Case Studies

Our case studies reflect the type of work we do most often. Complex, regulated, and high-stakes situations where human resources, safety, and risk decisions must be defensible.

We are built for complexity, not volume.

Human Resources Case Studies

Reduced Multi-State Employment Law Exposure Across CA, NV & CO in 90 Days

We minimized employment law risk for a multi-location service employer by aligning HR policies and handbooks across multiple jurisdictions within a compressed timeline.

- Multi-State Service Employer (CA, NV, CO)
- Employment Law & Workforce Risk
- Handbook Modernization & Compliance Audit

100%

policy alignment across CA, NV, and CO within 90 days

  • The organization relied on outdated employment policies that did not reflect current California and multi-state labor laws. This created exposure to wage-and-hour claims, leave misadministration, and inconsistent disciplinary practices. Managers lacked clear guidance for legally compliant decision-making.

  • We conducted a comprehensive employment law and HR compliance audit, updated the employee handbook to meet state and federal requirements, and standardized compliant practices across all locations. Clear manager guidance was embedded to support consistent and lawful application.

  • The organization reduced legal exposure, strengthened defensibility in employment decisions, and established a scalable HR foundation aligned with multi-state compliance requirements.

Aligned Leadership and Employment Law for a Professional Services Firm

We aligned leadership decision-making with employment law requirements to reduce risk and improve consistency across management actions.

- Professional Services Firm
- Employment Law Advisory
- Leadership Decision Support

100%

of leadership employment actions aligned to documented legal guidance

  • Leadership faced recurring employee relations issues without clear legal guardrails. Inconsistent handling of performance management, corrective action, and terminations increased the risk of employment claims.

  • We partnered closely with leadership to align people management decisions with applicable employment laws. This included real-time advisory support, compliant documentation standards, and structured performance management processes.

  • Leadership gained confidence making legally sound decisions while reducing employment law risk and improving consistency across management actions.

Built Scalable HR Infrastructure for a Regulated Healthcare Organization

We designed compliant HR systems to support organizational growth within a highly regulated healthcare environment.

- Healthcare & Mental Wellness Organization
- HR Infrastructure & Compliance Oversight
- Workforce Growth Support

100%

compliant HR framework implemented to support regulated growth

  • Rapid organizational growth outpaced existing HR systems, creating compliance gaps in onboarding, leave administration, and manager training within a highly regulated employment environment.

  • We designed and implemented a legally compliant HR infrastructure, including updated policies, standardized onboarding processes, and targeted manager training focused on employment law obligations and risk mitigation.

  • The organization gained a scalable, compliant HR framework that supported continued growth while minimizing employment law exposure.

Safety & Risk Management Case Studies

Prevented Cal/OSHA Violations for a California-Based Employer

We aligned a California employer’s safety program with Cal/OSHA standards, resulting in a zero-citation inspection.

- California-Based Employer
- Cal/OSHA Compliance
- Safety Program Review & Readiness

0

Cal/OSHA citations issued following inspection

  • Inconsistent safety practices across locations increased the risk of workplace injuries, workers’ compensation claims, and regulatory exposure. Safety programs were outdated and unevenly implemented.

  • We conducted a comprehensive workplace safety assessment, updated the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), and implemented standardized safety procedures across all locations. Management training reinforced accountability and consistent application.

  • The organization reduced injury risk, improved safety compliance, and strengthened its ability to defend against workers’ compensation and regulatory claims.

Reduced Workplace Injury Risk Through Proactive Safety Compliance

We standardized safety practices across multiple locations to reduce injury risk and claims exposure.

- Multi-Location Service Employer
- Workplace Safety Compliance
- IIPP Development & Training

Standardized safety procedures implemented across all operating locations

  • The employer lacked confidence in its ability to withstand a Cal/OSHA inspection due to outdated safety documentation, inconsistent training records, and unclear safety responsibilities.

  • We reviewed and updated all required safety programs, implemented compliant documentation practices, and trained leadership on inspection preparedness, hazard identification, and corrective action procedures.

  • The organization achieved Cal/OSHA readiness, reduced regulatory exposure, and established a sustainable safety compliance framework.

Implemented Workplace Violence Prevention Program for a Multi-State Employer

We developed a compliant Workplace Violence Prevention Program aligned with regulatory requirements and best practices.

- Multi-State Employer
- Workplace Violence Prevention
- Policy Development & Training

100%

regulatory-aligned WVPP implemented across covered locations

  • Leadership identified growing concerns around workplace violence risk but lacked a formal prevention program aligned with California’s new requirements and multi-state best practices.

  • We developed and implemented a Workplace Violence Prevention Program, conducted risk assessments, and delivered targeted training on threat recognition, reporting, and response protocols.

  • The organization improved preparedness, reduced exposure to workplace violence incidents, and met regulatory obligations while reinforcing a culture of safety.

“The Karlan Group brought clarity to complex employment and safety requirements specific to working with children and youth. Their approach balanced compliance, safety, and operational reality, giving our leadership team confidence in our practices.”

Director of Operations, Education Services Organization

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