Fred C Church

Some aspects of compliance may be increasingly important in the future, as the White House budget proposal highlights a focus on employee safety and rights.

"The Department's budget will enhance worker safety by stepping up enforcement, increasing worker training and providing the most vulnerable workers with the information they need to protect themselves," the Department of Labor stated in a summary of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2013.

A total of $1.8 billion would be appropriated for worker protection agencies under the proposal, including $565 million for OSHA and $5 million to improve enforcement of whistleblower laws. Additionally, $6 million would be allocated to the agency's Wage and Hour Division to better enforce the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

These efforts may heighten the need for careful risk management by various employers. A certified insurance counselor or other professional may be able to help specific firms ensure they are in compliance and evaluate the coverage their business insurance policy provides against any flaws. Common policies may not apply to reputational damage, business interruption and liability concerns, so employers should review their needed and existing coverage. Employee benefits and workers' compensation insurance may also be impacted significantly.