In today’s world, employees spend increasingly more time at work, including in the manufacturing industry where jobs are generally not remote. This means that employees may have close working and personal relationships with each other, such as dating and romantic relationships as well as friendships. Such relationships, between peers, employees and supervisors, or even employees
Workplace Accidents
Let the Gifts Be the Only Surprise at the Company Holiday Party
‘Tis especially the season this year for company holiday parties. Manufacturers may have avoided hosting large group gatherings over the last few years, including parties, and may be seeking ways to engage workers and increase morale in the workplace at this time of year; to that end, hosting holiday or festive lunches, parties, and gatherings…
Manufacturing: Back to Business (Part Two)
This is the second of two posts dedicated to reopening plans for manufacturers. In the first post on May 26, I addressed the first two questions which every manufacturer may wish to ask as it forms its reopening plans. Manufacturing; Back to Business (Part One) (May 26, 2020). Here, I address the next four questions.…
Legal Pot = Manufacturing Storm Clouds (the Refrain)
A few months back, I posted some thoughts about recent efforts to legalize medical and recreational marijuana, with an emphasis on the potential issues such laws would have on manufacturers – particularly manufacturers in a space requiring a heightened concern for employee safety. See “Legal Pot = Manufacturing Storm Clouds” (May 29, 2019). …
DOJ to Increase and Strengthen Criminal Worker Safety Prosecutions
With the new year comes a new focus on increasing criminal prosecutions against employers for worker safety violations. In the end of December, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced a plan to deter workplace safety violations through more stringent criminal prosecution. Under the new plan, the DOJ will work…
OSHA Updates National Emphasis Program on Amputations
In August 2015, OSHA updated its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Amputations. Based on a review of data from general industry as well as targeted industries, OSHA determined that workplace amputations were being underreported. OSHA updated the NEP on Amputations to target all workplaces with machinery or equipment capable of causing amputations.
OSHA defines…
“Light Duty” Work Assignments in Doubt: Supreme Court Adopts New Pregnancy Discrimination Standard Affecting Manufacturers
The United States Supreme Court issued its much anticipated decision in Young v. United Parcel Service, (U.S. Sup. Ct., March 24, 2015), in which the Court set forth a new standard for litigating pregnancy discrimination claims and arguably injected considerable uncertainty into “restricted duty” or “light duty” work programs.
Factual Background
Peggy Young worked…
Five 2015 Corporate Compliance / Litigation Issues Manufacturers Need To Keep An Eye On
It is our annual tradition at the beginning of each year to report on significant issues that face manufacturers/distributors in the year ahead. Two weeks ago, Matt reported on significant issues in the labor/employment arena. Last week, Pam reported on Environmental, Health and Safefy (EH&S) issues.
To round out the series, I’ll be…
Five 2015 Environmental, Health and Safety Issues Manufacturers Need to Keep An Eye on
Matt set a pretty high bar last week, summarizing his thoughts for what could be a tumultuous 2015 on the labor and employment front. Now, it’s my turn to provide some thoughts for 2015 the EHS front. I’m not sure I’d call all of these predictions, since we know that they’re out there – more…
OSHA Updates Reporting and Recordkeeping Rule – New Rules Take Effect January 1, 2015
OSHA just announced updates to its reporting and recordkeeping requirements for injuries and illnesses, found at 29 CFR 1904. The updates include changes to who is required to comply with the recordkeeping rules, and expands the work-related injuries that must be reported.
Recordkeeping
The list of industries exempt from routine recordkeeping (think OSHA 300 log…