During the hot summer months, outdoor employees are increasingly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Normally, the body has ways of keeping itself cool by allowing heat to escape through the skin and evaporating sweat. However, if the body does not cool down properly or enough, a person may suffer a heat-related illness. Here are the three...
Recognizing that the unique structure of construction jobs can leave workers in the industry especially vulnerable to workplace harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a new guidance document outlining specific steps industry leaders can take to combat harassment in construction workplaces. The new document, “Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the...
Following last year’s historically challenging property insurance market, 2024 is proving to be “a more stable and capitalized market,” USI Insurance Services reported in its latest Commercial Property & Casualty Market Outlook Mid-Year Addendum. “Large rate increases from 2023 have mostly subsided for the broader market,” the New York-based insurance brokerage firm said in the report....
Employers will likely face an increase in workers’ compensation claims in light of the U.S. Labor Department’s May 2024 report indicating the country added 272,000 new jobs. “New employees not only equal more workers’ comp premiums, they are significantly more likely to incur a claim,” Joe Paduda, owner of Health Strategy Associates, said in an interview with PropertyCasualty360.com. “Jobs in health care and...
With today’s growing emphasis on corporate transparency and accountability, an organization’s directors and officers may face a range of liability exposures. For instance, stakeholders and third parties may hold a company’s board members responsible for damages resulting from their alleged mistakes or poor decisions, prompting legal action. Regardless of an organization’s size or mission, the...
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...
Businesses in the manufacturing sector contribute significantly to the economy by utilizing raw materials to create a wide range of finished products. In recent years, this industry has experienced considerable growth and has capitalized on recent legislation that provided substantial funding and tax incentives. The Infrastructure and Jobs Act, the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce...
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...
The construction industry has encountered volatility and uncertainty in recent years, brought on in part by fluctuating consumer behaviors, material procurement difficulties, project delays, high interest rates and inflation. Such trends have been vital to monitor, as doing so has helped industry employers create strategies to adjust and remain successful despite these uncertain circumstances. This...
This year’s January reinsurance renewals were described by brokers as “stable,” “predictable,” “orderly,” “calmer,” “disciplined,” with “increased appetites” and a return to supply/demand balance. What a difference in tone from last year’s grueling January renewals. “In a marked change on a year ago, the supply of property catastrophe reinsurance capacity at the January 1 renewal was...