On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a formal interpretation addressing whether injuries caused by personal rechargeable lithium-ion batteries brought into the workplace must be recorded on the OSHA 300 Log. There are several key takeaways listed below:

Around 90% of companies in the construction industry employ 20 or fewer employees. This can make it very difficult to ensure that employees are receiving the proper safety training, since resources like time and money are often limited. Those tasked with safety compliance usually have other responsibilities, making it hard for them to dedicate the necessary time to safety. However, one easy step that can be taken is the implementation of toolbox talks

The pharmaceutical industry is entering a major transformation driven by two federal pricing reforms: the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and new Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing initiatives signed in 2025. These changes will allow Medicare to negotiate lower prices on many high‑cost medications and tie U.S. drug prices more closely to those in other developed countries. As manufacturers face reduced margins and increasing pressure for price transparency, many are turning to a new strategy: selling medications directly to consumers at cash prices. While this trend is largely aimed at patients, it’s poised to have ripple effects on employer-sponsored health plans.

OVD is thrilled to announce the addition of four new shareholders: Jordan Shillinger, Kyle Teeples, Sean Teeples, and Steve Binnig as well as expanded positions for current shareholders Jonathan Broyles, Rebekah Van Beek, and Will Collins

The construction industry has one of the highest injury and fatality rates of any industry. This is one of the reasons that construction sites are legally required to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. However, the standards can be vague and don’t always give specific guidance on what should be in the kit. Below, we’ve broken down both the standards governing these kits, and the meaning behind the classification and type, to help provide some clarity on an issue that every construction company deals with.

The GLP-1 race is stepping to the next level, and in late December, the FDA approved the first GLP-1 pill from Novo Nordisk for weight loss and maintenance. This Wegovy (semaglutide) pill just recently hit the shelves, with competitor versions, like those from Eli Lilly, soon to follow.

The IRS has released its 2026 benefit updates, bringing several contribution limit increases and compliance considerations for employers. Below is a snapshot of the most important changes HR and benefits teams should review to ensure plans, payroll, and employee communications are aligned for the year.

Recent forecasts indicate a major winter storm is expected to sweep across a vast portion of the central and eastern U.S. this weekend, bringing with it heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously cold conditions. Ice accumulations and snow can create slippery travel conditions, downed power lines, infrastructure stress, and business interruptions, all of which increase liability and operational risk.

With a full list of regulatory benchmarks to meet, we’re here to help. Below is a curated list of key deadlines and reminders covering everything from OSHA to general workforce compliance requirements. Be sure to review any applicable local or state regulations, as deadlines and obligations may vary. If you have questions about any of these benchmarks, please reach out to your OVD advisor for guidance.