Workplace Safety Rules

Safety and workplace compliance regulations and rules can come from many sources at the federal, state, and local government levels. KPA helps our customers stay on top of these developments to ensure their business is safe and compliant.

Here you will find information from the U.S. Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The below map covers state rules that are soon to take effect or may have just taken effect. We deep dive into everything HR professionals, safety managers, and other business leaders need to know and what they need to do to ensure compliance.

KPA always recommends that businesses seek legal counsel for further advice and guidance on their particular situation.

Review the latest Federal Regulatory Updates

Check the latest guidance about the COVID-19 Relief Package or OSHA’s Vaccine, Testing ETS

Review 2021’s Minimum Wage Changes

Wherever available, KPA products are updated with the latest government notices and posters for employers. Our consultants will help you determine if your business is compliant with the latest rules.

Interested in learning more about KPA’s products or our consulting services? Contact us!

Latest Posts on Rules and Regulations

OSHA Local Emphasis Programs and Programmed Inspections: What You Need to Know

Understanding OSHA’s Local Emphasis Programs is key to avoiding an inspection, and pricey penalties that follow. Here’s what you need to know.

New Guidance Expands OSHA’s Instance-by-Instance Citations

Next month, OSHA is changing instance-by-instance citations, giving administrators and regional directors the option to break out individual citations instead of grouping them together. The move could make citations extremely costly to organizations that violate standards multiple times.

2023 Minimum Wage Changes and Increases

KPA has been tracking state and local minimum wage changes and increases HR professionals need to know. Here is a roundup of changes starting January 1, 2023.

FTC Proposes Rule to Ban Junk Fees and Bait-and-Switch Advertising Tactics Used by Dealerships

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a new rule to protect consumers by targeting junk fees and bait-and-switch advertising tactics employed by dealers.

Ohio Manager Training Requirements Due by June 30

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation requires managers to take 2 hours of safety training. Have you taken the training courses yet? The June 30 deadline is coming up fast.

2022 Minimum Wage Changes and Increases

KPA has been tracking state and local minimum wage changes and increases HR professionals need to know. Here is a roundup of changes starting July 1, 2022.

OSHA Announces First-Ever National Emphasis Program for Heat Hazards

Last week, OSHA and the White House formally announced an indoor and outdoor heat illness and injury National Emphasis Program. We're covering what it is, what it means for you, and next steps.

3 Sales F&I Practices That Will Cost Your Dealership $10 Million

A recent settlement from the Federal Trade Commission warrants a review of non-compliant dealership practices and how to save yourself millions.

What Is the OSHA General Duty Clause? How To Use it To Keep Your Workforce Safe

Under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, employers have an obligation to protect their employees from serious hazards—even ifthe hazard is unusual or unprecedented.

FTC Bans Marketing Company from Automotive Industry for Misleading Ads

The Federal Trade Commission banned an auto marketing agency from the automotive industry for violating laws and misleading consumers. The agency is banned from the industry for 20 years. Don't let that happen to you.

OSHA’s COVID-19 Workplace Vaccine, Testing Standard: Dates & Details

Updated January 26 - The Department of Labor and OSHA has withdrawn the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing; Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), although it is not withdrawing the ETS as a proposed rule. How does this impact your business? Read the latest.

FTC Expands Data Security Requirements, Impacting Dealers

The Federal Trade Commission expanded the Safeguards Rule which impacts dealerships' cybersecurity programs. Here are 5 things you need to know to prepare for the 2022 effective date.

Regulations You Need to Know in 2021

There are several federal rules taking effect this month and next. Find out what you need to know about the extended EEO-1 data deadline, joint employer rule rescission, tip theft, and more.

Biden’s and OSHA’s Vaccine Mandate for Employers

[Updated 9/24/21] President Biden recently directed OSHA to develop a workplace vaccination standard. How should employers prepare for the impending vaccine mandate? We have 8 things to consider.

Notify the EPA About Your Hazardous Waste Generator Status

If you're a small quantity generator (SQG) of hazardous waste, re-notify your status with the EPA or your state environmental agency by September 1, 2021.

Navigating CDC's Latest Guidance on Vaccines, Masks, and More

The CDC has updated its COVID-19 guidelines several times over the last few weeks. Don't know what to do? We'll talk you through what to consider.

Latest COVID Relief Package: What Businesses Need to Know

Updated 9/8/21: With $1.9 trillion, there is a lot of relief on the way for businesses and workers. It's important to know what the final package includes and what action businesses should take next.

OSHA Publishes COVID-19 National Emphasis Program

OSHA published a COVID-19 National Emphasis Program (NEP) to reduce or eliminate workers' exposure in high-hazard industries. The NEP covers guidance on inspections and retaliation protections.

Coronavirus. COVID-19 rendering for work place hygiene self directed training

OSHA Reporting Deadlines Are Coming Up - Are You Ready?

If you have more than 10 employees, you probably need to complete OSHA Form 300A—and the deadline is coming soon. Here’s everything you need to know.

Does Your State Require a Safety Program? Check this Map

31 states require employers to manage workplace safety and health through comprehensive safety plans and/or safety committees. Get the details from KPA.

Interactive US Maps: COVID Workplace Safety Requirements by State

KPA and Fisher Phillips have created maps outlining the various state COVID-19 workplace restrictions across the US. Learn what’s required in your state.

States that Require COVID-19 Training

Most states require or recommend employers train their employees about COVID safety. But the scope varies from state to state. Check out the interactive map.

States that Require a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

States that Require Face Coverings to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

Every state recommends people wear face coverings when possible. But many states require more stringent mask use to stop the spread of coronavirus. See what your state requires or recommends with this interactive map.

