Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has unveiled new safety and health guidance for protecting workers from avian flu. The new document, which updates avian flu guidance by OSHA in 2004, alerts employees and employers about the hazards of occupational exposure to avian influenza from infected birds and provides practical recommendations on ways to […]
Following on the heels of new benefit and notice requirements for health plans offering maternity coverage, a new federal law mandates that any plans that cover mastectomies must also cover breast reconstruction and prostheses. Employees have to be notified about these benefits at the beginning of this year. Check with your health benefits provider for […]
Employers take note: Sept. 30, 2007, is the deadline to file the annual EEO-1 Report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This year, employers must use the new and revamped version of the form (Standard Form 100, rev. 1/06). The EEO-1 form must be filed annually by employers with 100 or more employees or […]
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that by the afternoon of April 2, 2007, it had received enough H-1B work visa petitions—150,000—to meet the congressionally mandated cap for fiscal year 2008. April 2 was the first day employers could submit H-1B petitions for 2008. The H-1B visa program allows U.S. businesses to employ […]
Legislation is wending its way through both chambers of the Washington State legislature that if enacted would make Washington the seventh state where same-sex marriage is legal. It could happen: a sufficient number of Senators for passage in that chamber have said they would vote for it if it reaches the Senate floor, and Gov. […]
A bill recently signed by Governor Pete Wilson will prohibit discrimination against otherwise healthy employees with genetic characteristics that predispose them to a hereditary disease. Proponents of the measure, which goes into effect January 1, 1999, say it’s needed because some employers have begun screening job applicants for genetic problems. A recent court decision found […]
California public employees will pay more for doctor visits and prescription drugs in order to hold health care premium increases to 6%, rather than the 15% to 18% hike that had been projected for next year based on HMO bids. The decision by the nation’s largest public pension fund marks a shift toward employees picking […]
The recent flooding in certain parts of the country due to the remnants of a tropical storm is having a huge financial impact on homes and businesses. Here are some tips on what employers can do before, and after a flood event to protect property and valuable assets. First, remember that floods are a natural […]
The EDD has now told us the new law allows an employee who has taken disability pregnancy leave to take six weeks of paid family leave, contrary to our statement in last month’s issue. The law is (seemingly) contradictory in several places. If clarification is provided, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, employers need […]