Industry Updates

Cal OSHA has proposed its long-awaited indoor heat illness prevention standard as increasingly hot summers are affecting workers in indoor spaces like warehouses, production operations, restaurants and more. The proposed standard, largely based on the state agency’s outdoor regulations, will require employers whose workplaces at times are at least 82 degrees to have a written …

Continue reading “July 2023 – Cal/OSHA Rule-Making – Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard on Tap”

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued new guidance on how employers can properly use software, algorithms and artificial intelligence-driven decision-making tools when screening job applicants and selecting candidates. The EEOC has grown concerned about possible adverse impacts of these technologies that can help employers with a wide range of employment matters, like hiring decisions, …

Continue reading “July 2023 – EEOC Guidance – New Rules for Using AI in Employment Decisions”

If you have staff who work remotely, you’ll want to pay attention to changes that are coming to the workers’ compensation class code you use for them. Starting Sept. 1, California’s telecommuter class code will finally get its own pure premium rate, that is lower than what’s currently being charged. Since many people started working …

Continue reading “July 2023 – Class Code Changes Okayed by Insurance Dept”

ONE OF THE most common construction industry accidents is falls from heights, which is why it’s crucial that you have in place fall protection systems for your workers. One of the best ways to prevent injuries and death from falls is by using a fall-arrest system. But while these systems can save lives, they can …

Continue reading “April 2023 – Workplace Safety – Construction Falls and the Perils of Suspension Trauma”

THE NATIONAL Labor Relations Board has issued a decision that non-disparagement and confidentiality clauses in employee severance agreements are illegal. The board ruled that these provisions stifle employees’ and ex-employees’ rights under Title 7 of the National Labor Relations Act to discuss work and their employer with one another, among other things. Since the NLRB’s …

Continue reading “April 2023 – Non-Disparagement, Confidentiality Clauses – NLRB Deals Blow to Severance Agreements”

A NEW STATE law that allows for digital license plates to be installed on vehicles in California, may have created a privacy nightmare for employers. The Motor Vehicle Digital Number Plates Act, which took effect Jan. 1, enables fleet and commercial vehicle owners to purchase and install digital license plates and soon-to-be-approved alternative devices for …

Continue reading “April 2023 – Commercial Vehicle Tracking – Digital License Plate Law Creates Privacy Headache”

A U.S. COURT of Appeals has struck down a landmark California law that prohibits employers from requiring their workers to sign agreements to arbitrate any disputes arising from their employment. The ruling clears the way for employers to continue using arbitration agreements without risking criminal liability that the law – AB 51 – calls for. …

Continue reading “April 2023 – Law Barring Mandatory Agreements Shot Down”

A new report found that one-third of companies who are hit with ransomware and pay the hackers to unlock their systems, are often likely to be targeted a second time. And after they pay, they are often faced with significant consequences, including system rebuilding costs, their data still being leaked and financial consequences, according to …

Continue reading “January 2023 – Ransomware Fallout – Firms That Pay Ransom Often Hit Again”

If you’ve been involved in a large construction project, you are familiar with surety bonds and all of the underwriter’s questions you need to answer. If you’re new to the game, it can be daunting. Many small contractors pass on bidding for projects if they require a surety bond. But it doesn’t have to be …

Continue reading “January 2023 – Construction Prep – Preparing for Surety Bond Underwriter Queries”

A slew of new laws and regulations that will affect California businesses are taking effect for 2023. Last year was a busy one, with ground-breaking new laws on employee pay disclosures, a law prohibiting discrimination against cannabis-using employees and another expanding the circumstances when employees can take leave to care for a loved one. The …

Continue reading “January 2023 – Top 10 California Laws, Regs for 2023”