Compliance Stuff

With the growing popularity of smart glasses and other wearable technology, we have heard a growing number of questions from clients concerned about employees’ use of these devices at work . Some concerns relate to potential recording of confidential business information or co-worker privacy issues, while other employers believe that employees are using the devices to watch videos or engage in other time-wasting activities . These clients have asked about their ability to limit or ban the use of wearable technology devices at work. In general, employers have the ability to create policies that restrict use of these devices. Companies have legitimate business reasons to protect their confidential information from disclosure. The policy can also address productivity and employee privacy concerns. If a worker claims that the device is needed as an accommodation for a disabling medical condition, the employer should review the request, determine if it presents an undue hardship, and put i...

On June 5, 2025, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding the Trump administration’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. The proposed budget includes significant funding reductions for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), specifically targeting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The proposal seeks to cut OSHA’s funding by approximately $50 million and reduce its full-time workforce by 223 positions, shifting the agency’s focus toward increased compliance assistance rather than direct enforcement. The enforcement budget for OSHA would be reduced by about $23.7 million compared to the previous year. Broader DOL cuts are also proposed, with an emphasis on consolidating workforce programs and reducing regulatory burdens. Quick Hits Secretary Chavez-DeRemer testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on June 5, 2025, abo...

A high-tech company just announced that it will expand its deployment of smart glasses equipped with cameras, sensors, and internet connectivity to even more federal safety inspectors in 2025 so they have ability for real-time documentation, augmented reality features, and instant communication with outside personnel. Although details of OSHA’s intended use of the Vuzix M400™ smart glasses are limited,  the December 2 announcement  raised eyebrows in the employer community. After all, the continuous use of cameras and recording features raises significant questions about whether their use might violate constitutional protections and even OSHA’s own policies concerning the use of recording devices during inspections and interviews. What do you need to know about this development and what steps can you take now to protect your organization and your employees? What are Smart Glasses? Smart glasses are wearable devices equipped with cameras that can record video and audio, take p...