The Impact of California’s SB 553 on the Insurance Industry

Working with a smart and confident. A female African engineer is working at a factory and examining machinery facility by a digital tablet.

California’s SB553, a new workplace violence prevention law, is fundamentally changing the requirements for businesses across the state. Effective July 1, 2024, this law mandates that nearly all businesses implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans.

OSHA Reveals Top 10 Safety Violations for Fiscal Year 2021

OSHA workplace penalties increase

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced its preliminary Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety standards for fiscal year 2021. Fall Protection (1926.501) remains at the top of the list for the 11th year in a row, followed by Respiratory Protection (1910.134) and Ladders (1926.1053). Hazard Communication, which spent the last several years… Continue reading OSHA Reveals Top 10 Safety Violations for Fiscal Year 2021

COVID-19 Sparks More than 1,000 Workplace-Related Lawsuits in 2020

Investors sue Lighthouse Insurance Company

The COVID-19 pandemic spawned more than 1,000 workplace-related lawsuits last year and drove a record number of class-action cases as employees sued over disputes over workplace safety, how they’re paid while working from home, and family and medical leave. In 2020, the pandemic led employees to file 1,005 workplace lawsuits in state and federal courts,… Continue reading COVID-19 Sparks More than 1,000 Workplace-Related Lawsuits in 2020

The Coming Surge of Workplace Class Actions in the Wake of COVID-19

Nuclear verdicts continue

As employers begin laying the groundwork for reopening and returning their businesses to “normal,” a large threat of a different form looms on the horizon. The Plaintiffs’ bar is poised for – and has been discussing preparation of – class actions over denied wage, discrimination during furloughs and lay-offs, and exposure to unsafe working conditions.… Continue reading The Coming Surge of Workplace Class Actions in the Wake of COVID-19

Fatal Workplace Injuries Are on the Rise, CFOI Report Shows

About 4.7 million U.S. employees suffer a workplace injury every year. Now, new data shows that fatal workplace injuries have spiked 2% since 2017. According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on December 17, 2019, the number of fatal workplace injuries has jumped from 5,147… Continue reading Fatal Workplace Injuries Are on the Rise, CFOI Report Shows

OSHA Enforcement and Compliance Increases in 2019 to Keep America’s Workforce Safe

OSHA workplace penalties increase

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) fiscal year (FY) 2019 final statistics show a significant increase in the number of inspections and a record amount of compliance assistance to further the mission of ensuring that employers provide workplaces free of hazards. OSHA’s enforcement activities reflect the Department’s continued focus on… Continue reading OSHA Enforcement and Compliance Increases in 2019 to Keep America’s Workforce Safe

The Hartford Expands Internet of Things Capabilities

The Hartford is expanding its Internet of Things (IoT) Innovation Lab and capabilities, bringing together the latest network-connected technology with the company’s expertise, data and risk management to improve workplace safety and help prevent or reduce property damage for its customers. “Connected devices represent an opportunity for insurers to help their customers proactively prevent claims… Continue reading The Hartford Expands Internet of Things Capabilities

McDonald’s Failed to Protect Workers Against Violent Customers, Lawsuit Says

McDonalds lawsuit

A group of McDonald’s cooks and cashiers is suing the fast-food chain over the company’s handling of what the lawsuit presents as a “nationwide pattern” of customers attacking and harassing workers. The lawsuit, filed Thursday by 17 workers from the Chicago area, alleges that McDonald’s and its franchisees have failed to protect workers by extending… Continue reading McDonald’s Failed to Protect Workers Against Violent Customers, Lawsuit Says

Occupational Medical Society Urges U.S. Congress to Consider the Implications for Workplace Safety if Marijuana Is Legalized

Detailed texture backround of cannabis flower for dispensary in clear jugs

Marijuana is an impairing substance and its legalization has huge public and workplace health implications. Before passing any legislation legalizing this substance, the U.S. Congress should proceed deliberately and consider workplace safety when dealing with this complex issue, according to a statement released by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), the nation’s… Continue reading Occupational Medical Society Urges U.S. Congress to Consider the Implications for Workplace Safety if Marijuana Is Legalized

OSHA’s Top 10 Violations for 2018 Revealed at National Safety Council Congress & Expo

Workplace Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the preliminary Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2018. Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, presented the Top 10 on the Expo floor as part of the 2018 NSC Congress & Expo, the world’s largest annual gathering of… Continue reading OSHA’s Top 10 Violations for 2018 Revealed at National Safety Council Congress & Expo