Federal Court Strikes Down DOL’s Final Overtime Rule Nationwide

By Caitlin Diaz | January 23, 2025 |
A judge presides over a courtroom, with two individuals seated in the foreground. The scene represents the legal setting for the federal court striking down the Department of Labor’s final overtime rule.

On Nov. 15, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated the Department of Labor’s (DOL) final rule amending the overtime exemption requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This ruling reverses the rule’s nationwide salary increases, restoring the pre-July 2024 thresholds. Background The FLSA exempts certain white-collar employees in…

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Avoiding Cutting Hazards in the Kitchen

By Caitlin Diaz | December 12, 2024 |
A close-up of a sharp kitchen knife on a wooden cutting board with blurred, colorful vegetables in the background. The image conveys a focus on kitchen safety and cutting hazards.

Working in the food service industry can be rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. One of the most common hazards in any kitchen is the potential for cuts while handling knives, chopping vegetables, or cleaning up. Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to reduce your risk of injury…

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Understanding OSHA’s Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard

By Caitlin Diaz | November 7, 2024 |
Two construction workers wearing reflective safety vests and hard hats stand near an excavator at a worksite during sunset, discussing OSHA's proposed heat injury and illness prevention standard.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently taken a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety by publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register regarding heat injury and illness prevention. If finalized, this new standard would represent the first federal regulation specifically aimed at safeguarding workers from extreme heat, affecting all…

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The Value of D&O Insurance for Private Companies

By Caitlin Diaz | August 8, 2024 |
Two men in professionally dressed in suits, shaking hands in an office building with large windows. The "SIA Blogs" logo is displayed in the lower-right corner.

Understanding the Importance of D&O Insurance for Private Companies In today’s business landscape, corporate transparency and accountability are paramount. Directors and officers of private companies face numerous liability exposures that can lead to costly legal battles. Stakeholders and third parties may hold board members accountable for damages resulting from alleged mistakes or poor decisions, leading…

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OSHA’s New Walkaround Rule

By Caitlin Diaz | July 11, 2024 |
Construction workers are silhouetted against a dramatic sunset as they operate heavy machinery and work on scaffolding at a building site. The caption reads, "OSHA's New Walkaround Rule," along with the SIA Blogs logo.

Learn about OSHA’s new Walkaround Rule effective May 31, 2024, allowing employees to designate non-employee representatives for on-site inspections. Discover employer rights, third-party participation guidelines, and strategies to protect trade secrets during inspections.

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