California enacted new or amended existing state labor and employment laws throughout 2025. This Legal Update provides an overview of these new or amended laws, almost all of which take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Specific labor and employment updates include the following topics: Pay Transparency (SB 642) California amended its pay transparency law to...
Winter weather presents a host of difficulties for employers. Specifically, there are various workplace safety concerns and OSHA requirements to consider. It’s essential to be prepared for all scenarios associated with inclement weather before it arrives and ensure that employees are properly informed of all relevant policies and procedures. Preventing Cold Stress Working in extreme...
Fire sprinkler systems are a frontline defense against fire-related risks and are critical in protecting people and property. To help ensure these systems are operational, it is essential to be aware of threats that can damage them. One threat, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), is significant but often overlooked. Over time, MIC can compromise the integrity...
OSHA recently announced its top 10 most frequently cited standards during the 2025 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for all businesses as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce. It also gives them the information they need to take proactive safety measures and plan their compliance programs. For...
General partners (GPs) in private capital firms face a distinct set of legal and financial risks. Whether managing a venture capital fund, real estate portfolio or private equity investment, they operate in high-stakes environments where decisions are subject to intense scrutiny. In many cases, liability is not limited to the firm itself; GPs may be...
Workers’ compensation remains a profit leader across the property and casualty insurance market, with 2025 poised to produce another year of underwriting profits even as net premiums drop, according to a segment report from AM Best. “Workers’ compensation is the key line of business driving the profitability of the whole property and casualty industry, and...
September is National Preparedness Month, a timely reminder that preparation is key to protecting our people, businesses, and communities. At CMR Risk & Insurance Services, we know that while no one can predict the future, every organization can take steps to reduce risks and respond effectively when the unexpected happens. Why Preparedness Matters From natural...
High-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans are large ceiling fans designed to rotate slowly and efficiently while moving significant amounts of air across vast spaces. They have become increasingly common in various types of commercial buildings, especially warehouses, factories and gymnasiums. HVLS fans differ from traditional ceiling fans due to the extended diameter of their fan blades...
Despite a slowdown in premium growth and a loss-heavy first quarter, the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry posted an underwriting profit of $11.5 billion in the first half of 2025, according to data from Verisk and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). The $11.5 billion profit surpassed the $3.8 billion underwriting profit in...
The commercial property insurance segment has been grappling with limited underwriting profitability and hardening conditions for much of the past decade, mainly due to surging catastrophe (CAT) losses, inflation issues and property valuation challenges. As such, ongoing premium jumps and restrictive coverage terms have become the norm for most policyholders. Shifting market dynamics helped ease...