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Safety/Health

Snapshot: Percent of positive workplace drug tests

09/20/2016
Since 2013, positive drug tests have spiked to their highest levels since 2005.

Positive workplace drug tests hit 10-year high

09/20/2016
Following years of declines, the percentage of employees in the combined U.S. workforce testing positive for drugs has steadily increased over the last three years to a 10-year high.

Can you fire worker for bringing gun on company property?

09/15/2016
Before terminating an employee for bringing a gun to work, check your state law.

Understand your OSHA records responsibilities

09/13/2016
Every employer that is subject to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and has more than 10 employees is required to maintain records of occupational injuries and illnesses.

Prepare to pay much more for OSHA violations

09/07/2016
Last November, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was given authorization to increase its penalties by up to 82%, to account for several decades’ worth of inflation.

Explosion in Middletown leads to OSHA scrutiny

09/07/2016
Two employees at Middletown, N.Y.-based Oprandy’s Fire & Safety Equipment suffered severe injuries when a compressed gas cylinder they were filling exploded.

Contractor in deep hole after repeat trenching violations

09/06/2016
For the sixth time in the last 10 years, Houston-based Oscar Renda Contractors faces OSHA safety violations involving unsafe trenching practices.

Houston tortilla maker flattened by $106k fine

09/06/2016
La Espiga de Oro, a Houston-area tortilla bakery, faces $106,700 in fines for multiple safety violations following an inspection by OSHA investigators who descended on the plant after receiving tips about unsafe working conditions.

Fed contractors must soon disclose past labor violations

09/06/2016
The Obama administration on Aug. 24 released final rules and guidance for implementing the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order, which  requires federal contractors to disclose past labor law violations before they can win new federal business.

Sitting is the new standing: Let workers cool their heels

08/29/2016
The California Supreme Court ruled that employers must provide a seat for staff who usually stand during the workday, if the work could reasonably be done while sitting.