2020

New FMLA Model Notices and Forms Issued by the U.S. DOL Reflect Significant Changes

2023-04-17T11:26:34-04:00September 21st, 2020|2020, Benefits Administration, Labor News|

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued new model notices and certification forms (FMLA forms), which can be used by employers to administer the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and fulfill the FMLA notice obligations. These [...]

Maine DOL Updates Lost Wages Assistance Program

2023-04-17T11:26:34-04:00September 9th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Labor News, Legislative News, Maine News|

FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Maine for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. Additional unemployment benefits from FEMA will be paid out mid-month. Maine Department of Labor gave an update on the funds on Friday. $300 [...]

Awareness and Education: Substance Use Disorder

2023-04-17T11:26:35-04:00September 8th, 2020|2020, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Wellness Programs, Wellness|

Awareness and education are crucial to understanding ways to prevent and effectively treat substance use disorders. What Is Substance Use Disorder? SAMHSA has created a Family Brochure for family members of people living with substance use disorders. It answers questions about [...]

Legislative Update: Guidance Issued on Payroll Tax Deferral

2023-04-17T11:26:35-04:00August 31st, 2020|2020, Employee Benefits Legislation, Legislative News|

Late on Friday, August 28th, 2020, the IRS issued much-anticipated guidance on the payroll tax deferral that was ordered by President Donald Trump in a presidential memorandum on Aug. 8 (Notice 2020-65). The notice allows employers to defer withholding [...]

OSHA Requirements for Automotive Shops: Fire Prevention and Emergency Training

2023-04-17T11:26:36-04:00August 24th, 2020|2020, Automotive Industry News, General Industry News, Safety Tips|

Fire Prevention and Emergency Training: Fire Extinguishers: State fire prevention regulations mandate that all buildings required by the fire department to provide portable fire extinguishers must install and maintain them in accordance with the National Fire Protection Agency’s (NFPA) [...]

OSHA Requirements for Automotive Shops: Respiratory Protection

2023-04-17T11:26:37-04:00August 18th, 2020|2020, Automotive Industry News, COVID-19 Updates, Safety Tips|

General Information (29 CFR 1910.134): Respirators protect workers lungs from hazardous airborne chemicals or particles. Employers are responsible for providing adequate respiratory protection that corresponds with the hazardous chemical exposure of the task being performed. Tasks in your shop [...]

Update on Drug Pricing: White House Issues Executive Orders To Lower Drug Prices

2023-04-17T11:26:37-04:00August 14th, 2020|2020, Benefits Administration, Legislative News|

On July 24, 2020, President Donald Trump issued the following series of executive orders in an effort to lower drug prices: Executive Order on Lowering Prices for Patients by Eliminating Kickbacks to Middlemen: directs federally qualified health centers to [...]

OSHA Requirements for Automotive Shops: Personal Protective Equipment

2023-04-17T11:26:38-04:00August 13th, 2020|2020, Automotive Industry News, COVID-19 Updates, Safety Tips, Workers Compensation|

OSHA Requirements for Auto Shops: Listed below are the OSHA requirements and safety topics relevant to auto shops, which all of our members should have a part of their company safety program. Hazardous Communication: Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR [...]

DOL: 6 Tips to Keep Workers Safe in the Heat

2023-04-17T11:26:38-04:00July 28th, 2020|2020, Safety Tips, Workers Compensation|

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has resources to help workers and employers stay safe as the hot weather continues throughout the country. Here are six things to keep in mind as you prepare for a hot summer: Memorize [...]

Safety Tips: Hierarchy of Controls to Protect Workers

2023-04-17T11:26:39-04:00July 27th, 2020|2020, COVID-19 Updates, Safety Tips, Workers Compensation|

Controlling exposures to occupational hazards is the fundamental method of protecting workers. The pyramid below highlights a Hierarchy of Controls, which shows the most effective to least effective control methods in reducing workplace injuries. Elimination and Substitution Elimination and [...]