The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has published a final rule that will give new protections akin to disability accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to pregnant workers and those who have recently given birth. The rule, which takes effect…
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a final rule increasing the federal salary threshold for overtime exemptions by 65%, with the full increase starting in 2025. Currently, any worker who does not earn at least $35,568 per year ($684…
The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 approved a new rule that bans employers from requiring new employees to sign non-compete agreements. The rule will take effect in August 2024, after the commission voted 3-2 to approve it. Besides banning…
America’s roads, after years of steady declines in vehicle accident deaths, are seeing a significant rise in deadly accidents in the last six years. But accidents can be especially lethal if a large truck or bus is involved. In 2022,…
The Americans with Disabilities Act, now more than 30 years old, requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Many employers may be concerned about the cost of making those accommodations. However, a recent government study shows that…
Forklift trucks can be dangerous if they are not operated with care, and it is essential that employees who drive them adhere to safe standards of operation. According to the National Safety Council, forklifts were the source of 73 work-related…
Many companies are leaving themselves exposed to lawsuits for errors and other issues that crop up in their work because they lack professional liability insurance. Traditionally it’s been architects, accountants and lawyers who would purchase this coverage, but with more…
The average age of a construction worker is now in the 40s. Baby boomers — people born between 1946 and 1964 — represent 40% of the construction industry workforce, according to the Center for Construction Research and Training. The nature…
The 2024 International Roadcheck — a high-visibility, high-volume inspection and enforcement effort conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance — is slated for May 14-16. During this annual three-day event, CVSA-certified inspectors fan out across the United States, Canada and…
Businesses are increasingly using smartphones and tablets to manage their risks and improve their workplace safety. An increasing number of applications for these devices — matched with other technologies — can help companies prevent losses, reduce the chances of workplace…