(San Francisco, CA) – As the New Year begins, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) reminds employers of new labor laws becoming effective in 2011. The intent of the new legislation varies from providing more flexibility to employers, to expanding paid leave for employees. The following new laws will go into effect on January 1,… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
MSHA Proposes Revisions to Examination Requirements in Underground Coal Mines
Rule underscores mine operators’ responsibility for conducting safety and health examinations ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration today announced a proposal to revise its requirements for pre-shift, supplemental, on-shift and weekly examinations. The proposed rule on Examinations of Work Areas in Underground Coal Mines… [Read more]
Illinois Senate Special Committee on Workers’ Compensation Reform Holds Second Hearing
On Wednesday, December 8, IML staff attended the second hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Workers’ Compensation Reform. The hearing was held at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago. The IML submitted written testimony to the Special Committee. The bipartisan six member committee listened to approximately five hours of testimony from those seeking… [Read more]
Statement by Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis on Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2010
WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote of 214-193 on the Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2010. The measure was taken up by the House as a “suspension” — a legislative mechanism requiring a two-thirds majority of House members… [Read more]
MSHA Announces It Will Hold 6 Public Hearings On Coal Mine Dust Rule
ARLINGTON, Va. November 11, 2010–WorkCompWire— The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration today announced that it will hold six public hearings on the proposed rule “Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors.” The notice will be available in the Federal Register on Nov. 15. The proposed… [Read more]
Cal/OSHA Implements Updated Heat Safety Regulations
OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — As a national leader in workplace safety, Cal/OSHA today implements updated safety standards for employees working in outdoor heat. The revisions to the Heat Illness Prevention Standard, approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board on Aug. 19, became effective today. The revised standards provide clarification of… [Read more]
Texas DOI Issues Informal Proposal Regarding the Amendment of 28 TAC §134.503
Austin, TX., October 25, 2010–WorkCompWire–The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) is accepting comment on two drafts of an informally proposed rule to amend 28 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §134.503 regarding the Pharmacy Fee Guideline. The informal proposal rule drafts were posted on October 25, 2010 and may be viewed at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/rules/drafts.html.… [Read more]
DIR Moves to Strengthen Regulations Governing Self Insurance Plans and Increase Oversight of Self Insured Groups
Sacramento, CA., October 12, 2010–WorkCompWire–The Department of Industrial Relations’ Office of Self Insurance Plans (DIR/SIP) today posted a notice of rulemaking for a regulations package that includes changes to increase oversight of Self Insured Groups (SIGs). The proposed amendments would also require self-insured employers, or their claims administrators, to adopt the same reporting of medical… [Read more]
Cal/OSHA Enforcement Strengthened With Signing of New Law
Sacramento, CA., October 4, 2010–WorkCompWire–Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger late last week signed into law AB 2774 (Swanson) which clarifies the definition of a serious citation. The new law is designed to improve Cal/OSHA’s citation process by redefining how serious violations are cited. The legislation also clarifies procedures for issuance of a serious citation and procedures for… [Read more]
CA Labor Commissioner Issues $450,000 in Citations During Enforcement of Restaurant Industry
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Investigators from the California Labor Commissioner’s Office issued fines to restaurants during an enforcement sweep for violations of state labor laws addressing workers’ compensation and proper payment of wages. The statewide enforcement resulted in 88 citations being issued to 79 restaurants with total penalties of $448,950. The California Department… [Read more]