OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2024 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for businesses of all kinds, as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce and gives them the information they need to plan their compliance programs. For 2024, the top 10...
The U.S. property and casualty insurance market saw rates rise an average of 3.8% for commercial lines and 6.75% for personal lines in the third quarter, according to the latest data from MarketScout. The average increases for Q3 are down from 4.36% for commercial lines and 7.6% for personal lines in the second quarter. The...
After making landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region, Hurricane Helene sped inland with a path of devastation, bringing historic flooding, millions of power outages and causing more than 90 deaths in multiple states. Coming ashore as the strongest hurricane on record to hit the Big Bend region of Florida, Helene...
Severe convective storms can cause injuries, infrastructure damage and significant financial losses for businesses and their commercial properties. Often accompanied by hail, flooding, strong winds, lightning and abrupt temperature shifts, they are among the costliest types of natural disasters, according to industry research. To reduce potential losses and improve safety, employers should understand the risks...
Project owners or general contractors must carefully vet contractors to ensure jobsite safety and financial security. A critical factor in this selection process is verifying that contractors carry adequate insurance. Hiring uninsured contractors can expose a project to significant risks, including safety hazards, liability issues and potential financial losses. The following are five risks associated...
Condominium and community associations carry out several essential tasks and responsibilities, such as ensuring the facilities are maintained properly or managing the budget appropriately. However, these entities also face numerous risks. As such, they need to be aware of their exposures to enhance community safety and financial stability. This article provides more information on the...
Hard market conditions will continue through 2024 for both commercial and personal lines, but begin to ease in 2025, according to the latest sigma report from Swiss Re. “The insurance industry has reached a new equilibrium after the challenges of recent years. The global economy has surprised on the upside, which should drive more demand...
On July 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an unofficial version of the proposed standard to protect workers from heat injury and illness. If finalized, the new standard would apply to all employers conducting indoor and outdoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime and agricultural...
The commercial property insurance segment has been characterized by ongoing premium increases for much of the past decade. According to industry data, such rate jumps reached record-setting levels in 2023, surging by an average of 20.4% in the first quarter alone and only slightly falling to 18.3% in the latter half of the year. These...
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless and odorless poisonous gas that is a byproduct of the incomplete burning of carbon-containing material. It can quickly accumulate in areas where employees work, even if the space appears well-ventilated. Exposure to CO can cause serious health problems and even fatalities, so business owners must take steps to...