Massachusetts’ Governor Signs CORI Reform Law Massachusetts’ Governor Deval Patrick signed a law preventing employers from seeking disclosure of job applicants’ criminal record information prior to the interview stage of the hiring process. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination has enforcement authority over the existing Criminal Records Statute, G.L. c 151B, Section 4 (9). Under the Read more
The California Employers Guide, DE 44 Has Been Updated for 2011 2011 changes for employers in California include: Expanded e-Services for Businesses- Now employers will be able to view and manage their own employer tax account, file most reports, and provide payment options for tax deposits, liabilities and much more. For more information go to Read more
IRS Releases 2011 Standard Mileage Rates The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued the 2011 optional standard mileage rates. Businesses utilize these rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. January 1, 2011 the standard rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or Read more
What is GINA?Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which took effect November 21, 2009, prohibits the use of genetic information in making employment decisions, restricts employers from requesting, requiring or purchasing genetic information, and strictly limits the disclosure of genetic information. Title II applies to private and state and local government employers Read more
Federal Form 3 “Notice to Employees” Required for Radiological Working ConditionsNRC Form 3, ‘Notice to Employees” (CPC Poster #74216) is the mandatory federal radiation notice that must be posted in facilities licensed or regulated by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In addition, state facilities and activities that possess a license from the applicable state Read more
The New York State Department of Labor Launches Green Survey, Mailers Sent Out The New York State Department of Labor has sent out surveys in the mail to estimate the number of green jobs in the state and determine the skills workers need in order to accomplish these jobs. This research project was made possible Read more
OSHA Extends Comment Period and Announces Stakeholder Meeting on Noise Control Interpretation The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced there will be an extension for the official comment period on the proposed interpretation titled “Interpretation of OSHA’s Provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise.” The official extension is 90 days, so Read more
3 Important Illinois Employment-related Changes Effective 1/1/2011: Children & Grandparents Now Eligible for Family Military LeaveEffective January 1, 2011, employees who are the child or grandparent of a person called into active military service are entitled to the same leave previously provided to spouses and parents under the Family Military Leave Act. Under the expanded Read more
The Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards in Fiscal Year 2010 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released the top 10 most frequently cited standards in the fiscal year 2010, October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. The list is as follows: Scaffolding, general requirements (Construction) Fall protection (Construction) Hazard communication standard (General Industry) Read more
California State-OSHA Plan First to Have Diacetyl Standard Cal/OSHA has implemented a new standard to further protect workers in the state. The Diacetyl Standard, the first of its kind, requires employers covered by the standard to take special precautions to ensure worker safety. Employers are required to do the following: Create a regulated area for Read more
