labor lawAdivision of labor law center

The U.S. Department of Labor recently designated October 20 through October 26, 2008 as national Drug-Free Work Week. The department has set aside this week to educate employers, employees and the public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe, healthful workplace.

“Drug-Free Work Week is a good time to remind employers and employees that reducing workplace substance abuse is a crucial part of keeping workers safe,” said Elena Carr, drug policy coordinator at the Department of Labor. “Of course, in a safe and healthful workplace, every week should be drug free.”

More than 17.5 million adult workers in the US used illicit drugs in 2007, according to researchers at the University at Buffalo. An estimated 14.1% of working adults used illicit drugs. Even more seriously,   (more…)

 A tragic case in California illustrates exactly why federal legislators recently passed stiffer penalties for employers who fail to provide safe working conditions for workers under the age of 18.

GINA, the recently passed Genetic Information Non-disclosure Act, provides for a $50,000 fine for any employer who is found in violation of a safety regulation, resulting in the death of a worker who is a minor.

Recently, the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DIR/Cal/OSHA) issued six citations in the sad death of a 17-year-old female Hispanic farm worker. Even more tragically, this death could easily have been prevented if the employer had taken a few minutes to comply with a few simple safety rules.

Maria Vasquez Jimenez died of (more…)