Posted by bakercounty

If you're a business owner or a manager of employees, take note. New federal laws governing the reporting of injuries or deaths suffered while on the job are in place as of January 1. The new law requires businesses to notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of a workplace death within eight hours, and to report any work-related hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours.
Before the new law took effect, employers were required to report work related deaths and hospitalizations only if three or more workers were affected. There previously was no reporting requirement for single hospitalizations, amputations or eye losses.
The new law also updates the list of employer types that are partially exempt from OSHA record-keeping requirements. Among the partially exempt industries are those with comparatively low occupational injury and illness rates such as insurance, finance, retail and real estate. Companies with more than 10 employees and those not classified as partially exempt must record all instances of work-related illnesses and injuries using OSHA Forms 300, 300A and 301, which you can easily access on the agency's website.
Figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that in 2013, 4,405 workers were killed on the job and more than 3 million private industry employees suffered work-related injuries or illnesses. Unfortunately, many of these incidents were avoidable.
Says US Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez: "No one should have to sacrifice their life for their livelihood, because a nation built on the dignity of work must provide safe working conditions for its people."
To that end, OSHA offers a range of services to small and medium-sized businesses to help assure that you offer a safe and legally compliant workplace for your employees. Visit the OSHA website for details. And to help assure your business continues to grow and succeed, consider joining the Baker County Chamber of Commerce, offering a variety of support services including training, business-to-business discounts and networking opportunities.

Posted by bakercounty

The New Year is underway. If you're an entrepreneur or manager, make sure you're aware of the new statewide minimum wage laws.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced that as of January 1, the minimum wage rose from $7.93 per hour to $8.05 per hour - a 1.5-percent increase. For tipped employees, such as restaurant wait staff and bartenders, the new minimum wage is $5.03, which is equal to the general $8.05 minimum wage minus the $3.02 tip credit established in 2003. If, at the end of the work shift, the hourly rate plus tips does not reach $8.05, the employer must make up the difference.
As part of the Florida Minimum Wage Act, state legislators have adjusted our minimum wage annually since 2005, basing figures on the Consumer Price Index. Inflation has steadily driven wages up an average 15 cents per year.
Keep in mind you'll also need to display the updated version of the Florida Minimum Wage poster at your place of business. Download a copy via the FDEO's website.
Whether you're an up and coming entrepreneur just learning the ropes or a seasoned veteran, you'll find amazing support with a membership to the Baker County Chamber of Commerce. Browse our website to see how we can help you grow and succeed in business.