The Alaska legislature recently passed Senate Bill 196 (SB 196), giving employers who choose to comply with the state’s voluntary drug testing law the option to use oral fluid in their workplace(s).
Recent changes in the process of conducting criminal background checks, particularly the removal of key personal identifiers from public records, have broad implications for employers and consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) across multiple states, including California and Michigan. A recent webinar hosted by Chad Ascar, Director of Compliance Integration at DISA Global Solutions, shed light on these complexities. Here are key takeaways on how businesses can navigate these challenges effectively.
Ensuring compliance with Driver Qualification (DQ) regulations is crucial for maintaining safety standards and avoiding substantial fines from the FMCSA. For safety professionals, navigating these regulations can be a source of significant concern and confusion. Recent trends indicate that carriers frequently struggle with maintaining compliance, leading to various common violations.
The growing number of women entering traditionally male-dominated industries like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing has brought renewed attention to the need for thorough employment screening, particularly for sex offenders. Between FY 2018 and FY 2021, the EEOC received 98,411 charges alleging harassment, with 27,291 specifically related to sexual harassment. Notably, 78.2% of these sexual harassment charges were filed by women, who also accounted for 62.2% of all harassment charges. As these industries strive to create safer work environments, it’s crucial to address the increasing risk posed by individuals with a history of sexual misconduct. With court cases resulting in payouts as high as $4 million, the importance of identifying and preventing such risks cannot be overstated. Implementing comprehensive sex offender searches is essential to protecting employees and fostering a safe, inclusive workplace.
DISA Global Solutions is proud to announce the recipients of DISA’s 2024 Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship, an award dedicated to fostering the next generation of professionals committed to positively impacting the criminal justice field. Created in honor of Melissa M. Linville, this scholarship continues Melissa’s legacy of compassion, integrity, and dedication to serving others.
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the health and safety of employees have never been more critical, especially for those working in healthcare environments or densely populated facilities. These settings pose a higher risk for the spread of contagious diseases, making it essential for employers to take proactive measures to protect their staff and the public. One of the most effective ways to do this is through titer testing, which can help verify immunity to various diseases. Titer testing is particularly important for employees in healthcare-related fields and offers significant benefits in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
In recent years, the increasing legalization and widespread use of cannabis products have led to a surge in confusion among employers and employees regarding the differences between THC, synthetic THC, and CBD. With various products in the market and shifting legal landscapes, understanding these substances is critical, especially regarding workplace policies and drug testing.
The landscape of cannabis regulation in the United States is on the verge of a significant transformation. In May 2024, the Attorney General published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that could see marijuana reclassified from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This proposed change follows directives from President Biden and recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In a recent webinar, Faye Caldwell, Attorney at Law at Caldwell Everson PLLC, discussed the changes. Here's what you need to know.