Latest news with #BLR
Malaysian Reserve
24-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
HR Hero wins 2025 HR Tech Awards for Best Midsize Business-Focused Solution
BRENTWOOD, Tenn., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HR Hero®, BLR's flagship HR platform, has been recognized as a 2025 HR Tech Awards winner by Lighthouse Research & Advisory for its HR solutions. HR Hero took top honors and was celebrated as a core HR/workforce and best midsize business-focused solution for its ability to centralize and simplify complex employment law information. 'HR Hero stands out as a centralized compliance and HR resource that simplifies complex employment laws and supports efficient, everyday HR operations. With tools like Salary Finder, Job Description Manager, and customizable training modules, it enables small and midsize teams to operate with the confidence and clarity of a much larger department. Our judges particularly liked the state-by-state comparisons of different laws and requirements, giving HR leaders an easy way to understand compliance at a glance.' —Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer, Lighthouse Research & Advisory Now in its sixth year, the HR Tech Awards program helps HR leaders and technology buyers identify solutions that drive real results. Submissions are rigorously evaluated and put through a peer-reviewed judging process conducted by an independent panel of industry experts, including practitioners, consultants, and educators. The program honors HR technologies that provide meaningful value to employers and the workforce. Each winning solution has been vetted based on case studies, product demonstrations, and technology innovation. According to Lighthouse Research & Advisory's press release, the 2025 winners represent a wide range of innovation and excellence, from artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analytics and skills intelligence to solutions that improve transparency, fairness, and employee experience. These technologies are used every day by employers to hire, train, and keep their best and brightest employees. 'I'm incredibly proud of our team for the dedication and creativity that keep HR Hero running. This award reflects the passion and purpose behind every feature we build—to empower HR professionals.' —Heather Parke, Senior Product Manager Driving HR Impact As one client aptly put it, 'HR Hero is like having another team member with a vast HR knowledge base.' From federal and state compliance updates and side-by-side comparisons to content collections spanning over 90 key areas of HR and employment law topics and workflow tools that streamline HR operations for a dispersed workforce, HR Hero is the hub for all things HR. 'We are honored to be recognized by HR Tech for this award. The primary objective of HR Hero is to provide subscribers with what they need to know to stay in compliance with ever-changing developments in the legal landscape. We aim to provide content in a way that distills and simplifies what we retrieve from resources such as complex laws, regulations, agency rules, and court case decisions. And it's fantastic to have HR Hero recognized as a resource that does just that for employers and HR departments of all sizes.' —Chris Ceplenski, Senior Managing Editor As the demands on HR teams grow more complex, HR Hero will continue to evolve, offering trusted compliance expertise, intelligent tools, and strategic support to help organizations thrive. Visit our website to learn more about HR Hero and how it can help your organization navigate the complexities of employment law. About BLR For nearly 50 years, BLR® has been the trusted compliance and training partner for HR and environment, health, and safety (EHS) teams operating in highly regulated industries. Our suite of products has continuously evolved to meet today's regulatory requirements and industry demands. With long-standing expertise in HR legislative and EHS regulatory compliance, BLR is uniquely positioned to equip businesses with the guidance needed to navigate federal and state regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and foster a safe and productive working environment. Staying true to our founding purpose and unwavering commitment to quality and accuracy, we empower businesses with the knowledge needed to navigate today's dynamic business and regulatory environments. About Lighthouse Research & Advisory Lighthouse Research & Advisory is a well-established consulting firm specializing in human resources (HR) research, advisory services, and thought leadership. They leverage research and advisory services to assist today's HR and talent technology leaders in increasing product sales and expanding their customer base. The HR Tech Awards are powered by Lighthouse Research & Advisory, and awarding companies makes the buyer experience easier. Media Contact: Janice Robichaud, jrobichaud@
Hans India
29-04-2025
- General
- Hans India
Disaster averted after fire at YPPS
