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Compensation & Benefits

Gov’t employees must use workers’ comp — not courts — to handle injury cases

10/03/2008

Good news for public employers: The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has clarified that government employees cannot do an end-run around the workers’ comp system by trying to call their injuries a Constitutional deprivation of due process and suing in federal court …

Don’t forget service when choosing workers’ comp carrier

10/03/2008

HR pros should look at more than price when they’re shopping for a workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Here’s a checklist to cover with your insurance broker before selecting a carrier …

Employees climb mountains to improve their health

10/03/2008

Employees of Lincoln Industries will climb any mountain to improve their health. Seventy-four employees of the Lincoln, Neb.-based, steel-finishing firm climbed a 14,000-foot peak in Colorado as part of the firm’s wellness program.

Va. firm still pays full premiums for employees and their families

10/03/2008

Employees of McDonough Bolyard Peck in Fairfax, Va., have never paid health or life insurance premiums or deductibles. The 18-year-old consulting firm pays 100% of the premiums for team members and their families …

New site helps small businesses set up HSAs

10/03/2008

If you’re unable to provide your employees with health insurance, you can still help them cover their medical bills by offering Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). A new government web site walks small business owners through the benefits and set-up process.

DOL offers help to employees who are disaster victims

10/03/2008

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has resources for your employees who live in areas devastated by floods, fires or other disasters. Employees in flooded areas can call (866) 487-2365 for information about unemployment benefits, federal One-Stop Career Centers, wages and safety issues …

No liability if psych patient cleared to work

10/03/2008

Employers must reinstate employees following FMLA leave if a doctor says they are ready to return to work without restrictions. That’s true even if the serious health condition was a serious psychiatric problem. Fortunately, if the employee goes on to injure another employee, the medical release will protect the employer from negligent supervision claims …

Handbook must explain leave payout terms

10/03/2008

Employee handbooks should spell out exactly what it takes to earn time off—and what happens when an employee resigns or is fired. Make sure you spell out the limitations, or you may end up stuck paying for accrued time when you discharge an employee for serious problems, such as a failed drug test …

Employee out on military leave: How long must we hold his position?

10/03/2008

Q. How long am I required to hold a position open for an employee who needs a leave due to military service? …

Home building equals team building for employees of Colorado firm

10/03/2008

The most popular team-building exercise among employees of InsureMe in Englewood, Colo., is a four-day trip to Juarez, Mexico, during which they build homes for low-income Mexican families. Nineteen of the firm’s 64 employees have made the trek. Each employee gets two paid days off to participate …