--- title: Audit, Compliance and Risk Blog | STP | EEOC description: EEOC | STP's blog giving insight into audit, compliance and risk issues for EHS, business and accounting. --- [![Specialty Technical Publishers](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/STP-logo-white-orange.png)](http://www.stpub.com/) - [My Account](http://stponline.stpub.com) - 1-800-251-0381 # Audit, Compliance and Risk Blog ## [OSHA updates COVID-19 guidance](https://blog.stpub.com/osha-updates-covid-19-guidance) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Wed, Feb 10, 2021 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/covid.jpg) ](https://blog.stpub.com/osha-updates-covid-19-guidance) For nearly a year now, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agencies have been issuing guidance to employers regarding COIVD-19, including identification, protection, and back-to-work procedures. One of incoming President Biden’s first Executive Orders (EO 13999 of January 21, 2021) directs OSHA to issue updated worker protection guidance to employers within two weeks. On January 29, OSHA met this requirement by publishing “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace,” which it explains is intended for employers and workers to use to identify risks and plan responses. The remainder of this note summarizes OSHA’s new guidance. [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/osha-updates-covid-19-guidance) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/osha-updates-covid-19-guidance#comments-listing) Tags: [Health & Safety](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/health-safety), [OSHA](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/osha), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc), [Coronavirus](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/coronavirus), [CDC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/cdc), [Covid-19](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/covid-19) ## [EEOC provides guidance for employer requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-provides-guidance-for-employer-requirements-for-covid-19-vaccinations) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Mon, Jan 04, 2021 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/Vaccine2.png) ](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-provides-guidance-for-employer-requirements-for-covid-19-vaccinations) Now that vaccinations against COVID-19 infections are becoming available, employer responses to the pandemic will include when to recommend, support, or even require employee vaccinations. While workplace safety considerations might support all these efforts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has just issued a reminder that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 require employers to craft their vaccination policies in ways that won’t violate anti-discrimination provisions. The remainder of this note discusses EEOC guidance published on December 16, 2020. [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-provides-guidance-for-employer-requirements-for-covid-19-vaccinations) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-provides-guidance-for-employer-requirements-for-covid-19-vaccinations#comments-listing) Tags: [Health & Safety](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/health-safety), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc), [Coronavirus](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/coronavirus), [CDC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/cdc), [Covid-19](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/covid-19), [ADA](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/ada), [Vaccine](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/vaccine), [Immunization](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/immunization), [Vaccination](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/vaccination) ## [As Americans with Disabilities Act turns 30, it’s a good time to review accommodations](https://blog.stpub.com/as-americans-with-disabilities-act-turns-30-its-a-good-time-to-review-accommodations) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Tue, Sep 01, 2020 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/wheelchair-1249819_1920.jpg) ](https://blog.stpub.com/as-americans-with-disabilities-act-turns-30-its-a-good-time-to-review-accommodations) It’s been 30 years since President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. ADA does more than just add “persons with a disability” to the list of groups protected against discrimination by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (based on race, sex, etc.). It is designed not just to protect these individuals’ employment opportunities, but also to ensure their access to public services and accommodation. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 repudiated several U.S. Supreme Court decisions that had interpreted ADA narrowly, and clarified related issues highlighted by rulemakings and litigation up to that time. [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/as-americans-with-disabilities-act-turns-30-its-a-good-time-to-review-accommodations) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/as-americans-with-disabilities-act-turns-30-its-a-good-time-to-review-accommodations#comments-listing) Tags: [Business & Legal](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/business-legal), [Employee Rights](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employee-rights), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc), [DOJ](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/doj), [ADA](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/ada), [Disability](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/disability) ## [OSHA issues new post-COVID back-to-work guidance](https://blog.stpub.com/osha-issues-new-post-covid-back-to-work-guidance) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Tue, Jun 30, 2020 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/1173.jpg) ](https://blog.stpub.com/osha-issues-new-post-covid-back-to-work-guidance) On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new guidance to assist businesses deemed “non-essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic as they reopen their workplaces. OSHA’s new “Guidance on Returning to Work” sets forth a number of basic principles that OSHA recommends guide employer actions, including specific examples. The document also reminds readers that responsibilities always apply under OSHA’s Employer’s General Duty Clause, references a number of existing OSHA standards that apply to re-opening activities and reopened workplaces, and identifies other sources of guidance and requirements. [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/osha-issues-new-post-covid-back-to-work-guidance) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/osha-issues-new-post-covid-back-to-work-guidance#comments-listing) Tags: [Health & Safety](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/health-safety), [OSHA](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/osha), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc), [Coronavirus](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/coronavirus), [CDC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/cdc), [Covid-19](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/covid-19), [Back-to-Work](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/back-to-work) ## [Protecting employees against coronavirus at operating workplaces](https://blog.stpub.com/protecting-employees-against-coronavirus-at-operating-workplaces) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Wed, Mar 25, 2020 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/connection-4884862_1280.jpg) ](https://blog.stpub.com/protecting-employees-against-coronavirus-at-operating-workplaces) How can employers protect workers against coronavirus exposures? In expanding parts of the country, most employers do so by complying with applicable Shelter in Place orders. Workplaces still in operation face more complicated occupational health situations.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; directly and through its subsidiary National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)) and other occupational health agencies issue guidelines for workplace safety, which can be used in locations that are still open. (This approach is typical; I wrote about their Zika Virus guidelines [HERE](https://blog.stpub.com/protecting-employees-against-the-zika-virus)). In addition, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides interpretive guidance on how to apply disabilities and anti-discrimination laws to the design and implementation of protective programs. [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/protecting-employees-against-coronavirus-at-operating-workplaces) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/protecting-employees-against-coronavirus-at-operating-workplaces#comments-listing) Tags: [OSHA](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/osha), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc), [Coronavirus](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/coronavirus), [Protecting employees](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/protecting-employees), [CDC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/cdc), [Safety and Health at Work](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/safety-and-health-at-work), [Pandemic](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/pandemic) ## [Does Sex Discrimination Include Sexual Orientation – The Second Circuit Changes Sides](https://blog.stpub.com/does-sex-discrimination-include-sexual-orientation-the-second-circuit-changes-sides) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Tue, Apr 24, 2018 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/images/Gavel%205.jpg) ](https://blog.stpub.com/does-sex-discrimination-include-sexual-orientation-the-second-circuit-changes-sides) Because federal anti-discrimination statutes include “sex” discrimination but do not define the term, its interpretation evolves with social and political changes, with policy changes by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which administers and enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a variety of subsequent laws, and with court decisions. A major present debate is whether “sex” encompasses “sexual orientation” – which would protect non-heterosexual employees against employment action based on their sexual orientation. On February 26, 2018 the Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed its own precedent, and decided that homosexual employees are protected. [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/does-sex-discrimination-include-sexual-orientation-the-second-circuit-changes-sides) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/does-sex-discrimination-include-sexual-orientation-the-second-circuit-changes-sides#comments-listing) Tags: [Employer Best Practices](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employer-best-practices), [Employee Rights](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employee-rights), [Workplace violence](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/workplace-violence), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc), [directors](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/directors), [directors & officers](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/directors-officers) ## [EEOC Issues Rule to Make Federal Government a Model Employer for People With Disabilities](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-issues-rule-to-make-federal-government-a-model-employer-for-people-with-disabilities) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Thu, Jan 12, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/images/Wheelchair-1.jpg) ](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-issues-rule-to-make-federal-government-a-model-employer-for-people-with-disabilities) Federal laws prohibit employers from basing employment decisions on a variety of factors, including “disability.” Private employers are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while public agencies are subject to the Rehabilitation Act. Both laws are administered and enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), with states generally cooperating with EEOC or imposing similar requirements on state and local agencies. EEOC generally provides the same requirements and guidelines to both sets of employers, but there are differences. [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-issues-rule-to-make-federal-government-a-model-employer-for-people-with-disabilities) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-issues-rule-to-make-federal-government-a-model-employer-for-people-with-disabilities#comments-listing) Tags: [Employer Best Practices](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employer-best-practices), [Employee Rights](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employee-rights), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc) ## [EEOC Issues New Enforcement Guidance on Retaliation](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-issues-new-enforcement-guidance-on-retaliation) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Tue, Oct 04, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/images/Office_workers.jpg) ](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-issues-new-enforcement-guidance-on-retaliation) The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) administers and enforces most national anti-discrimination laws. As part of these responsibilities, EEOC issues formal regulations, and