Labor & Employment

Worker Training Grants Program

Wisconsin DWD announces approximately $1 million in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants available to employers of all sizes and sectors. Grants range from $5,000 to $400,000+ and reimburse costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers. Applications are due 3 p.m. CST on May 4, 2026.

FloridaCommerce announces community planning funding available

FloridaCommerce announced availability of Community Planning and Technical Assistance (CPTA) grant funding for eligible communities including Rural Areas of Opportunity, municipalities, counties, and Regional Planning Councils. The program supports innovative planning solutions for economic development, resiliency strategies, and critical local planning issues. The application deadline is May 1, 2026.

WRC dismisses discrimination claim against Tots Creche

The Workplace Relations Commission Adjudication Officer dismissed a discrimination complaint filed by Rebecca Swords against Tots Creche under the Employment Equality Acts, 1998-2015. The complainant alleged discrimination on gender and family status grounds, claiming she was denied a childcare place for her child upon returning from maternity leave. The case was heard in March and December 2025, with the complaint reference CA-00071936-001.

Montana Workplace Injury Statistics Report

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry released the 2024 Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Report on April 2, 2026, documenting 13,200 OSHA-recordable nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry workers, with an overall incidence rate of 3.4 cases per 100 full-time workers. The report identifies industry-specific injury rates, with retail trade and manufacturing showing the highest rates at 4.6, while mining, utilities, and finance sectors reported lower rates.

Construction firm and director sentenced after worker fell through stairwell

HSE prosecuted BHG (Stone) Limited and its director Alistair Howells for violations of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 after a 26-year-old worker fell through an unprotected stairwell opening during apartment construction. The worker sustained serious injuries including skull and back fractures. The company was fined £16,000 plus £4,000 costs, while the director received a fine of £2,000 plus £1,386 costs.

Construction Contractor Cited 7 Willful, 33 Repeat Violations After Fatal Cave-in

OSHA cited Revoli Construction Co. Inc. with $4.6M in proposed penalties after a fatal November 2025 trench collapse in Yarmouth, Massachusetts that killed one worker and seriously injured another. The agency issued 7 willful, 33 repeat, and 17 serious violations for failing to provide safe exits, adequate cave-in protection, proper shoring systems, and maintaining unsafe spoil piles. The employer has 15 business days to comply, request a conference, or contest the findings.

Fiduciary Duty of Prudence for 401(k) Alternative Asset Investments

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration issued a proposed rule (RIN 1210-AC38) to clarify fiduciary duties under ERISA Section 404 regarding the selection of designated investment alternatives for participant-directed 401(k) plans, including asset allocation funds with alternative assets. The proposal implements Executive Order 14330 and provides a safe harbor to reduce regulatory burden and litigation risk for plan fiduciaries. Public comments are due June 1, 2026.

Updated COVID-19 Recording and Reporting Enforcement Policy

OSHA issued updated enforcement guidance for COVID-19 recording and reporting, effective immediately. The agency will no longer cite employers for failure to record COVID-19 cases under 29 CFR Part 1904 or report COVID-19 fatalities and hospitalizations, bringing COVID-19 treatment in line with common cold and flu cases. OSHA also continues the enforcement stay for COVID-19 ETS healthcare provisions under 29 CFR 1910.502.

Mass contractor fined $4.6M after fatal trench collapse

OSHA cited Revoli Construction Co. Inc. with $4,699,362 in penalties for 7 willful, 33 repeat, and 17 serious violations following a fatal trench collapse in Yarmouth, MA on Nov. 18, 2025. One worker died and another was seriously injured when workers were trapped in an unprotected trench. The violations include failing to provide safe exit, inadequate cave-in protection, and unsupported underground utilities.

Proposed PTE 84-14 Exemption for Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

EBSA published a notice of proposed prohibited transaction exemption under PTE 84-14 for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., seeking relief from ERISA prohibited transaction rules for certain investment management transactions. The exemption, if granted, would be in effect for five years from June 9, 2026 through June 8, 2031. The public comment period closes 30 days from publication.