Safety/Health

Public employers: OK to demand medical records if drug test leads to rehab

08/13/2013

Public employees who work in jobs related to public health and safety and who test positive for drugs can’t refuse to sign medical releases related to treatment for drug and alcohol problems.

Worker death can mean prison for company execs

07/15/2013

Here’s extra incentive to make sure your management team makes safety a priority: A former chemical company president in Texas pleaded guilty to occupational safety crimes in federal court and faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

OSHA serves up tornado, wildfire preparedness info

06/13/2013

OSHA’s website offers timely advice to help employers plan for and respond to the threat of tornadoes and wildfires. The site covers how to develop an emergency plan, and features checklists and links to additional resources.

Worker death means prison for former company president

06/03/2013

A former Port Arthur chemical company president has pleaded guilty to occupational safety crimes in federal court. The former head of Port Arthur Chemical and Environmental Services admitted to violating OSHA by allowing a driver to haul a load so toxic it killed him.

10 ways to increase use of your employee assistance plan

05/21/2013

Is your organization reaping the full financial benefits of having an employee assistance program? If your employees aren’t using it, probably not.

Beware hidden downsides of overtime

05/13/2013

An increase in overtime hours can mean an increase in accidents and production errors. Consider these overtime policies and practices that can help reduce the likelihood of safety and production problems.

Post-injury headaches may leave you on hook indefinitely

04/30/2013

If a worker who was hurt at work can find a doctor to testify that subsequent debilitating headaches were caused by the work injury, you can expect to continue making disability payments for a long time.

Think odd employee might benefit from mental exam? Talk to a lawyer first

04/30/2013

Let’s face it: Some employees are a bit strange. Sometimes, their behavior may even be an indication of serious mental health problems. But before you rush to demand the employee get counseling or see a doctor, remember that the ADA prohibits such requests unless there is a clear business necessity for the exam.

Use chemicals? Heed new training, labeling rules

04/19/2013

OSHA has released two new compliance assistance tools to help employers meet requirements of the agency’s revised Hazard Communication Standard.

State moves closer to mandatory nurse/patient ratios

04/11/2013

A bill requiring hospitals and other health care facilities to meet target nurse-to-patient ratios has made it out of a Minnesota House of Representatives committee. The Standards of Care Act requires hospitals to meet staffing levels recommended by professional nursing specialty organizations.