a host of less formal guidance documents – some directed to employers, some to employees, and/or some to the agency’s own personnel. In August 2016, EEOC reissued *EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Retaliation and Related Issues* (“the Guidance”), describing its approach to situations where employees claim they’ve suffered **retaliation** for asserting rights against discrimination under the laws EEOC administers, or even just for questioning workplace rules and situations. [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-issues-new-enforcement-guidance-on-retaliation) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/eeoc-issues-new-enforcement-guidance-on-retaliation#comments-listing) Tags: [Employer Best Practices](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employer-best-practices), [Employee Rights](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employee-rights), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc), [directors](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/directors), [directors & officers](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/directors-officers) ## [New Rules For Labor Law Compliance By Federal Contractors](https://blog.stpub.com/new-rules-for-labor-law-compliance-by-federal-contractors) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Thu, Sep 22, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hubfs/images/Construction_workers-1.jpg) ](https://blog.stpub.com/new-rules-for-labor-law-compliance-by-federal-contractors) In July 2014, President Obama issued Executive Order (EO) Number 13673, establishing a series of reporting and procedural requirements for federal contractors, inducing them to provide “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces” to their employees. Some requirements are specific in the EO, while others were left for clarification by revisions to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), for contracts subject to these requirements. (I blogged about the EO [here](https://blog.stpub.com/bid/200508/New-Executive-Order-Pursues-Labor-Law-Compliance-By-Federal-Contractors)). None became effective in 2014, but instead they have awaited the FAR revisions. The revised FAR has been issued effective October 25, 2016, for appropriate contracts issued by the Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The new requirements will be phased in, covering contracts and subcontracts for goods and services greater than $50 million immediately, and those greater than $500,000 effective April 25, 2017. [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/new-rules-for-labor-law-compliance-by-federal-contractors) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/new-rules-for-labor-law-compliance-by-federal-contractors#comments-listing) Tags: [Employer Best Practices](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employer-best-practices), [OSHA](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/osha), [Employee Rights](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employee-rights), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc), [directors & officers](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/directors-officers) ## [EEOC’s Latest Word On “Sex” Discrimination](https://blog.stpub.com/bid/205962/EEOC-s-Latest-Word-On-Sex-Discrimination) Posted by [Jon Elliott](https://blog.stpub.com/author/jon-elliott) on Tue, Aug 25, 2015 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.stpub.com/hs-fs/file-3411171661-jpg/images/office_1.jpg) ](https://blog.stpub.com/bid/205962/EEOC-s-Latest-Word-On-Sex-Discrimination) Federal laws prohibit employers from basing employment decisions on a variety of factors, including “sex.” This term is not defined, leaving its interpretation to change and expand with social changes and court decisions. The central entity creating and applying these interpretations is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which administers and enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a variety of subsequent laws. On July 15, EEOC reaffirmed its present interpretation, in an enforcement decision in which the plaintiff claimed he was denied access to a promotion because he’s gay (*Baldwin v. Foxx*). The EEOC’s order includes a clear summary of the agency’s approach to sex discrimination cases: [Read More](https://blog.stpub.com/bid/205962/EEOC-s-Latest-Word-On-Sex-Discrimination) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.stpub.com/bid/205962/EEOC-s-Latest-Word-On-Sex-Discrimination#comments-listing) Tags: [Corporate Governance](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/corporate-governance), [Business & Legal](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/business-legal), [Employer Best Practices](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employer-best-practices), [Employee Rights](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/employee-rights), [Workplace violence](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/workplace-violence), [EEOC](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc), [NLRB](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/nlrb) [All posts](https://blog.stpub.com/all) [Next](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/eeoc/page/2) ### Follow Me ### Subscribe by Email ### Browse by Topic Area - [Accounting & Tax ](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/accounting-tax) - [Business & Legal ](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/business-legal) - [Corporate Governance  ](https://blog.stpub.com/../?Tag=Corporate+Governance) - [Environmental ](https://blog.stpub.com/../?Tag=Environmental) - [Global ](https://blog.stpub.com/../?Tag=Global) - [Health & Safety ](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/health-safety) - [Internet ](https://blog.stpub.com/../?Tag=Internet) - [Transportation ](https://blog.stpub.com/../?Tag=Transportation) ### Browse by Tag - [Environmental (344)](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/environmental) - [Business & Legal (309)](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/business-legal) - [Environmental risks (300)](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/environmental-risks) - [Health & Safety (296)](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/health-safety) - [EPA (283)](https://blog.stpub.com/topic/epa) - [Terms & Conditions](https://stphub.stpehs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/STP-Terms-of-Use-Dec-20.pdf) - [Privacy Policy](https://stphub.stpehs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/STP-Privacy-Policy.pdf) - [License Agreement](https://stphub.stpehs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/STP-License-Agreement-Dec-20.pdf) - [Sitemap](http://stpub.com/sitemap) - [Support](http://stpub.com/support) © 2021 STP ComplianceEHS - All rights reserved