United States: Health & Safety

A Washington Court of Appeals has ruled that an employee's not-yet-conceived child may pursue a negligence claim against the employer for birth defects allegedly caused by workplace chemical exposure before conception. The decision addresses whether employers owe a duty of care to future children and whether workers' compensation exclusivity bars such claims, with significant implications pending potential Supreme Court review.

When cybersecurity threats originate from within an organization, employers face unique challenges in conducting investigations while balancing legal obligations, employee privacy, and operational security. This discussion explores the warning signs of insider threats, the coordination required between legal, HR, IT, and forensic teams, and the critical post-investigation considerations including disciplinary actions and compensation structures that can help prevent future incidents.

The final rules provide guidance on how employers must administer the new 32-hour bank of immediately available unpaid protected time off.

The EPA has announced plans to develop comprehensive TSCA regulations for legacy asbestos uses, seeking real-world data from workers, building owners, and communities about exposure risks during renovation and demolition activities. With a proposed rule deadline of June 2027, the agency aims to strengthen protections where people are actually exposed, though advocacy groups are already challenging the extended timeline.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings unprecedented tourism to eleven U.S. host cities, hospitality workers face mounting pressures from severe staffing shortages, increased workloads, and heightened vulnerability to wage violations including illegal tip pooling and rest break infractions. Labor unions across multiple cities are leveraging this high-stakes moment to push for stronger workplace protections, fair wages, and improved benefits, with several locations threatening strikes if contract negotiations fai

The roofing industry faces a uniquely complex employment law landscape shaped by field-based workforces and overlapping regulatory pressures. From OSHA compliance and workers' compensation to immigration enforcement and wage-hour audits, roofing contractors navigate legal challenges that few other industries encounter simultaneously. Understanding these intersecting compliance requirements and knowing when to seek specialized legal counsel can mean the difference between proactive risk management and costly

California's emergency regulations establishing mandatory nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for acute psychiatric hospitals took effect June 1, 2026, ending a decades-long regulatory gap. Senate Bill 596 strengthens enforcement by increasing penalties for violations and treating each day of noncompliance as a separate offense, creating significant operational challenges for hospitals while nursing organizations celebrate the patient safety measure.

OSHA has scheduled informal public hearings for over 20 proposed rules as part of its deregulatory efforts, with most focusing on respiratory protection requirements for various chemical substances. The hearings, beginning August 19, 2026, will address proposed changes to standards including walking-working surfaces, medical evaluation requirements for respirators, and safety color-code markings across multiple industries.

On May 21, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-6-26 (the Order), directing several state departments and agencies to prepare California’s workforce, small businesses and communities...