Legal Issues

Lessons from the courts: Pay protection, religious remarks and dangerous places

October 2, 2015
One religious remark doesn’t trump legitimate discipline … Know when to notify OSHA … Don’t cut pay after FMLA leave.

Lessons from the courts: Age discrimination, religious discrimination and awful graffiti

September 24, 2015
Got an ideal age range for the job? Scrap it now … Check those bathroom walls for graffiti … Perhaps a shift change would have saved $22,000.

Keep it legal: Child care leave, health profiles and forbidden words

September 15, 2015
A quick lesson on child-care leave … Why does that résumé have a “Health Profile” on it? … Words never to use when you’re firing an employee.

These two video clips bring FMLA issues into focus

August 31, 2015
In an August webinar, attorney Michelle Maslowski of Ogletree Deakins shone a spotlight on Family and Medical Leave Act edge cases that reveal what a puzzle this law can be … and then provided answers.

Keep it legal: 3 reminders of the basics

August 28, 2015
Policies are worthless if they’re not communicated … Even the appearance of bias can be costly … Don’t shrug off same-race har­­assment.

Lessons from the courts: 3 cases to remember

August 14, 2015
Workers speaking Spanish on break? Let it go … Stick with same interview questions for all candidates … Make easy accommodations for workers without protest.

Worker with disabled child protected by the ADA

August 6, 2015
A woman was fired from her temporary job assignment at a medical facility and was denied a full-time permanent position because of her relationship to a person with disabilities—her toddler daughter.

I divulged worker’s illness: HIPAA concerns?

August 3, 2015
Q. An employee told me he has bronchitis. I told the rest of the staff. Did I violate HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)? 

Keep it legal: 3 alerts to make you think

July 29, 2015
Karl pulled a bullet out of his pocket and showed it to co-workers on break. When asked if it was real, Karl said it was, adding, “This one’s got your name on it” …

Keep it legal: 3 reminders

July 13, 2015
To cut lawsuit risk, list your minimum job qualifications … Remember that temporary injuries aren’t disabilities under the ADA … Keep these 3 rules of discipline in mind.