Compliance Stuff

Icy, wintery conditions are currently rocking the East Coast, dumping several feet of snow in metro areas that usually don’t see such accumulation. The impending storms could have a bigger disruption on your operations than you may think if you aren’t prepared for the safety and leave demands that are also on the forecast. When snow or ice makes it difficult for staff to travel to work or forces you to close your operations altogether, you may be obligated to pay certain employees. And while there are no specific federal rules on keeping workers safe in the cold, employers still face legal obligations to maintain a safe workplace. Here are a few important reminders to help you weather the storm. Risks Rise When the Temperature Drops The lower average temperatures that come along with the winter season present health-related safety risks for employees that primarily work outside. There are currently no federal regulations requiring employers to take specific precautions due to cold wea...

With the winter season and snowier conditions just around the corner, is your business prepared for the cold weather safety and leave requests that are also on the forecast?  When snow or ice makes it difficult for staff to travel to work or forces you to close your operations altogether, you may be obligated to pay certain employees. And while there are no specific federal rules on keeping workers safe in the cold, employers still face legal obligations to maintain a safe workplace. Here are a few important reminders and how to handle inclement weather-related leave requests. Risks Rise When the Temperature Drops The lower average temperatures that come along with the winter season present health-related safety risks for employees that primarily work outside. There are currently no federal regulations requiring employers to take specific precautions due to cold weather, but employers do have a legal obligation to maintain a workplace free from hazards. Employers should conduct a h...

A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate on May 21, 2025, seeks to significantly expand the scope of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) by extending its protections to public employees at the federal, state, and local levels . The bill, titled the “ Public Service Worker Protection Act ” (PSWPA), would amend the OSH Act to include employees of the United States, states, and political subdivisions of states within its definition of “employer,” thereby affording public-sector workers the same occupational safety and health protections currently available to private-sector employees . Companion legislation ( H.R. 3139 ) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in May. Quick Hits The legislation would amend Section 3(5) of the OSH Act to explicitly include public employees, covering federal, state, and local government workers. The amendment would take effect ninety days after the PSWPA’s enactment for most public employees. For federal OSHA workplac...

  Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming all aspects of the work environment, including the workplace safety sector. As your organization strives to minimize workplace accidents, improve safety protocols, and ensure regulatory compliance, AI provides you with a new opportunity for progress and enhanced efficiency. What do you need to know about the benefits, risks, and legal implications of AI in the workplace safety space? Benefits of AI in Workplace Safety What are the benefits that AI can bring to the world of workplace safety? Real-Time Hazard Detection and Prevention One of the most impactful ways AI can improve workplace safety is by enabling real-time hazard detection. Traditional safety measures often rely on periodic inspections, manual monitoring, and reactive responses to incidents. AI, on the other hand, could allow for continuous monitoring of environments using sensors, cameras, and wearables, providing immediate feedback when potential hazards arise. F...

  Changes align construction industry with general industry standards WASHINGTON -  The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration has finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment standard for construction. The  final rule explicitly requires the equipment to properly fit  any construction worker who needs it, improving protections from hazardous conditions. “I’ve talked to workers in construction, particularly women, who have spoken of personal protective equipment that didn’t fit or was simply unavailable at the jobsite in their size,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “PPE must fit properly to work. I’m proud of the broad support from both employers and unions for OSHA’s efforts to make clear that employers must provide the right PPE for each worker who needs it.” The revision to the standard adds specific language requiring that employers provide PPE that properly f...