GETTING READY FOR 2012
Things do get busy this time of the year. With winter holidays, family events, and increased business, getting ready for 2012 is probably last on your list. So, to make things a bit easier for you in this hectic season, we've listed a few considerations that — with a little time and effort — will help get you ready for a happy new year.
Employee Handbooks
For clients that have been with us for about a year, we will start updating your handbooks with all the new laws that come effective in 2012. This is the time to also add and/or modify any policies in your handbook you wish to see.
Planning to hire in 2012? make sure your handbook and job descriptions are up-to-date, your employment notices are legal. Need help? We can do the recruiting for you. We offer a large variety of online testing in various job categories that make finding the right person for the right job much easier.
New Laws
Every year we have offered our “Employment Landmines” seminars and the 2012 class covers major state and federal laws that affect you as an employer. We will also discuss major court decisions in 2011 as well as what our crystal ball sees for 2012. This, by far, is one of the most important seminars we offer whether you have an established business or are just starting out.
Holiday Issues
Holidays often bring up some major issues you need to prepare for, including:
- Do you have a written policy covering holiday parties and “off duty” events?
- Does your handbook cover the use of alcohol?
- What about dating policy?
- Is your time off policy working?
- And we cannot forget the potential for sexual harassment and workplace violence that seem to go into high gear in the holiday season. What a way to start a new year!
Open Enrollment
With some companies, new benefits start January 1, so if you haven't prepared for your benefits Open Enrollment period, you are way past due. Your HRI representative can assist you in contacting one of our medical benefits partners.
Workers' Compensation
Know your Modification Rate and be prepared for rate increases. Let us know and we can help you shop your rates.
Safety Programs
You are required by law to have a written Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) along with other safety programs. Again, we start to update those programs the first of the year and we want your input on new safety issues you might have. A written IIPP goes a long way in keeping your Workers' Compensation rate low, reducing employee injuries / time off, and possibly saving you from OSHA fines.
Compliance Posters
By now, you are probably getting a lot of unsolicited mail from companies wanting to sell you 2012 Labor Compliance Posters. However, as an HRI. client, we will send you 2012 Labor Compliance Poster in January. We'll also update other required posters not usually available from other vendors, especially in the area of safety. We offer a variety of custom posters. Your HRI representative would be happy to help you.
OSHA 300 Log
If you are required to keep an OSHA 300 Log, start finalizing your 2011 log so you can post the summary portion by February 1st. Failure to maintain a log, falsifying a log, or not posting it within the required time period leaves you open to OSHA fines.
Time-Off Policy
If your time-off policy has a maximum accrual cap on PTO/Vacation for the end of the year, make sure your employees take their time off. There is a tremendous risk of financial exposure with all that unnecessary time on the books.
We can all do it better in 2012 and this should be a time of reflection so we can be proactive in 2012 instead of reactive. Happy Holidays!
