Business
April 2, 2024
Don’t Overlook These Small Business Risks
Half of small businesses have had at least one workplace injury in the last five years, says a recent survey on small business safety from Pie Insurance. The survey consisted of over 1,000 small business owners (of companies with 1-500 employees), and nearly one-third of these owners said that they wished they had known to put a higher...
April 1, 2024
Most Common Questions of Workers’ Comp Claimants Show Where Change Is Needed
The most frequently asked questions in workers’ compensation claims reveal opportunities for improved communication and efficiency in the claims process, according to an analysis by Hi Marley, a communication platform for insurers. Using the findings can help insurance carriers and employers to streamline operations, support faster recovery for injured workers, manage expectations and provide peace of mind, Hi Marley stated. The study categorized inbound questions from workers’ compensation claimants within the Hi Marley platform. The most common inquiries related to payment status and amount (26%), contact with the adjuster (24%), and provider scheduling and approval activities (22%). Other inquiries from claimants focused on process explanation (14%), benefits (9%), and documentation (5%). These findings suggest that many of the most common questions could be addressed through proactive outreach, automation, and standardization of communications. For instance, carriers can use predefined message templates for scheduling reminders, which can support faster recovery and reduce claim cycle time and costs. Automated updates on the claim process and payment status can help manage expectations and provide peace of mind for injured workers. “With most people dealing with an accident on the job, it’s their first...
March 8, 2024
Predictive Modeling: The Future of Workplace Safety Management
In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, workplace safety remains paramount for organizations across industries. While traditional approaches relying on lagging and leading indicators, safety incidents and accident information have long been the cornerstone of safety programs, there’s a growing recognition of their limitations in anticipating and preventing accidents. Enter predictive modeling and machine learning, which offer...
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 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 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 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...
January 23, 2024
Best Practices for Return-to-Work Programs
One of the biggest components of workers’ compensation is an effective return-to-work (RTW) program. Eliminating injuries and illnesses is paramount for reducing workers’ compensation costs, but after an incident, an RTW program can significantly reduce workers’ compensation costs for employers and improve the lives of employees by getting them back to work when there is...
January 16, 2024
Fire Prevention Measures for Idle and Vacant Properties
When properties are left idle or vacant, the risk of fire-related incidents increases. Therefore, implementing a comprehensive fire prevention strategy is crucial. This article explores essential fire prevention measures for idle and vacant properties to ensure the safety of the premises and minimize the risk of destructive fires. Fire Prevention Measures Businesses should consider the...