Risk Management
November 5, 2026
2026 Midterm Results: Employee Benefits Outlook
Associated Press and network projections as of Nov. 4 show Democrats winning control of both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. Democrats are on track to hold at least 54 of 100 Senate seats (up from 47), at least 228 of 435 House seats (up from 203) and at least 27 governorships (up from...
November 3, 2026
How Agentic AI Is Changing the Cyberthreat Landscape
Agentic artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the cyberthreat landscape by enabling systems to plan, act and adapt with minimal human oversight. Unlike generative AI, which primarily responds to user prompts, agentic AI consists of autonomous, interconnected components, often called AI agents, that work together to complete tasks independently. Rather than waiting for instructions, agentic systems...
October 27, 2026
Common Safety Risks in Manufacturing
Manufacturing floors depend on moving parts, stored energy and heavy equipment, all of which require safeguards to prevent employee injury. Identifying and mitigating these risks can also help manufacturing organizations comply with regulations and maintain productivity. Here are five common hazards and steps employers can take to address them. 1. Electrical hazards Exposed wiring, overloaded...
October 15, 2026
Addressing 5 Common Sources of Water Damage Claims
Businesses often associate water damage with storms, flooding and other weather-related events. Significant losses, however, can arise from a variety of other sources. A pipe fitting could fail overnight, flooding a lower floor and damaging property; a water heater may rupture without warning, damaging inventory and equipment; or a malfunctioning sprinkler head may discharge water...
October 12, 2026
California Increases Pay Data Reporting Penalties
On Sept. 30, 2026, California amended its pay data reporting law to significantly increase the penalties for repeated failures to comply with the law’s pay data reporting requirements. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Background California’s pay data reporting law requires employers with 100 or more employees or with 100 or more employees hired...
October 8, 2026
Walking Safely in the Winter Months
Cold-weather walking surfaces such as parking lots, ramps, stairs and sidewalks pose serious slip, trip and fall risks for workers. Snow accumulation, ice formation and refreezing meltwater are not always visible underfoot, making these hazards easy to miss. Contributing factors like poor lighting, wind-driven precipitation, and workers rushing between locations to escape the cold can...
October 1, 2026
Managing Benefits Coverage Across Multiple Renewal Dates
A benefits package often functions as a coordinated program, with each line of coverage moving through renewal and enrollment on the same timeline. Over time, however, carrier changes, new benefit offerings and organizational transitions can place individual plans on different renewal schedules. While differing effective dates may seem like a minor administrative detail, they can...
September 29, 2026
Understanding Retainage Disputes
Retainage is a common construction practice in which a portion of payments due to a contractor or subcontractor is withheld until agreed project milestones or completion requirements have been satisfied. When used appropriately, retainage is intended to incentivize contractors and subcontractors to complete work to the expected standard and ensure that defects or deficiencies are...
September 22, 2026
The Limits of Indemnification Clauses
An indemnification clause is a provision in a construction contract that transfers risk to a specific party, namely the project owner, general contractor (GC) or subcontractor. Ultimately, it requires them to cover either a portion or the entirety of losses and damages caused by another party, as well as associated legal defense costs. Also known...