Below is a number of COVID-19 resources. We will add additional information as it becomes available.
MN Department of Labor and Industry Updates
NECA National Resources
September 22, 2020
September 16, 2020
September 10, 2020
July 24, 2020 (Emergency Executive Order 20-81)
July 22, 2020
It is time to update the Chapters on your field employees that you currently have on furlough due to COVID 19 per the NDERA Agreement. Please click on the link and fill out the survey for each Local. Thank you for your assistance at this time:
Additional Resources
July 10, 2020
July 6, 2020 Update
ANCHOROCK SAFETY SOFTWARE WEBINAR
On Tuesday July 28th. Anchorock, a innovative safety and compliance software will be hosting a free webinar specific for the St. Paul and Minneapolis chapters members. The webinar will begin at 2pm. There is a link provided In the email for you to register. Simply click the link, proceed to the green button that says register and fill out the brief contact info and you will be set up. We will send this link out in future emails as well. Anchorock focuses on safety meeting made paperless and effective. In serving many labor industries their software offers a variety of solutions dealing with tailgate meetings, hazard analysis, inspections, certification and training and more. Join the webinar on July 28th to learn more about Anchorock.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-paul-neca-managing-jobsite-safety-with-anchorock-registration-111177458772\
JACKSON LEWIS DAILY UPDATE
The second link in the email is the COVID-19 daily update from Jackson Lewis. A few articles are included in the update with good information including a related article on FFCRA Leave Requirements.
Construction industry guidance revised; webinars to assist with Preparedness Plans
To assist construction businesses in finalizing their COVID-19 Preparedness Plans, the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has scheduled webinars for to answer business’s questions so they can be confident the plans they have developed address the risks of COVID-19 transmission at their worksites.
While DLI conducts webinars and responds to requests for assistance from construction businesses this week (June 29 through July 3, 2020), DLI will not be taking enforcement action against businesses that have not finalized their plans.
Tuesday, July 7, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Register Here
Wednesday, July 8, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Register Here
June 29, 2020 Update
Pandemic Safety Plans Required for All Businesses by June 29, 2020 – Updated Requirements
The Department of Labor and Industry released on June 25, 2020 updated Preparedness Plan Requirements Guidance for Construction and COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and Industry Guidance FAQs for all industries.
Beginning on June 29, 2020, according to Executive Order 20-74 all Critical Businesses must develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in accordance with the industry guidance currently posted to the Stay Safe Minnesota website and any additional applicable industry guidance.
- Preparedness Plan Template – MnDLI
- Preparedness Plan Requirements Guidance Construction – MnDLI – When mechanicals are acting as a general contractor they should be aware of requirements on pages one and two of this document.
- COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and Industry Guidance FAQs
- COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidance for Construction – MnOSHA
- Sample Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan – CISC
The Department of Labor and Industry have scheduled webinars for the construction industry to assist in plan drafting.
- Wednesday, July 1 — 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Thursday, July 2 — 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Businesses can register for a webinar at https://secure.doli.state.mn.us/events/.
Articles:
- Which Lives Matter in Our Culture by Dr Gustavo Grodnitzky: https://drgustavo.com/which-lives-matter-in-our-culture/
- What Construction Contractors Can Expect from Multiemployer Pension Plans Following COVID-19 Crisis by Keith Dropkin: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/publication/what-construction-contractors-can-expect-multiemployer-pension-plans-following-covid-19-crisis
- OSHA Does Not Back Employee Work Refusals in All Circumstances by Courtney Malveaux: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/publication/osha-does-not-back-employee-work-refusals-all-circumstances
- Multiemployer Construction Sites in the COVID-19 Era by Victor Corpuz: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/publication/multiemployer-construction-sites-covid-19-era
- Face Masks in the Construction Industry by Courtney Malveaux: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/publication/face-masks-construction-industry
- Construction Labor Agreements When Implementing COVID-19 Plans, Policies, Practices by Brian Lundgren: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/publication/construction-labor-agreements-when-implementing-covid-19-plans-policies-practices
- EEOC Issues Guidance on Antibody Testing in the Workplace by Jason Gavejian: https://www.covid19workplacelawjl.com/2020/06/eeoc-issues-guidance-on-antibody-testing-in-the-workplace
Additional Resources:
COVID-19 Preparedness Plans industry Guidance FAQs
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Requirements Guidelines Construction
Coronavirus Risk Assessment Checklist
June 24, 2020 Update
The first special session of 2020 ended Saturday morning. No bonding bill was passed. The Legislature passed ten new laws, but none directly affected construction. The tenth law changed a DEED unemployment compensation program called shared work plans (The program allows employers to divide available hours of work among a group of employees instead of implementing a full layoff. These employees may then receive partial unemployment insurance benefits while working reduced hours.) This program is for all employers and not just construction.
