OSHA dropped a bomb yesterday, informing companies of a January 4th deadline to be compliant with mandatory vaccinations or face fines of up to $13,653 per violation for serious violations, and $136,530 for willful or repeated violations. This new rule will preempt any inconsistent state or local laws, including laws that previously ban or limit an employer's authority to require vaccination, masks, or testing. Furthermore, the burden will now fall on employees to pay for requisite COVID testing. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Americans with Disability Act have established guidance for religious and medical exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the workplace. If up to 70% of Fortune 100 companies are not in compliance with these requirements and are handling exemptions incorrectly, where do you think your company stands? Let our experts clear the smoke and dig into the nuances of COVID-19 medical and religious exemptions.
