A comprehensive safety program may not only reduce employee injuries and illnesses; it can also improve employee morale and retention. In addition, fewer workers’ compensation claims can help workers’ compensation costs over time. To realize these benefits, employers should consider these five steps to create a well-rounded safety program. 1.Develop Safety Programs Following OSHA Standards....
The latest Salary Budget Planning Report released by Willis Towers Watson (WTW) shows that salary budget increases are expected to rise by 3.9% in 2025. The overall median pay raise for 2024 dropped to 4.1%, compared with 4.5% in 2023. Although these expected wage increases have diminished since 2023, this figure remains high compared to...
On June 20, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 3396, “Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment”. This standard applies to most workplaces where the indoor temperature reaches 82°F. It establishes required safety measures for indoor workplaces to prevent worker exposure to risk of heat...
Hard market conditions will continue through 2024 for both commercial and personal lines, but begin to ease in 2025, according to the latest sigma report from Swiss Re. “The insurance industry has reached a new equilibrium after the challenges of recent years. The global economy has surprised on the upside, which should drive more demand...
On July 15, 2024, California enacted Assembly Bill 1870, requiring employers to notify injured workers that they can consult with a licensed attorney regarding their rights under workers’ compensation laws. This law becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2025. Overview of the New Posting Requirements California’s workers’ compensation laws generally require covered employers to post a notice...
CMR is proud to announce its selection as a regional winner of MarshBerry’s prestigious MAX Performer awards, a mark of distinction given to independent agencies with impressive financials, operational excellence, and world-class client service. The national MAX Performer award will be announced at MarshBerry’s Connect Summit in Chicago, IL, on Wednesday, September 18. We’re honored...
Although most service professionals prioritize taking good care of their clients and providing them with the best possible guidance, mistakes can still happen. When these errors occur, clients could face considerable harm, prompting them to hold service professionals accountable for their wrongdoings and leading to costly lawsuits. Fortunately, that’s where professional liability insurance can help....
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 3% year over year in June, declining from 3.3% in May. This is the first time since May 2020 that the monthly rate has shown a decrease. The “core” CPI, which strips out the unpredictable food and energy components, increased 0.1%...
Employers continue to struggle with rising health care costs and providing employees with affordable and quality care options. Unfortunately, employers expect health care costs to increase significantly in 2024. Several industry reports revealed that employers anticipate health care costs to grow between 6.5% and 8.5% in 2024, the largest increase in more than a decade....
Profitable underwriting results have generated favorable conditions across the workers’ compensation insurance market for nearly a decade. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), the segment produced combined ratios of 84.5 and 84.9 in 2022 and 2023, respectively, demonstrating continued profitability. Industry experts initially reported that reserve redundancies stemming from reduced presumptive liability...