Again, there were no construction bills that passed the legislature. The legislature will be back in the 2-3 week of July at the end of the Governor’s latest Executive Order which expires after 30 days and mandates a new legislative session. That will be our next chance to push for a bonding bill.
https://www.finimpact.com/covid-19-coronavirus-smbs/
Pandemic Safety Plans Required for All Businesses by June 29, 2020
Beginning on June 29, 2020, according to Executive Order 20-74 all Critical Businesses must develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in accordance with the industry guidance currently posted to the Stay Safe Minnesota website (https://staysafe.mn.gov/industry-guidance/construction.jsp ) and any additional applicable industry guidance. A pandemic safety plan will allow continued business operations while keeping employees and the public safe. Refer to these resources when updating or drafting a plan.
- General Business Preparedness Plan Template – MnDLI (https://staysafe.mn.gov/industry-guidance/construction.jsp )
- Preparedness Plan Requirements Guidance Construction – MnDLI – (https://staysafe.mn.gov/industry-guidance/construction.jsp ) When electrical are acting as a general contractor they should be aware of requirements on pages one and two of this document.
- COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidance for Construction – MnOSHA (http://www.dli.mn.gov/business/workplace-safety-and-health/mnosha-compliance-novel-coronavirus-covid-19)
- NECA COVID-19 Resources, including a Sample Exposure Plan (https://necanet.org/industry-priorities/safety-regulations/neca-coronavirus-resource-center )
- Sample Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan – CISC (http://www.buildingsafely.org/covid-19-coronavirus/ )
Version 6/15/2020: https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/COVID_19_business_plan_template.pdf
https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/COVID-19_construction_sanitation_and_hygiene.pdf
May 20, 2020
Upcoming NECA Online Classes and Webinars
| DATE | TIME | TITLE | SUMMARY |
| 5/21/20 | 1:00 PM CST | Post-Pandemic Success Will Be Determined By What You Do NOW, Not What You Do Post-Pandemic Webinar | This webinar will share stories of how organizations of all sizes have started solving seemingly impossible problems, have begun hiring people instead of laying them off, and have grown their positive impact and influence by shifting how they think about the present and future of their organization. |
| 5/27/20 | 12:00 PM CST | Revit Electrical Circuiting | This interactive, live, online event will discuss placing electrical content in models and the creation of electrical circuits. |
| 5/28/20 | 1:00 PM CST | Schneider Electric: Power System Performance Digitization and Actionable Insights Webinar | This webinar will explore how electrical distribution systems are rapidly becoming digitized as power equipment. |
- NECA Learning Center
- The Key to Building a Successful Remote Organization
- Contractors Challenged by Lack of Labor, Jobsite Tension and Delays
May 14, 2020
- Premier Partner PPE Program for Neca Contractors
- Pandemics and Construction Productivity ELECTRI Webinar
- To access the webinar videos go to electri.org , register and go to education.
- Construction Dive: What Contractors Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program
- Felhaber Larson Webinar: Reopening Your Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Shawmut employs technology to help suppress the spread of COVID-19
- Software firm introduces contactless orientation platform
- What contractors need to know about the Paycheck Protection Program
- Governor Tim Walz Emergency Executive Order 20-54
May 6, 2020
- Construction Dive Technology Reference Page
- ELECTRI International “Pandemics and Construction Productivity Report” Webinar
- NECA Legal Webinar 2 Q&A – Updated PPP Forgiveness Guidance
May 5, 2020
April 30, 2020
- Federated Insurance Letter COVID-19 Client Relief Credit
- Federated Insurance Press Release COVID-19 Client Relief Credit
April 29, 2020
- Federal Relief Update Summary (Minnesota Senate Taxes Committee)
- Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act of 2020 Section-by-Section
- Paycheck Protection Program Loans Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
April 20, 2020
April 15, 2020
- COVID-19 Recommended Immediate Contractor Actions (Electri International Foundation)
- Health Pre-Screening Questionnaire
- Health Screening Planning Form
- COVID-19 Tool Cleaning Protocols English (Milwaukee Tool)
- COVID-19 Tool Cleaning Protocols Spanish (Milwaukee Tool)
- Potential Considerations for Documenting Procedures
- NECA Milwaukee Tool COVID-19 Resource Guide
- Constructing a Safe Wisconsin
April 14, 2020
- OSHA Guidance on COVID-19 Recordable
- Guidance for NECA Chapters and Employers on Payment of Fringe Contributions on Families First Coronavirus Response Act Leave
- Emergency FMLA (“E‐FMLA”) and Emergency Paid Sick Leave (“E‐PSL”) under the FFCRA Flowchart (Felhaber Larson)
- Q&A from NECA National
April 13, 2020
- COVID-19 Guidelines on Social Distancing
- Home Laundry Instructions of FR Clothing Exposed to the COVID-19 Virus
- American Psychological Association COVID-19 Information and Resources
Below are the links related to the content in the audio above.
