The Department of Labor on May 1, 2025, announced it would no longer enforce a Biden-era rule on independent contractors, setting the stage for a drastic overhaul that will likely result in a more employer-friendly regulation. While the DOL reviews the rule, which has been in effect since March 2024, it announced in a field […]
Cal/OSHA has released draft language that would require employers of outside workers to take additional steps to ensure their safety when working in high heat conditions. The proposed rules were written to implement legislation — AB 2243 — signed into law in 2022 to address heat and wildfire smoke protections for workers. The draft rules, […]
President Trump’s far-reaching tariffs are starting to bleed into building costs as many of the main materials used in construction are now subject to import taxes. And as construction costs increase due to tariffs, so does the cost of repairing or replacing materials if damage occurs during construction. Rising repair and replacement costs make claims […]
When OSHA shows up, it’s not the time to figure things out on the fly. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing or any other field with safety exposure, knowing the ground rules can make all the difference between a successful visit or one where you leave yourself exposed to penalties and a drawn-out appeals process. If […]
As new malware and ransomware that specifically targets mobile devices grows exponentially, if you have not set rules for employees who use their own smart phones for company business, you should do so now. While implementing a bring your own device (BYOD) program can save your company money by not buying new phones for staff, […]
Employers that are hit with a discrimination complaint must act fast to compare the allegations in the lawsuit to the earlier complaint the worker filed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If the employer can find that the allegations in the complaint filed with the EEOC do not match those in the subsequent lawsuit filed […]
Fed-OSHA has finalized a new regulation that requires personal protective equipment for construction workers to be properly fitting. The lack of access to properly fitting PPE for smaller-framed construction workers — especially women — has been a perennial problem, as ill-fitting gear may not protect employees adequately in case of an incident. The new standard […]
With more and more California businesses being forced to go to the California FAIR Plan for their coverage, the market of last resort has moved to increase its commercial property coverage limits significantly. This should bring a semblance of relief to companies located in wildfire-prone areas, who have seen their commercial property insurance non-renewed and […]
The U.S. Treasury Department has announced that it will not enforce a law requiring most businesses with fewer than 20 employees and less than $5 million in annual revenue to report ownership and control information to the federal government every year. The Corporate Transparency Act required firms to file this information by Jan. 1, 2025, […]
Farm operators rely on experienced workers to handle grain trucks, tanker trucks, worker transport buses and vital machinery like combines, pesticide sprayers and planters. But an ongoing labor shortage is increasing risks, as less-experienced workers are stepping into these critical roles. The American Trucking Associations warns that a nationwide trucking shortage could exceed 169,000 drivers […]