Legislation surrounding the gig economy, single-payer health insurance and marijuana legalization all have the potential to impact the U.S. workers’ compensation system, according to a National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) report. Digital platforms such as Uber ushered in a modern gig economy and renewed public discourse on worker classification. Proposals in numerous states would...
The past year has seen a rapidly hardening cyber insurance market as cyberattacks have surged in both cost and frequency. This increase in attacks has, in turn, resulted in a rise in cyber insurance claims and subsequent underwriting losses. Amid these market conditions, most policyholders experienced higher cyber insurance rates at their 2022 renewals, with...
With construction workers able to access the digital tools they need from a hand-held device that connects to the Internet, workers are more likely to use the device while moving or trying to complete multiple tasks, posing a safety risk for everyone. How we work has changed drastically over the last few years. Employees can...
One of the largest changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic to the workplace was the popularization of remote work. Industries that previously operated solely from offices realized almost overnight that they could operate without everyone under a single roof. With the pandemic on the wane and restrictions being eased, many workers have expressed interest...
All heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Yet, an average of 658 people die each year as a result of exposure to extreme heat. The summer before last, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) did an in-depth study on heat exposure. It revealed that more than one-quarter of the U.S. population suffered from symptoms such as nausea,...
The record heat in 2021 was damaging, particularly in the West and Pacific Northwest. As droughts became more frequent, it increased the likelihood and severity of wildfires, putting property at risk of extensive damage. While it was clear wildfires could cause significant losses, the wildfire season seemed to be getting longer. In fact, in December...
Supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures have left contractors and developers with soaring insurance costs amid a scramble to extend cover for delayed projects. The cost of some materials has surged since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, while an underwriting expert told Insurance Business that supply chain delays have meant policyholders may require an extension of...
Placing concrete requires specialized skills and equipment. The licensing requirements for concrete contractors vary from state to state. In some states, concrete contractors need a specific license for working with concrete. In others, licensing for concrete contractors is included in the general contractor’s license. To obtain a contractor’s or concrete license, you must meet multiple...
The U.S. inflation rate has increased by 8.3% over the last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This has led to significant price increases across various consumer goods as well as employee benefits such as health insurance. In fact, one-third of U.S. employees have already seen an increase in their health costs...
The pandemic has brought on a new set of unexpected challenges for the Commercial Real Estate Industry. As many employers are urging their staff to head back to the office, they are being met with hesitancy, some reluctancy, and in the worst-case scenario, resignations. The pandemic has re-aligned workplace culture, and employee values, and has...