February 14, 2024
What Will Happen to the Surety Bond Market in 2024?
Demand for surety bonds is expected to rise as Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)-driven renewable energy and grid modernization projects get underway in the United States. With interest rates remaining elevated this year, lending remains challenging. Businesses will seek alternative financing through surety bonds, and insurers are expected to step up capacity, according to Karl Choltus...
February 13, 2024
Debunking 5 Common Cybersecurity Myths
Also known as IT security, cybersecurity refers to the act of safeguarding internet-connected systems, critical data and other digital assets from potential cyberthreats—threats that may attempt to exploit sensitive information, steal funds or disrupt normal business operations. In other words, cybersecurity consists of the strategies implemented to help protect people, processes and technology from cyberattacks...
February 12, 2024
Types of Transitional Duties in Return-to-Work Programs
When an employee experiences an occupational illness or injury, their eventual return to the workplace can create considerable challenges, putting significant stress on both the individual and their employer. Nevertheless, return-to-work (RTW) programs can help alleviate these concerns by supporting staff as they reintegrate into the workforce. These programs may entail having an injured employee...
February 8, 2024
Health Care Industry Trends to Watch in 2024
In recent years, the health care industry has been navigating a landscape fraught with volatility. Shifting market demands, supply chain struggles and medical inflation issues have driven many key challenges. In 2024, several additional trends could impact the health care sector. These include labor shortages propelled by demographic shifts and changing skills requirements; technological advancements...
February 6, 2024
OSHA Proposes to Issue a New Emergency Response Standard
On Feb. 5, 2024, OSHA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to issue a new safety and health standard, titled Emergency Response, to replace the existing Fire Brigades standard. The new standard would address a broader scope of emergency responders and include programmatic elements to protect emergency responders from various occupational hazards. OSHA requests...
February 5, 2024
Manufacturing Industry Trends to Watch in 2024
Businesses in the manufacturing sector contribute significantly to the economy by utilizing raw materials to create a wide range of finished products. In recent years, this industry has experienced considerable growth and has capitalized on recent legislation that provided substantial funding and tax incentives. The Infrastructure and Jobs Act, the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce...
February 1, 2024
Commercial Insurance Market Update 2024
The commercial insurance market began to harden around 2019, after years of gradual shifts that lead to higher premiums and reduced capacity. The overall hard market is expected to remain for the better part of 2024. Prior to the current conditions, the commercial insurance sector long enjoyed smooth sailing, with stable premiums and expanded coverage that continued...
January 31, 2024
Celebrate American Heart Month With These Healthy Lifestyle Tips
In 1963, the United States designated February as “American Heart Month.” Since then, the medical community has banded together during this annual campaign to raise awareness about heart disease and cardiovascular conditions and provide advice to help Americans reduce their risk of these health issues. How to Keep a Healthy Heart Heart attacks and strokes...
January 30, 2024
Construction Industry Trends to Watch in 2024
The construction industry has encountered volatility and uncertainty in recent years, brought on in part by fluctuating consumer behaviors, material procurement difficulties, project delays, high interest rates and inflation. Such trends have been vital to monitor, as doing so has helped industry employers create strategies to adjust and remain successful despite these uncertain circumstances. This...
January 25, 2024
Tailgating and Piggybacking
Tailgating and piggybacking are low-tech tactics used by malicious actors to enter secure areas. They occur when an unauthorized person gains physical access to a location with sensitive information or vulnerable IT equipment. These intrusions can have significant financial and reputational impacts on businesses, so it is essential for companies to take measures to prevent...