make their employees feel appreciated and to invest in their well-being. This rapport helps employees feel welcomed, valued and trusted. As a result, if employees are injured at work, they are much more likely to report accidents and injuries.

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News Brief header The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently published a report concerning the role that large trucks play when traveling through work zones.

In conjunction with National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is taking place April 26-30 this year, the FMCSA is specifically focusing on the number of large trucks that are involved in fatal crashes within work zones.

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Legal Update Header On Apr. 20, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provided guidance for recording COVID-19 vaccination adverse reactions.

The guidance comes in the format of frequently asked questions for adverse reactions under two scenarios: employer-required and voluntary vaccination.

Employer-required Vaccination

According to OSHA’s guidance, employers are required to record adverse reactions to the vaccine if the reactions are:

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Whether your work-from-home arrangement is temporary or long-term, a clean workspace can be good for your mental health and well-being.

A clean workspace will help you stay healthy, while boosting work productivity and lowering stress. Dividing your home between work and relaxation can be a challenge—but keeping your working area clean is one way to make that easier. This article discusses simple tips to keep your workspace tidy and functional.