OMFS Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Fee Adjustments
The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has issued an administrative order adjusting the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for Pathology and Clinical Laboratory services. The adjustment conforms the state workers' compensation fee schedule to Medicare's calendar year 2026 quarter 2 update, as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The updated fees are effective for services rendered on or after April 1, 2026.
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.
Wisconsin January 2026 Unemployment Rate Statistics
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released January 2026 preliminary employment statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.3%, up 0.3 percentage points from December, though remaining 1.0 percentage points below the national rate of 4.3%. Total employment reached 3,017,400 with a labor force participation rate of 64.3%.
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.
Workforce Knowledge Series: Navigating Economic Growth
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation announces a free online Workforce Knowledge Series session on April 9, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. CDT via Microsoft Teams. The session covers how Cornerstones Career Learning Center partners with businesses to support workforce development and economic growth. Registration is required via the provided URL.
Meet-the-Employer Event with Department of Corrections
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation announces a meet-the-employer event hosted by Rapid City Job Service with the Department of Corrections on April 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT. Job seekers will have the opportunity to connect directly with DOC representatives, learn about open positions at the new Rapid City Correctional Facility, apply for positions, and potentially participate in initial interviews.
Hiring Event for Various Positions in Boise
The Idaho Department of Labor announces a hiring event on April 8, 2026, at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus in Boise. Multiple employers including healthcare providers, government agencies, and universities will recruit for positions such as 911 dispatchers, registered nurses, CNC machinists, and home care aides. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Building 6.
Mobile PA CareerLink Unit Launch in North Central Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry launched a new mobile PA CareerLink unit to serve six north central Pennsylvania counties (Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter). This is the third mobile CareerLink unit in Pennsylvania, staffed with workforce professionals and funded through federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adult funding. The mobile office will provide career services, training opportunities, and employer connections directly to rural communities where access to workforce services may be limited.
EEOC v. BestBet Jacksonville - Pregnant Worker Fairness Act Violation
EEOC filed its first Pregnancy Worker Fairness Act lawsuit against BestBet Jacksonville, alleging the casino refused to accommodate a pregnant employee's request for light duty and subsequently terminated her. EEOC seeks compensatory and punitive damages, back pay, and front pay in the federal lawsuit filed in the Middle District of Florida. This enforcement action signals aggressive EEOC enforcement of the PWFA, which took effect in June 2023.
Butterball Sued for ADA Accommodation Denial and Wrongful Termination
The EEOC filed a lawsuit against Butterball LLC alleging the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing to provide a reasonable workplace accommodation to an employee and subsequently terminating their employment. The complaint alleges discriminatory termination following a disability-related accommodation request.
Exel Inc. - Disability Discrimination
The EEOC has filed a federal lawsuit against Exel Inc., an international logistics company, alleging disability discrimination at the company's Georgia warehouse facilities. The enforcement action seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the affected warehouse workers. This case demonstrates the EEOC's continued enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act in warehouse and logistics operations.