Updated Cal/OSHA confined spaces regulations for construction took effect Jan. 1, creating a standalone set of rules that separate construction requirements from general industry standards. The rules clarify procedures for entry permits, rescue operations and emergency medical response related to permit-required confined spaces. The changes were adopted by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards […]
Cyber risks are set to intensify in 2026 as artificial intelligence reshapes how attacks are launched and how organizations defend themselves. Three new reports agree that cybercrime is becoming faster, more targeted and more disruptive to business operations. AI is accelerating existing threats and shortening the time between intrusion and impact. According to a report […]
One of the biggest risks commercial property owners face is a visitor suffering an injury on their property. One slip and fall can start a cascade of events, starting with a premises liability lawsuit seeking financial compensation. Your defense, as a property owner would be proving that you lived up to your duty of care […]
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. construction workers say they have experienced anxiety or depression in the past year, according to a new survey of more than 2,000 workers and executives. Poor mental health can increase the risk of injuries, slow projects and drive up absenteeism, turnover and disability claims. OSHA now highlights workplace stress and mental […]
Does your injury and illness prevention program spell out the disciplinary action your company will pursue if its safety rules are not adhered to? Addressing disciplinary issues can be a very sensitive and stressful process for most managers, supervisors and employees. However, if such issues are avoided or handled poorly, it can lead to serious […]
In October and November of 2011, floods inundated large parts of central Thailand, including thousands of factories that made everything from automotive parts and hard disk drives to eyeglass lenses and air conditioners. In addition to the human and economic cost in Thailand, the disaster affected businesses around the world. Carmakers in Detroit shut down […]
The EEOC Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has rolled out the most dramatic shift in its enforcement posture in decades, narrowing some protections and targeting others, especially around disparate impact, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and gender identity. Also, with the confirmation of Commissioner Brittany Bull Panuccio in October 2025, the EEOC once again has a […]
This is the second of two parts, highlighting the top 10 laws and regulations affecting California businesses in 2026. Wage judgment penalties On Jan. 1, 2026, SB 261 expanded the potential liabilities for employers that fail to pay a final wage judgment. Under the new law, if an employer fails to pay a final judgment […]
With 2026 now upon us, so is a slew of new laws and regulations that affect California businesses. Every year, laws passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by the governor take effect, and 2025 was a busy legislative session in Sacramento. The end result is another wave of new legislation that California […]
As the construction industry continues to rebound from the recession, contractors face evolving risks that, left unchecked, can leave their operations exposed to new liabilities. If you already operate a construction firm, you know that there is a labor shortage that has affected the makeup of your workforce, and that hiring entities are asking builders […]