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Safety/Health

Train supervisors to spot the signs of drug impairment

09/05/2023
Before you require an employee to submit to a drug-screening test, make sure your front-line supervisors really know how to spot the signs of impairment. The key: They must be able show that they have a reasonable suspicion that an employee may be under the influence of drugs. If they can’t, you may have a hard time defending the test if the employee decides to sue you.

OSHA begins injury prevention push for high-risk environments

08/21/2023
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced a new National Emphasis Program focusing on preventing workplace hazards in warehouses, processing facilities, distribution centers and high-risk retail establishments like hardware stores and supermarkets.

OSHA heat illness hazard alert emphasizes employer responsibilities

08/02/2023
As much of the nation continues to swelter though a record-breaking heat wave, OSHA has issued an official hazard alert reminding employers they are responsible for protecting workers from heat illness.

Administration proposes rules to strengthen Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

07/31/2023
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury have proposed rules to ensure insurance coverage for mental-health and substance-use disorders is as available as coverage for medical treatments.

Handling our summer of natural disasters

07/24/2023
This is shaping up to be a summer to remember for the sheer volume of natural disasters that have beset the United States. Heat waves, smoke from wildfires in Canada, record-breaking rain storms and flash floods have disrupted life from coast to coast. Employers need a plan for dealing with each calamity.

California might mandate workplace violence policies

07/10/2023
The California State Senate just passed SB 553, legislation that requires all employers with at least one employee to develop workplace violence-prevention plans and policies.

Summer’s here and so are new employment laws

07/07/2023
Summertime is often when new employment laws take effect, and this summer is no exception.

SHRM: Employer attention to mental health has benefits for employees and organizations

07/03/2023
Employers and employees alike benefit when organizations make mental health a priority, according to new research from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Mental health worsens for 34% of workers

06/05/2023
What’s the culprit? Survey respondents say, among other factors, long hours and excessive workloads.

Prepare to protect this summer’s unique corps of teen workers

05/22/2023
If you plan to hire teens for seasonal jobs, brace yourself for a teen workforce like no other before it. Prepare to deal with more than the usual amount of teenage angst.