Legislative Alerts

OSHA Revises HazCom Standard to Align with GHS

On March 20, 2012, OSHA filed a final rule with the Federal Register revising the manner in which employers are required to communicate chemical hazards to their employees. The rule, which will take effect in stages through 2016, was written to align the American system with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, commonly referred to as GHS. The new rule adjusts the way chemical labels and material safety data sheets (which will be referred to simply as safety data sheets moving forward) are written to better communicate hazards to employees. These changes are expected to affect 40 million workers at 5 million American workplaces Read More »

Posted in Benefits, Blog, Legislative Alerts, OSHA

Updated NLRB Requirement

The NLRB issued a notice October 5, 2011 advising that they are delaying the requirements of most employers to display an 11 x 17 poster informing employees of their right to form a union. The original deadline for employers was November 14th, and the new deadline is January 31, 2012. As the reason for the delay, the NLRB cited confusion from companies who were unsure if they were subject to NLRB jurisdiction, explaining that a number of primarily small to medium sized companies were unaware if they were covered under the ruling. As a result, the NLRB has indicated they plan to have additional outreach and educational programs to help companies better understand the NLRB, their role and the poster.

As previously mentioned, there is still litigation pending which is seeking to block this ruling overall. Should additional changes or updates occur between now and January 31st, we will update you accordingly.

Posted in Blog, Human Resources, Legislative Alerts

New NLRB Requirement

A new NLRB requirement….. By now, many of you may have heard about a recent ruling from the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) requiring most private-sector employers to notify employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Many employers are calling this the “How To Form a Union” poster, as both union AND non-union employers are required to post the document. Currently there is pending litigation attempting to stop this rule from going into effect; however unless the courts rule to the contrary, employers should have the required notice ready for posting in appropriate sites on November 14, 2011 – when the final rule takes effect.
Read More »

Posted in Human Resources, Legislative Alerts

What is The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is a federal statute that was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. This act along with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (signed into law on March 30, 2010) make up the health care reform of 2010. Together the laws focus on reform of the private health insurance market, providing better coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, making healthcare more affordable for those that financially qualify, improving prescription drug coverage in Medicare and extending the life of the Medicare by approximately 12 years. Read More »

Posted in Benefits, Legislative Alerts | Tagged  Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, health care reform of 2010, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, PPACA