Expert Compliance Insights & Tips for Businesses

April 2, 2013

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OSHA Sends Warning Letters to 9,414 Workplaces With Above-Average Illness, Injury Rates

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in March mailed out 9,414 letters of warning to American businesses that reported above-average illness and injury rates. OSHA administrator David Michaels, whose signature appears on the letters, said that up to 2,500 of those receiving letters could be inspected, with those with the highest rates being inspected first. The largest categ...

April 1, 2013

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Wage and Hour Settlements Up in 2012

According to statistics compiled by National Economic Research Associates, employers across the U.S. paid 18 percent more in wage and hour settlements in 2012 than the year before. In all, employers forked over some $467 million in settlements this past year, bringing the total over the past six years to almost $2.7 billion. Arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), such claims general...

March 28, 2013

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E-Verify Connection Online Newsletter Focuses on Revised I-9

E-Verify Connection, an online newsletter sponsored by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), came out today with a special edition focused solely on the revised Form I-9, which must be used for employee eligibility verification beginning this May 7. The newsletter contains several useful links, plus an invitation to a webinar. E-Verify is a free online service that all...

March 27, 2013

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DOL Launches Online Business Center

The Department of Labor has launched an online Business Center, a suite of resources for employers looking to recruit, train and retain a skilled work force through the department's CareerOneStop website. The site includes tips about how to recruit qualified candidates through local American Job Centers and provides employment projections. Additionally, the site offers access to local train...

March 26, 2013

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HIPAA Omnibus Final Rule Takes Effect Today

The HIPAA Omnibus Final Rule takes effect today, March 26, but the compliance date for its new standards and provisions is not until Sept. 23, 2013. The rule sets forth breach notification standards and penalties; folds the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) into the HIPAA Privacy Rule; extends liability for the HIPAA Security Rule to business associates, along with covered entiti...

March 26, 2013

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DOL Again Targeting Southern California Restaurants

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has already recovered some $2.5 million from Los Angeles-area restaurants in back wages, generally unpaid overtime, but recently announced that it was commencing another round of overtime and misclassification audits in the area. In a newsletter article, the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the DOL announced recently that it continues to see "widespread&qu...

March 25, 2013

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At Least 31 States Eyeing Password, Social Media Protection Acts

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While Hawaii is poised to become the next state to outlaw employer requests for passwords and social media access from employees and job applicants, another 30 states have at least introduced similar legislation. When Hawaii enacts its legislation, it will join six other states that have already passed password protection laws -- California, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware...

March 25, 2013

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EEOC Sets Up Twitter Account in Spanish, Also Establishes a YouTube Channel

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has launched a Twitter account for Spanish speakers to follow news and information about the EEOC, the agency announced. Members of the public and media can now follow @EEOCespañol on Twitter for information on the laws enforced by the EEOC, the charge handling process, outreach and educational programs in Spanish. "Our Twitter en E...

March 19, 2013

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New York City Law Prohibits Discrimination Against the Unemployed

Starting this June 11, a new law in New York City will prohibit employers from discriminating in hiring practices against the unemployed, which the law defines as individuals "not having a job, being available for work, and seeking employment." The New York City Commission on Human Rights has been charged with fielding complaints and reports of discrimination. At the commission's ...

March 18, 2013

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Thomas Perez Nominated for Labor Secretary Opening

Thomas Perez, a Harvard-educated attorney now serving in the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, has been nominated to fill Hilda Solis's vacated post as Secretary of Labor. Perez is a first generation Dominican-American who would become the only Latin member of the Obama administration's second-term cabinet. If confirmed by the Senate, he is expected to play a big role in ...

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EEOC Rescinds Permissible Affirmative Action Guidance

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EEOC Issues New National Enforcement Plan Through 2029

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