OSHA Increases Fines for Violations

Starting in July of 2016, fines for OSHA violations are increasing by 80-150%. This increase could have a huge impact on all businesses. Violation Current Maximum Amount of Increase Increased Penalty Amount 80 % 150 % (max) 80 % 150 % (max) Non-serious $7,000 $5,600 $10,500 $12,600 $17,500 Serious $7,000 $5,600 $10,500 $12,600 $17,500 Willful…

Stay Safe Near Bodies of Water

During the hot summer months, swimming with family and friends can be a relaxing way to cool off. However, there’s always a substantial risk of drowning or sustaining another life-changing injury near large bodies of water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals aged 1-4 and 15-24 have the highest drowning…

Overtime Concerns for Employees with Mobile Devices

Increasing use of employer-provided mobile devices is reshaping working practices worldwide. By staying connected to their offices, employees have been able to become more productive and more valuable to their employers. Indeed, it’s not unusual these days to find individuals checking their email during their morning commute, preparing a report from the local coffee shop…

New Changes to Overtime Wage Payment

On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a new rule that will overhaul overtime wage payment. The new rule doubles the salary threshold that employees must meet to qualify for the overtime wage payment exemption—a change that could affect more than 4 million workers across the United States. What is changing?…

National Safety Month Week #1 – Stand Ready to Respond

We talk about preparation a lot. And after all those wonderful blogs about Hurricane preparation during Hurricane Preparation Week, I don't think I can devote any more time on how to prepare your disaster kit. So lets Stand Ready to Respond. Here on the Delmarva Peninsula we are literally surrounded by water. Teaching our children…