Safety/Health

If you provide on-site housing, any injuries may go beyond workers’ comp

03/23/2015

Some employers provide rental housing so employees can live near their work sites. If you do, be aware that employee injuries that happen near that housing can open a legal can of worms that will leave you wishing you only had to deal with a workers’ compensation claim.

Wellness: Big benefit or Big Brother?

03/19/2015

For several years, proponents have touted wellness programs’ success in lowering health care costs, decreasing absenteeism and raising employee morale. But those laudable goals haven’t insulated wellness programs from controversy.

Why your wellness program probably isn’t working

03/16/2015

When it comes to workplace wellness programs, the old adage that you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink is true. Only about 24% of those who work for large employers that offer wellness programs actually participate in them.

Make work safe for older employees–and everybody else

03/12/2015

In a recent study, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that there were no significant differences between overall rates of workplace injury for workers 55 or older and those of other age groups. However, older workers are more prone to specific types of injuries.

Drop the cellphone! Set an anti-distracted driving policy

03/09/2015

Most states have laws against texting or talking on a handheld cellphone while driving. Absent a clear, tough, enforced policy against distracted driving, employers risk losing millions of dollars in jury verdicts—and contribute to crippling and fatal carnage on the road.

Employee on workers’ comp refuses to take a drug test: Is it legal to terminate him?

01/14/2015

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Can work give you high blood pressure?

01/13/2015

When a colleague takes credit for your great idea or a boss suddenly moves up a deadline, your blood may feel as if it is boiling. Could such instances give you high blood pressure?

Monday: The most dangerous day of the week at work

01/08/2015

Here’s a breakdown of which days seem especially conducive to workplace injuries.

Workers’ Safety and Health

01/01/2015

HR Law 101: Employers have an obligation to provide a safe work environment for their employees. Those that don’t will pay a heavy price. Their workers’ compensation and other liability insurance costs will rise, workers may sue, and OSHA may impose heavy fines.

With flu outbreak spreading fast, recommend vaccine

12/23/2014

The Centers for Disease Control’s latest weekly report on the 2014-15 flu season notes widespread flu outbreaks in 29 states. That’s a twofold jump in just one week, with Southern and Midwestern states particularly hard-hit.