By Ron Slyker As part of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian cyberattacks have primarily targeted Ukrainian government and bank systems, but the attacks may spread to countries outside of Ukraine soon. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and the FBI have warned organizations to increase protection as a precaution in case these attacks begin to affect … [Read more...] about Protect your data as Russia-Ukraine war increases cybersecurity risk
Risk management
Hang in there: Most employers say they can endure omicron
A survey of business leaders shows that most shows that most —87 percent—believe their organization would be able to endure an outbreak of the omicron variant of COVID-19. Eighty-six percent of exectives polled by SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) in December agreed that existing policies and procedures aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 in the … [Read more...] about Hang in there: Most employers say they can endure omicron
Don’t write a positive reference for a problem employee; instead…
By Lynne Curry Question: After an investigation, we fired one of our employees for threatening and stalking two co-workers. He now demands a positive letter of reference, which I'm writing. I tried to appease him with an innocuous letter that gave the dates on which he'd worked here along with what his job duties were. He refused to accept this, and frankly he scares … [Read more...] about Don’t write a positive reference for a problem employee; instead…
Even diligent medical offices are vulnerable to cyber crime
By Alek Pirkhalo, Infiniwiz A key to medicine is prevention and treatment. The same is true for computer technology. Many medical offices assume that their technology is protected and secure, but even those offices that take accepted protective measures may be leaving their patient data vulnerable. As medical offices become more reliant on technology for patient portals, … [Read more...] about Even diligent medical offices are vulnerable to cyber crime
Making faces doesn’t count as retaliation
By Mike O'Brien Not every negative consequence amounts to retaliation In asserting a claim for retaliation, an employee must prove he or she suffered a “materially adverse action.” But that probably doesn’t include someone “making faces” at you. In Fisher v. Bilfinger Industrial Services Inc., the employee alleged that his supervisor retaliated against him by (among other … [Read more...] about Making faces doesn’t count as retaliation
Protect healthcare staff from violence and virus post-pandemic
By Shawn Paul & Joe Anderson If the nation has learned anything from the COVID-19 crisis, it’s that advance planning in safety preparedness is vital to our ability to respond to emergencies, whether they’re viral, violent, or otherwise. Healthcare organizations in particular need procedures and sufficient up-to-date equipment to quickly respond to potentially confusing … [Read more...] about Protect healthcare staff from violence and virus post-pandemic
5 unintended ways companies compromise network security
By Ron Slyker Solid organization security is a considerable necessity in today’s world—that's not going to come as a surprise to anyone. Nonetheless, making and keeping an impenetrable organization is something that stays a slippery objective for some enterprises. Organizations of all sizes are continuously struggling with the battle of guaranteeing that each potential … [Read more...] about 5 unintended ways companies compromise network security
Most of your medical office employees are vaccinated. Now what?
By Lynne Curry bio Most of your office staff have received vaccines. Those who remain unvaccinated either haven’t decided whether they will or have refused to get vaccinated. What’s next? Can you relax your workplace protocols? How do you handle the conflicts between vaccinated and unvaccinated employees and those who differently interpret safety protocols? New CDC … [Read more...] about Most of your medical office employees are vaccinated. Now what?
How to conduct a virtual investigation
By Lynne Curry bio Question: We have a messy situation we need to investigate involving 12 and possibly more employees at remote locations. Nine months ago, we laid off our human resources officer. The accounting manager and I inherited many of her duties. Both of us have investigated minor issues in each of our departments, and our former human resources officer left a good … [Read more...] about How to conduct a virtual investigation
Pandemic fatigue feels like it’s starting over
By Dan Scungio bio In discussions with healthcare safety professionals across the country this year, some of the same safety issues seemed to crop up over and over. Lab staff are tired, they’re fatigued about dealing with COVID-19, and they just don’t seem to be focused on lab safety anymore. They aren’t following good safety practices, they aren’t wearing gloves, lab coats, … [Read more...] about Pandemic fatigue feels like it’s starting over