October 2017 HR and Safety news & updates
for Small/Mid Business
Consultstu LLC delivers fractional HR support  to growth oriented small/mid businesses, and provides custom solutions to meet each companies' budget and needs. Our team assesses and supports your HR needs for compliance, cost control and HR effectiveness. Our solutions include HR department review/set up, short term HR coverage, monthly assistance, audits and special projects.  Call us today.
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Florida Workers' Comp rates dropping 9%

The National Council on Compensation Insurance has filed for a proposed workers' compensation rate reduction with the Florida Insurance Commissioner that will result in an average 9.3 percent reduction in workers' compensation premiums for Florida businesses in 2018. Read Orlando Sentinel article. The Florida legislature didn't address work comp reform in it's 2017 session.
5 Steps to Start Building your Company Culture

Every business develops its culture whether intentionally or unintentionally - and it goes without saying that company culture has a lot to do with what type of employees that are attracted to your business, their job satisfaction levels and how well they will satisfy your customers.   Read our Blog Post.
How to Submit OSHA 300A Summary Data to the new ITA

If your company is required to complete the new online injury reporting to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on or before December 1, 2017, follow our twelve (12) step process to register your company and report the data on the new Injury Tracking Application (ITA) website. Click here. 
IRS Releases Final Forms 1094 and 1095

Washington DC -  The IRS has just released the final Forms 1094-B, 1095-B, 1094-C, and 1095-C for calendar year 2017 reporting.  Employers covered by the Affordable Care Act ("ACA") regulations are required to report in early 2018 for calendar year 2017.  There are a few changes.  Preview the new 1095-C form from the IRS.  Need help, we have a solution to complete your ACA reporting.
If you employ Medicare eligible employees -Medicare Part D notices due by October 15

Washington DC - Every Fall, Medicare has an open enrollment period.  Companies that  sponsor group  health plans that include prescription drug coverage  are required to notify all Medicare-eligible individuals whether the company coverage is creditable (i.e., that the coverage is expected to pay, on average, as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage). The written disclosure notices to affected employees must be provided annually by October 15. Check with your agent or insurance carrier for more information.  Click here for sample forms.
Refusing to Hire Male Bartenders has Buffalo Wild Wings in trouble with EEOC

Little Rock, Arkansas -  In September 2017, the EEOC filed a lawsuit after  a male applicant applied for a bartender position at the company's Little Rock location. The company told him it was looking to hire a female.  Preferring to hire a specific gender for a serving position violates Title VII  of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  No person, male or female, can be denied employment based on gender, except when gender is a bona fide occupational qualification. 
When employees have medical conditions - employers must discuss accommodations

A car dealership was recently reminded that employers are required to discuss an employees' physical and mental conditions that is negatively impacting their job - before just firing them. The EEOC alleges that Crain Automotive Holdings, Inc. fired a female employee who suffered from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.  She tried to discuss her mental illness with a manager but the company refused to discuss accommodation options before firing. Read  how to conduct the interactive accommodation discussion. 
Manager Tip: How to have difficult conversations if you don't like conflict

Managers often avoid or delay difficult conversation, but doing so can hurt your relationships and create other negative outcomes. It may not feel natural at first, especially if you dread discord, but you can learn to dive into these tough talks by re-framing your thoughts. Read more.
Stuart Charlson | Consultstu LLC | 727-350-0370 | [email protected] | www.consultstu.com
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