US Department of Labor issues 7 letters of interpretation addressing workplace safety, health requirements

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US Department of Labor issues 7 letters of interpretation addressing workplace safety, health requirements WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced today that it has issued seven letters of interpretation to ensure the consistent and transparent application of federal workplace safety and health standards.As part of the Trump Administration’s broader emphasis on compliance assistance, OSHA’s letters of interpretation provide official explanations of the agency’s requirements and how they apply to specific workplace situations and hazardous conditions posed by employers, employees, or other parties.“From construction to engineering, OSHA is providing decisive guidance after gathering feedback from employers, demonstrating our opinion letter program has already been effective,” said Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling. “This effort is a key component of the Trump Administration’s comprehensive strategy to educate the public ...
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US Labor Department recovers $37K in back wages for 37 workers denied overtime by Charleston construction contractor

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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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