Employers have an obligation to ensure their employees have a safe working environment, and workplace violence and worker safety remain a top priority for OSHA and state implementing agencies. In California, for example, employers are required to develop and implement wide-sweeping Workplace Violence Prevention Plans no later than July 1, 2024, with few exceptions.  

Elaisha Nandrajog from Spencer Fane’s San Jose Office will explore the applicability of the new California obligations and outline employer responsibilities for developing prevention plans, as well as training and recordkeeping requirements. Ms. Nandrajog will also address additional CalOSHA hot topics and related employment topics from California.  At the federal level, OSHA enforcement is at an all-time high.  

Andrew Brought, with Spencer Fane’s Kansas City Office, will evaluate trends and factors driving OSHA enforcement as well as some of the major enforcement programs. In addition, Mr. Brought will cover OSHA’s current focus on a national heat standard as well as the OSHA employee walk around rulemaking.

Employers operating in a multistate environment can face a number of challenges in complying with applicable state and local law. This presentation will focus on some of the unique features and challenges posed by state laws in Colorado, Minnesota, and Arizona.

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis on April 17, 2024. In Muldrow, the Court rejected a “significant harm” requirement for lateral job transfer cases. In this bonus WorkSmarts presentation, an experienced labor and employment practitioner will discuss the decision in Muldrow and its implications for employers.