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News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp

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Jun 16 2010
HiringOregon

OREGON: Final credit check rules released

published by the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Unfortunately, the final rules provide very little guidance, other than to give an extremely limited definition of when a credit history is “substantially job-related.” The new rules make it clear that ordinary retail transactions (exchanging cash, checks, credit card numbers or debit card numbers) don’t give…

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Jun 16 2010
Employee Benefits

FAQs, instructions and application released for Early Retiree Reinsurance Program

Thinking of applying for reimbursements under the new Early Retiree Reinsurance Program? Check out new instructions for the program study by the Employee Benefits Research Institute (EBRI) predicts that the $5 billion appropriation for the program will run out in two years.

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Jun 16 2010
Employee Benefits

Health care reform:  Planning for 2010 and beyond

Puzzled over health care reform? Join us for a free one-hour webinar in which we’ll highlight the key provisions that will affect employers and the health plans they sponsor. We’ll unravel the complexity, answer your questions and help you plan for health reform compliance in 2010 and beyond. We’ll cover:• Key provisions that will impact employers• Effective…

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Jun 15 2010
Uncategorized

Safety: How are you training your non-English speaking workers?

recently announced that inspectors would begin enforcing that standard by directly asking employees whether they understood the safety training provided to them.

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Jun 09 2010
Hiring

HIRE Act: IRS updates FAQs, releases new Form 941

FAQ section of the IRS website and discuss your options with your tax adviser. An important note about the IRS FAQs: If you’ve been relying on them to determine whether you can take advantage of the HIRE Act when hiring a particular employee, be sure to double check their website when you hire someone new….

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Jun 07 2010
Disability

Supreme Court expands employees’ ability to sue

Tips:Fact Sheet to help employers.

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Jun 04 2010
Employee Benefits

COBRA subsidy eligibility ends (for now)

With the close of May, the opportunity to become eligible for the COBRA premium subsidy has ended for now. The subsidy was available to individuals who experienced a COBRA qualifying event that was the employee’s involuntary termination of employment, occurring up through May 31, 2010 (or a reduction in hours, followed by an involuntary termination…

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Jun 02 2010
Oregon

OREGON: Gag rule challenge thrown out of court

SB 519), which Vigilant reported on back in January, has been dismissed by a federal court on a technicality. Earlier this year, two business groups filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn Oregon’s recently enacted law that prohibits employers from taking employment action against employees who refuse to attend mandatory meetings where the employer expresses its…

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Jun 01 2010
Vigilant NewsWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

WASHINGTON: In its 25th year Vigilant Group Retro reaches $100 million milestone!

Each plan year runs from July 1 through June 30. The group refunds are as follows: • First adjustment return for the 2008-2009 plan year is 16 percent.• Second adjustment return for the 2007-2008 plan year is 14 percent.• Third adjustment return for the 2006-2007 plan year is 18 percent. t.leimbach@vigilantcounsel.org).  

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May 28 2010
Employee Benefits

Early retiree reinsurance program takes shape

75 Fed Reg 24450, May 5, 2010). Under the program, created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( 

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May 26 2010
Uncategorized

Notice required for all hexavalent chromium exposure tests

Tips: Welders make up almost half of all employees exposed to hexavalent chromium. Welders can reduce their exposure by adjusting their technique and posture. Portable local exhaust ventilation can also help. Reducing exposure is important, because OSHA estimates that a lifetime of regular exposure to just one microgram of hexavalent chromium per cubic meter…

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May 24 2010
Leave LawsQ&A

Do we need to pay for employee medical exams?

If your employee works in Oregon, yes. In Montana, maybe. In California, Idaho or Washington, no. In general, employers have no obligation to pay for medical costs associated with obtaining an FMLA certification, unless the employer has requested a second or third opinion. In Oregon, employers must pay for all out-of-pocket expenses for employer-required medical…

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If you are a manufacturing or agriculture employer in Washington and committed to keeping your employees safe and working, you may be eligible for Vigilant's workers' compensation Retro or claims management programs. To see if you qualify fill out our release form now, or contact us.

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