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Contractor Cited for Violations Points to Toolbox Talks in Its Defense

What Happened Gioioso Sons, Inc., constructs and installs water supply and sewer pipes. On July 10, 2009, while the company was performing trenching work to install water service lines at a Boston worksite, a compliance officer for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) arrived for an inspection. The compliance officer saw a Gioioso employee […]

Reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Month

May was Mental Health Awareness Month. For those who are struggling, know that it’s okay to not be okay—please reach out for help if you need it, and remember that there are people who care about you. While the month may be over, that doesn’t mean we should stop prioritizing wellbeing. We’ve collected our favorite […]

With State Family Leave laws, Brace Yourself for Double Dipping

If your state has its own family and medical leave (FML) law, in some circumstances employees may be able to take both leaves, one after the other, and there’s nothing you can do about it. To deal with federal/state family leave issues, the first step is to determine which laws apply to you as a […]

health insurance

IRS Issues Detailed QSEHRA Guidance

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued detailed guidance on the qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSEHRA) program established by Congress last December.

Leadership

Using an ‘Ultimatum’ to Prevent E-Mail Inaction

There are many benefits to e-mail communication over real-time, spoken communication. For one, because the conversation is in writing, there’s a record of what was said, which can be useful both for recollection and to settle any disputes about what might have been committed or agreed to. Sending an e-mail is often an easier way […]

Employee With Perfume Allergy Loses Discrimination Claim

(Updated October 2008) A federal appeals court affirmed the dismissal of a disability discrimination claim based on perfume sensitivity. It found that the employer reasonably accommodated the employee by taking various measures, including prohibiting perfume in the workplace. HR Guide to Employment Law: A practical compliance reference manual covering 14 topics, including the Americans with […]

DEI Initiatives “Not For The Weary,” But Rewards are Great

DEI programs have evolved considerably in scope and complexity in recent years. What were once often derided as PR efforts paying lip service to the objectives of DEI have developed into sophisticated efforts touching virtually all aspects of the organization and managed by a dedicated team of committed professionals. Tiara Chesmer-Williams, Head of Inclusion, Diversity […]

Using Gig Workers to Fill Staffing Shortages

Companies struggling to find enough help often overlook the potential labor pool that exists among gig workers. While some employers may be dismissive of the viability of utilizing gig workers for their operations, there are millions of potential gig workers around the country, meaning that there are likely many with the skills a given employer […]

From Office Romance to Courtroom Drama: Lessons from ‘Presumed Innocent’

Raymond Horgan, the District Attorney of Kindle County, declares “it’s Rusty’s case,” in the premier of Apple TV+’s legal thriller, Presumed Innocent. The “case” concerns the brutal murder of Carolyn Polhemus, a respected prosecutor who had an affair with her coworker—the Rusty Sabich. Rusty justifies his assignment based on merit (i.e., he “is better” than […]