Protecting Employees in the Workplace – 101

This session covers federal OSHA requirements and emerging state-specific workplace violence prevention mandates, including California’s comprehensive new law and New York’s retail-focused legislation. Attendees will learn how to develop effective prevention plans, conduct risk assessments, establish incident response protocols, and implement mandatory training programs with scenario-based exercises.

With expanded ICE enforcement priorities and the rescission of sensitive locations policies, employers must be prepared for workplace visits by federal agents. This session covers developing response plans, training designated points of contact to verify warrant validity, and ensuring employees understand their rights and obligations during enforcement actions.

A brief intermission allowing participants to refresh before continuing with the remaining sessions. Use this time to review materials and prepare questions for upcoming topics.

This session examines best practices for I-9 compliance and preparing for paper audits, where penalties can range from $300 to $30,000 per worker. Attendees will also learn strategies for vetting staffing agencies, obtaining indemnification agreements, and navigating the interconnectivity between DOL and ICE enforcement actions.

Following the rescission of Executive Order 11246 and new executive orders targeting diversity initiatives, employers face heightened scrutiny of their DEI programs and potential False Claims Act liability. This session explores the distinction between legal and illegal diversity measures, Title VII protections for LGBTQ+ workers, and best practices for messaging, hiring, and retention that focus on fair process rather than representation metrics.