Human Resources


"It has just only recently become apparent that PTSD is rampant in the community of emergency responders," author Hampton Sides said in an NPR interview.

First Responders' PTSD Story Opens Debate

A story posted and broadcast Dec. 30 by NPR about a Colorado emergency responder's post-traumatic stress disorder is sparking a lively debate about the cost of treatment.

Canada Also Adding Stronger Warnings to Cigarette Packs

Larger, color warnings, easier-to-understand information about toxics in the smoke, and a phone number and URL to reach smoking cessation services will be included.

Anderson said her company sees its program as a way to reduce the use of paid sick days and know it pays for itself.

Encouraging Wellness for Fun & Profit

Anderson Performance Improvement runs its own wellness incentive program as well as programs for clients. The benefits are obvious for all concerned, CEO and President Louise Anderson says.

Solis Announces New Appointments, Leadership for 2011 ERISA Advisory Council

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis recently announced the appointments of five new members to the 2011 Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans--known as the ERISA Advisory Council. She also announced the appointment of the incoming chair and vice chair of the council.

Labor Secretary to Chair Homelessness Council, HHS Secretary Vice Chair

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis was recently elected by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to lead federal efforts to end homelessness. As chair of USICH, Secretary Solis joins the newly elected vice chair, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, in implementing Opening Doors, the first federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. Solis succeeds Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, who has been chair since 2009.

OSHA Appoints New Head of Construction Directorate

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, has appointed Jim Maddux as the new director of the agency's Directorate of Construction, effective Monday, Dec. 20, 2010.

The law was enacted in response to increasing misuse of prescription drugs in the United States, particularly among teenagers.

DEA Sets Meeting on Surrendered Drug Procedures

The Jan. 19-20 public meeting at the Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel will help the agency write the regulations implementing the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010.

Wage and Hour Wants Comments on Nursing Mothers' Breaks

The health reform law added a break time requirement to the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the DOL unit is still working out final guidance for employers.



DOL Obtains Default Judgment against California Garment Manufacturer

A U.S. district court judge has ruled in favor of the Department of Labor in a case against a Westminster, Calif., garment manufacturer and its owner, awarding a total of $887,554 to current and former workers (Case No. 2:10:-CV-02805 AHM (PJW)). Judge A. Howard Matz approved the department's request for a default judgment against Laundry Room Clothing Inc., owner Milton Kaneda and principal Sharon Kaneda after they failed to pay $380,824 in unpaid minimum wage and overtime compensation due to 115 low-wage workers.

SHRM Accepts Penn State's Online Master's Program

The online Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations program is now an educational option for the members of the Society for Human Resource Management, the university announced Dec. 10.

On hand for the discussions were (from left to right): Brian Galonek, Beth Russert, Kevin Cronin, Heidi Chatfield, Greg Canose, Michelle M. Smith, and George Delta.

Incentive Legislation Campaign Promotes Tax Changes to Reduce Health Costs

Incentive Federation Executive Director George Delta explained that upcoming tax reform and health care issues on the horizon for the 112th Congress that begins in January could provide a workable venue to promote the use of incentives as a means to reduce health care costs.

HHS Approves MRO Training, Certification Bodies

A Dec. 8 notice from SAMHSA announced Secretary Sebelius has approved two medical review officer certifying entities and two others for the training given as a prerequisite for certification.

ACOEM Releases New Musculoskeletal Treatment Guidelines

The 3rd edition contains more than 12,650 references and 2,500 recommendations—a comprehensive collection of evidence-based musculoskeletal medical recommendations—with supporting evidence levels and tables.

No Change in 2011 FAA, PHMSA Testing Rates

Both agencies are telling employers their minimum random drug testing percentage rates will stay at 25 percent.

Accidents/incidents occurring at highway-rail grade crossings would not be factored in unless they were caused by failure to comply with a railroad operating rule or a federal law or regulation.

NPRM Spells Out Railroads' Risk Reduction Plans

Each Class I railroad, each railroad with an inadequate safety record, and each passenger railroad would have to submit a plan to the Federal Railroad Administration for its approval and then implement it.

U.S. Chamber Supports Transparency for State Pensions

The business organization applauds the bill introduced by Rep. Nunes, which would require local and state governments to report their plans' funded status to the Secretary of the Treasury.

Waste Removal Company Settles Disability Discrimination Suit

ILA Corp. concedes it fired a man because of his dyslexia and will pay $95,000 to settle.

Forum Helping SAMHSA Identify Gaps in Offerings

The HHS agency asked grantees to vote online by 8 a.m. Nov. 30 for their favorite change in what SAMHSA now offers about mental health and substance abuse.

ASSE Says Holiday Travel Increases Risk of Bedbugs

In the past, pesticides were used to eliminate the problem, but as pest control practices have changed, the bedbug problem has grown. Experts note too that most bedbugs are homegrown and are being spread from belongings taken from one place to another.

DOJ Announces ADA Settlement with Movie Theater Chain

According to the department, the agreement will improve the movie-going experience for people who use wheelchairs and their companions at AMC stadium-style theaters nationwide.

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