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What I've Been Reading This Week


Another busy week in court has kept me on the road and out of the office.  As a result, I have not had as much time to read through different articles as I would have liked.  Nevertheless, I still came across a few good reads that I think readers of this blog will like.  Until next week...


OSHA Issues New Directive to Keep Communication Tower Workers Safe

With an increase in the number of communication tower worker deaths over the past few years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") updated its Communications Tower Directive recently in regard to the use of hoist systems used to move workers to and from workstations on communications towers.  

The directive includes an outline of the proper use of hoist systems and includes information on how to safely hoist workers to lessen possible risk.  Even for those employers (and readers) who have no involvement in this industry, it is still an interesting read to page through.


A Few Ways to Curb Sick Leave Abuse

Whether it be employees calling in "sick" during the World Cup or an employee who call in "sick" because they just do not feel like coming into work that day, I cannot think of many employers who have never dealt with this issue before.  Joanna Vilos has a few good ideas on how employers can curb sick leave abuse and has a few novel approaches to the issue.  In particular, I like how she highlights that while a few employees who abuse the sick leave policy should not ruin it for everyone, care should be taken to ensure that all employees are clear on the employer's sick leave policy and ensure that all employees follow it accordingly.


NHL's Florida Panthers Drop Ice Dancing Squad & Cheerleaders

Is this one of the first repercussions of all the N.F.L. cheerleader wage and hour lawsuits that have been filed this year?  Perhaps.  A week or so ago, the Florida Panthers announced on Twitter that they had disbanded its ice dancing squad and cheerleadering team for the upcoming season.  No specific reason was given for the announcement, other than a thank you and letter of appreciation to the now un-emeployed workers.  

As more and more teams look at the potential liability that comes with having cheerleaders (who may or may not be getting paid a lawful wage by the teams), this decision to disband the squads might become more common.  Though note, that although the Oakland Raiders have two separate lawsuits that have been filed against them by current and former cheerleaders, the Raiders have chosen to have cheerleaders back on the sidelines again this season & also give them a pay raise!

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