Miryalguda (Nalgonda): A major fire accident occurred at the Yadadri Power Plant located at Veerlapalem of Damaracherla mandal in Nalgonda district. Flames broke out accidentally in the plant's first unit. Around 1 am on Monday, oil leaked from the boiler in Unit-1. Simultaneously, welding work was going on below, which caused the leaked oil to catch fire. Gradually, the fire spread throughout the entire unit, leading to large flames erupting. Firefighters rushed to the scene upon receiving information and managed to control the blaze. Timely extinguishing of the fire helped avert a major disaster. As a result of the incident, 600 megawatts of power production was halted. It is notable that the accident occurred while preparations for a trial run were underway. Local MLA BLR visited the plant and reviewed the situation. Upon learning about the fault in the gas cut, he directed officials to carry out immediate repairs. The authorities assured that the boiler would be repaired and brought back into operation within 24 hours. They also clarified that the remaining three units are functioning safely. It may be mentioned here that on February 14 this year, another accident had occurred at the Yadadri Power Plant. While 800 megawatts of electricity was being generated from the plant's second unit, an ash jam occurred at the ESP (Electrostatic Precipitator), causing a trip and shutdown of the boiler. During efforts to clear the jammed ash, hot ash suddenly fell, severely injuring six workers.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EHS Hero by BLR earns Top Product of the Year Award from Environment+Energy Leader
BRENTWOOD, Tenn., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BLR®, an industry-leading provider of compliance and management software and corporate training, has announced that its comprehensive environment, health, and safety (EHS) management and compliance platform, EHS Hero®, has been recognized as a Top Product of the Year in the prestigious E+E Leader Product & Project Awards for the second year in a row. Judges recognized EHS Hero as an outstanding example of innovation in EHS compliance and management software. "EHS Hero simplifies regulatory compliance by providing real-time regulatory updates, expert insights, and powerful compliance tools. This recognition as a Top Product of the Year by the E+E Leader Awards highlights the platform's role in helping businesses proactively manage risk, ensure compliance, and maintain a safe and sustainable workplace." —Chris Ceplenski, Senior Content Manager, BLR The E+E Leader Product & Project Awards are an annual program that recognizes excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits, as well as in projects implemented by companies that improve environmental or energy management outcomes and increase the bottom line. Awards were scored by a panel of independent judges from more than 20 companies, including Hyundai Motor Group, JLL, Air Force OEA, Navitas Partners, UCLA, TRC Companies, IWSI America, Intrinsic Textiles, Climate Social, and CapGemini. With the sustainability and energy landscape evolving rapidly, professionals face increasing challenges in selecting the right solutions. The E+E Leader Product & Project Awards serve as a trusted benchmark, highlighting cutting-edge innovations and real-world success stories. Through rigorous expert evaluation, the program provides companies with vetted products and proven projects that drive meaningful improvements in sustainability and energy management. "Every year, our judges look to recognize businesses that are truly moving the needle and striving for sustainability and operational efficiency," says Kay Harrison, VP and head of the E+E Leader Awards program. "This year's winners exemplify the kind of forward-thinking strategies and technologies that companies need to stay ahead in an increasingly complex energy and environmental landscape." EHS Hero offers a comprehensive and proactive approach to managing EHS challenges. The expert-crafted compliance content, insights, and EHS management workflow modules track leading and lagging indicators, providing risk analysis, procedural guidance, engagement, and hazard prevention solutions. The tools are designed with a unique blend of features and capabilities that are easy to use and communicate with each other, making it simple for EHS professionals to complete related tasks from a single interface. Recently, EHS Hero underwent a UI/UX redesign featuring several innovations, including a configurable dashboard, easier access to regulatory content, and expedited search functionality. The new EHS Hero is a scalable, efficient, and adaptable solution that helps businesses meet current environmental regulations while keeping their workforce safe from potential job hazards and exposure. This award serves as a testament to BLR's ongoing commitment to continue to improve to meet its users' evolving needs. Organizations interested in learning more about EHS Hero and how it can streamline their EHS compliance and management processes can visit About BLR For nearly 50 years, BLR