States that Offer Workers Comp Reductions for Safety Programs

Your state might allow you to claim a discount on your workers’ comp expenses—but you need to have a good workplace safety program in place.

COVID-19 Response in the US: How Does Your State Rank?

A new report from the NSC’s Safe Actions for Employee Returns (SAFER) task force shows which states succeeded and faltered in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paint Stripping and Surface Coating Regulations: the NESHAP 6H Rule

Work with chemicals found in paint shops or plastic manufacturers? Here’s a quick primer on the 6H rule and what you can do to stay in compliance.

Employer Visa Fees Increase; Maryland Changes 3 HR Rules

Visa fees are increasing while the Labor Dept. changes opioid guidance, Maryland enacts a Mini-WARN law, and Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia make other HR-related changes.

Five Areas OSHA & EPA are Keeping Tabs on for Ohio Dealerships

As your strategies conducting business in Ohio during the pandemic evolve, there are some OSHA and EPA items to keep on your radar to stay compliant.

I-9 Fines Increase While California Expands "Red Flag" Law

This month we've rounded up 6 changes from the federal government including increased I-9 fines and employer's rights to discipline employee conduct. Meanwhile, California changes the red flag law related to gun violence, and Colorado, New York, Illinois, and South Carolina make other HR-related regulatory changes.

The 6 OSHA Standards that Apply to COVID-19

To help employers protect their workers and stay out of trouble, OSHA has outlined 6 federal health and safety standards that apply to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Latest Regulatory Changes HR Professionals Need to Know

Everything you need to know from the recent Supreme Court rulings, overtime pay calculations, and I-9 verification to changes in 8 states like Colorado, Illinois, and New York.

California Releases Sexual Harassment Training and More

Every month, we put together the upcoming HR-related regulatory changes that businesses should be aware of. California released a sexual harassment training and increased paid family leave benefits.

I-9 e-Verify Extended 30 Days, 5 States Update HR Regulations

Every month we break down all of the upcoming federal, state, and local regulatory changes related to Human Resources (HR) and labor topics. Check out the latest about remote employee I-9 e-verification, and 5 states update HR regulations (Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington).

OSHA Understands the Power of Shame - Do You?

According to a recent study out of Duke University, one OSHA press release can reduce EHS incident rates as much as 210 agency inspections would.

2 Cities Change HR-Related Regulations

Although the coronavirus is ongoing, employers need to be aware of other regulatory changes taking effect outside of the pandemic. Employers in Toledo, Ohio and Dallas, Texas, should be aware of employment regulations.

COVID-19 Has Changed Some Rules Around Expired Driver’s Licenses, Form I-9, and E-Verify

During the coronavirus crisis, some states are extending expiration of driver’s licenses, and those licenses may be used as List B documents for Form I-9.

Workplace Compliance Rules for the Mountain States

[Updated 9/8/21] Regulatory updates for employers to be aware of in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

Workplace Compliance Rules for the Southern States

[Updated 10/5/21] Regulatory updates for employers to be aware of in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Workplace Compliance Rules for the Midwest States

[Updated 9/8/21] Regulatory updates for employers to be aware of in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Workplace Compliance Rules for the Pacific States

[Updated 10/5/21] Regulatory updates for employers to be aware of in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.

Workplace Compliance Rules for Mid-Atlantic States

[Updated 10/5/21] Regulatory updates for employers to be aware of in Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania

Workplace Compliance Rules for New England States

[Updated 9/7/21] Regulatory updates for employers to be aware of in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Are Employee Coronavirus Cases OSHA Recordable Illnesses? Here’s What the Agency Has to Say

How do you report an employee’s illness to OSHA when you can’t confirm it’s COVID-19? New enforcement guidance seeks to clarify for employers.

Employment Regulations You Need to Know in 3 States And New York City

Although the Coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on HR regulations, there are other requirements taking effect in the next month that you may need to know about.

More FAQs About the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act)

From tax credits to the Emergency FMLA, here are a few key facts employers should know about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

What Employers Need To Know About States' Regulatory Changes for COVID-19

[Last Updated 5/4/2020] We've revamped all of our state information to make way for what employers need to know and plan for states' regulatory changes for reopening.

Federal COVID-19 Regulatory Updates

[Updated 4/27/21] KPA breaks down COVID-19 related federal regulations, including a tax deadline extension, and more.

How the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Impacts Employers

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides paid leave to employees forced to miss work because of the COVID-19 outbreak through an emergency expansion of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and a new federal paid sick leave law.

March 2020: California Releases Coronavirus Guidance And More

Every month we break down California's regulatory changes. This month California released coronavirus guidance in addition to employer security screenings.

Best Practices for Aerosol Can Disposal Under the EPA’s Universal Wastes Rule

Aerosol cans? More like aerosol can’ts—as in you can’t simply throw them away, you can’t ignore them, and you can’t afford to let them become sources of safety and compliance risk.

California Updates Four HR Related Regulations

California updates and releases posters, answers sexual harassment training questions, and more.

8 State and Local Governments Make HR-Related Regulatory Changes

Every month we breakdown the upcoming legislative and regulatory deadlines about labor and human resources (HR) you need to know. This month, we have updates from Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington.

Federal Government Makes 13 HR-Related Regulatory Changes

Every month we breakdown the upcoming legislative and regulatory deadlines about labor and human resources (HR) you need to know. Looking ahead to the rest of February and March, we’ve got updates from OSHA, the Department of Labor, and the National Labor Relations Board.

How To Handle a A Workers' Compensation Claim and FMLA

This January we're covering hot HR topics for 2020. One area is accommodation laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act. Question: Does an employee have to use FMLA at the same time as workers’ comp time?