Learn more about the ADA's food allergy disability accommodations, Pittsburgh's employee medical marijuana protection, and the DOL's new heat injury prevention plan.
RKL’s Workforce Strategies team is here to help you navigate the complexities of today's HR environment with the updates, reminders and insights you need to maximize your most important asset — your people. We value your feedback, so let us know what you think of this newsletter!
ADA May Classify Food Allergies as Disability: Celebrate the Holidays Safely
During the holiday season, employers must remember that the ADA may classify food allergies as a disability, requiring reasonable accommodations. Employers can support employees with food allergies by educating staff, offering inclusive event menus, fostering open communication, establishing clear food allergy policies, and preparing for emergencies with response protocols and medications like epinephrine auto-injectors. These measures promote a safe, inclusive workplace for everyone. To learn more, visit Food Allergy Research & Education's Information for Employers.
Indoor & Outdoor Workplaces Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard
The DOL has proposed a heat injury and illness prevention standard for outdoor and indoor workplaces, open for public comment until December 30, 2024. The rule, affecting industries like construction and agriculture, includes acclimatization protocols and mandates for heat triggers at 80°F and 90°F, as well as a required written prevention plan for businesses with more than 10 employees.
Need help navigating these changes? Your Workforce Strategies advisor can explore strategies to protect your business while supporting your employee's safety and wellbeing.
Pittsburgh Bans Employee Drug Tests for Medical Marijuana Users
Pittsburgh limits pre-employment and employment drug testing for employees who hold a valid PA medical marijuana card unless there is suspicion of impairment. This ordinance affects employers in Pittsburgh with five or more employees, as well as prospective and current employees who are certified medical marijuana patients under Pennsylvania law, and it includes certain industry-specific and safety-related exceptions. Full details here.
New Guidelines for Employers Using AI and Digital Surveillance
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has released new guidelines for employers utilizing third-party digital surveillance or AI to evaluate and monitor employees. This includes software that predicts behaviors including likelihood of quitting and level of engagement. Such employers must adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by obtaining consent, ensuring transparency in decision-making data, and permitting employees to challenge inaccuracies.
National Career Development Month: November
This month is the perfect time to roll out the new mentorship program you have been working on, throw a networking event, or host a career panel discussion, among other career-enhancing activities.
Department of Labor Releases AI Best Practices Roadmap
The roadmap guides developers and employers in responsibly integrating AI in the workplace, prioritizing worker well-being and empowerment. Full Release Here.
Need Support with ACA Compliance? We've Got You Covered
With ACA reporting requirements due in February 2025, it's now time to put a plan into place to reduce the risk of financial penalties or organizational disruption. At RKL Virtual, we bring a wealth of ACA compliance experience to the table to help you simplify your ACA reporting process, saving time and money and ensuring confidence.
Interested in having our Workforce Strategies advisors handle your ACA compliance?
HR and Payroll Solution Open Demo: November 21, 12 - 12:30 pm
Join RKL for a brief, 30-minute webinar on Thursday, November 21, to learn how this platform can streamline your payroll processes and reduce errors. The session will delve into the payroll module, demonstrating how it can improve data reporting, analytics, and decision-making, while also highlighting automated compliance features for taxes and employee withholdings. You will learn about efficiency, compliance support for tax and ACA regulations, and insights gained through advanced analytics and reporting tools.
