Risk Management
February 13, 2024
Debunking 5 Common Cybersecurity Myths
Also known as IT security, cybersecurity refers to the act of safeguarding internet-connected systems, critical data and other digital assets from potential cyberthreats—threats that may attempt to exploit sensitive information, steal funds or disrupt normal business operations. In other words, cybersecurity consists of the strategies implemented to help protect people, processes and technology from cyberattacks...
February 12, 2024
Types of Transitional Duties in Return-to-Work Programs
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...
February 6, 2024
OSHA Proposes to Issue a New Emergency Response Standard
On Feb. 5, 2024, OSHA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to issue a new safety and health standard, titled Emergency Response, to replace the existing Fire Brigades standard. The new standard would address a broader scope of emergency responders and include programmatic elements to protect emergency responders from various occupational hazards. OSHA requests...
January 25, 2024
Tailgating and Piggybacking
Tailgating and piggybacking are low-tech tactics used by malicious actors to enter secure areas. They occur when an unauthorized person gains physical access to a location with sensitive information or vulnerable IT equipment. These intrusions can have significant financial and reputational impacts on businesses, so it is essential for companies to take measures to prevent...
January 23, 2024
Best Practices for Return-to-Work Programs
One of the biggest components of workers’ compensation is an effective return-to-work (RTW) program. Eliminating injuries and illnesses is paramount for reducing workers’ compensation costs, but after an incident, an RTW program can significantly reduce workers’ compensation costs for employers and improve the lives of employees by getting them back to work when there is...
January 11, 2024
California Will Require Employers to Develop Workplace Violence Prevention Programs
On Sept. 30, 2023, California adopted Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), a bill that requires employers to establish a workplace violence prevention plan (WVPP), document incidents of workplace violence and train employees on how to identify workplace violence hazards by July 1, 2024. Affected Employers SB 553 applies to California employers. State law defines “employer”...
January 9, 2024
A Return to Balance: Brokers Say Reinsurance Renewals Were ‘Stable’
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...
January 3, 2024
Workplace Safety Technology From a Vendor’s Perspective
The evolving workplace and role of the worker are top of mind for workers’ compensation stakeholders. One of the rising industry concerns about the shifting workforce and workplace is the potential impact to the frequency and severity of on-the-job injuries. As part of its ongoing dialogue with workers’ compensation stakeholders around the country, NCCI is often asked...
December 19, 2023
OSHA’s Safety and Health Bulletin on Safety Helmets in the Workplace
On Nov. 22, 2023, OSHA provided a Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) on the use of safety helmets in the workplace. The SHIB provides the key differences between safety helmets and traditional hard hats. The SHIB also describes the advancements in design, materials, and protective features that help to protect a worker’s entire head....
December 13, 2023
2024 Workers’ Compensation Insurance Market Outlook
Market Outlook Profitable underwriting results have generated favorable conditions across the workers’ compensation insurance segment for nearly a decade. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), the segment produced a combined ratio of 87 in 2022, demonstrating continued profitability. These conditions pressed on in 2023, but industry experts reported that reserve redundancies stemming...