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There’s More to Ladder Safety Training Than Workers Might Think

Ladders are simple devices—and that may be their biggest fault. Workers tend to mistake simplicity for harmlessness, often overlooking necessary precautions. More precautions are necessary to stay safe on portable ladders than your employees might think. For example, even before setting up a ladder, the site has to be checked for safety. Say the site […]

The power of habit and HR policies

At the start of a new year, many individuals set goals and resolutions, hoping to change bad habits or form new ones. Exercising, eating healthy, reading more books, learning something new, and spending more time with family or friends are all common resolutions.  But many of these well-intentioned goals and resolutions fall off days, weeks, […]

Race Harassment: LAPD Bomb Squad To Pay Over $5 Million To Black Officer

A jury has awarded $5.3 million to the first African-American member of the elite Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad. John Francois claimed he suffered repeated harassment and discrimination during his 13 months on the job. Healleged that he was called “boy,” was not allowed to attend conferences, and did not receive the same pay […]

The DOL Internship Test—Has It Taken a Swan Dive?

Internships have long been considered a great source of development—and the Department of Labor (DOL) has certain requirements in place to ensure that “interns” are properly classified. However, a recent court case indicates that the DOL’s test may not cut it anymore—BLR® Legal Editor Jasmin Rojas, JD, has the facts of the case and what […]

How Long Does It Take to Train Effectively?

Toolbox talks are informal discussions that address specific hazards or conditions. They are often delivered before a shift or when there is a change in the job, conditions, or equipment. Safety toolbox talks are less formal and shorter than safety meetings and other types of training sessions. They serve as an excellent refresher and a […]

Signaling end of overtime rule, DOL will seek public input on new regs

On June 7, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta said he will soon formally request the public’s input on new overtime regulations. The announcement signals that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) likely will drop its defense of former President Barack Obama’s overtime rule, according to one expert. A request for information (RFI) likely will be […]

Using Employee Surveys to Measure Employee Engagement

Organizations around the world recognize that employee engagement is a crucial element in a company’s productivity and effectiveness. An engaged and committed workforce will go the extra mile in terms of effort, passion, and creativity to push an organization ahead of its competitors. At the same time, employee engagement can be a vague and often […]

Patriots scandal shows it takes only one bad action to put integrity on the line

by Dan Oswald Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And right now, the smoke is billowing out of New England. That’s because, once again, the New England Patriots are embroiled in controversy over alleged cheating. If you haven’t heard about “deflate-gate,” you haven’t been watching the news. The day after the Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts […]

Just Say No to Comp Time

by Kara Shea I hear it all the time: Our employees want comp time; our employees like comp time. Why can’t we give them comp time? And time and time again, I have to deliver the unpleasant news: In most cases, even if your employees love comp time like they love ice cream sundaes and […]