GSBE Weekly Update 08/16/2017
OSHA Proposes Delay Until December 1 for Electronic Recordkeeping Rule
OSHA has proposed to delay the compliance date of the electronic recordkeeping portion of the new recordkeeping regulation, known as “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses,” from July 1, 2017 to December 1, 2017 in order to allow OSHA “the opportunity to further review and consider the rule.” OSHA has also invited the public to comment on the proposed deadline extension. Comments may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov, or by mail or fax. The deadline for submitting comments is July 13, 2017.
OSHA had previously delayed the compliance date indefinitely. As a reminder, the anti-retaliation provisions of the new regulation became effective December 1, 2016 for federal OSHA, and have become effective in most state plan jurisdictions as well.
Back to School Special: School-Related Leave Issues
It is that time of year. School buses are gleaming, pencils are sharpened and children everywhere are eager to charge back through the schoolhouse doors.
Like it or not, the new school year is upon us and with the return to school comes the predictable rise in employees’ school-related leave requests. In addition to helping employees manage work and family responsibilities, employers find themselves preparing for school-related needs – sharpening their policies and polishing practices to address the host of leave-related issues that accompany the return to school.
State Leave Laws and Soccer Games
In order to allow employees to attend to school-related needs, a number of states have passed laws that allow employees to take leave for reasons such as school enrollment, parent-teacher meetings, addressing behavioral or disciplinary problems, classroom activities and even attending school sporting events, performances, and plays.
California: An employer with 25 or more employees at the same location must allow eligible employees to use up to 40 hours of unpaid leave per year to enroll a child in school or child care, participate in school activities, or address an emergency or disciplinary issue.