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HR Management

Can we require employees to get flu vaccine?

11/09/2009

Q. Can I require my employees to be vaccinated against the flu? I am concerned about the impact H1N1 will have on my business if it spreads among my employees, and a large group needs to take time off.

Check your OSHA records!

11/09/2009

OSHA is conducting a “National Emphasis Program” targeting employer record-keeping of workplace accidents and injuries. As part of the program, OSHA inspectors will be checking employer records and taking enforcement action “when employers are found to be under-recording injuries and illnesses.” Advice: Firm up workplace illness- and injury-reporting practices before federal inspectors drop in for a visit.

Justify why some got training, while others didn’t

11/09/2009

Training opportunities at work must be available to all employees regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and so forth. That doesn’t mean, however, that everyone who wants to take a particular training course must get the opportunity. Employers can base training opportunities on the critical need for some employees to get the training.

Age discrimination alert: Beware using high training costs as excuse to deny promotion

11/09/2009

We all know that it costs money to train employees—and that turnover after investing in advanced training is a genuine and expensive problem. That doesn’t mean employers can get away with refusing to train someone approaching retirement age. That may be seen as age discrimination.

Free HR forms: Termination checklist

11/03/2009

HR Specialist: Premium Plus subscribers have access to more than 70 attorney-approved HR forms and documents—including this checklist designed to help you track the dozens of details that need to be managed when an employee quits or is terminated. Feel free to adapt it for use in your organization.

Hand-helds, laptops and ‘friending’: Managing the new culture clash

11/03/2009

Technology is blurring the lines between work and leisure and revealing real tensions between Gen Y, Gen X and baby boomer employees. The generations have very different ideas about what is and isn’t an appropriate use of technology in the office. Here’s one simple solution for bridging the gap.

‘No texting while driving,’ Obama tells federal staff, as more states outlaw texting for all drivers

11/02/2009

President Obama last month signed an executive order that directs federal employees “not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles; when using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving; or while driving privately owned vehicles when they’re on official government business.”

Use clear criteria to ensure bias-free hiring

11/02/2009

Judges rarely second-guess the decisions of employers that use reasonable methods to hire or promote the best candidates. By using objective criteria and documenting the selection process, savvy employers win most cases.

Should we change our policy to require that all harassment complaints be made in writing?

11/02/2009

Q. Our new plant manager wants me to revise our sexual harassment policy to require employees to submit complaints in writing. He says this will formalize the procedure and help ensure that only valid complaints are filed. I don’t think this is a good idea. Is it?

OSHA proposes $237,500 in fines against refinery

11/02/2009

OSHA last month announced it has issued $237,500 in proposed penalties against a Big Springs oil refinery accused of cutting corners on safety. The fines will be levied against Alon USA after an OSHA inspection found numerous safety violations.