Blog

August 28, 2023

DOL Proposes Rule to Clarify PPE Standard

On July 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking intended to clarify the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry. The stated goal of this action is to align construction, general industry and maritime standards. Comments and hearing requests must be submitted by Sept. 18, 2023,...

August 18, 2023

OSHA’s New National Emphasis Program Aimed at Preventing Warehouse Injury and Heat Hazards and Its Possible Implications on California

On July 13, 2023, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) announced the launch of a three-year National Emphasis Program meant to prevent workplace hazards in warehouses, processing facilities, distribution centers, and high-risk retail establishments. OSHA’s announcement explains that warehousing and distribution centers have experienced tremendous growth over the past 10 years, with over 1.9 million...

August 16, 2023

The Tech that Could Shape the Future of Workplace Safety

While artificial intelligence, wearable tech and exoskeletons are not yet commonplace at every worksite, it is a very real possibility that these technologies, and a host of other emerging ones, will play critical roles in the future of work safety and workers’ compensation. To find out what technologies are making a difference, or showing the potential to...

August 15, 2023

What is an Experience Modification Factor?

The experience modification factor (EMF) plays a significant role in the cost of workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Also known as the e-mod, this figure represents an employer’s workers’ compensation claims history compared to other businesses of a similar size in the same industry. It is determined based on a formula set by the National Council...

CMR Named on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Companies in America for the Third Year

CMR Risk & Insurance Services Ranks No. 4605 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 August 15, 2023 – Inc. revealed today that CMR Risk & Insurance Services ranks No. 4605 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful...

August 10, 2023

Navigating the Unpredictable: Key Trends in Catastrophe Claims

Catastrophe (CAT) seasons are increasingly complex to navigate, especially with the surge of non-stop rain and freeze events outside these pivotal periods. What was once a predominately hurricane-focused season has now diversified into more regular, regional weather-related perils, such as windstorms, massive snowfalls and freezing conditions. From the floods in New Zealand this year to the...

August 9, 2023

Closing the Gaps on Cyber Risks

Cyber risks are constantly evolving, and while there had been a lull in the frequency of ransomware attacks, that respite has clearly ended. In an interview last month on NPR, Jackie Burns Koven of Chainalysis, a blockchain data platform that provides insights on cyber risks and attacks, said that 2023 is shaping up to be...

August 8, 2023

2024 Open Enrollment: The Power of Early Preparation

The labor landscape was undoubtedly a roller coaster in the first half of 2023, and employers are still along for the ride. During the past year, the market experienced a record number of employee quits, a jump in talent shortages and increased workplace demands from workers—many of whom had the upper hand in employment negotiations....

August 3, 2023

Preventing Falls Due to Extreme Heat

Extreme heat creates many risks in construction. As an employee in this industry, not only should you be aware of illnesses caused by the heat, but you also need to be mindful of how high temperatures can cause physical and mental impairments that can lead to falls and know how to prevent this hazard. How...

Back to Basics: Remote Work Ergonomics

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work became increasingly more common and has been incorporated into many organizations. Employees can now either work entirely from home, or in a hybrid setting where they only visit the office sometimes. Safety professionals must be aware of the hazards that can occur in home offices and workspaces, specifically regarding...