General Industry
January 21, 2021
Insurance Coverage Options to Safeguard Volunteers
Those who volunteer their time to support nonprofit organizations are an invaluable asset. In fact, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service, nearly 77.34 million people volunteered through a nonprofit organization in 2019, providing an estimated national value of $25.43 for each volunteer hour. With so much riding on the power of volunteers, how can...
January 18, 2021
5 Mental Health Employee Benefits Trends for 2021
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have reported increases in anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide. The toll that the pandemic takes on mental health increases daily. Before the pandemic, 5% of employed workers reported poor or very poor mental health. Now, 18% of employed workers struggle with mental health issues. The COVID-19...
January 12, 2021
OSHA Form 300A Posting Requirements Begin Feb. 1
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers subject to its recordkeeping requirements to post copies of their OSHA Form 300A between February 1 and April 30 of each year. The OSHA Form 300A, also known as the “Summary of Work-related Injuries and Illnesses,” must be completed by February 1 using data from the...
January 8, 2021
DOL Issues Final Rule on FLSA Independent Contractor Status
On Jan. 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule that clarifies how to determine whether a worker is an employee who is protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or an independent contractor who is exempt from it. The final rule becomes effective March 8, 2021. “Economic Reality” Test...
January 7, 2021
Embracing the Changes in Captive Insurance
As the world heads into another uncertain few months, risk managers are expecting a challenging time at their upcoming insurance and reinsurance renewals. Many are considering expanding the use of existing captives or setting up new ones to mitigate the effects of a changing insurance market, as well as their own shifting risk profiles. Even before the...
January 4, 2021
5 Strategies Employers Can Implement to Help Support COVID Vaccine Uptake
While there has been a lot of positive news recently about the COVID vaccines, there are varying reports on the public’s concern and willingness to take it. That hesitation, along with vaccine access, will determine how quickly life returns to normal. We will need more than 70% of the population vaccinated to get back to a pre-pandemic society, and...
December 14, 2020
Workers’ Compensation Trends to Watch in 2021
Not only is workers’ compensation coverage required in most states, but it also plays a major role in connecting injured employees to the care they need to return to work as quickly and safely as possible. That’s why it’s crucial for your organization to develop an effective workers’ compensation program. To ensure a successful program,...
December 8, 2020
The Continued Impact of COVID-19 on Workers’ Comp
The COVID-19 pandemic has been with us for over nine months now, with no end in sight. During this time, we conducted several Out Front Ideas COVID-19 Briefing webinars and The Path Forward virtual conference. These educational events were designed to provide risk managers and others in the industry with a better understanding of how COVID-19 was...
December 4, 2020
Important Update on California Assembly Bill 685
Assembly Bill 685 was signed into law by Governor Newsom 9/17/20. The law goes into effect 1/1/21 and will run through 1/1/23. All public and private employers in CA must follow the law (exceptions are in place for health facilities and employers providing direct care or testing to individuals with suspected COVID-19). Overview of the...
December 3, 2020
CDC Announces Shorter Quarantine Guidelines After a COVID-19 Exposure
During a recent media briefing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an update to quarantine guidelines, offering options for shorter quarantine periods. The CDC’s updated guidance allows for the following quarantine periods for those who may have been exposed to COVID-19 but are without symptoms: Ten-day quarantine period—An individual may end quarantine...