A visit by state labor inspector

REF

We had a visit from the state labor inspector today. I was like a steam boiler with a bad pressuretrol. We do everything above board, and still we had an issue. All I can say is make sure you have an employee handbook, and consider a visit to the state labor web site. I even called a few years back when we first started to ask for info..It's not good enough you have to dot your I's and cover your.. well you get it. Recommend Al's manual..It really helped us out today because we could have faced more issues. Man what a tough day. A you say you want your own business. It ain't easy..

Respectfully,

REF

Larry (from OSHA)

I'm curious

What was the inspector dealing with? Was it safety stuff or work comp stuff or what? If you have any questions about safety stuff, I'd be glad to try to help you. (compliance type issues). Sorry to hear of your tough day.

Larry (from OSHA)

Edward A. (Ed) Carery

What State

What state are you in?

I don't mean depressed, confused, etc. (Smile)

Generally, what information were they after.

Ed

REF

NY and

here is the web site that can help- www.labor.state.ny.us


New York State. It was over vacation pay. We had paid vacation time before it was due to the employee to be good guys. This according to the state set a precident. After termination it was turned-in that he hadn't received his due. We did not have our handbook in place, so all verbal agreements set precidents. Be careful in giving too much, not that I am to the point where I won't be a good guy it is my nature. My wife and I where in shock because we had already lost money from the work that was done on our customers after hours. It has been a tough lesson to learn, and remember I called the state on about day 2 of business asking for any and all information and got very little. State laws and federal laws can be a tricky business to deal with, however, we really try hard to play by commonsense rules. Hope this helps someone not get burned because you can get big fines and criminal offenses in NY. It just may be a tougher state to do business in then I thought.

A side note the inspector was very professional and patient with yours truly and I can be a bear sometimes.

Respectfully,
REF

REF

Guidelines

Is there a manual I should have for reference? If so please let me know how to get it. Thanks for your help. Safety was a huge focus in the Air Force,and I really push on it still.

Respectfully,
REF

Bob Harper

school of hard knocks

All the more reason to consult with an attorney not just once at the inception of the business but as issues come up. At minimum, it should be an annual review. Have him review your operations and compare with insurance coverages including vehicle, loss of work, W.C., bonds, licenses, etc. He should approve of all forms, sales procedures, service policies, etc. and all personnel matters. You need him to coach you on what you can and cannot ask at interviews, HIPPO laws, labor laws, record keeping, etc. For your safety policy, hire a retired OSHA inspector to analyze your company and show you what forms, recordkeeping, programs, etc. you need. Do you have regular staff meetings and train? Are your checklist 3 yrs old or done daily/ weekly, etc. as required? Do your trucks carry their required docs. including daily walk around inspections, copy of safety policy, MSDS, etc.?
HTH,

tls_9

Get

Get a hold of your small business development administration. Every location in NY is covered by one.

These are staffed by retired business men that have been through this all befor and have the recourses to point you in the right direction.

They can counsel you one on one and they put on excellent seminars. Mostly free or nominal fees.

Give them a call

http://www.nyssbdc.org/

tom

REF

Thanks Bob

I will work on that information.

REF