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WESlIERN ASSOE[ATI[ON NEWS
Lumber Merchants Association of Northern California is preparing members for enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26,1992, al businesses with 25 or more employees and July 26, 1994, ar those wirh 15 or more.
LMA suggests that next year employers consider implementing the following suggestions:
. Treat every mental or physical condition as a disability protected by the ADA.
Review all job descriptions and requirements to ensure they bear direct relationship to ability to perform essential job functions. Ascertain potential risks for disabled employee or co-employees.
. Limit pre-employment inquiries into disability status and physical examinations to those directly related to the Qpplicant's ability to perform job. Review job application forms 'and interview procedures and eliminate questions relating to prior injuries, workers' compensation claims or disability status, unless related to ability to perform job. A job offer may be contingent upon a physical examination to determine whether applicant can perform the essential functions of the job, if all applicants are subject to the same examination requirements. o If a disability is a factor in an employ- ment-related decision, document specific factual findings and medical evidence to reject or terminate, all accommodations considered. the individual's response to them or the reasons the employer rejected them. o ldentify job positions for which no disability may be a bona fide qualifica- tion, but consider accommodation options. o Document adverse employment actions properly, preferably in writing. Focus on ability to do job effectively, rather than on employee's disability. Retail facilities and other businesses open to the public become subject to ADA requirements on July 26, 1992. Businesses will be required to accommodate disabled by physical modification of facilities or providing needed services. Tax credits for structural modifications are available as well as advice from social service agencies that specialize in rehabilitation services.
. Before rejecting a qualified applicant or terminating an employee on the basis of a disability, consider if the individual can perform the position without imminent and substantial risk of injury to self or others. If not, can the employer reasonably accommodate the disabilitv?
The Merchant Magazine Institute a medical leave policy, keep- ing in mind that some disabled employees may be required to miss work. For all employees that take medical leave, including disabled employees, require a medical certificate from a physician certifying that the employee may safely perform job duties before he or she returns to work.
Future Dates
Check our Calendar on page 20 tor information on upcom. ing conventions, meetings and trade shows in your region.
September 1991
NHLA Annual In California
Environmental issues and sales and marketing seminars will share the focus of the 94th annual National Hardwood Lumber Association convention in San Francisco, Ca., Sept. 29-Oct. l.
An open meeting of the Forest Resource Committee on Saturday prior to the convention will allow early arrivals to learn how NHLA forest resource assessment funds are being used to promote industry's side of the environmental issue. On Sunday afternoon an Oregon Lands Coalition workshop will discuss its grass roots experiences with preservationist activities in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. G. Clotaire Rapaille, a French psychologist who has done extensive research in the area ofhow the public perceives the messages being communicated by the forest industry, will speak Tuesday afternoon. He has worked with both the American Forest Council and California Forestry Association.
Walt Clarke, a popular speaker at previous conventions, will present a lumber buyer's seminar Sunday afternoon and a hardwood marketing seminar Monday afternoon. Industry exhibits will be open all three days.
More than 1200 hardwood lumbermen are expected at the Fairmont Hotel.
WWPI Names Exec. Director
R. Dennis Hayward, 47, is the new executive director of the Western Wood Preservers Institute and has established a WWPI office in Vancouver, Wa.
Most recently executive vice president of the North West Timber Association, Eugene, Or., Hayward has a 20 year history in the western timber industry and has been involved in public land use and regulation, heading the industry effort to secure legislation banning the export of public logs.
"Hayward's record of leadership in the timber industry will be a great asset as the Institute implements a more pro-active strategy to assure the continued safe and environmentally sound production and use of preserved wood," said Sandra L. Lavino, J. H. Baxter & Co., president of WWPI.
Hayward was selected after a six month search involving 350 applicants.
