Workplace safety regulations are getting stricter. Effective January 1, 2022, California Senate Bill 606 will dramatically expand OSHA’s enforcement powers, meaning stringent fines for employers who fall foul of their OSHA compliance responsibilities. And although the new law is state-level, California tends to set the bar when it comes to workplace safety. So, employers coast to coast had better take note.

Below, learn what changes are ahead, why the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration laws are coming, and how to turn workplace safety into a profitability driver at your company.

What types of violations will be subject to the new OSHA fines?

There are two new categories of violations – “Enterprise-wide” and “Egregious.” Senate Bill 606 creates a presumption that an “enterprise-wide” violation has been committed if an employer has a written policy or procedure that violates current OSHA workers’ rights, or, if there’s a pattern or practice of the same on-site health and safety violation involving more than one location. (Things like known hazards that employers haven’t taken action to fix, persistently high worker injury or illness rates, or a record of consistently working people over 60 hours a week.)

Why is this change a big deal for companies operating in California?

Because the fines are massively more expensive! Traditionally, when Cal/OSHA found an on-site health and safety violation, it would fine an employer for that instance only. But now, it can slap fines on multiple sites based on one violation – and for every time an employee is exposed – without investigating other sites or observing other violations. And considering that each violation can incur fines up to $124,709, that’s a huge multiplier effect.

Why should employers outside of California pay attention?

California is known as a leader in worker rights. As such, labor laws often start in California and move on out to the East Coast. Senate Bill 606 is one of a whole host of new Californian labor laws that come into play next month. Employers across America should take note and make adjustments to comply with California safety standards.

What’s the reasoning behind this new law?

Today’s labor crunch means unprecedented safety challenges for American employers. And an alarming uptick in workplace-related injuries, accidents, and illnesses. In the scramble to fill millions of jobs, we’re seeing multiple staffing companies operating on the same shop floors. This makes it difficult for employers to ensure that all workers are pre-screened, skill-tested, and drug and background checked. Unfortunately, this has meant that workplace accidents and illnesses are on the rise. And that’s why we’re seeing more stringent on-site health and safety measures to uphold OSHA workers’ rights.

What can employers do to get ahead of the changes?

Employers with strong on-site health and safety cultures will already be one step ahead in complying with the California safety standards. Ensuring staffing solutions are streamlined and well-managed is paramount. Adecco is the ideal partner for employers navigating this minefield because we’re just as invested in worker safety as they are. We keep abreast of every piece of Cal/OSHA news and send our safety team out and offer on-site training to ensure ongoing OSHA compliance.

“At Adecco, we’re experts in helping employers with large contingent workforces and multiple staffing vendors in complying with California safety standards and OSHA workers’ rights,” says Susan Shemanski, Vice President of Risk Management at Adecco USA. “We have a great safety team who can help identify areas of concern, and train on-site teams and managers.”

Visit Adecco USA for more advice on all aspects of building a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace. From helping you get your workers safely back to a physical workplace, to promoting mental health at work, to sourcing temperature takers, we can help you build the resilient, flexible, and engaged workforce you need.

Visit our employer resources pages for articles, white papers, case studies and more. And talk to us about making your workforce the best it can be.

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Amidst the hectic environment of the pandemic, the life sciences industry has been challenged with many factors in hopes to eventually move forward into a post-pandemic world. Among these challenges, was the quick turnaround of developing, testing, and distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, testing for viruses, in general, has been challenged to ensure accuracy and safety moving forward.

Within the life sciences vertical, Adecco provides innovative solutions for research, development, and testing laboratories across the U.S. which enable our customers to flexibly manage their workforces, and our associates to flexibly manage their careers. Our extensive experience in the life sciences space allows us to source, screen, and retain niche science talent compliant with specific licensing and labor laws.

As our teams continue to monitor the status of the pandemic and what’s ahead in 2021, let’s take a closer look into how the virus continues to impact the industry.

Looking Back at 2020

COVID-19 put enormous strain and stress on many people and businesses, as many healthcare systems across the globe scrambled to do their part in fighting the virus. According to this article by the Decisions Resources Group (DRG), Medtech companies are working harder to develop and deliver more reliable diagnostic tests or meet the soaring need for ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE). Biopharmaceutical companies are racing against time to develop safe and effective treatments and vaccines to save lives.

According to University Lab Partners, MedTech companies specialize in the invention, creation, and production of medical devices that can be used in all kinds of different healthcare settings. They added that the medical device industry is growing at a rapid pace that doesn’t seem like it’s going to be slowing down anytime soon. The growth within this industry has mainly occurred because of the increasing amount of the aging population around the world who have chronic diseases. These diseases require new treatments that can be used to mitigate symptoms and support the affected individuals.

Our 30+ years of experience working with the global leaders in biopharmaceuticals and pharma vaccination, paired with our established, nationwide network of talent, allows us to place qualified professionals faster in the ultra-competitive medical and science market. We provide full-cycle support, from navigating compliance standards and market demands, education, background verification, and credentialing. Learn more about our innovative approach to staffing within biotechnology and pharmaceutical here.

In addition to working together to ensure that patients can access care, afford treatments, and learn about the healthcare system, scientists, doctors, and other professionals are working to prepare for the future and forecast the long-term impact of the virus within the world’s current chaotic state.

Looking Ahead into 2021

With the COVID-19 vaccine distribution on the rise, there are a few leaders within this space including Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer. According to this article by the Wall Street Journal, Pfizer is anticipating the vaccine to generate about $15 billion in sales this year, making the shot one of the company’s top-selling products and potentially a steady source of revenue.

