By Brent I. Clark, Mark A. Lies, IIAdam R. Young, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The CDC published guidance aimed at assisting retail and service companies in limiting workplace violence against or involving their employees that may be associated with enforcing face mask mandates and other COVID-19 precautions.

On March
Continue Reading CDC Guidance on Workplace Violence in Retail Associated with COVID-19, Customer Face Mask Enforcement

By Edward V. Arnold

Seyfarth Synopsis: On June 1, 2020, the Criminal Division of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) released an updated guidance document for white-collar prosecutors on the evaluation of corporate compliance programs. The document, entitled “Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs,” updates a prior version issued in April 2019, and seeks to better assist prosecutors in assessing
Continue Reading Department of Justice Issues Updated Guidance on Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs

By James L. CurtisMark A. Lies, IIAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: In its introduction to its New Active shooter training materials, the Illinois State Police note that “civilians that are present at any given incident are the true first responders.”

The Illinois State Police (ISP) have developed and are making
Continue Reading Illinois State Police Provide Training on Active Shooter, Workplace Violence

By James L. Curtis, Daniel R. Birnbaum, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: With the seemingly random workplace violence that continues unabated, many employers are again asking how best to protect their employees.

We had blogged previously about “Workplace Violence Prevention: DHS Promotes “Active Shooter Preparedness” Programs – Is Your Company Ready?”  In addition, we blogged
Continue Reading Workplace Violence and Shootings in the Spotlight

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

iStock_000041284206_MediumSeyfarth Synopsis: DHS’s recommendations for active shooter prevention and preparedness is only one piece of an effective workplace violence prevention program. Employers should assess their workplaces and develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs and training.

With the wave of violence that has gripped the nation this summer, many clients are again asking
Continue Reading Wave of Shootings Puts Workplace Violence Back in the Spotlight

By Adam R. Young and Craig B. Simonsen

Violence, often involving firearms, is an increasingly common occurrence in the 21st century workplace.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation notes that even though homicide is “the most publicized form of violence in the workplace, it is not the most common.”

The FBI defines workplace violence as “any physical assault, threatening behavior or
Continue Reading Workplace Violence Prevention: DHS Promotes “Active Shooter Preparedness” Programs – Is Your Company Ready?

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

The teenage summer job working at the local store is a rite of passage in most communities. Almost everyone has held a summer job at some point in their life.  However, given the disturbing rise in workplace violence, teenagers can be swept up in hostile situations and end up facing down angry,
Continue Reading OSHA Administrator Blogs on Retail Industry’s Need for Workplace Violence Training and Protections

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

So far 2014 has proven to be a lucrative year for whistleblowers assisting federal agencies in bringing suits against “violators”.

In following up on last year’s impressive $14 million dollar whistleblower reward, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has just announced an award of $875,000 to two whistleblowers “who aided”
Continue Reading Whistleblowers Continue to See Significant Monetary Awards in 2014

By James L. Curtis, Meagan Newman, and Craig B. Simonsen

Dr. David Michaels, Administrator for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, testified yesterday at a hearing before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment & Workplace Safety. The topic of discussion was “Whistleblowers and Job Safety: Are Protections Adequate to Build a Safer Workplace?”

Dr. David Michaels’ Answer: No, They’re
Continue Reading Whistleblowers and Job Safety: Are Protections Adequate to Build a Safer Workplace?

OSHA yesterday announced its interim final rule for “Procedures for Handling Retaliation Complaints Under the Employee Protection Provision of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010,” 79 Fed. Reg. 18630 (April 3, 2014).  These rules are in effect immediately, but could be revised by OSHA after the comment period.

James Curtis, Ada Dolph, and Craig Simonsen have prepared
Continue Reading OSHA Issues Its Interim Final Rule On Whistleblowers Procedures Under Dodd-Frank’s Consumer Financial Protection Act