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HANDBOOK HELPER EPISODE 43
WORK TIME OFF FOR VIOLENT CRIME VICTIMS
Employers must provide unpaid leave of any length to victims of crimes or public offenses (domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or crimes causing physical or mental injury), as well as to those threatened with physical injury (Crime Leave).
KEEPING PEACE
Workplace Violence Prevention Implementation Deadline is July 1, 2024
As previously reported, effective July 1, 2024, California employers of any size must develop an effective workplace violence prevention plan (the Plan) for each work area and operation; provide violence prevention training; maintain violence incident logs; and keep records of incident investigations and hazard identification, evaluation and correction.
FROM THE GROUND UP
I knew I was in trouble when Florence Morris, Mother Florence, grabbed me by the collar. And that was only my first day in Liberia, May, 2006, fighting an intestinal insurgency while stifling inside the tiny, tightly packed house, her Global Cares Mission Academy for 150-plus local kids and orphans.
KNOW, THEN GO
California employers must abide by a spate of rules and tests governing independent contractor classification. California’s strict “ABC” test considers all workers employees unless a company can establish that the worker (a) is free from its control and direction; (b) performs work outside the usual course of the company’s business; and (c) operates as an independent business of the same nature as the work performed.
HANDBOOK HELPER EPISODE 42
WORK TIME OFF FOR VOTING
An employee whose scheduled shift does not permit time outside of work to vote in a public election may take up to two paid hours off to do so. The employee must give two days’ advance notice and receive written supervisor approval.
DEFINING “NO”
Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Every two years, employers with five or more on payroll must provide at least two hours of classroom or other effective interactive sexual harassment prevention training and education to all California supervisory employees and at least one hour of such training to all nonsupervisory employees working on-site or remotely within California. New employees must complete this training within six months of hire.
CAUTIONARY TALE EPISODE 82
POULTRY PROCESSORS NAILED FOR CHILD LABOR VIOLATIONS
$4.8 Million in Back Pay and Penalties
The Los Angeles federal court has approved a settlement requiring several Southern California poultry processors to pay $221,919 in penalties and $4.8 million in back pay to 486 poultry workers. $1 million of the latter is profits earned off illegal child labor, as is $171,919 of the penalties.
SCORCH PREVENTION
Protecting Workers from Heat Illness
With summer almost upon us, Cal/OSHA’s May 6, 2024, news release reminds employers to comply with heat illness prevention requirements.
HANDBOOK HELPER EPISODE 41
JURY AND WITNESS DUTY POLICIES
California employers of all sizes must provide protected leave to employees requiring time off to serve on juries or appear in court as a witness in compliance with a court order, subpoena, or other lawful means.
TEAM BUILDING INSURANCE
Workplace Policy Handbook & Forms for 2024
It is a borne-out truth that Labor Code-compliant policies make for smoother workplace interactions and relationships. They also help prevent employee lawsuits.