Helpline

Proposed Changes to Confined Spaces Rule Include ‘Rescue Services’

What is the status of changes to the Cal/OSHA regulation for construction in confined spaces? A hearing has been held on proposed revisions, but the...

Factors to Consider When Employee Asks to Extend Family Leave

We have more than one employee who have requested extensions of their family leave (for various reasons). Do we have to grant these extensions,...

How to Deal with Predictive Scheduling and Scheduling Changes

We want to change our non-exempt employee’s schedule for next week. How far in advance do we need to notify the employee of schedule...

Law Now Requires Written Contract for Independent Contractors

Do I need a written contract if I have an independent contractor working for me? In California, the relationship between businesses and independent contractors is...

Paycheck Direct Deposit: Offer, But Don’t Mandate

In 2025, we would like to pay all our employees by direct deposit. We have a couple of employees who do not have direct...

‘Paid Family Leave’ — Who Can Request It; How It Works

I own a small business, and I have an employee who has been with my company for a few months. He came to me...

Don’t Discourage Employee’s Use of California/Federal Family Leave

One of our employees has notified us that he wants to use state/federal family leave in approximately two months when his baby is born....

Making Sense of Minimum Wage Requirements

With different federal, state, local, and industry-specific minimum wage requirements, how do I know if I am properly paying my California employees? The first step...

Lead Exposure Standard: Big Changes Take Effect January 1, 2025

What changes has Cal/OSHA made to its standard for exposure to lead in construction and other industries? The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)...

Inappropriate Remarks No Reason Not to Investigate Harassment Claim

An employee has filed a sexual harassment complaint; however, her co-workers have noted that she herself makes a lot of lewd jokes and uses...