A couple of years ago, I was helping someone install a smoke detector. Armed with a drill, the detector, a six-foot aluminum stepladder from my house, and a partner to steady the base, I began my climb. The floor was standard ceramic tile—common enough, but as I ascended, the ladder suddenly slipped on the slick surface. Fortunately, I wasn’t injured. Upon closer inspection, I realized the anti-slip rubber feet were missing from the ladder’s legs. Under OSHA regulations, empl

Guam’s legal landscape has always blended local tradition with federal oversight, but few issues have created as much confusion for human resources departments as the conflict over cannabis. As of April 2026, Guam permits both recreational and medical marijuana use, while the federal government’s recent move to reschedule it to Schedule III in late 2025 has shifted the landscape without fully clearing the air. For companies operating on the island, the challenge is no longe

Recovering from a major storm is a process that begins the moment the winds die down and the community enters the "trying to get back to normal" phase of recovery. This transition requires a balance between the urgency of restoring operations and the patience to ensure that every step is taken safely and systematically. By following a structured approach, organizations and individuals can navigate the complexities of post-storm challenges while protecting their personnel and

For local businesses, Department of Labor (DOL) compliance is no longer just a "back-office" concern—it is a core pillar of operational strategy. The regulatory landscape is a complex web of federal mandates and local nuances, and in Guam, this complexity is heightened by specific local statutes designed to balance business needs with robust worker protections. To maintain compliance, employers must master two primary domains: Wage and Hour Regulations and Fair Hiring Law

While the peak of typhoon season typically falls between August and October, the broader season stretches from June all the way through December. However, seasoned professionals know that nature doesn't always follow a calendar; storms can and do occur at any time of year. Whether you are facing a major typhoon or a localized emergency, the key to survival is a proactive approach to business preparation. A truly resilient organization relies on a solid business continuity pla

Remote work is no longer a pandemic-era experiment — it’s the established reality of the modern workforce. In 2026, the question isn’t “Can I work remotely?” It’s “How do I compete in a global talent pool from Guam?” Here’s how. Today’s remote market is more competitive than ever. Many employers have adopted “async-first” models — meaning communication happens through written messages, recorded updates, and shared documents rather than real-time meetings, letting teammate

In the heart of the Pacific, Guam serves as a vital hub for regional commerce, construction, and military logistics. However, our strategic importance brings high-risk environments—from the swinging cranes of the Port Authority to the massive infrastructure projects happening in Dededo and Tamuning. In these areas, the difference between a productive day and a life-altering tragedy often comes down to one factor: mental agility. Drug testing programs in the workplace are no

It’ time for the annual "OSHA Posting Season”. For safety managers and business owners, this is a critical window for compliance. Between February 1 and April 30 , most employers are required by law to post their annual summary of workplace injuries and illnesses. To ensure your facility remains compliant and penalty-free, it is essential to understand the distinction between "recordable" and "reportable" incidents and the specific forms required to document them. Recordable

In the modern industrial landscape, workplace safety is not merely about complying with regulations; it is a foundational pillar of operational excellence. Among the various strategies employed to protect employees, workplace drug testing remains one of the most effective tools in your arsenal. By identifying potential impairment before or after an incident, drug testing programs serve as a critical deterrent and a diagnostic tool that directly correlates with lower acciden

In our vibrant expanse of the Western Pacific, Guam and Micronesia are standing at a pivotal economic crossroads. It is 2026, and the traditional "way we’ve always done it" is no longer a viable compass. From the massive military buildup on Guam to the evolving eco-tourism models in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the region is facing a common challenge: a widening gap between available jobs and the local skill sets required to fill them. In Guam alone, several

As we enter 2026, it is time to review your safety protocols. Under OSHA requirement 1910.38 (Subpart E) , every workplace must have a dedicated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) . Compliance Requirements The EAP must be documented in writing, kept within the workplace, and made accessible to all employees for review. However, if your team consists of fewer than 10 employees, OSHA allows you to communicate the plan orally. Personnel and Roles A critical part of your review is ens

In 2026, drug testing remains a critical pillar of workplace safety. However, for organizations operating in Guam, the regulatory landscape represents a unique blend of federal mandates and local statutes. Navigating the overlap between USDOT 49 CFR Part 40, HHS Guidelines, and Guam Coded Law requires a clear understanding of where these rules meet and where they diverge. The Federal Framework: DOT and HHS The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 40 serve

In the rapidly shifting economic landscape of 2026, your mantra for your local business should switch from "hiring the best" to "building the best." On a small island like Guam, where skilled employees are a finite resource, local enterprises face a choice: wait for talent that may never arrive or invest in the people they already have. From mid-2025 to the present, Guam's unemployment rate has been trending at 3.2%. This means there is a greater demand for skilled workers th

Safety training is often viewed as a checkbox exercise, but it is the backbone of a productive workplace. At its core, safety training isn’t just about following rules; it’s about equipping every employee with the skills to identify hazards before they become accidents. Whether you are in a corporate office or on a high-risk construction site, the primary goal remains the same: minimizing the risk of injury and ensuring every worker goes home healthy. Step 1: Identifying the

As the confetti settles and the last strains of Auld Lang Syne fade, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the new one. While resolutions often revolve around personal goals like fitness or hobbies, dedicating time to cultivate better work habits and refine our online etiquette can have a profound impact on our productivity, professional relationships, and overall career satisfaction. This new year presents a perfect opportunity

As the new calendar year is set to start, the vibrant island of Guam—a key economic hub in Micronesia—is poised for a new year of growth, presenting both exciting opportunities and unique challenges for employers. With an economy largely driven by a combination of the military buildup and the regrowth of the tourism industry after the pandemic, businesses must strategically set their hiring goals to secure the talent needed for the coming expansion. The competitive and tigh

Soon, Christmas will be upon us. As Judy Garland, and later Frank Sinatra, sang in the classic song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," it is a beautiful time for warmth and celebration. Here on our little island, we look forward to the twinkling lights, the comforting aroma of food cooking, and the joy of friends and family gathering around the Christmas tree. To truly enjoy this wonderful season, we must practice safety first. Safe Lighting and Electrical Practices

The conversation around employment often overlooks a massive, yet often motivated, segment of the potential workforce: individuals with past criminal convictions. This oversight is more than a missed opportunity; it's a systemic barrier that hinders personal growth, community safety, and economic prosperity. Second chance employment is the intentional practice of recruiting and hiring those with criminal records, a movement that provides a vital pathway to reintegration and

Managing employee leave in Guam presents a unique challenge, requiring employers to blend compliance with federal regulations (as a U.S. territory) with specific local laws and a culture that values family and community. While federal laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provide a baseline, Guam's own statutes often establish different or more generous entitlements. Adopting clear, fair, and legally compliant practices is crucial for maintaining a productive

The foundation of workplace safety rests on the General Duty Clause of 1970 (Section 5, (1)(a)(1)), which mandates that every employer must provide a workplace "free from recognized hazards" that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. This isn't just a guideline—it's the law. Knowing Your Risks: Office vs. Industry While the mandate is universal, the hazards vary dramatically by environment. At Allied Human Resources, for instance, our primary office hazards