Obtaining and Maintaining Proper Working Papers – It’s No Minor Task

Prior to hiring a minor (an employee who is under the age of 18), an employer has an obligation to obtain the minor’s employment certificate or permit issued in accordance with the education law (commonly referred to as “working papers”). Prior to the minor starting work, the employer must file this certificate at the place of the minor’s employment so that it may be readily accessible to any person authorized by law to examine such a document.

If a minor is injured while on the …

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The Department of Labor Announces Increased National Average Weekly Wage Now in Effect

The time has come for the annual adjustment in Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) rates. The Department of Labor, which administers the Longshore Act, has announced the new National Average Weekly Wage (NAWW) of $735.89; an increase of 2.46 percent over the previous NAWW. This NAWW will be in effect from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018, and will affect ongoing permanent total disability benefits and death benefits.

The increase in the NAWW will also lead to a slight increase in the …

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