This article is from our friends at the Institute of WorkComp Professionals: Both in the media and in general conversation, we often hear people refer to the workers’ compensation laws in various states as being very “employee friendly” because they feel that it’s easy for injured employees to get more than they “deserve” from the workers’ comp system. This may be true; as certainly there is little or no question that there are laws in some states that are more business friendly as opposed to employee friendly. But employers would do well to ignore this debate because in reality when…
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Now, more than ever, commercial buildings are being left vacant because businesses are working remotely. Although the vacancy may be temporary, commercial property owners should still take the time to ensure that their vacant building is protected. These buildings face a variety of risks, including: Crime, Water, Fire, Pests, and Contamination. Whether businesses are closing for the holidays or due to Covid-19, there are eight steps property owners can take to secure their vacant commercial building. Below, you will find those eight steps: Secure the Building – alarm system, security cameras, motion-activated lights, etc. Tell the Local Authorities – Let…
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In an increasingly virtual world, data security has never been more important. Regardless of where they are working, employees must understand their obligation to protect company information. It is crucial that everyone works together to avoid a date breach as well a cyber related claim. Travelers Insurance believes there are nine essential elements of a data security policy. Below, you will find the nine elements. For more information on each element, please follow the link to Travelers Insurance. Safeguard Data Privacy Establish Password Management Govern Internet Usage Manage Email Usage Govern and Manage Company-Owned Mobile Devices Establish an Approval Process…
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North Carolina continues to impress with their historically low workplace injury and illness rates. North Carolina, with a rate of 2.3 cases per 100 employees, is below the national average of 2.8. NC’s Labor Commissioner, Cherie Berry, credits the two decades of success to a safety culture commitment. When speaking specifically in regards to the private construction industry, Berry states, “We are especially pleased that private industry construction saw a significant decrease in its total recordable rate from 2.5 to 1.6 and is significantly below the national rate of 2.8 per 100 full-time workers.” North Carolina has gone above and…
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According to the National Safety Council (NSC), each year, over 50,000 auto accidents take place in either parking lots or garage structures. These accidents are the cause of nearly 60,000 injuries and 500 deaths. Many of these accidents are preventable, as the NSC states that nearly 66% of driver’s nationwide user their cellphone while driving through parking lots. Even if a driver is responsible for the accident, the owner of the parking lot or garage could be held legally liable. Selective Insurance states, “Whether the person is exiting or entering a vehicle, walking or driving, their safety is your concern”.…
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Whether you call it barbecuing or grilling, it’s summertime in the United States and people are outside to cook their favorite meats and vegetables. While firing up the gas or charcoal grill may seem like a normal and safe occurrence, potential perils like personal injury and property damage affect homeowners every year. For more information on simple safety tips to follow while using your grill, please read the following article from Cincinnati Insurance.
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Due to Covid-19 and social distancing, Americans have been facing increased levels of financial and mental hardships. More specifically, students and young adults alike have been at the forefront of this crisis. For our country to reach its utmost potential, we need our future leaders to not only feel comfortable but also supported; specifically, in their own school. SafeSchools, an industry leader in training courses for educational institutions, provides modules on mental health for students to help proactively change the current environment. Please take the time to read the full SafeSchools’ article below to learn more: A recent survey of 3,300…
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Utica National Insurance Group and Insurance People School Safety Excellence Award - South Carolina Utica National Insurance Group is one of the leading national insurance carriers in School Safety and Risk Management. The insurance group, known for actively promoting exceptional safety procedures, uses strategic partnerships with innovative safety companies to help Risk Advisors offer their charter school clients a complete and well-rounded risk management program. In unprecedented fashion, charter school leaders along on the East Coast are completely buying in on creating forward-thinking and risk-adverse institutions. Due to the overwhelming acceptance of the risk management tools and procedures, Utica National Insurance Group created the School Safety Excellence Award Program to honor those that made extraordinary efforts to make their schools a safer place. Utica National’s School Safety Excellence…
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Small Business Update On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act,” also known as the CARES Act. Included in this unprecedented economic relief package is the Paycheck Protection Program that provides $350 billion of assistance to small businesses to help them keep their employees on payroll and cover important expenses through a forgivable loan program. Here are some of the highlights: · Companies with fewer than 500 employees can obtain loans of up to $10 million, with the size of the loan based on a business’s average monthly payroll for 2.5 months. ·…
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Cyber Security – COVID-19 Scams Cybercriminals have been extorting businesses, organizations and individuals since the creation of the Internet. Preying on the average person’s inexperience with IT, cybercriminals continue to adapt in their quest to trick and deceive. Although there has been substantial threat for the past few decades, the recent and on-going COVID-19 pandemic has chummed the waters for the hungry hackers. The effects from COVID-19 have fashioned a brand new, easily penetrable niche for cybercriminals. These groups and individuals are using the fear, uncertainty, and lack of education about the virus as ammunition and bait. Understanding the…
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