has been the trusted compliance and training partner for HR and EHS teams operating in highly regulated industries. Our suite of products has continuously evolved to meet today's regulatory requirements and industry demands. With long-standing expertise in HR legislative and EHS regulatory compliance, BLR is uniquely positioned to equip businesses with the guidance needed to navigate federal and state regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and foster a safe and productive working environment. Staying true to our founding purpose and unwavering commitment to quality and accuracy, we empower businesses with the knowledge needed to navigate today's dynamic business and regulatory environments. About Environment+Energy Leader Since 2006, Environment+Energy Leader's website and newsletters have provided the definitive and objective voice in reporting on business-related energy, environmental, and sustainability issues. Visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE BLR Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research faces racial discrimination lawsuits from Black employees
(John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate) Three African American women are suing the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research in federal court, alleging they experienced racial discrimination while working for the nonpartisan state agency. Barbara Brown, Kendra Drone-North and Sheila Beal all filed separate complaints against the BLR in 2024 — April, May and September, respectively — in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Little Rock civil rights attorney Austin Porter Jr. is representing all three plaintiffs. B. Brown complaint redacted The BLR assists members of the General Assembly with drafting legislation, researching state policies and financial matters and codifying legislation that becomes law, among other things. The three plaintiffs claim their non-Black superiors at the BLR, including Director Marty Garrity, failed to promote them into jobs for which they were qualified and instead hired less experienced non-Black employees, despite the plaintiffs' positive performance evaluations. They also claim the BLR retaliated against them for complaining about the discrimination. The jury trial in Brown's case is scheduled to begin Oct. 6 in U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker's courtroom. Drone-North's case will go to trial Dec. 9 with U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky presiding. U.S. District Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. is responsible for Beal's case, and the trial is scheduled for June 2027, according to court documents. All three women filed complaints against the BLR with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2023. The plaintiffs claim the discrimination was based on age in addition to race, and they assert that the BLR violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects people from employment discrimination on the basis of 'race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.' North complaint redacted The BLR, represented by the state Attorney General's office, filed responses to each complaint in which it denied the allegations of discriminatory and retaliatory behavior. Beal and Drone-North were fired from BLR before filing their lawsuits. The BLR's response to Brown's complaint in August 2024 states she was 'currently an employee of BLR.' Brown's complaint alleges that Garrity and other BLR administrators repeatedly told her she had 'not yet met the years of experience qualification' for promotions and pay increases. The BLR admitted this claim in its response but denied the allegation that non-Black employees were promoted without meeting the 'years of experience' standard to which it held Brown. The BLR repeatedly denied in its response to Drone-North's complaint that younger, less qualified white women regularly received promotions the plaintiff sought. The agency admitted in its response to Beal's complaint that an employee who had worked at the BLR for less than a year received a promotion in 'violation of BLR policy.' Beal's complaint states that the other employee had been at the BLR for less than a year, the minimum amount of experience required before a promotion. Beal complaint redacted The BLR also asserted in its responses that sovereign immunity nullifies the plaintiffs' claims. Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that the state cannot be sued in its own courts. Additionally, Brown and Drone-North failed to exhaust their administrative remedies before filing lawsuits, according to the BLR. Garrity declined to comment on the pending litigation Thursday when reached by email, saying she would 'let the responses speak for themselves.' Megan Markham, a spokesperson for Attorney General Tim Griffin, said in an email that the office 'will continue vigorously defending the case.' While the BLR is a defendant in all three lawsuits, the State of Arkansas is also a defendant in Brown's suit because the Arkansas Legislative Council's executive subcommittee had 'knowledge and willful disregard for Ms. Brown's civil and employee rights,' her complaint states. The executive subcommittee is responsible for overseeing appeals of investigative reports into discrimination complaints against state agencies. Brown filed a complaint against the BLR in early 2021, and the subcommittee met to discuss the issue, as reflected in both Brown's legal complaint and the panel's April 2021 meeting agenda. The panel's May 2023 agenda similarly states that it discussed a BLR 'personnel matter.' Such discussions are not open to the public. Brown and Drone-North both filed EEOC complaints in February 2023, and the BLR hired Little Rock attorney Carolyn Witherspoon to investigate, according to both women's legal filings. 'However, rather than truly investigating the plaintiff's complaint of discrimination, Carolyn Witherspoon looked for ways to nullify the plaintiff's complaint,' Drone-North's legal complaint states. Brown claimed the BLR retaliated against her for 'providing aid and agreeing to be a witness' in Drone-North's complaint to the EEOC. Brown said the BLR used this as a reason to reprimand her; the agency denied this allegation in its response to her complaint. The legislative subcommittee voted to affirm Witherspoon's findings and reject the two appeals at the May 2023 meeting. The findings included that Drone-North's EEOC complaint 'did not have merit,' her legal complaint states. Arkansas panel rejects appeals from complainants against Bureau of Legislative Research Brown was mentioned by name during the public portion of the meeting before the votes, while Drone-North was not. However, the subcommittee was 'concerned about the veracity and the accuracy of many statements made during the investigation' into Drone-North's complaint, said the panel's then-vice chairman, Rep. Bruce Cozart, R-Hot Springs. Drone-North was fired from the BLR the following day, while Brown 'was reprimanded' and experienced 'consequences' later that month, according to both legal complaints. Four months later, the Legislative Council's Claims Review and Litigation Reports Oversight subcommittee was tasked with approving a $15,000 mediation settlement agreement between Drone-North and the BLR over her EEOC complaint, according to documents that have since been removed from the Legislature's website. The subcommittee's Sept. 13, 2023, meeting was canceled, meaning there was no action for the full council to approve later that day, though the matter was listed on the council's agenda. Drone-North's complaint does not mention the potential settlement. 9.13.23 Exhibit J.01 - Emergency Action ALC Claims Meanwhile, Garrity fired Beal in February 2024 after Beal responded negatively to Garrity reprimanding her, according to the legal complaint. Beal claimed the reprimand was retaliation after she filed her second discrimination complaint to EEOC a few months prior. She was fired a month after the death of her son, of which Garrity was aware, Beal's legal complaint states. All three plaintiffs request back pay, compensatory damages, attorney fees and declarations that the BLR engaged in unlawful employment practices. Beal and Drone-North seek re-employment by the BLR; Brown seeks an injunction against the BLR engaging in further discrimination, as well as a formal promotion into the BLR position for which she claims she carried out the responsibilities but did not receive the title or appropriate pay. Porter, the plaintiffs' attorney, said the three lawsuits are unlikely to be combined into a class-action lawsuit, which consists of a group of plaintiffs claiming the same injury and representing others who are not involved in the litigation. Porter specializes in civil rights and employment discrimination litigation. In January, he testified against the eventual Act 116 of 2025, which Republican lawmakers claimed would force public entities to prioritize 'merit' over 'preferential treatment' in contracting and hiring practices. ''Merit,' in a lot of people's minds, means simply white,' Porter told a Senate committee. The state's Republican-led Legislature doesn't seem to 'have any interest' in protecting the state's Black employees, who currently fill 'a large part' of lower-level positions, Porter told the Advocate Tuesday. In 2017, Porter represented Doris Smith in federal court when she alleged that the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration discriminated against her as a Black woman. Smith's allegations were similar to those of the BLR complainants: she claimed the finance department failed to promote and pay her equitably to her white counterparts, retaliated against her for complaining about the apparent discrimination and fired her in 2018 after she filed a formal complaint. A jury ruled in Smith's favor in June 2020, awarding her $223,333.81 in back pay and $108,000 in compensatory damages. She was later reinstated as a finance department employee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
