March 2014

On June 2nd through the 6th OSHA encourages a “stand-down” for fall prevention to raise awareness among employers and workers about the hazards associated with falls while on the job. It should come as no surprise the national pledge is directed toward the construction industry, where deaths resulting from falls are high. According to Dr. Read more

New York City’s Earned Sick Leave Act takes effect in just 11 days. Under the Act, NYC employers with five (5) or more employees must provide paid sick leave. Additionally, employers with one (1) or more domestic workers must provide paid sick leave and employers with four (4) and fewer employees must provide unpaid sick Read more

With summer fast approaching, many employers are planning on bringing young people into the workplace for employment and experience. Depending on your summer plans, there are a few tips you should consider to make sure your young people are properly engaged, prepared and will benefit from the experience. Ensure youths are properly classified. Employers are Read more

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 employers are prohibited from discriminating against individuals because of religious affiliation. These protections extend to terms and conditions of employment such as hiring, firing and promotion status, to name a few. The Act also includes the requirement to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of an Read more

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have just released two short guides on employment background checks: Background Checks: What Employers Need to Know, and Background Checks: What Job Applicants and Employees Should Know [PDF]. The publication for employers covers various procedures and laws that might apply when performing background Read more

Understanding basic coverage and compliance information on equal employment opportunity laws and regulations which are enforced by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) doesn’t have to be complicated. The OFCCP enforces three (3) equal employment opportunity laws which include Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Read more

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is studying the use of social media by employers and employees and how it affects protections from discrimination.  It’s a timely and significant issue.  A SHRM study shows over 75% of companies are using social networking sites to recruit candidates. Employers use social media for several different reasons: employee Read more

Recently, the Ontario Ministry of Labour launched an advertising campaign designed to better inform workers of their rights under the following Acts: Employment Standards Pay Equity Occupational Health and Safety Labour Relations The mass campaign is designed to ensure vulnerable workers understand and have access to information covered in the Acts. Did you know? Employees Read more

Employees in Nova Scotia are entitled new benefits and protections, indicating the province is on its way to a more vibrant and prosperous economy.  One good sign: workers earning minimum wage soon will see an increase in their wages.  Effective April 1, 2014, Nova Scotia’s general minimum wage rate will increase to $10.40 per hour Read more