How long you wait to notify your workers’ compensation insurer of a workplace injury can make a significant difference in the cost of that claim. When your premium is calculated, one of the key elements that your carrier takes into account is the cost and frequency of prior claims during the past few years. In […]
July 18, 2024
As more and more people are returning to work in offices after working remotely for a few years since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, bullying and other workplace misconduct is increasing, according to a new study. The study by Fama Technologies, a maker of applicant screening software, found increases in misconduct growing across industry sectors, putting […]
July 18, 2024
Sales of voluntary group benefits grew at a record pace in 2023 as more employers expand their offerings and demand continues booming as employees seek out benefits that can defray costs, according to new research. Premiums collected for employer-sponsored voluntary benefits jumped 6.7% during the year to an aggregate $9.3 billion, with all lines of […]
July 18, 2024
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on May 31 approved all of the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau’s recommended changes to class codes for some electronics manufacturing sectors, as well as increases to the wage thresholds for construction industry dual classifications. The following changes will take effect for policies incepting on or after Sept. 1, 2024: […]
July 18, 2024
As our summers get hotter and more regions battle sweltering heat waves, it’s imperative that employers take steps to protect their outdoor workers. People who are not acclimated to high heat conditions can easily suffer heat illness, which can be deadly. Between 2011 and 2021, there were 436 work-related deaths caused by environmental heat exposure, […]
July 17, 2024
A new state law that allows for digital license plates to be installed on vehicles in California, may have created a privacy nightmare for employers. The Motor Vehicle Digital Number Plates Act, which took effect Jan. 1, enables fleet and commercial vehicle owners to purchase and install digital license plates and soon-to-be-approved alternative devices for […]
April 26, 2023
With more and more California businesses being forced to go to the California FAIR Plan for their coverage, the market of last resort has moved to increase its commercial property coverage limits significantly. This should bring a semblance of relief to companies located in wildfire-prone areas, who have seen their commercial property insurance non-renewed and […]
April 26, 2023
One of the keys to keeping the costs of a workers’ compensation claim from spiraling out of control is prompt claims reporting. Claims are routinely filed late, either by the injured worker who fails to report it to the employer, or the employer dawdling or procrastinating and not reporting the claim to its insurer. Either […]
October 25, 2022
As group health plan open enrollment looms for most companies, communicating your offerings to your staff is key to getting as many of them as possible to sign up for coverage. That requires a solid strategy aimed at helping your employees understand their choices and the financial implications of them. Most importantly, you want to […]
October 25, 2022
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law legislation that would bar employers from discriminating against employees and job applicants who use cannabis on their time off. The law amends the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to prohibit discrimination against an individual based on “an employer-required drug screening test” that detects the presence […]
October 25, 2022