Cold weather does more than make working conditions uncomfortable; it can also lead to fatigue and reduced alertness and responsiveness in employees, increasing the risk of injury. This article discusses cold-weather hazards in construction and provides strategies for employers to keep their workers safe. Risks of Working in Cold Weather Cold weather can impact employee...
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...
October is National Ergonomics Month. Ergonomics refers to the science of designing systems, products and work environments to help people enjoy optimal conditions. Ideal ergonomics may improve productivity and limit health issues, including musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive stress injuries. However, given the recent rise in the popularity of remote work arrangements, employers may not be...
As temperatures climb across the country, July marks Extreme Heat Awareness Month—a timely reminder for employers to evaluate the risks extreme heat poses to their workforce, especially those in outdoor or non-climate-controlled environments. Heat-related illnesses can happen quickly and have serious consequences. From heat exhaustion and dehydration to heat stroke, the impacts are not just health-related—they also...
The proportion of remote workers surged during the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, some employees have gradually returned to the office, but a considerable share either continue to work from home full-time or utilize hybrid arrangements. Over the years, this trend has posed new occupational safety challenges, making it more difficult for...
As the workforce ages, employers must adapt to ensure the safety and productivity of their older employees. Many baby boomers are delaying retirement or reentering the workforce, so the number of employees aged 55 and older is rising. While these workers bring valuable experience and engagement to their roles, they also face unique safety challenges...
As summertime approaches, it’s important to ensure your employees will be properly protected at the construction site. After all, summer is often the hottest season of the year, typically accompanied by surging temperatures and increased humidity levels. Such weather conditions can greatly increase the risk of your employees experiencing numerous complications on the job—especially heat-related...
The workers’ compensation insurance segment has been an outlier compared to other lines of commercial coverage, with most policyholders encountering softening conditions and modest rate decreases for nearly a decade. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), strong reserves and manageable claims frequency and severity helped generate an average combined ratio of 91...
The U.S. workers’ compensation market had another strong year, posting a combined ratio of 86% for 2024 for an 11th consecutive year of underwriting profitability, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance’s (NCCI) annual State of the Line report. “The workers’ compensation system continues an era of exceptional performance with strong results and a...