Labor & Employment

Labor Department Issues Apprenticeship Guidance

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has issued new guidance to streamline the Registered Apprenticeship system, reduce burdens for program sponsors, and improve transparency. The guidance aims to accelerate growth and clarify program design, roles, and completion rates, with a commitment to 30-day registration determinations.

Labor Dept Recovers $293K Back Wages for Construction Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $293,698 in back wages for 56 construction workers from Speedy's Framing LLC for overtime violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The company also paid a $24,795 civil penalty.

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.

HSE Reminds Employers of Health and Safety Duties for Home Workers

The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding employers that they have the same health and safety duties for home workers as for office-based staff. The guidance highlights key risk areas such as stress, mental health, and display screen equipment, and emphasizes that these responsibilities are legal duties, not optional.

Two companies and site manager prosecuted for asbestos disturbance

Two companies, Sohan Group Limited and Maize Metals Limited, and a site manager, Ali Raza Baig, have been prosecuted by the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for large-scale asbestos disturbance at a demolition site. Fines totaling over £88,000 were issued, and the site manager received a suspended prison sentence and director disqualification.

Biogas Site Electrocution: Two Companies Fined After Worker Death

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced that two companies, Willand O&M Ltd and New Wave Marine Ltd, have been fined following the death of Carl Parsons and serious injury to Luke Madavan at a Devon biogas site. The incident occurred when a cherry picker struck an overhead powerline, and investigations revealed ignored safety warnings.

Funding Available for Safe Digging Education and Awareness

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's Division of Oil and Public Safety is accepting applications for grants from the Damage Prevention Fund to support safe digging education. This fund, derived from fines for violating the Excavation Requirements Law, aims to prevent underground facility damage and ensure public safety. Up to $20,000 in grants will be awarded.

West Mercia Police Fined After Officer Injured Responding to Collision

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has fined West Mercia Police £85,800 after a student officer sustained life-changing injuries when hit by a car while responding to a traffic collision. The investigation found the force failed to adequately manage risks, provide suitable training, and supply adequate equipment.

Somers Forge Limited Fined £750,000 After Employee Death

Somers Forge Limited has been fined £750,000 after an employee died in a lathe accident. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company failed to implement safe operating procedures and prevent access to dangerous machinery. The incident occurred on December 8, 2023, and the fine was issued on February 18, 2026.

Grounds Maintenance Company Fined After Employee Fatality

MHS Countryside Management Limited was fined £27,000 after an employee died operating a ride-on lawnmower. The Health and Safety Executive investigation found the company failed to conduct a risk assessment and the machine's safety roll-over protection system had been removed. The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.