April 2008

April 2008 Vol. 4, Iss. 1

The first few months of 2008 have been an especially busy time for federal and state lawmakers engaging in policymaking decisions that impact the way in which you manage your workforce. First, as described by Jan Hensel, the United States Congress and Department of Labor issued revisions to and new rules governing the Family and Medical Leave Act. All employers with 50 or more employees in a 75-mile radius should pay close attention to the new requirements and regulations. Additionally, the Florida legislature recently enacted a law regarding firearms in the workplace. Details about that law are provided here in an article by Lynn Gross. And in Ohio, a private citizens’ group continues its efforts to pass a law that would require all employers with 25 or more workers to provide employees with seven paid days of sick leave each year. Look for additional information regarding this proposed law in the next issue of Workfor$e.

In addition to keeping up to speed on ever-changing employment laws and regulations, day-to-day personnel management remains critical. With the upcoming summer break from school, many employers may be considering hiring youth to supplement their workforce. An article by Jerry Chattman and Kara Beverly provides guidance on the employment of minors. Finally, Hans Nilges explains the interesting dynamics between protecting trade secrets and disclosing known safety hazards, as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, in an article that is particularly germane for employers engaged in the manufacture of chemical products.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact any member of BDB’s employment and workers’ compensation practice group for additional information or assistance with any of these issues.

Amanda Walls is an Associate in the Employment & Workers' Compensation Practice Group. She can be reached at awalls@bdblaw.com or 330.491.5315.

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The material appearing in Workfor$e is meant to provide general information only and not as a substitute for legal advice. With regard to specific law issues, readers of this newsletter should seek specific advice from legal counsel of their choice.