Pfizer said it expects total revenue this year of between $59.4 – $61.4 billion. In the fourth quarter, the vaccine contributed $154 million of the company’s $11.7 billion in sales. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the vaccine—the first to be cleared for emergency use in the U.S.—on December 11, 2020. Revenue this quarter from Pfizer’s vaccines overall rose 17%, or $2 billion.

For more information about the similarities and differences between the Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccines, check out this Boston news article, originally found on STAT.

We asked our resident healthcare guru, Jason Guggisburg, Vice President of Adecco Medical and Science, a few questions about the future of life sciences, and what to expect as we move forward in the current pandemic climate. Here’s what Jason added:

What are a few trends within Biotechnology, Laboratories, or Pharmaceutical that are worth keeping an eye on?

“Trends that we will continue to see in Biotechnology, Laboratories or Pharmaceutical will be driven by the current global pandemic. We will continue to see a large need for medical technologists, scientists, and laboratory technologists. With the need for vaccine distribution, I expect this trend to continue through 2021.”

In your opinion, what positive efforts have derived from the COVID-19 vaccine creation, quick implementation, and distribution?

“While the world and U.S. craft the fastest way to stop the COVID-19 viruses, we will continue to see countries develop mass vaccination sites and large-scale testing. To have two vaccines and a hopeful third on the way so quickly is a scientific miracle we should all be thankful for.”

What inspires you about the Life Sciences Industry?

“I am inspired every day that we are able to help place staff in roles that can change the course of life for individuals. A single scientist in a lab can create a cure for a pandemic, or any other life-threatening disease. This to me is human-centric and health-focused.”

At Adecco Medical & Science we support research, development, and testing laboratories across the U.S. We realize that not all laboratories are created equal and that these differences require unique specialization and expertise in finding the talent you need. We offer specialized recruitment hubs that focus on finding the right talent for temporary, temp-to-hire, executive search, program management office (PMO), onsite and large-scale projects. Learn more about our laboratory experience program here.

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The healthcare industry was one of the most impacted by COVID-19. While there have been both positive and negative impacts, let’s take a look at the most recent data and dive into this further.

When we look at the most recent Jobs Report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it shows that in December 2020, healthcare added 39,000 jobs. There was employment growth in hospitals (+32,000) and ambulatory health care services (+21,000), these were partially offset by declines in nursing care facilities (-6,000) and community care facilities for the elderly (-5,000). As of December, healthcare employment is actually 502,000 lower than in February 2020.

Looking Back at 2020 

Reflecting on last year, the healthcare industry saw expansion in roles that directly supported pandemic relief efforts. With the increased need for first responders, the industry also saw a rise in the need for COVID testers, support for testing sites, and a few other unique roles that were created in response to the pandemic including these eight roles highlighted by CNBC: 

• Contact Tracers 
• COVID-19 Testers 
• COVID-19 Caregivers 
• Temperature Screeners 
• Bylaw Enforcement Officers 
• Screen Manufacturers and Installers 
• Face Mask Sewers 
• Zoom Support Specialists  

In response to the pandemic, naturally, these roles have seen some of the most growth in the industry. Where healthcare has seen loss, is particularly within long-term care, which is primarily due to the virus.

When we reached out to one of our incredible Adecco associates within long-term healthcare and asked what keeps them going and inspires them to continue to work within this risk-proven occupation, Susie Driscoll, an Adecco Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from Syracuse NY said, “My inspiration during this pandemic is the residents that I take care of. Knowing I can care, comfort, support and give some sort of normalcy keeps me motivated in these trying times.” she added, “We have been their only support system when their families couldn’t visit, so I try to do all I can to bring a smile to their face and let them know that they aren’t alone and there is still someone that cares about them. It hasn’t been easy, but I keep pushing through for them.”

Looking at growth within the industry, our Medical and Science teams are continuing to see high-volume needs for contact tracers, laboratory services assistants and COVID swabbers. At Adecco, we’ve been leading the trend in supporting contact tracing programs for multiple lines of businesses. Overall, we have processed 8.5 million+ COVID specimens, placed 1,100+ contact tracers, and have supported several state-wide programs. Learn more about specific programs here on our website.

Looking Ahead into 2021 

As we head into the new year with a new administration in office and the pandemic still on the rise, we are keeping an eye on trends within the healthcare industry including vaccination as well as continued testing.

Mass sites for vaccinations are continuing to expand across the nation, with each state varying in rules and regulations for vaccine distribution. In fact, this is the biggest vaccination campaign in history, according to Bloomberg. Vaccinations in the United States began on December 14, 2020 with healthcare workers and so far, millions of shots have been given. For live updates on these statistics, be sure to check out Bloomberg’s live tracker.

In LinkedIn’s recent “Jobs on the Rise” article, they covered the growth within healthcare and the specific titles effected. LinkedIn’s Andrew Seaman says, “The coronavirus pandemic caused a sudden and sustained need for doctors and nurses, but it also created the same demand for the people who support health care professionals.” He adds, “These people help usher patients through the health care system, keep records in order for doctors and much more. Since 2019, hiring for these positions has increased more than 34%. (25 titles).”

Here’s a glimpse into some of the key stats that LinkedIn shared:

• Top job titles: Health Care Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Home Health Aide
• Skills: Patient Education, Data Entry, Physician Relations
• Top Locations Hiring: New York City, Boston, Chicago
• Education: 83% of hires have a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Salary Range: $65,300 – $106,000
• Remote job availability: Low

Even though the vaccination process is ramping, COVID testing is still expanding across the country. With large events continuing to take place including the SuperBowl, as well as essential workers continuing to go to work in-person, swabbers and testing aides are still needed daily. Overall, Adecco is providing swabbers and innovative contact tracing solutions in order to support our country aiming to move into a post-pandemic world.

For additional details on the vaccine including what to expect, timelines, and other FAQ’s, be sure to stay up to date with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.

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