On October 11, 2018 OSHA issued a Standard Interpretation to clarify its position on the new recordkeeping rule’s anti-retaliation provisions that were put into place in 2016.  Essentially, they completely reversed their position on previous limitations with safety incentive programs and post-incident drug testing. 

According to the memo, OSHA believes that safety incentive programs and post-incident drug testing are generally not put into place to penalize employees for reporting injuries.  Rather, they are implemented to promote the safety and health in the workplace.  

How does the new interpretation impact you?  

The original regulation required employers to remove all-inclusive testing rules for post-incident drug testing.  

HHS recently released “100 Days of Action on the President’s American Patients First Blueprint.”

Some of the information looks great, such as 60% fewer brand-drug price increases than the same period in 2017 and a record breaking 126 generics approved in July.  Additionally, 4 drug companies canceled planned price increases and 13 committed to price freezes for the rest of 2018.

Truck drivers are amongst the hardest working people committing their lives to tackling one of the toughest jobs in America. So, with Driver Appreciation Week fast approaching, you may be looking for ways to honor your valued road warriors. In reality, there aren't enough ways to thank your drivers for all they do, but here is a list of 10 ways to celebrate this important week. 

If you were nervous for your first day, you are not alone. I walked into HNI on my first day a nervous wreck. I had no experience in the insurance field, I had never worked in an office before, and I was coming to the realization that I had parked outside of the daycare center next door instead of the designated HNI parking lot. All these thoughts resulted in some shallow breathing and sweaty palms.

But looking back, I see how silly these feelings were. The awesome HR team will fill your first few days with meetings and activities so that you can ease your way into your position and get to know your fellow employees. Everyone is willing to answer your dumb intern questions. I promise you that after a few Potbelly runs with the team, you will feel right at home.

Self-driving vehicles may feel like something that will only be available in the distant future, but autonomous technology is already having an impact on the transportation industry. Many motor carriers are promoting new equipment to attract tech-savvy drivers, and advanced safety sensors are helping decrease accidents on the road.

Over 30 automakers and technology companies are working to make trucks fully autonomous, and many states have already passed self-driving legislation that allows for testing on public roads. But, even though this technology offers motor carriers a way to increase efficiency and improve safety, there are a number of topics your business needs to consider before adopting self-driving trucks.

HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE RISING 4X FASTER THAN WAGES

Over the last 18 years, the cost of family premiums and worker contributions have risen by a total of 270% and 224%, respectively. That compares to worker earnings growth of 64% and inflation of 47%.  The result: every year health care is consumes a larger percentage of Americans' paychecks. 

Pharmaceutical pricing and fees have become the health care industry’s best kept secret. The cost of prescription drugs are increasing at an unsustainable rate, and to make matters worse the revenue sources aren’t transparent to the patient or employer. 

• Prescription drug spending in 2016 accounted for 10% of the nation's total health care costs.
• Prices for common medications are as much as 117% higher in the United States than in other nations.

Over the past few years, we've all witnessed the unchecked rise of health care costs in America. 

Some employers have been sitting back hoping things will get better. Others have been desperately trying everything to regain control. 

But one thing is clear: we aren't winning.

THE SYSTEM KEEPS WINNING

Every incentive in the health care system has been built to work against you: the employer.

Insurance companies make more when the cost of claims goes up.

Hospitals are buying primary care centers and referring patients to treatment options with higher profit margins.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers get paid more when drug costs increase.

Insurance Brokers have delivered ideas and tactics. But they often fail to deliver their clients a multi-year strategy that can move the needle. 

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual International Roadcheck will run June 5-7, 2018.

During the International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. This year’s blitz will place a special emphasis on hours-of-service compliance.

Over the 72-hour blitz period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions throughout North America will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Drivers are required to provide their driver’s license, hours-of-service documentation, motor carrier registration and shipping documentation. As mentioned above, this year’s roadcheck will focus heavily on hours-of-service compliance.