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Senate: About-Face on smoking bill

07/01/2008
Just a week after rejecting it, the Pennsylvania Senate reversed course and passed a bill banning smoking in most workplaces and public spaces in the state. The ban will take effect 90 days after Gov. Ed Rendell signs it …

Sex harassment complaints only in writing?

07/01/2008
Q. Our regional manager wants me to revise our sexual harassment policy to require that complaints be in writing. He says this will formalize the procedure and help ensure that only valid complaints are filed. I’m not sure this is a good idea. Is it? …

No need to rehire if worker tests positive after injury

07/01/2008
Does your company have a solid policy banning drugs from the workplace? If not, you are missing an opportunity to deny re-employment to a drug-using worker who was injured on the job …

The right way to prepare for layoffs … and some alternatives

07/01/2008
Because of the nationwide economic slump, layoffs are a hot topic these days. What sort of employment law issues should HR professionals consider when the possibility of laying off workers becomes increasingly likely? Here’s a step-by-step guide for smoothing out a difficult and painful process …

The advantages of having a handbook

07/01/2008
Q. We’re a small company and have never had an employee handbook. Why should we have one? …

How many kinds of harassment policies do we need?

07/01/2008
Q. We have a sexual harassment policy. Is that enough? …

IRS Increases Mileage Rates through End of 2008

07/01/2008
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Shopping for Employment Practices Liability Insurance: 6 Questions to Ask

07/01/2008
The risk is real: Even if you draft airtight employment policies, an employee could sue you tomorrow … and a jury may believe his story. That’s why more companies are adding employment practices liability insurance (EPLI). Here’s our primer on EPLI, including a list of questions the most important questions to ask when shopping for coverage.

Lack of ‘Potty parity’ can spark discrimination claim

07/01/2008

It may sound trivial, but employers in male-dominated industries should take note: Make sure your female employees have access to equal restroom facilities that meet women’s needs. Don’t expect women to adopt male restroom habits. 

In hospitals, have evidence union messages upset patients

07/01/2008
Generally, employees have the right to wear union insignia in the workplace. But in some limited circumstances in health care settings, employers can restrict that right if the restriction is “necessary to avoid disruption of health care operations or disturbance of patients” …