Safety/Health

Check your OSHA records!

11/09/2009

OSHA is conducting a “National Emphasis Program” targeting employer record-keeping of workplace accidents and injuries. As part of the program, OSHA inspectors will be checking employer records and taking enforcement action “when employers are found to be under-recording injuries and illnesses.” Advice: Firm up workplace illness- and injury-reporting practices before federal inspectors drop in for a visit.

OSHA proposes $237,500 in fines against refinery

11/02/2009

OSHA last month announced it has issued $237,500 in proposed penalties against a Big Springs oil refinery accused of cutting corners on safety. The fines will be levied against Alon USA after an OSHA inspection found numerous safety violations.

Attempted suicide: Proof of disability … or grounds for dismissal?

10/27/2009

Effective HR pros often have to balance sensitivity and compassion with hard-nosed business realities. Never will that dichotomy be more severely tested than when an employee attempts suicide. Then you’ll have to consider the employee’s situation, ADA and FMLA rules … and your obligation to maintain an environment that’s safe for other workers.

Texas Supreme Court: Limited employer liability for fatigue-related off-duty conduct

10/05/2009

In a much-watched case, the Texas Supreme Court has refused to expand employer liability for employee off-duty conduct. That’s good news for employers, which faced the possibility of greater liability had the court ruled differently.

U.S. Department of Labor approves Illinois’ OSHA plan

10/02/2009

Illinois has received approval from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to administer its own occupational safety and health plan for state and local government employees. The federal OSHA law doesn’t cover state and local public employees.

It’s not hogwash: Prepare now for the coming swine flu pandemic

09/23/2009

Federal and state public health agencies are closely monitoring the H1N1 influenza (also known as swine flu) that was first identified this spring. Since then, every state in the U.S. has had confirmed cases of the virus. It’s not time to panic—but it is time for businesses to think strategically, be proactive and be prepared.

Follow CDC’s employer guidance for flu season

09/18/2009

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published new guidelines to help employers prepare for the flu season, which is expected to include rapid spread of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu). The CDC encourages employers to take these steps:

Fatal injuries decline, but workplace suicides rise

09/18/2009

Last year, 5,071 Americans died on the job due to injuries. That’s down more than 10% from 2007. One disturbing trend: The number of suicides committed at the workplace jumped 28% last year to 251, the highest number ever recorded in a year.

Preparing your workplace for a possible swine flu pandemic

09/15/2009

The United States is facing a swine flu outbreak that has caused the government to declare a public health emergency. Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published new guidelines to help employers prepare for flu season and prevent the rapid spread of the H1N1 influenza. Here are the CDC’s suggestions, plus insight on your risks and obligations as an employer …

Don’t drop your guard just because Illinois court dismisses whistle-blower case

09/14/2009

Just won an Illinois whistle-blower case? Don’t rest easy yet! If you’re an employer that’s also covered by federal law, brace yourself for a federal whistle-blower lawsuit, too.