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April 19, 2021
Direct and Indirect Workers’ Compensation Costs Explained
Workers’ compensation claims have a variety of different costs associated with them. Some of these costs are expected costs, while others are unexpected. Here’s the difference between these terms: Expected costs are those that are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Such expenses are commonly referred to as direct costs. Unexpected costs are those that workers’...
March 11, 2021
New Relief Bill Contains Employment-Related Provisions
Along with providing financial relief for individuals, state and local governments, schools, businesses and for other purposes, the relief bill passed by Congress on March 10, 2021, contains measures of special interest to employers. Specifically, the bill—known as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021—includes the following items particularly relevant to employers and their employees:...
March 9, 2021
The Importance of Fire Doors
In the event that a fire occurs at your commercial property, having measures in place to slow the spread of the flames and minimize potential damages is crucial. That’s where fire doors can help. These doors are specifically designed to withstand the extreme heat of a fire for a period of time, temporarily blocking flames...
March 2, 2021
Potential Environmental and Regulatory Liabilities at Real Estate Entities
The most common environmental and regulatory exposures encountered by real estate entities include: Contaminants from known and unknown historical usage/operations or neighboring properties. Investigation and defense due to local and regional soil and groundwater contamination. Air emissions from ammonia-based refrigeration systems. Construction debris containing hazardous materials (e.g. paint cans, tars, etc.) Sick Building Syndrome (i.e....
February 25, 2021
Clarifying Guidance for Health FSA and DCAP COVID-19 Relief
On Feb. 18, 2021, the IRS released Notice 2021-15 to clarify the application of temporary special rules for health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs) provided under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). The Notice responds to unanticipated changes in the availability of certain medical and dependent care as a result...
February 24, 2021
OSHA’s Latest COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Sector
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout offers significant promise in the ongoing effort to curb the pandemic. However, even in the midst of this rollout, it’s vital for employers to promote workplace health and safety measures to protect their staff from COVID-19 exposures. The construction industry is no exception to these protective measures, especially considering that most...
February 17, 2021
Commercial Vacancies Are Reaching New Highs: How To Make The Most Of 2021’s Opportunities
By the end of 2021, some people will have returned to work on-site, but many others will never return. The pandemic has permanently changed how and where millions of people will work in the future. The change is expected to have a significant impact on real estate markets nationwide. Although some people, myself included, have...
February 8, 2021
Damage From Wildfire Smoke Extends to Infrastructure, Businesses, Other Communities
The damage caused by wildfires can be devastating, gutting structures and driving out people who live and work nearby. And researchers say the smoke from the annually recurring blazes also delivers economic damage to areas that were never touched by the flames. Beyond the toll wildfire smoke can have on the health of those in...
January 14, 2021
Renewals May Mark a Turning Point for Workers Comp
COVID-19, low interest rates and higher claim severity due in part to an aging workforce are among the factors that have reversed a years’ long trend of flat or lower renewals for workers compensation coverage, experts say. “In the rate environment we are starting to see it tick up from a flat renewal to the...
December 31, 2020
Understanding the $900 Billion Stimulus Package
On Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. This bill was passed by Congress after months of negotiation, and was attached to a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year. Notably, this...