The Department of Labor (DOL) recently released information on two similar cases. A roofing contractor received safety warnings in February 2022 from a federal safety inspector regarding fall protection standards.

If you are a federal contractor, you know that there are a variety of terms and conditions that come with this role. Current contractors were required to register on June 30, 2022, through the Office of Federal Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Contractor Portal to certify their Affirmative Action Plan’s compliance with regulations.

Southwestern HR Consulting (SWHRC) previously reported that the Department of Labor (DOL) was holding listening tours last spring regarding the potential for changes to the exemption status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Well, the implementation date for the Healthy Workplaces Act (HWA) has come and gone. We at Southwestern HR Consulting have been tracking this piece of legislation since its inception and were busy ensuring our existing clients and many new clients were getting the necessary resources to be compliant by the July 1st implementation.

The Department of Labor has been holding listening sessions in May to obtain feedback regarding the possibility of an additional increase to the salary threshold for exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Employers who have federal contracts or subcontracts in the amount of $150,000 or more and who have 50 employees must submit an Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) annually and are subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).

The Office of Federal Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is providing a webinar on its Contractor Portal Certification. The session will occur on April 7, 2022, at 2:00 pm ET. This second session was scheduled due to the high level of interest in their March 31, 2022 session, so you will want to sign up as soon as possible if you are interested.

As we enter the new year, it is important that employers check their wages against the new minimum wage rates effective January 2022. For wage rates within the State of New Mexico, the highest wage rate will be effective.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) just released an updated COVID-19 technical assistance that includes clarification on religious exceptions to an employer’s COVID-19 vaccination policies.

Regardless of the type of employer you are or your size, you will be impacted by a myriad of employment regulations and they will vary based on those factors and others.

As many of you have probably heard by now, President Biden announced several initiatives yesterday to require vaccination or weekly testing of employees working in certain industries.

Previously, we discussed the importance of documenting issues and feedback given to employees experiencing issues during the probationary period. This week, I’d like to more fully explore the benefits of using the probationary period and successful recruitment and onboarding.

As individuals return to the workplace this summer, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an emergency temporary standard to protect healthcare workers and new guidance for other industries in relation to COVID-19.

A new Executive Order raises the minimum wage for many employees working on or in connection with federal government contracts. Employers should understand which contracts and industries are affected by the change.

Southwestern HR Consulting is highlighting important information about minimum wage rates you need to know as an employer in New Mexico. If your business falls outside of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, Las Cruces, Santa Fe County, or Santa Fe, you are required to pay the state minimum wage. If you are within the locations listed, special wage provisions apply.

Companies, large and small, have to adhere to Human Resource laws and regulations. As crazy as it seems, these legalities are frequently changing and depend on how they manage their business and their employees.

Your policies and procedures can make or break your business. As a small business owner, you know the importance of consistency in your daily operations.