US Department of Labor highlights safe construction practices during 2026 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls

US Department of Labor highlights safe construction practices during 2026 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is encouraging construction employers and workers nationwide to participate in the 13th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, taking place May 4-8, 2026.The nationwide event focuses on preventing falls, the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, and reinforces the importance of planning, training, and hazard awareness to protect workers.Because falls continue to pose a significant risk in construction, OSHA is making prevention a top priority. Through efforts like the Safety Stand-Down, the agency is working to drive real change and emphasizing that lasting progress is achieved through employers, workers, and industry partners working together.OSHA encourages employers to pause work throughout the week and engage employees ...

US Labor Department recovers $37K in back wages for 37 workers denied overtime by Charleston construction contractor

US Labor Department recovers $37K in back wages for 37 workers denied overtime by Charleston construction contractor
Employer:      EAS Homes LLC                        9012 Timber St.                        Charleston, SC 29406Investigation findings: U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigators found a Charleston commercial construction contractor misclassified some workers as independent contractors. By doing so, EAS Homes failed to pay the additional half-time rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Back wages recovered: The division recovered $37,155 in back wages for 37 workers.                                            Quote: “Misclassification of workers as independent contractors denies them overtime wages and benefits they legally earned and rightly deserve. In addition, it denies them employer contributions toward their social security benefits,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Jamie Benefiel in Columbia, South Carolina. “It would be wise for employers to review their pay practices and take advantage of the many tools the Wage and Hour Division has to assist them in complying with the law.”Background: As part of its efforts to address misclassification, the Wage and Hour Division published a final rule, which is effective March 11, 2024, and revises guidance on how to analyze whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor under the FLSA. Employers and workers alike can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE. Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including its search tool to learn if you are owed back wages collected by the division. Workers and employers can help ensure hours worked and pay are accurate by downloading the department’s Android and iOS Timesheet App available for free in English or Spanish. 

Published at February 22, 2024 at 04:00AM
Read more at https://dol.gov

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