At the National Tank Truck Carriers annual conference last month, Anne Ferro, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, touted the results of CSA and outlined her agenda for the coming months. Here's a look at the key points motor carriers should be ready for:

This guidance is considered temporary, but will apply until the DOL releases other regulations or guidance. 

Chad J. Tisonik
Vice President

OSHA is changing its Hazard Communication Standard, and employers are required to train employees on the updated requirements by December 1.  The changes align OSHA's regulations with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), which is the international standard for labeling and clearly communicating chemical hazards to employees.  

Starting May 7, all employers will be required to use a revised Form I-9, the employment eligibility verification document completed for every new hire. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the change to the I-9 employment eligibility form in early March.

DON JERRELL
Associate VP

Regulations for CMV drivers are changing, in particular with regards to medical cards.  The changes affect various kinds of drivers differently. The rules remain the same as to which drivers need a federal medical certificate (Fed Med card) while operating a commercial vehicle, but drivers will now have to provide an up-to-date copy of this card to the DMV when they obtain it.  

It’s no surprise that with the increase of technology in the workplace digital information is becoming increasingly relevant in the hiring process. The wide availability of information online can cut the time and cost of screening a prospective employee, but it also creates a new opportunity for discrimination (or allegations of it).

CHAD TISONIK
Advisory Practice Leader & Associate VP

OSHA released its Top 10 Most Cited Violations of 2011 today at the National Safety Council’s annual conference. Construction grabbed three spots, including #1 and #2 on the list.  The remainder of the most cited violations can be found in any industry. 

KATE SCHERKENBACH, SPHR, CEBS
Account Executive, HNI

Most positions involve a certain degree of on-the-job learning.  Can the same be said for human resource functions?  The answer is yes, of course HR pros CAN learn on the job…but is this safe?  That’s a matter of opinion.

A new wage tracking app has been released by the Department of Labor that allows hourly employees to record hours, breaks, and overtime pay.  DOL-Timesheet is intended to empower workers to ensure that they’re getting paid correctly by their employer.  The data gathered through this app could be used as evidence in wage and hour compliance cases, and may spark even more employees to file these type of suits.