Human Resources


Princeton HealthCare System Sued for Disability Discrimination

EEOC filed the suit in New Jersey, saying the health care provider unlawfully fired employees who needed medical leave.

Pennsylvania Oil Supplier Fined $40,000 for Spill Prevention Violations

The company was cited for allegedly failing to conduct drills or exercises to help prepare for a potential spill from its oil storage facility in Woxall, Pa. Under the Clean Water Act, owners of oil storage facilities must have a plan to minimize the risk of spills, including periodic exercises.

7-Eleven Pays $10K for Disclosing Former Employee’s Medical Data

In addition to the monetary relief, the company agreed to annual training of its human resources personnel and managers in equal employment opportunity, with an emphasis on the confidentiality provisions of the ADA.

NIST Seeks New Members for Nine Advisory Committees

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is requesting nominations of qualified individuals for its nine existing federal advisory committees. Nominations for all committees will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will be considered as and when vacancies arise.

Study: Having Interpreters in the ER Improves Safety, Efficiency, Overall Mood

“Using the same interpreter from triage to discharge creates continuity of care and also ensures that we are not missing anything important when talking to the patient,” said study co-author Dr. Robert Eisenstein. “It has the potential to help us get a more accurate patient assessment on arrival in the emergency department as well as better patient compliance with discharge instructions because the patient actually understands what we’re telling them to do!”

Applesauce Maker Pays $300K for Sexually Hostile Work Environment

According to the lawsuit, a class of female farmworkers was subjected to threatening behavior by male coworkers who made lewd and unwanted sexual advances and used a forklift to chase women or block them with their bodies or a broom while they walked down the hall of the processing plant.

The EEOC report assesses the state of equal employment opportunity throughout the nation.

EEOC Releases FY 2009 Federal Work Force Report

The number of women in the federal workforce rose from 42.3 percent to 44.06 percent; Hispanics/Latinos from 6.81 percent to 7.90 percent; and Asian-Americans from 5.22 percent to 5.84 percent. The total workforce increased by 15.09 percent. Meanwhile, federal agencies’ efficiency in handling the complaint process slipped.

ATRI Updates Online Idling Regulations Compendium

Provided as a free service to help trucking companies and truck drivers, the new information includes the latest exemptions to idling regulations in effect in North Carolina, West Virginia, and Detroit.



Both alcohol and anabolic steroids might be added to the DOE workplace substance abuse program for contractor employees.

DOE May Test Contractors for Alcohol, Steroids

Its Office of Health, Safety and Security seeks comments about potentially adding both to its current program, which randomly tests for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, and amphetamines.

DOL Seeks Public's Advice on Improving Disability Regulations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21.7 percent of people with disabilities were in the labor force in June 2010, compared with 70.5 percent of people with no disability. In addition, the unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 14.4 percent, compared with 9.4 percent unemployment for those without a disability.

ASSE Offers Heat-Illness Safety Tips

Dry, hot skin with no sweating is not a good sign; it’s one of the symptoms of heat stroke and can be deadly. When working in the heat, try to have a cool cup of water every 15 minutes.

Sears Store Pays $30,750 to Sexagenarian It Refused to Hire

A then-61-year-old applicant sought an entry-level loss prevention/asset protection position but was turned down, despite his qualifications and 27 years of investigative experience.

Blockbuster Settles ADA Case Involving Service Animal Access

The settlement terms include the company paying $22,000 -- $12,000 to the individual who filed the complaint and $10,000 as a civil penalty -- and posting "Service Animals Welcome" signs in all of its more than 3,000 retail stores.

‘Find It – Fix It’ Ergonomics Challenge Is On

Companies have until Sept. 15 to submit their best workplace improvements, highlighting the implementation of a creative, sustainable, and high-impact ergonomic solution.

DOL Opens ‘One-Stop’ Compliance Assistance Shop on Border

The new office will aim to connect employees, employers, and community-based organizations with the resources and assistance needed to ensure that workers in low-wage industries -- including laborers on federal construction and service contracts -- are paid fairly for all hours worked, DOL said.

Exterminator to Pay $80,000 for Terminating Pregnant Pest Technician

According to EEOC, the employee informed her employer of a restriction against handling pesticides. The company honored her restriction for approximately six weeks and then terminated her employment, claiming it did not have enough work for her to perform with this restriction.

Cherry Tse, JP, is Commissioner for Labour and in charge of the Hong Kong Labour Department.

Hong Kong Raises Compensation for Work Fatalities

For occupational deaths on or after Aug. 1, the minimum compensation to be paid to family members is $310,000 in Hong Kong dollars, which is equivalent to about $40,000 in U.S. dollars.

Houston Hacker Gets Year in Prison for Hijacking Data

According to the Justice Department, the man connected to his former employer’s computer network from his home and recklessly caused damage by inputting various Oracle database commands. He also copied and saved to his home computer a database file containing personal information on the GEXA Energy customers, including names, billing addresses, social security numbers, dates of birth and drivers license numbers.

OSHA is soliciting applications for $2.75 million in Susan Harwood Targeted Topic Training Grants.

$2.75 Million in Susan Harwood Training Grants Up for Grabs

For fiscal year 2010, the program offers 28 targeted topic areas including crane safety, combustible dust, maritime, oil and gas, and eye safety.

OSHA Unveils Dedicated Website for Whistleblowers

"OSHA doesn't work unless workers feel secure in exercising their rights," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. "This Web page is part of OSHA's promise to stand by those workers who have the courage to come forward when they know their employer is cutting corners on safety and health."

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