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News Notes: OSHA 200 Log Reminder

For the entire month of February each year, most public and private employers are required to post an OSHA 200 Log in a conspicuous place. This “Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses” calls for details about on-the-job injuries and illnesses that occurred between January 1 and December 31 of the preceding year. Unless […]

Look for Workers’ Traits, Not How They Got Them

My column last week was about traits many athletes possess that I believe can make them good employees — competitiveness, teamwork, dedication, and resilience. Some helpful questions and suggestions from readers led me to think I should probably clarify the thought that I was trying to convey. If you recall, last week I mentioned that […]

Can You ‘Bribe’ Employees Not to Smoke?

Yesterday’s Advisor talked about smoking bans. Today we’ll discuss antismoking “bribes”—more politely, incentives–and a guide that has helped thousands of companies to develop wellness programs of their own. Under federal law, employers may establish employee health assessment and promotion programs as long as the programs meet the following requirements: Employee participation is voluntary; Information obtained […]

Paying Foreign and Canadian Crews Comparable Wages Not Good Enough

By Thora Sigurdson, Nicola Sutton, and Derek Knoechel SELI Canada Inc. entered into a joint venture with SNC Lavalin and successfully bid on a contract to build a large rapid transit project in the Vancouver area. The so-called “Canada Line” has been a “hot button” project, causing heated debate about the cost to taxpayers, the […]

California’s High Court Expands Benefits Protections for Domestic Partners

On Jan. 1, 2005, the California Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act (DPRRA) went into effect, giving registered domestic partners the same rights, duties, benefits, and responsibilities that spouses enjoy under California law. Now, the California Supreme Court, in its first ruling under the DPRRA, has said that the law creates broad responsibilities for businesses […]

Does ADA Block Swine Flu Inquiries?

Everyone’s wondering what to do about swine flu, although some surveys show that companies haven’t done much yet. When you do act, you could run smack into the ADA if you’re not careful. Among other things, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulates when and how employers may require a medical examination or request disability-related […]

Proactive Approach to Social Media Control

In yesterday’s Advisor, Alison Davis discussed rant sites—the dark side of social media. Today, she shares proactive practices for controlling social media use. Plus, we’ll take a look at a unique one-stop source for solving HR problems. The best approach to keeping former employees quiet, Davis says, is to tie agreements about future behavior, non-disclosure, […]

Do Your Application Forms Include Recommended Statements and Authorizations?

In yesterday’s Advisor, we shared some of attorney Stephen R. Woods’ rules for avoiding hiring lawsuits. Today we bring you more tips, and an introduction to a new audio conference about the mundane—but critical—challenge of HR recordkeeping. Woods, a shareholder at the Greenville, South Carolina office of law firm Ogletree Deakins, delivered his remarks at […]

Survey Says: Dramatic Increase in Benefits for Part-Timers

By Stephen Bruce, PhD, PHR Just My E-pinion Our recent survey Benefits for Part-Time Employees indicates a dramatic increase in the number of organizations that offer benefits to part-time employees. In addition, 28 percent of respondents report an increase in the number of part-time employees. Looks like part-time work is coming of age. Nearly all […]

Accommodating Employees: Employer Agrees To Settle Suit By Hearing-Impaired Employee

A hearing-impaired worker in Los Angeles who requested a sign language interpreter for meetings–and instead was allegedly told by her supervisors to read lips and try harder–will receive $100,000 to settle her claim that her employer failed to accommodate her under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In a confidential settlement, the government employer also agreed […]