Legislation impacting workplace safety for employees passes

Posted on: 5/31/19


The Workplace and Organizational Safety Coalition requested several pieces of legislation in the 2019 Legislative Session. OHA, Paycom, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and others were all coalition members supporting the passage of reforms that would assist the safety of employees in their workplaces from violence. These are legal tools that can be used by employers to protect the employees and the workplace.

SB 715 (Paxton/Kannaday):

An employer or an authorized agent of an employer may file a written verified petition with the district court of the county in which the employer is located for an injunction prohibiting workplace harassment when there are credible threats of violence in the workplace. The order can be temporary or become permanent at the discretion of the Court.
 
Before SB 715, restraining orders could only be brought by individuals who were being harassed or threatened and did not allow for organizations and businesses to access this legal protection. “Credible threat of violence” is a knowing and willful statement or course of conduct that would place a reasonable person in fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family, and that serves no legitimate purpose. “Workplace harassment” means a pattern or course of conduct directed toward another individual in a workplace that includes repeated or continuing contact that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress and that actually causes emotional distress to the victim. “Workplace harassment” includes, but is not limited to, credible threats of violence. The bill was sent to the governor on May 23. to view the bill, click here.

SB 752 (Leewright/Miller):

SB 752 expands the criminal statutes for prosecution of a person that compels another to employ any person or a person that interrupts or disrupts the carrying on of business. The bill adds a specification that electronic communications including texts, sounds, and images can be considered when evaluating interruption or disruption to a business. SB 752 ensures that social media posts can be considered in criminal cases. The bill was signed by the governor on May 13. (Sandra Harrison)

Save the dates for OHA 2022 events

Posted on: 2/18/22


It’s a new year and a new lineup of important events for you and your staff. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to engage in advocacy, education and networking all year long. Mark your calendar now!

OHA Advocacy Day - Tuesday, April 5, Oklahoma History Center. Join us for our annual legislative day. We will begin with a member briefing at 3 p.m., followed by a legislative reception at 5 p.m. Watch for registration materials soon.

OHA-PAC Golf Tournament - Tuesday, June 21, Jimmie Austin Golf Club at OU, Norman. Time and details TBA.

OHA Health Care Leaders Forum - Tuesday, July 19 - Thursday, July 21, Shangri-La Resort, Grand Lake. Watch for registration soon!

OHA Connect 22 - Wednesday, Nov. 9 - Friday, Nov. 11, Oklahoma City Convention Center and Omni Hotel, downtown Oklahoma City. Plan now to attend OHA’s annual conference and exhibit hall. More details to come.

Details on these events and other upcoming education opportunities will be available on the OHA website.