Sweeping Expansion of Workers Comp Benefits Could Hit COVID-19-Ravaged Businesses Hard

Woman cashier wearing protective face mask and gloves to prevent viruses, scanning disinfection products at the cash register and packing in paper bag

There’s been a growing debate in California and nationally about extending workers’ compensation benefits for workers who are impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Some states are moving to make front line workers battling COVID-19 to be eligible for workers’ comp. Politico reports that “at least five smaller states have made it easier for high-risk workers… Continue reading Sweeping Expansion of Workers Comp Benefits Could Hit COVID-19-Ravaged Businesses Hard

Some Essential Workers Receiving Workers’ Compensation During Quarantine

Microscopic view of Coronavirus, a pathogen that attacks the respiratory tract. Analysis and test, experimentation. Sars. 3d render

Essential Workers and Workers’ Comp While just about everyone has been ordered to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, some businesses that have to stay open in order to keep a skeletal infrastructure intact. These are the legendary “essential workers” who have managed to retain their jobs during the quarantine. However, it is not clear… Continue reading Some Essential Workers Receiving Workers’ Compensation During Quarantine

Ending Virus Shutdowns Too Soon Poses Legal Risk for Businesses

Microscopic view of Coronavirus, a pathogen that attacks the respiratory tract. Analysis and test, experimentation. Sars. 3d render

Whenever U.S. stores, restaurants and theaters reopen from coronavirus shutdowns, they may face an unexpected problem: lawsuits from sick patrons and workers. Business owners hit hard by Covid-19 are eager to get back to work as the outbreak shows signs of slowing and the Trump administration pushes for a quick restart of the nation’s economy.… Continue reading Ending Virus Shutdowns Too Soon Poses Legal Risk for Businesses

Minnesota Gov. Walz Signs Bill to Protect First Responders, Workers on COVID-19 Front Lines

Paramedic posing for camera, ambulance crew transporting patient on background

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday evening signed a bill that expands workers’ compensation eligibility for emergency first responders and front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill, H.F. 4537, expands eligibility for front-line workers by creating the presumption that a COVID-19 infection is work-related, unless the employer is able to prove the infection happened… Continue reading Minnesota Gov. Walz Signs Bill to Protect First Responders, Workers on COVID-19 Front Lines

Average Commercial Premium Renewal Rates Experience Positive Changes Month to Month: IVANS

E&S growth

IVANS®, a division of Applied Systems®, announced the Q1 2020 results of the IVANS Index™, the insurance industry’s premium renewal rate index. Q1 results showed an increase premium renewal rate change average across nearly all major commercial lines of business, including Commercial Auto, Business Owner’s Policy, General Liability, Umbrella, and Commercial Property compared to Q4;… Continue reading Average Commercial Premium Renewal Rates Experience Positive Changes Month to Month: IVANS

AIR Worldwide Estimates by End of March Coronavirus Deaths Globally Could Reach 10K-30K

Illustration of the spread of a new coronavirus from China around the world. Vector illustration.

According to catastrophe risk modeling firm AIR Worldwide, as of March 17, 147 countries, areas, or territories reported confirmed cases of COVID-19. The country most affected by the outbreak has been China, which has reported 82,007 cases and 3,338 deaths; however, China has also reported that the number of new cases there has continued to… Continue reading AIR Worldwide Estimates by End of March Coronavirus Deaths Globally Could Reach 10K-30K

Coronavirus and Insurance Policies: What Is Covered?

4K Resolution, Accidents and Disasters, Aggression, Backgrounds

As the new coronavirus has been spreading across the U.S., many Americans are worried not just about being exposed to the virus and their health. They also want to know how various insurance policies they own—or are thinking about buying—would help them financially. Here are some commonly asked questions: Does travel insurance cover costs associated… Continue reading Coronavirus and Insurance Policies: What Is Covered?

U.S. Unions, Groups Urge Government Steps to Protect Workers from Coronavirus

Nurse holding test tube with blood for 2019-nCoV analyzing. Novel Chinese Coronavirus blood test concept

Nearly 30 unions and advocacy groups on Friday urged the U.S. employee safety regulator to impose a suite of emergency measures to safeguard public-facing workers against the new coronavirus. In a letter, the groups asked the Operational Safety and Health Administration to build a list of workers in need of protection, provide training to help… Continue reading U.S. Unions, Groups Urge Government Steps to Protect Workers from Coronavirus

Spotty Sick Leave Policies Limit Options for Avoiding Virus

4K Resolution, Accidents and Disasters, Aggression, Backgrounds

A barber in Beijing is supporting his wife and child by charging food and other expenses to a credit card while he waits for his employer’s shop to reopen. A waiter at a barbecue restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri, washes his hands more often and hopes for the best. A parcel delivery driver in Britain… Continue reading Spotty Sick Leave Policies Limit Options for Avoiding Virus

North American Companies Bracing for Negative Business Impact due to Coronavirus Epidemic

meeting during the coronavirus

Despite rising concern of the effect that COVID-19 (coronavirus) will have on their businesses, most U.S. companies are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to adjusting their executive pay and sales compensation programs, according to a survey by Willis Towers Watson, a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company. “Companies are increasingly expecting that… Continue reading North American Companies Bracing for Negative Business Impact due to Coronavirus Epidemic