Ling Developments Fined £15,858 for Repeated Welfare Facility Failures at Four UK Construction Sites
HSE prosecuted Ling Developments Limited for breaches of Regulation 13(4)(c) of The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £15,858 and ordered to pay £3,858 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 13 April 2026. Inspections at multiple construction sites found repeated failures to provide adequate welfare facilities including hot water and suitable rest areas, despite prior enforcement action.
Wages Claim Dismissed - Complainant Failed to Attend Hearing
The WRC Adjudication Officer dismissed a wage claim by David O'Brien against Corbally Plant Hire Limited under the Payment of Wages Act 1991. The complainant alleged unpaid wages and holiday pay of €1,175.33 but failed to attend the scheduled hearing. The respondent provided bank transfer documentation confirming full payment was made on 15 October 2025. The Adjudication Officer found the complaint not well founded and vexatious due to non-attendance.
Oregon Unemployment Rate Unchanged at 5.2% in February 2026
The Oregon Employment Department reported that Oregon's unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% in February 2026, compared to 4.4% nationally. Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 5,400 jobs, following a revised gain of 1,600 jobs in January. Financial activities added 800 jobs, while transportation/warehousing/utilities cut 1,600 jobs, leisure and hospitality cut 1,500, and professional and business services cut 1,300 jobs.
National Workers Memorial Ceremonies and Vigil, April 23
The Department of Labor announces national Workers Memorial ceremonies on April 23, 2026, including a ceremony at DOL headquarters beginning at 1 p.m. EDT, a wreath laying ceremony at Veterans Plaza, and a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Events throughout the week of April 20-24 include safety and health trainings, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits to raise awareness and educate employers and workers about preventing workplace tragedies.
Stop-Work Orders for Wage Theft, 18 Workers Affected
The New Jersey Department of Labor issued two stop-work orders against Artur Alves Excavating Inc. on April 8, 2026, for wage theft and labor violations affecting 18 workers across two public works projects. Violations include failure to pay prevailing wages, falsified payroll records, and Earned Sick Leave violations, with civil penalties of $5,000 per day for continued non-compliance.
Miner's Claim Benefits Under BLBA
The Workers Compensation Programs Office posted a document titled 'Miner's Claim Benefits Under BLBA' on April 14, 2025. This document relates to a miner's claim for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA), which provides compensation to coal miners disabled by pneumoconiosis (black lung disease).
2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Safe Work Australia announced the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed on 28 April 2026. The theme focuses on ensuring a healthy psychosocial working environment for all workers. The announcement identifies common psychosocial hazards including job demands, low job control, poor support, bullying, harassment, and workplace conflict. Safe Work Australia encourages workplaces to download co-brandable promotional resources and post awareness content on social media using hashtags #WorldWHSDay2026 and #SafeDay2026.