Safety/Health

OSHA launches violence prevention in health care site

12/22/2015

Noting that health care workers are more than four times more likely than other employees to experience workplace violence, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a new website to help health care providers curtail violence at work.

OSHA fines to spike by 80%; first increase since 1990

11/09/2015

For the first time in 25 years, employers hit by federal workplace safety violations will see an increase in financial penalties, thanks to a little-noticed provision tucked into a budget bill signed by President Obama on Nov. 2.

Download a new guide explaining OSHA training standards

10/28/2015

OSHA has released a new guide spelling out the occupational safety and health training employers must provide to workers.

Sometimes you’re justified to order mental exam

10/17/2015

As long as you can show a business necessity for asking an employee to undergo a mental examination, there’s no ADA or Fair Employment and Housing Act liability. Erratic, insubordinate behavior that continues after a request to stop is a good business reason.

Encourage employees to get flu shots early

10/09/2015

Forty-five percent of employees who get sick with the flu believe they caught it from someone at work, according to the medical journal “Clinical Infectious Diseases.” It’s a timely reminder that influenza season will soon be upon us, and that it’s not too early to urge employees to get flu shots.

Fired for gun in trunk: Can employee sue?

10/05/2015

A court is about to tackle a tricky issue: Does a state law authorizing employees who park in company lots to keep guns locked in their trunks also create a right to sue if the employee is fired for gun possession?

Prepare for more whistle-blower retaliation complaints

09/30/2015

Heed OSHA’s memo stressing that it only needs “reasonable cause” to find merit in one.

10 steps to lessen the threat of workplace violence

09/28/2015

To reduce the chance of workplace violence—or your liability if it does happen—establish a program that covers the following.

Worker denied request for harness falls through roof

09/09/2015

A construction worker who had previously requested a safety harness while working on a ladder, fell 12 feet through a roof after the employer denied his request.

How should we respond to the Texas open-carry law that goes into effect next year?

07/29/2015

Q. I keep hearing about the new Texas open-carry law. Does this law apply to all offices? What steps should I take if the new legislation has a negative impact on my business?