Two years ago, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its final rule requiring employers to limit employees’ occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The rule establishes two separate standards – one for the construction industry and one for general industry and maritime operations. The most controversial feature of the rule is that Read more
Massachusetts employers only have a few more days left to prepare for the new Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Starting April 1, 2018, employers with six or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and nursing employees. The Act also prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, such as lactation Read more
On January 1, 2018, the minimum wage increased in 18 states, an even greater number of municipalities, and on the federal level for employees of federal contractors. Employers were required to pay employees at the updated hourly wage rate and, in many cases, update their outdated workplace posters with a 2018 minimum wage poster. While Read more
There are any number of unforeseeable circumstances that might cause someone to experience a life-threatening illness, injury or trauma while in the workplace. For victims who are choking, have stopped breathing, are in cardiac arrest, or experiencing uncontrolled bleeding, first aid treatment must be provided within the first few minutes to avoid permanent medical impairment Read more
On February 26, 2018, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals became the second federal appeals court to hold that sexual orientation discrimination is sex discrimination under the federal law which prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on sex. The 10-3 decision follows on the heels of the 7th Circuit, which in 2017 became the Read more
New Jersey’s newly elected Governor Phil Murphy has signed Executive Order #1 prohibiting state agencies from asking job applicants about salary history. The goal of the new Order is to combat gender inequality and promote equal pay for women in New Jersey. According to the studies cited in the Order, women in New Jersey who Read more
Santa Fe, New Mexico’s Living Wage Act requires covered employers to pay employees who work in the city a minimum wage, or “living wage,” that the city determines is adequate to meet the basic needs of living in Santa Fe. Every year, Santa Fe’s minimum wage rate is adjusted for inflation. Effective March 1, 2018, Read more
The Commonwealth of Virginia has updated two mandatory notices describing tax benefits that employees may be eligible for during this year’s tax season. Employers are required to post both the federal EITC notice and the state CLI notice to inform employees of the availibity of these earned income tax credits. What’s the EITC? The federal Read more
Wyoming is one of 26 states that operate their own OSHA programs under a Federal OSHA-approved State Plan. Federal OSHA requires State Plan states to adopt occupational safety and health standards that are at least as effective as Federal OSHA standards. This includes adopting a penalty structure that is at least as effective as Federal Read more
Austin is the latest city to join the paid sick leave bandwagon. On February 19, 2018, the Austin City Council passed the ordinance requiring employers to provide employees who work at least 80 hours in a calendar year to accrue paid sick and safe leave at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours Read more
