District Council fined £50,000 after worker seriously injured in ride-on mower incident
HSE prosecuted Bassetlaw District Council for safety failures after an employee sustained serious injuries when a ride-on lawnmower overturned at a churchyard, falling 2.3 metres onto a road below. The council failed to conduct suitable risk assessments for slope work, provide adequate training, or install safety measures at a retaining wall. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 30 March 2026, the council was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay £5,138.85 costs plus a £2,000 victim surcharge.
DOJ Sues Idaho for Failure to Produce Voter Rolls
The DOJ Civil Rights Division filed a federal lawsuit against Idaho on April 1, 2026, for failing to produce full voter registration lists upon request as required under the Civil Rights Act of 1960. This action brings the Department's nationwide enforcement total to 30 states and the District of Columbia. The lawsuit seeks to enforce the Attorney General's statutory authority to request, inspect, and analyze statewide voter registration records for election integrity purposes.
WV Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Inmate Abuse Conspiracy
The DOJ Civil Rights Division announced that former West Virginia correctional officer Michael Pack pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against inmates' rights under 18 U.S.C. § 371. Pack admitted to assaulting inmates at Southern Regional Jail with co-conspirators, using 'blind spots' to avoid surveillance, and falsifying incident reports. Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Kitchen Porter v Restaurant - Constructive Dismissal Claim
The Workplace Relations Commission rejected a constructive dismissal claim from a kitchen porter who resigned from a restaurant after a disciplinary process. The worker, who lacked 12 months of service required for Unfair Dismissals Act protection, submitted her claim under the Industrial Relations Act 1969. The Adjudication Officer found no grounds to recommend compensation.
Oregon Unemployment Rate and Nonfarm Payroll Employment January 2026
The Oregon Employment Department released January 2026 employment data showing Oregon's unemployment rate at 5.2% (vs. 4.3% nationally). Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 2,000 jobs. Major gains were in leisure and hospitality (+1,800), health care and social assistance (+1,500), and construction (+1,000), while manufacturing (-1,500) and professional and business services (-1,300) saw losses.
TÜV SÜD Product Services Voluntary NRTL Termination
OSHA announced the voluntary termination of TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH's (TUVPSG) recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), effective March 5, 2026. TUVPSG notified OSHA on May 22, 2025, that it would not seek renewal of its recognition expiring March 5, 2026, and transferred existing certifications to TÜV SÜD America, Inc.
Business Services Quarterly Newsletter Highlights Job Fairs and Program Success
The Fargo Workforce Center (North Dakota) published its quarterly Business Services Newsletter highlighting outcomes from recent job fairs including the FM Spring Job Fair and Virtual Job Fair. The newsletter features a success story from the New American Employment Program and announces the retirement of Executive Director Pat Bertagnolli.
Asbestos Management Inspections During Awareness Week
HSE is marking Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1–7 April 2026) by conducting unannounced inspections of premises and construction sites to verify asbestos management compliance. Building owners, landlords, and tradespeople who fail to manage asbestos risks face prosecution, fines, and criminal records.
TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH Voluntary NRTL Termination
OSHA published a notice announcing that TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH voluntarily terminated its recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), effective March 5, 2026. The company notified OSHA on May 22, 2025, that it would not seek renewal of its recognition expiring March 5, 2026. Existing certifications were transferred to TÜV SÜD America, Inc.
Consultation on Gig Worker Safety Under Model WHS Act
Safe Work Australia published a consultation paper seeking feedback on regulating crowd platform workers under the model Work Health and Safety Act. The consultation addresses gaps in WHS protections for gig economy workers using digital labour platforms. Feedback will inform discussions on potentially introducing new duties for crowd platform operators.
Job Corps Health Questionnaire Information Collection Extension
The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration is soliciting public comments through June 1, 2026, on extending authority to collect the Job Corps Health Questionnaire. The proposed revision transitions applicant health information collection from paper-based to digital format, reducing average response time. This information collection determines eligibility for Job Corps program participants under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Student Experience Assessment (SEA) of Job Corps Centers - Comment Request
The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting public comments on a proposed extension for the Student Experience Assessment (SEA) of Job Corps Centers, an information collection request under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The SEA evaluates whether Job Corps center programs are intensive, well organized, and providing quality services under WIOA. Comments are due June 1, 2026.
Virtual Layoff Assistance Session
The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation announced a free virtual layoff assistance session on April 7, 2026, designed for individuals who have been laid off. The session will cover reemployment assistance applications, job search resources, skills development, and training opportunities. Registration is required via the department's workshop calendar.
Idaho County Population Growth 2025
The Idaho Department of Labor released U.S. Census Bureau population estimates showing 36 of Idaho's 44 counties (80%) experienced population growth in 2025. Five urban counties—Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, Bonneville, and Twin Falls—each added at least 1,000 new residents, with Ada leading at over 10,000 new residents.
ASCEND Grant for Texas Employer Workforce Training
The Texas Workforce Commission announced the ASCEND grant program, a $5 million fund to help Texas employers train their workforce in high-demand industries. Employers can receive reimbursements up to $500,000 or $4,000 per trainee for approved training projects. The program dedicates $1 million specifically to domestic shipbuilding training. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
St. Vincent Hospital Sued for Disability Discrimination
The EEOC filed a lawsuit against St. Vincent Hospital alleging the hospital failed to provide reasonable accommodations to an employee with a disability and subsequently terminated the employee. The enforcement action seeks to enforce federal civil rights protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Healthcare employers should review their accommodation policies and interactive process procedures.
Cosmos Restaurant settles pregnancy discrimination lawsuit, Bay St. Louis
The EEOC announced a settlement resolving a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit against Cosmos Restaurant in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The restaurant allegedly discriminated against a pregnant employee, resulting in a settlement that includes monetary compensation and injunctive relief. This case demonstrates the EEOC's continued enforcement of pregnancy discrimination protections under federal law.