- Below is a link to the CDC guidance on Social Distancing: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
- Below is the link to the CDC guidance on face coverings to be used in conjunction with social distancing: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
April 9, 2020
- COVID-19 Legal Webinar Questions and Answers
- Link to IRS Page on Tax Credits and Paid Sick Leave
- AGC Coronavirus Survey Results (March 30- April 2)
- COVID-19 and Contractor Liability
- Minneapolis and St. Paul Announce COVID-19 Relief Plans For Small Businesses
- Krause-Anderson Insurance Webinar: Virtual Risk Panel – Construction Project Impacts
April 8, 2020
Below is todays audio file. Below are titles of the attachments. The audio goes more depth on each one.
- COVID-19 and the Duty to Bargain
- OSHA Small Entity for Respiratory Protection Standards
- IRS Guidance: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments
- ELECTRI International – Suggested Immediate Actions for Contractors to take.
- Governor Walz’s Emergency Executive Order 20-33
- Governor Walz’s Executive Order Requires Unemployment Benefits Notice to All Separated Employees
- Executive Order 20-33 Critical Sector Descriptions
MN “underemployment”
https://www.uimn.org/applicants/getpaid/report-work/index.jsp
How does working affect my benefits?
You are not eligible for benefits in any week you work 32 or more hours, or when your gross earnings for the week are equal to or greater than your weekly benefit amount.
A partial benefit payment will be made for any week you work less than 32 hours and your earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount. The system will deduct 50 percent of your earnings from your benefit payment. The amount not paid for that week stays in your account.
As for Federal money, Gary Thaden’s response is: I would “guess” that they do not qualify for the federal dollars, but the state has still not received the necessary information from the feds about implementing the $600 checks, thus we really don’t know.
Additional Resources
April 7, 2020
- OSHA Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respiratory Protection Standard
- COVID-19 and the Duty to Bargain
Below you will find links to helpful information on handling stress during these challenging times, as well as a description to the NECA webinar today. There is still time to sign up for the webinar on www.necanet.org and remember to use coupon code NECA2020 at check out.
Stress Management and Self-Care Webinar – Tuesday, April 7, 2020 | 2:00-3:00 PM ET
Stress is inevitable, and can have an adverse effect on your health, your business, and your relationships with those around you. In the midst of COVID-19, for many, stress is at an all-time high and if you’re feeling concerned, worried or overwhelmed, you are not alone. We are all being stretched personally and professionally during this time of uncertainty. As you aim to protect your business, keep your family and employees safe, you must also recharge to ensure that you are putting your best foot forward. Join this webinar to gain the necessary skills to manage stress and to develop a self-care plan that will energize your mind, body and business.
April 6, 2020
- OSHA COVID-19 Workplace Safety Issues Reference
- Stay-at-Home Orders Following DOL Temporary Regulations Fact Sheet
- Paycheck Protection Program Application
- Managing a coronavirus-related project shutdown
- 6 ways the coronavirus outbreak will affect construction
April 4, 2020
Items related to the Industry Update 4-3-20 Audio above:
April 3, 2020
- Apply Today for Payroll Protection Loans Through SBA
- Survey of Executive Orders Related to COVID-19 and Impact on Construction Activities
- COVID-19 Worksite Safety Recommendations
Items related to the Industry Update 4-2-20 Audio above:
TPI Hospitality:
- TPI Hospitality is looking to offer NECA contractors discounted rates for hotel stay (short, mid, and long) for employees affected by temp hours or worried about exposure on jobsites and then heading home to families.
