DOL Issues Q&A About Face Coverings, Surgical Masks and Respirators in the Workplace
New PPP Interim Final Rule
Non-PPP Financial Relief Options for Contractors
ABC Legislative Week
June Toolbox Talks
ABC Virtual Training
Empire Chapter Resources
DOL Issues Q&A About Face Coverings, Surgical Masks and Respirators in the Workplace
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.
"As our economy reopens for business, millions of Americans will be wearing masks in their workplace for the first time," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. "OSHA is ready to help workers and employers understand how to properly use masks so they can stay safe and healthy in the workplace."
The new guidance outlines the differences between cloth face coverings, surgical masks and respirators. It further reminds employers not to use surgical masks or cloth face coverings when respirators are needed. In addition, the guidance notes the need for social distancing measures, even when workers are wearing cloth face coverings, and recommends following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance on washing face coverings.
These frequently asked questions and answers mark the latest guidance from OSHA addressing protective measures for workplaces during the coronavirus pandemic. Previously, OSHA published numerous guidance documents for workers and employers, available at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/, including fiveguidancedocumentsaimed at expanding the availability of respirators.
For further information and resources about the coronavirus disease, please visit OSHA's coronavirus webpage.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
New PPP Interim Final Rule
On Thursday, the SBA and Treasury issued a new IFR for the Paycheck Protection Program addressing changes to the program under the PPP Flexibility Act that was signed into law. In the IFR, SBA confirms it will allow partial PPP loan forgiveness if a borrower spends less than 60 percent on payroll.
ABC researched alternative options for loans rather than the PPP loan. We have listed some of the options below. Please be sure to fully read the stipulations of these loans before starting the application process.
Main Street New Loan Facility (MSNLF) — these loans are available to companies with 15,000 or fewer employees and $5 billion or less in revenue. The company must pay the loan, generally capped at the lesser of $35 million or four times the borrower’s adjusted 2019 EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) within five years. The minimum loan size is $250,000
Main Street Priority Loan Facility (MSPLF) — these loans have similar requirements as the MSNLF except the maximum loan is limited to the lesser of $50 million or six times the borrower’s EBITDA. The minimum loan size is $250,000
Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (MSELF) — these loans have many of the same requirements as the other two facilities, but the loan size is limited to the lesser of $300 million or six times the borrower’s EBITDA. The minimum loan size is $10 million
Don't Miss ABC Virtual Legislative Day
ABC Government Affairs staff will host a virtual Legislative Day Briefing on Wednesday, June 17, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EDT. Along with updates on legislative hot topics, attendees will get an insider’s look at the 2020 elections—potentially the most interesting elections of our time. Registration for the briefing is complimentary due to the generous support of our sponsors—sign up today.
In addition, ABC Government Affairs will be hosting a series of election updates leading up to the November elections. More details will follow.
As we emerge from our shutdown and as new issues develop in the workforce it's vital to have a trained team of dedicated leaders. This 8-hour interactive virtual training is designed for new supervisors and emerging leaders in your company.
The training covers five key topics, on how to lead a crew on a jobsite. This training is 3 separate, 2.5 hour training sessions.
