News and Updates
Category: Ohio
Update on Non-Compete Ban for 2025
FTC’s Non-Compete Ban Blocked, But Gray Area Remains In early 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced and finalized a rule banning the use of non-competes. Employers, Chambers of Commerce and trade organizations rallied against the new rule claiming it was anti-employer, some going as far as calling it “blatantly awful.” As expected, the change was met with litigation and in August of 2024, the ban was struck down by a federal judge in Texas who claimed the FTC overstepped its authority by issuing the rule. A non-compete (or non-competition agreement) is an agreement in which the employee agrees not to engage in conduct or activities that could increase competition for their employer. These types of arrangements are prevalent in finance, healthcare, design, tech and all types of sales or business development roles. They’re meant to protect things like trade secrets, privileged info and client retention. Non-competes aren’t the same as non-solicitation clauses. These agreements err more toward not calling on your former clients in your new role. Here’s an example of differentiating between the two. Non-Compete: “Upon leaving ABC Company, you may not engage in a similar role for another insurance company within a 50-mile radius.” Non-Solicitation: “Upon leaving ABC Company, you may not solicit (contact/call on) clients of ABC Company in your new role with another insurance company.” For now, bo
The Big Myth About Salary Continuation
Since we get so many questions from clients and prospects about salary continuation, we published a white paper on the topic. A lot has changed in regards to how salary continuation can impact your policy and premiums, but no one else seems to be educating Ohio employers about it. We have all the details - just fill in the form below and you'll have the information at your
OSHA Region 5 Hearing Conservation Focus
OSHA’s Region 5, which includes Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, issued a press release announcing a Regional Emphasis Program (REP) for Exposure to Noise Hazards in the Workplace. The goal of the REP is to encourage employers to take steps to identify, reduce, and eliminate hazards associated with exposure to high levels of noise. Prior to the initiation of enforcement, a three-month period of education and compliance assistance to the public will be conducted to support the efforts of the Agency in meeting the goals of the REP. Enforcement related to this REP will begin on September 01, 2021. By law, OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when the average noise exposure over eight working hours reaches or exceeds 85 decibels, which the Centers for Disease Control compares to the sound of city traffic (from inside the vehicle) or a gas-powered leaf blower. Nearly one in 10 people endures noise levels at work loud enough to cause hearing loss while seven in 10 experience moderately loud noise levels. A Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey published in 2019 found that more than half of the nation’s manufacturing workers reported not using personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect their hearing. If you have concerns regarding noise levels in your facilities, reach out to Spooner’s Safety team at
