Upcoming Events

This month-long observation is committed to keeping the country's roadways safe by driving sober and raising awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.

January 14 is the last day to submit comments on OSHA’s proposed heat illness prevention rule. Search for Docket No. OSHA-2021-0009 at regulations.gov.

OSHA’s penalty increases become effective January 15, 2025, but apply to any penalties assessed AFTER January 15, 2025.

Held during the month of February, this observance brings attention to the importance of heart health.

Employers must post their OSHA 300A Summary (or equivalent) from February 1 through April 30 as required by 29 CFR 1904.32.

This day marks the death of Saint Nicholas in 343 AD. Saint Nicholas was a Greek Bishop of what is now part of modern-day Turkey. He was born to wealthy parents who died in an epidemic while he was still young. A devout Christian, he gave his inheritance to the poor and needy, gaining a reputation for secret gift-giving. St. Nicholas is to thank for any workplace Secret Santa teambuilidng activities.

This day celebrates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly. It was adopted as the result of the experience of the Second World War (WWII). It is considered a milestone document in the history of human rights. Don’t forget employees have rights under the various anti-discrimination laws.

Observed the second Friday in December, this day celebrates sales professionals. Inside sales employees are generally paid an hourly wage and are classified as nonexempt. Thus, they are eligible for minimum wage and overtime pay. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has an exemption for outside salespeople. To qualify, the employee’s main duty must be making sales or obtaining orders/contracts and the employee must be customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s place of business. The FLSA salary requirements do not apply to the outside sales exemption.

This is the shortest day of the year. It’s also a time when employees may struggle with seasonal depression and other illnesses. Remind employees of policies on sick leave, call offs, and flexible schedules, as well as the benefit of doctor visits over pricey emergency room trips. Helping employees maximize their benefits involves good communication. Be proactive, rather than reactive.

Are any city or state minimum wage increases taking effect today? If so, check local labor law posters! Make sure they show the new rate. Interestingly, January 1 was not always the first day of a new year. September, October, November, and December got their names from Latin, and were the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth months of the year in the ancient Roman calendar. The year began in March and the following winter days were not included as part of any month.

This month-long observance brings attention to the dangers of radon and encourages homeowners to test the level in their home.

EPA’s penalty increases become effective January 15, 2025, but apply to any penalties assessed ON OR AFTER January 15, 2025.

Establishments (including importers), domestic or foreign, that produce a pesticide, active ingredient, or device must report to EPA on or before March 1 annually. See 40 CFR 167.85.

Exporters must submit an annual report to EPA by March 1 of each year (40 CFR 262.83(g)). This report summarizes the type, quantity, frequency, and ultimate destination of all hazardous waste exported during the previous calendar year. For the specific information required in the annual report, refer to 40 CFR 262.83(g)(1)-(6).

According to 40 CFR 370, Tier II chemical inventory data must be submitted to the state emergency response commission, local emergency planning committee, and local fire department if a facility has a hazardous chemical present at any time that is required to have a safety data sheet under OSHA’s Hazardous Communication Standard and that hazardous chemical exceeds the reporting threshold and is not exempt. A state may have more stringent requirements than federal EPA.