Labor & Employment

Cal/OSHA Advises Employers on Heat Illness Prevention

Cal/OSHA has issued an advisory urging employers to prevent heat illness as high temperatures are expected across California. The notice reminds employers of their legal obligations under existing Heat Illness Prevention Standards for both indoor and outdoor workplaces.

DWC Draft ADA Accommodation Regulations for Public Comment

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has released draft regulations concerning ADA accommodations for public comment. The proposals include a process for blanket accommodation requests for remote appearances and a new form for filing disability discrimination complaints.

California Launches Women in Construction Public Awareness Campaign

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has launched a new public awareness campaign, "Women in Construction," to highlight career pathways in the building trades. The campaign aims to address the underrepresentation of women in construction jobs and complements the state's $50 million investment in grants to promote equitable apprenticeship opportunities.

DWC Adjusts Medical Fee Schedule for Hospitals and ASCs

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted adjustments to the Official Medical Fee Schedule for Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers. These changes conform to the CY2026 Medicare payment system updates and are effective for services rendered on or after March 1, 2026.

Illinois Labor Opposes Federal Minimum Wage Rollback for Home Health Workers

The Illinois Department of Labor has formally opposed a proposed federal rule by the U.S. Department of Labor that would roll back minimum wage and overtime protections for home health care workers. Illinois argues this action would undermine worker protections and create national inconsistencies.

Illinois Labor Department Recovers $2.7M in Wages and Enforces Worker Protections

The Illinois Department of Labor recovered approximately $2.7 million in unpaid wages and enforced various worker protection laws in 2025. Key actions included settlements with GrapeTree Medical Staffing and solar companies, enforcement of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, and ensuring compliance with minimum wage and prevailing wage laws.

Illinois VESSA Amendment Protects Workers Documenting Violence on Work Devices

The Illinois Department of Labor has issued a reminder about Public Act 104-0171, an amendment to the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA). This new law protects employees who use employer-provided devices to document violence affecting themselves or their families, prohibiting employer discipline or retaliation for such use. The amendment took effect on January 1, 2026.

IDOL Files Wage Theft Complaint Against Chicago Restaurant

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has filed a wage theft complaint against That’s Gino and Marty’s restaurant and its owners in Cook County Circuit Court. The complaint alleges violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act and the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, seeking over $20,000 in unpaid wages for at least nine employees.

Freeport Public Works Achieves SHARP Safety Designation

The Illinois Department of Labor announced the City of Freeport Public Works Department has achieved Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status. This designation recognizes employers with exemplary injury and illness prevention programs and exempts them from programmed OSHA inspections.

Prepaid Card Report on Workers' Compensation Payments

The California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) has released a final report examining the use of prepaid card programs for workers' compensation indemnity payments. The report considers recommendations for the continuation of such programs.