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03/04/2026

Employer Checklist for March 2026

Source: Fisher Phillips, February 27, 2026

Prepare for shifting independent contractor rules. The US Department of Labor just released a highly anticipated proposal that should soon make it easier for businesses to engage with independent contractors – including freelancers and gig workers – while providing clearer lines on what aspects of the working relationship can trigger employee status.

Learn more about OSHA’s Safety Champions Program. OSHA recently announced the launch of the voluntary, self-guided initiative outlining several core practices employers should incorporate into their workplace safety and health plans. Rather than another compliance checkbox, this program represents a shift away from harsh enforcement-based compliance toward encouraging proactive risk management and prevention.

Breathe a sigh of relief over the latest in the NLRB’s joint-employer saga. The National Labor Relations Board issued a new final rule on February 26 officially restoring a business-friendly joint-employer rule from President Trump’s first term, which had essentially been back in play since 2024 after a court struck down (and the agency subsequently abandoned) a controversial Biden-era rule that aimed to replace it.

Finalize preparations for H-1B cap registrations. The FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period opens on March 4, and the traditional lottery has been replaced with a wage-weighted selection system, thanks to a new rule from the Department of Homeland Security that took effect February 26.

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