News

According to a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), introducing allergenic foods like peanut products, fish or eggs may help prevent food allergies in infants at high risk of developing one. The report explains that when allergenic foods are given to infants as early as the age of 4 months, the immune…

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta recently told the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee that he “fully expects” OSHA inspections to increase once new inspectors are trained. Increased DOL Enforcement Actions Acosta’s remarks are in line with the significant increase in enforcement actions employers have seen in the…

Sleep takes up about one-third of your life, and for good reasons. Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive and low-stress lifestyle. Here are just a few of the benefits of getting a good night's sleep: Increased productivity and work performance. Giving your body enough time to go through all the sleep stages is…

We are experiencing the longest economic expansion in recent history. Springfield’s economy is also strong with unemployment of less than 3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These factors, plus others, are creating a competition for talent many businesses have never experienced. If your business doesn’t have a robust plan for attracting and…

You’ve probably noticed that your wearable fitness technology is monitoring your heart rate—but have you ever wondered why? There’s a direct relationship between your heart rate and your workout’s intensity. Resting Heart Rate As the name suggests, your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute (bpm). While your resting…

Although about 90 percent of people struck by lightning survive, these strikes can cause serious and permanent disabilities. And, even if employees aren’t hurt by lightning, they may be at risk from any fires, explosions or other hazards that result from a strike. Together, these facts outline the importance of protecting employees who work outdoors…

Q: How can I detect and avoid a gender pay gap in my business? A: Nationwide women are paid approximately 80% of what men are paid; 78% in Missouri. Employers can take steps to avoid perpetuating this gap. First, establish a compensation structure including salary ranges for positions; remove inquiries about prior salary from your…

Roofing can be a competitive and rewarding field, and years of hard work can help contractors establish a strong customer base and reputation. Roofing contractors invest their expertise, time and energy to build or repair roofs that will stand the test of time. However, owning a roofing contractor business can be physically and mentally demanding,…

Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable—it can be a threat to your health. Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Despite this fact, more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year, according to the CDC. There are several heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke (the most severe), heat exhaustion and…

What’s the main driver keeping employees with your business? Company culture? Career mobility? If you ask your employees, they’ll probably say it’s their paycheck. That’s according to a PayScale survey that found pay to be the strongest motivator for quitting. Of over 38,000 individuals surveyed, 25% said more compensation was their motivation for quitting, while…