On May 9, 2022, Oregon adopted two permanent rules – 437-002-0156 and 437-004-1131 – following direction from Oregon Governor Kate Brown to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. The rules’ key requirements are identical and apply to any workplace where extreme heat caused by weather can expose workers to heat-related illnesses – medical conditions resulting from…More
WA – Outdoor Workers Heat Protections
As temperatures rise and records look poised to fall across Washington this month, businesses in industries from agriculture to building and road construction are required to take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat and smoke hazards. Employers must monitor temperature and air quality, provide training and information, make sure workers get breaks from the…More
MT – New Record Number of Workers
The number of Montanans employed grew in June 2022 for the 26th consecutive month, reaching a new all-time high, according to data from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Also in the month of June, Montana’s labor force grew to its largest level on record, and…More
Fatal Facts: Overloaded ATV Struck on Public Highway
SUMMARY A 40-year-old orchard worker was driving a four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when he was struck by a vehicle on a state highway. The incident occurred around 1:35 p.m. The worker was using the ATV to bring PVC pipe to an orchard where an irrigation line had to be repaired. The worker had around…More
5-Minute Safety Talk: Compressed Gas Overview
Compressed gases are extremely useful in our lives. At the same time, if not handled and stored properly, compressed gases can be hazardous. Compressed gas can be flammable, poisonous, corrosive or any combination of these. Flammable Compressed Gases: Explode if handled roughly or exposed to heat. Ignite by heat, sparks or flames. Flash back if…More
Featured Member: Superior Fruit Equipment
Superior Fruit Equipment (SFE) was founded in 1995 in Wenatchee, WA, the heart of the fruit growing region of the Pacific Northwest. At their founding, they took over the manufacturing of three of the most well-known and respected brands in the professional tree fruit industry: Hickok Pruning Tools* (established in 1928), Vaca Shears* (established in…More
Frontline: Manager Responsibilities
Treating Employees Consistently As managers, every decision we make is scrutinized under, and held accountable to, a variety of federal and state laws. In particular, managers are held accountable to the EEOC and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Ensuring that you treat employees consistently, or that you can justify any inconsistent treatment, may…More
Counsel’s Corner: Preventing Sexual Harassment
Disclaimer: This document and any discussions set forth herein are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice, which has to be addressed to particular facts and circumstances involved in any given situation. Review or use of the document and any discussions does not create an attorney-client relationship with the author…More
Legal Briefing: Harassment Complaints
Jones v. Prudential Security, Inc., No. 2:2018cv11960 Disclaimer: This document and any discussions set forth herein are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice, which has to be addressed to particular facts and circumstances involved in any given situation. Review or use of the document and any discussions does not…More
Calculating Bonuses Under FLSA
This article provides general information regarding bonuses and the regular rate of pay under the FLSA for non-exempt employees. The FLSA requires that most employees in the United States be paid at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime pay at not less than time and one-half the regular rate of…More
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