ESFPA AlertSeptember 8, 2021HERO Act Plans to be Activated - BCNY Holding Informational Webinar Tomorrow As we reported in our ESFPA Alert yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday that the Commissioner of Health has designated COVID-19 a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health” under New York State's HERO Act. This will require all employers to implement the workplace safety plans required under the HERO Act. Under the law, all employers were required to adopt a workplace safety plan by August 5, with the plan to be implemented when such a designation is made by the Commissioner of Health. Although the Department of Health has not yet released any new specific precautions, restrictions, etc. as a result of this designation. It is anticipated that any new guidance for employers may mirror the NY Forward Guidelines we were all operating under prior to May 19 of this year. Until specific guidance comes from the DOH, employers would be best served by adopting provisions of the NY Forward plans – specifically masks for all workers, social distancing, and monitoring the health of employees. While daily health assessments are not yet required by the DOH, employers should remind workers not to come to work if exhibiting symptoms of COVID. The Business Council has scheduled a special webinar on this designation and what it means for employees for this Thursday, September 9, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Registration information is available here. All ESFPA members will be eligible for a 50% off registration fee. Log A Load for Kids Fund Drive in FULL SWING Just like all other traditions and typical events, the Log-A- Load Program has had to pivot and reinvent how they continue to do the good work they have been known for. Over the years your donations have helped create miracles for countless local children and their families, some of whom are part of our forest industry family. On July 5, Log-A-Load For Kids said a final good-bye to one of their most dedicated volunteers - David Miller of Hubbardsville. For years, Dave quietly encouraged people to "support the kids” at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, the benefactors of Log-A-Load’s fundraising, with a gentle smile and twinkle in his eye. Upon receiving Log-A-Load’s annual appeal letter, another Dave, Dave Tregaskis, read about the late volunteer and felt inspired. He made a very generous proposal: for every dollar Log-A-Load For Kids raises this year over last year’s total of $27,000 up to $5,000, Dave will match. That means if donations total $32,000, Dave will make it $37,000 for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across New York State. Log-A-Load For Kids is calling it the "Dave Drive" in honor of both Dave's. The drive will continue through the rest of the year, but it kicks off with the forest industry charity’s specialty - a chainsaw raffle. Today through October 31, donors can enter a virtual raffle for two professional model chainsaws: a Husqvarna 565 donated by GKS Sales of Rome and a Husqvarna 372 XP donated by C.J. Logging of Boonville. Each entry is $5, but Log-A-Load hopes donors will add a dollar for Dave and make it $6. Donations can be sent by check to the Empire State Forestry Foundation (ESFF) and mail them to: 47 Van Alstyne Dr. Rensselaer, NY 12144. Entries can also be submitted via Venmo @LogALoad-ESFPA with your name and phone number in the subject line so you can be contacted if you win. A winner will be announced on Friday, November 5. We greatly appreciate your help in making even more miracles possible this year.
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