Construction employers face unique challenges when responding to workplace complaints. Rotating crews, multiple employers and unions operating on the same jobsite, and informal, fast-paced communication styles can increase the risk of jobsite conflicts, unclear reporting lines, and unchecked bad behavior. Yet, all employers have an obligation to take prompt, remedial action in response to complaints that rise to the level of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
Join us for a practical session designed specifically for the construction industry, with a focus on Oregon and Washington requirements related to the following topics:
- Who is protected? Among the many individuals coming and going on a construction site, who are construction employers obligated to protect from harassment, discrimination, or retaliation?
- Who creates liability? Who can actually create liability for harassment, discrimination, or retaliation on behalf of a company?
- What triggers an investigation? What types of alleged conduct constitutes a harassment, discrimination, or retaliation complaint that would trigger an obligation to investigate?
- What does effective action look like? What does prompt, remedial action look like in a construction setting?
- How do you conduct an investigation on a jobsite? What challenges arise when conducting an investigation in a construction setting, and how can employers address them?
This session will provide real-world guidance to help construction employers respond effectively to complaints, reduce legal risk, maintain productive jobsites, and address issues before they escalate into litigation, grievances, or project disruptions.
Who Should Attend?
This complimentary webinar is designed for professionals who manage people, projects, and risk on construction jobsites, including project owners and developers; general contractors and subcontractors; HR and operations professionals; in-house counsel and compliance leaders; project managers; safety professionals; and other construction-industry advisors. Please share this invitation with colleagues responsible for handling workplace complaints, investigations, or employee relations.
Speakers
Liani Reeves is an experienced employment attorney who has advised and represented employers in a broad range of employment matters, including complex litigation. Throughout her career of over 25 years, Liani has worked with clients in a variety of industries, including construction, healthcare, retail, and the fast-food industry. She also has significant experience working in the public sector, including serving as the general counsel to the Office of the Governor. Liani is often hired as an external investigator to conduct investigations into complex and sensitive and high-profile matters, including sexual harassment, race discrimination, and off duty misconduct.
Christine A. Slattery is a seasoned employment attorney who counsels Oregon and Washington employers on a wide variety of employment-related issues, including high-risk terminations, employee handbooks, wage and hour issues, family and medical leave, and compliance with state and federal laws prohibiting harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. She also has particularly deep experience conducting independent workplace investigations related to sexual harassment; age, race, and gender discrimination; FMLA or state-leave protections; retaliation; and allegations of violations related to corporate policies.
Jacob Zahniser has represented owners, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and design professionals in connection with public and private projects involving schools, infrastructure, industrial, commercial, and residential projects. Jacob’s practice focuses on two areas: construction law and litigation and commercial landlord/tenant disputes. Jacob advises clients on any number of issues that arise during a construction project, from drafting the construction contract, through project close-out, payment, and defect claims.
Date / Time
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
9:00-10:30 a.m. PT
