Park Ridge, IL – The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) today posted the 50th episode of its popular safety podcast series, which has been renamed and enhanced to include a broader range of occupational safety and health topics to keep industry professionals informed. In its November installment, “The Case for Safety” discusses key workplace… [Read more]
Risk Management News
Cal/OSHA Standards Board Adopts Emergency Temporary Standards to Protect Workers from COVID-19
Sacramento, CA – The Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR) Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board unanimously adopted emergency temporary standards to protect workers from hazards related to COVID-19. The emergency standards will be in effect immediately if approved by the Office of Administrative Law in the next 10 calendar days. The temporary standards apply to… [Read more]
Texas Mutual to Distribute $3.5 Million in Early Qualifier Dividends to 3,000 Texas Businesses
Austin, TX – Texas Mutual Insurance Company recently announced that it will distribute $3.5 million in early qualifier dividends to over 3,000 newer policyholder owners across Texas. This is the final phase of the company’s $330 million dividend distribution to over 60,000 policyholders this year. “We know that supporting our policyholders is more important than… [Read more]
Oregon OSHA Adopts Temporary Rule Addressing COVID-19 in all Workplaces
Salem, OR – Oregon OSHA recently adopted a temporary rule that combats the spread of coronavirus in all workplaces by requiring employers to carry out a comprehensive set of risk-reducing measures. The rule will take effect Nov. 16, with certain parts phased in, and is expected to remain in effect until May 4, 2021. It… [Read more]
MI Businesses Awarded $8 Million to Support COVID-19 Workplace Safety
Lansing, MI – Employers across Michigan are better prepared to protect employees with more than $8 million in grant funds are being awarded from the COVID-19 Safety Grant Program. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) launched the program earlier this year as employers worked to implement new safety protocols and procedures amidst the… [Read more]
Marsh Releases Report on How COVID-19 Has Changed Workers’ Compensation So Far
New York, NY – Marsh recently released a new report noting that six months after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, claims of COVID-19 exposure in the workplace have been outpaced by a decline in other types of reported occupational injuries. The workers’ compensation insurance market also remains competitive, with average premiums having renewed between -5%… [Read more]
Cal/OSHA Issues Citations to Grocery Stores for COVID-19 Violations
Los Angeles, CA – Cal/OSHA has cited five grocery stores in Southern California for failing to protect their employees from COVID-19. The retailers listed below were cited for various health and safety violations including some classified as serious, with proposed penalties ranging from $13,500 to $25,560. “Grocery retail workers are on the front lines and… [Read more]
NCCI Releases Report on Drug-Free Workplace Premium Credit Programs
Boca Raton, FL – NCCI recently released a new research brief on Drug-Free Workplace Premium Credit Programs, noting that legalization of marijuana, both recreational and medical, has been an active issue over the last few years, and its implications for workers’ compensation are still being evaluated. One question naturally arises—what are the implications of the… [Read more]
WA L&I Issues COVID-19 Hazard Alert on Hospital Worker Safety
Tumwater, WA – Concern over COVID-19 cases in hospital workers has prompted the Washington State Departments of Labor & Industries (L&I) and Health (DOH) to clarify and update hospital guidance to prevent the spread of the virus to staff and patients. The state Hazard Alert (PDF) issued today highlights key worker safety and health requirements… [Read more]
CA State Fund Declares $75 Million 2020 Mid-Year Dividend
Pleasanton, CA – State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund) recently announced plans to distribute an approximate $75 million dividend to its qualifying policyholders with policies that took effect between January 1 and August 26, 2020. This dividend equals approximately 10% of the estimated annual premium reported during that period. State Fund’s Board will consider dividends… [Read more]