Updating personnel rules is an endless task. Laws are constantly changing, and agencies are experiencing significant operational changes now more than ever. The responsibility of ensuring that all personnel rules are up to date and reflect both the legal requirements and the operational requirements is time-consuming and daunting. However, auditing personnel rules is one of
Workplace Policies
Legal Obligations in the Event of a COVID-19 Outbreak in the Workplace
This post originally appeared in January 2022.
In light of the current surge in COVID-19 cases, it is important that employers understand their obligations in the event that there is a COVID-19 outbreak at one of their workplaces.
This blog post is intended to provide an overview of the various statutory and regulatory obligations
…
Key Considerations For Employers When Developing An Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, And Retaliation Policy
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (the FEHA) provides employees with legal protection from harassment, discrimination and retaliation. The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the California agency that oversees and enforces the FEHA. As part of its oversight role, DFEH issues guidance to employers to assist in compliance with the FEHA requirements.…
Can A COVID-19 Infection Lead To Third Party Liability For Employers?
Non-employees may be able to sue employers for COVID-19 infections that can be traced to the employer’s workplace. A recent California Court of Appeal decision may pave the way for third parties to collect compensation from employers due to COVID-19 infections.
A California Court of Appeal recently allowed a cause of action brought by an…
Legal Obligations in the Event of a COVID-19 Outbreak in the Workplace
In light of the current surge in COVID-19 cases, it is important that employers understand their obligations in the event that there is a COVID-19 outbreak at one of their workplaces.
This blog post is intended to provide an overview of the various statutory and regulatory obligations that employers have during an outbreak so that…
Tips for Keeping Your Workforce Safe After Travel This Holiday Season
Now that the holiday season is upon us, employers can anticipate that a number of employees will make travel plans to see loved ones who they may not have been able to see in-person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, it is important for employers to be clear and transparent with their workforce…
Supporting a Mentally Healthy Workplace
It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had some type of impact on many people’s mental health. On October 10, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is “Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.” The past 18 months have brought forth…
Keep Your Office Halloween Party from Becoming a Cauldron of Toil and Trouble
This article was originally published in October 2019. The information has been reviewed and is up-to-date as of October 2021.
Many workplaces and schools engage in Halloween celebrations, and with good reason. LCW is no exception:

However, Halloween parties can be scary for risk managers, as they carry the potential to put a few skeletons…
Religious Exemption Requests Are Stealing the Show from COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
Over the last several months, mandatory vaccination requirements took center stage in the public response to COVID-19, but with the play getting underway and vaccination requirements becoming operative, it is the request for religious accommodation (i.e., exemption from vaccination requirements) that may be stealing the show.
Title VII and FEHA Set the Stage…
A Disability is a Disability is a Disability, Right?
When working with employees with disabilities, employers need to keep track of various laws that govern whether the employee may be entitled to leaves, accommodation, or even a disability retirement. What makes matters more complicated is that the definition of disability is not the same under each law. So, while a medical condition may meet…