May 24, 2021

Amenities Are Reopening, With Technology At Their Core

Last year, once-bustling amenities in multifamily properties fell silent as residents stayed socially distanced in their units. Meanwhile, property managers sought alternative ways to engage residents and empower them to take advantage of the amenities they pay for while still feeling safe. They found that technology provided the bridge they were looking for.  “In the past year, we’ve seen a rise...

May 4, 2021

Determining Whether Employees’ Injuries and Illnesses Are Work-related

Navigating employee injuries and illnesses (and subsequent workers’ compensation claims) can be very complex and overwhelming to many employers. As such, it is important that employers understand how to determine whether their employees’ injuries and illnesses are work-related or not. After all, such a distinction plays a critical role in determining whether employees’ injuries and...

April 30, 2021

Commercial Building Spring Maintenance

Wintertime weather, like snow and ice, can be especially damaging to properties. Now that warmer weather is finally here, it’s time to inspect your buildings and do the needed maintenance you may have put off during the winter. The following advice can help reinvigorate your property, preparing it for the warmer months ahead. Test and...

April 28, 2021

The Importance of Participating in the National Safety Stand-down

Falls from elevation repeatedly reign as one of the top causes of fatalities within the construction industry. In fact, according to the latest findings from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, such falls contributed to nearly 38% of workplace deaths in the sector this past year. Nevertheless, by educating employees on fall risks and implementing adequate...

April 19, 2021

Direct and Indirect Workers’ Compensation Costs Explained

Workers’ compensation claims have a variety of different costs associated with them. Some of these costs are expected costs, while others are unexpected. Here’s the difference between these terms: Expected costs are those that are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Such expenses are commonly referred to as direct costs. Unexpected costs are those that workers’...

April 14, 2021

OSHA Prepares to Issue Emergency Regulations to Protect Workers from COVID-19

Mask mandates are coming down across the country, even as COVID cases are rising in most states. But the Biden administration appears poised to reinstate masking and other social distancing rules for recalcitrant governors — at least in the workplace. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is preparing to issue new short-term regulations to...

April 12, 2021

Construction Safety Matters – Fall Protection: Guardrails

Fall Protection: Guardrails According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from elevation account for the majority of fatalities within the construction industry—with over 300 fatal falls occurring each year. That’s why having adequate fall protection is crucial when working from height. OSHA standards require some form of fall protection (e.g., guardrails, safety...

April 8, 2021

Employee Benefits in the Post-Vaccine World are Changing

As spring weather and increasing availability of coronavirus vaccinations brighten the horizon, many employers are starting to make plans to bring employees back to the office, at least part time. It’s less a return to normal than an evolution to a new idea of what normal looks like — including rethinking what kinds of perks,...

April 6, 2021

Emerging Risks in 2021

Over the past few years, several new and different exposures have developed that have unique or unusual insurance needs. Coverages for some of these have been developed over time. For some, exclusions have been created for use until the risk becomes better quantifiable, while other emerging risks are still developing, so coverage needs are not...

March 30, 2021

New California COVID-19 Leave Law is Retroactive to Jan. 1

Under a new law, California employers with more than 25 employees must provide up to 80 new hours of supplemental paid sick leave for specific COVID-19-related reasons. The leave requirement takes effect March 29, 2021, but is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2021. Reasons for Leave Employees may take leave if they cannot work or telework because...