The Ministerial Exception: An Important Defense for Religious Employers

In our representation of religious institutions, inquiries regarding the ministerial exception and its implications in employment law often arise. The ministerial exception grants individuals performing ministerial duties exemption from certain discrimination laws, such as those related to age, sex, and disability. Remarkably, ministerial credentials are not mandatory, but the job position must play an integral…

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Kentucky Special Olympics Celebrates 48 Years

WKT Law wishes the Special Olympics organization a happy 50th year anniversary and a happy 48th anniversary to Special Olympics Kentucky! On August 19th, Special Olympics Kentucky will hold an anniversary celebration with all current/former athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers at Valley High School in Louisville. For more information on the celebration, contact Jennifer McMahon at 502-695-8222…

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FMSHRC Rules on Correct Standard for Approval of Settlements

On August 2, 2018, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (“Commission”) issued a decision in Secretary v. The American Coal Company, Docket No. LAKE 2011-13, reiterating the correct legal standard to be applied by the Commission and its administrative law judges (“ALJs”) in reviewing proposed settlements.   The Commission held that, in effectuating…

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OSHA: “Five Contractors Cited Following Fatal Kentucky Shipyard Explosion”

“OSHA cited five contractors for safety and health violations after three employees were fatally injured and two others critically injured following an explosion on board a towboat. The five companies collectively received 55 violations with proposed penalties totaling $795,254. The employers were ship repair contractor First Marine, LLC, which has been placed in the agency’s Severe Violator…

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Sixth Circuit Rules on Appointment of FMSHRC ALJs

On July 31, 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a decision in a case Noelle Holladay True from our firm is handling, Jones Brothers, Inc. v. MSHA, Case No. 17-3483, ruling that the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (“Commission”) did not properly appoint the administrative law judge…

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OSHA Advises on Heat Hazards for Workers

Every year, thousands of workers become sick from occupational heat exposure, and some are fatally injured. These illnesses and fatalities are preventable. The heat index is high and summer has just begun. OSHA is advising employers throughout the U.S. to protect their workers from heat-related hazards or illnesses by utilizing preventative methods. “While workers in construction, agriculture,…

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Worker Misclassification: Employees Vs. Contractors

There are many points of focus for business owners and managers in all industries. We routinely handle employment matters, from pre-hire through termination and all issues in between. One of those is employee misclassification, noted by Forbes as a distinct and growing problem. This is true even for the most careful employer acting in good faith…

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America’s Mining Industry: Dynamic, Complex And Ever-Evolving

In the intricate tapestry of American industries, few are as dynamic and rapidly evolving as mining. At Williams Kilpatrick, PLLC, we encapsulate the essence of mining in the 21st century with a single word: turbulent. While coal mining may be the initial image that comes to mind for those less acquainted with the industry, the…

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Are Noncompete Agreements Relevant To Your Kentucky Business?

In the ever-evolving landscape of business in Kentucky, employers face an array of challenges across industries, with employment law taking center stage. At our firm, we acknowledge the increasing complexity of employment laws. The laws governing employment grow more complicated and confusing every day. Our commitment extends to assisting diverse businesses throughout Kentucky in navigating…

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