- Please contact Beth Anderson with TPI for more information beth.anderson@tpihospitality.com
- TPI Hotel Map
April 2, 2020
April 1, 2020
March 31, 2020
- The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- Key Provisions of Phase III COVID Response Legislation The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
- Contractor screening of construction workers (NABTU)
- Questions and Answers (Q&A) – National Disease Emergency ResponseAgreement (NDERA) – Second Round
- Understanding the Employer Payroll Tax Credits under FFCRA
- 5 steps to proactively prepare your construction project to get back online after the COVID-19 crisis
Industry Update (Tuesday March 31, 2020)
March 30, 2020
- Registration for NECA Webinar Legal Issues Related to COVID-19
- CDC Frequently Asked Questions
- Deed Small Business Emergency Loan Program
- Jackson Lewis Loan and Tax Provisions
- Risk Assessment Process and Checklist for Work Impacted by COVID-19
- NECA Example Exposure Control Plan (ECP)
March 27, 2020
- US Dept. of Labor Control and Prevention
- Wisconsin Safer at Home FAQ
- COVID-19 Paid Leave Is Now Law (Felhaber Larson)
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act FAQ NECA Fact Sheet
- MNOSHA Compliance Workers protections
- MN House Bill HF 4531
- Form: Notice of Impact and Reservations of Rights
COVID-19 Affected Furlough Update
Please download the instructions here and complete either the paper version of the digital version located here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BW5CPPL
Construction Trades—Exam and Licensing update
From Dept. of Labor and Industry web site:
Construction trades information, exams and licenses
- DLI license exams: All exams are suspended indefinitely. Learn more.
- Continuing education: Deadlines have been extended 90 days for licenses that expire in March, April and May 2020.
- License renewals must still be submitted prior to the current expiration date. Late fees will apply to renewals submitted after the expiration date. Renew a license here.
https://www.dli.mn.gov/updates
March 26, 2020
- Minnesota Emergency Executive Order 20-20 (Highlighted)
- Minnesota Construction Industry Statement Regarding Executive Order 20-20
- Coronavirus Contract Rights
- Employee Rights: Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave (US Dept. of Labor)
March 25, 2020
- Construction partnership COVID-19 Safety Stand Down: Wednesday March 25 @ 1pm
- Employer FAQ (Federated Employment Practices Network)
- Update from Governor Walz: 8/24/20 8:30pm
- Rules for Employers to Know (Federated Employment Practices Network)
- For Help and Connection During COVID-19 (TEAM – Wellness at Work)
- Message from TEAM – Wellness at Work on COVID-19
- Minnesota Department of Labor Inspection FAQs
- Minnesota Emergency Executive Order 20-20
- Breaking: Construction Declared Essential in Minnesota
- Form: Notice to Law Enforcement re Shelter-in-Place Order
- Form: Critical Infrastructure Employee
March 23rd & 24th, 2020
- National Disease Emergency Response Agreement (NDERA)
- State Government Overview Report COVID-19
- Questions and Answers (Q&A) – National Disease Emergency Response Agreement (NDERA)
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Guidance for Employers (Kutak Rock)
- What to Do if You Develop Symptoms of COVID-19
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act Summary
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act FAQ
- Wisconsin Emergency Order #12: Safer At Home Order
- Minnesota Emergency Executive Order 20-05: Providing Immediate Relief to Employers and Unemployed Workers During the COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency
- Cleaning of tools to help prevent spread of COVID-19 (Milwaukee)
- Federal Government Announces Plan to Implement Coronavirus-Related Paid Leave for Workers and Tax Credits for Small and Midsize Businesses (Mar. 24, 2020)
Week of March 16th, 2020
- Top Ten NECA Contractor Coronavirus Labor and Employment Q&A
- NECA Alert: Phase II of Coronavirus Response Package to be Signed Into Law
- NECA Releases “Safety Talk: COVID-19 and Other Communicable Exposures”
- NECA Fact Sheet Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Guidelines for Dealing with Coronavirus COVID-19 on Construction Sites
- Minnesota Construction Industry Statement Regarding Jobsite Safety and COVID-19
- OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- CDC COVID-19 Guidance
- FMCP Coronavirus: What you need to know
- Congress Finalizes COVID-19 Response Act
Friday, March 20, 2020 | Sales Tax Payment Extension for Eligible Businesses
In line with the state’s continued response to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is granting a 30-day Sales and Use Tax grace period for businesses identified in Executive Order 20-04. During this time the department will not assess penalties or interest.
Author: Neil
Admin
