Recognizing that the unique structure of construction jobs can leave workers in the industry especially vulnerable to workplace harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a new guidance document outlining specific steps industry leaders can take to combat harassment in construction workplaces. The new document, “Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the...
Employers will likely face an increase in workers’ compensation claims in light of the U.S. Labor Department’s May 2024 report indicating the country added 272,000 new jobs. “New employees not only equal more workers’ comp premiums, they are significantly more likely to incur a claim,” Joe Paduda, owner of Health Strategy Associates, said in an interview with PropertyCasualty360.com. “Jobs in health care and...
With today’s growing emphasis on corporate transparency and accountability, an organization’s directors and officers may face a range of liability exposures. For instance, stakeholders and third parties may hold a company’s board members responsible for damages resulting from their alleged mistakes or poor decisions, prompting legal action. Regardless of an organization’s size or mission, the...
A new report by health care benefits company Lively found that 81% of organizations plan to add or improve employee benefits in the next year to better recruit and retain employees. Furthermore, the report showed that employee experience, feedback and ease of use matter the most when benefits leaders decide to select or renew with...
The construction industry faces several emerging risks in 2024, including supply chain disruptions reminiscent of those faced in 2020 due to geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea. Combined with ongoing economic challenges, construction businesses should expect increased costs and plan meticulously to minimize project delays, an expert told Insurance Business. “I would hazard to say almost...
The start of 2024 brought a host of changes that could impact property claims, including updates to major codes and guidelines that affect residential and commercial policyholders dealing with new construction, renovations, and replacement HVAC equipment. Adjusters should be aware of new sections in the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) as well as amendments to...
Demand for surety bonds is expected to rise as Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)-driven renewable energy and grid modernization projects get underway in the United States. With interest rates remaining elevated this year, lending remains challenging. Businesses will seek alternative financing through surety bonds, and insurers are expected to step up capacity, according to Karl Choltus...
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...
The commercial insurance market began to harden around 2019, after years of gradual shifts that lead to higher premiums and reduced capacity. The overall hard market is expected to remain for the better part of 2024. Prior to the current conditions, the commercial insurance sector long enjoyed smooth sailing, with stable premiums and expanded coverage that continued...
The construction industry has encountered volatility and uncertainty in recent years, brought on in part by fluctuating consumer behaviors, material procurement difficulties, project delays, high interest rates and inflation. Such trends have been vital to monitor, as doing so has helped industry employers create strategies to adjust and remain successful despite these uncertain circumstances. This...