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Sanford & Tatum Blog

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

U.S. Coastal Communities Could Become Uninsurable

- U.S. Coastal Communities Could Become Uninsurable - It’s been all storm no calm for property insurance buyers in coastal regions in recent years, and many catastrophe-prone communities run the risk of becoming...

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HR Insights: Responding to the EEOC’s Increased Focus on Mental Health Discrimination

Responding to the EEOC’s Increased Focus on Mental Health Discrimination - As society’s understanding of mental health continues to grow, so has government acknowledgment and efforts to protect workers with such...

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Protecting Your Business Against Frozen Pipes and Sprinkler Systems

- Protecting Your Business Against Frozen Pipes and Sprinkler Systems - During the winter season, businesses face a unique set of property challenges, including the risk of frozen pipes and sprinkler systems. These...

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Home Care for the Common Cold and Flu

Home Care for the Common Cold and Flu - Many people visit the doctor even when they don’t need a doctor’s expertise to diagnose and treat their symptoms. The next time you or someone in your family has a cold or...

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OSHA's Top 10 Most Frequently Cited - 2023


DOT Accidents - What is reportable?


Penalties for HIPPA Violations Increase


Mental Health Minute - December 2023

Mental Health Minute - December 2023 - Healthy Habits That Can Lower Your Risk of Depression - A recent international study published in the Nature Mental Health journal found that certain lifestyle factors can reduce...

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Live Well, Work Well - December 2023

- - Live Well, Work Well - December 2023 - Managing Financial Stress During the Holidays - If the holiday shopping season stresses you out, you’re not alone. Research by financial services company Bank rate revealed...

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NCCI Experience Modification Factor 2024 Changes FAQs

NCCI Experience Modification Factor 2024 Changes FAQs - The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) is making alterations to its experience modification factor for 2024. These changes are slated to go into...

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Risk Insights: Understanding, Preventing and Mitigating Workplace Violence

Understanding, Preventing and Mitigating Workplace Violence - Workplace violence threatens the health and safety of employees, clients and visitors. It affects all industries, regardless of size or location, and its...

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Understanding Protective Safeguards Endorsements (PSEs)

- Understanding Protective Safeguards Endorsements (PSEs) - When it comes to property insurance, it’s not just about securing a policy; it’s about fully understanding its nuances to ensure you have the highest level of...

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EEOC Opens EEO-1 Reporting Portal for 2022 Workforce Data

EEOC Opens EEO-1 Reporting Portal for 2022 Workforce Data - The portal for private sector employers to submit equal employment opportunity (EEO-1) workforce data from 2022 to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity...

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Cyber Risks & Liability: MGM Cyberattack Emphasizes Need for Layered Digital Defenses

MGM Cyberattack Emphasizes Need for Layered Digital Defenses - The odds are stacked in favor of increasingly bold and sophisticated cybercriminals, as MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment learned back in...

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News Brief: Q2 P&C Industry Combined Ratio, Net Income at Worst Levels Since 2011

Q2 P&C Industry Combined Ratio, Net Income at Worst Levels Since 2011 - Mounting underwriting losses pushed second-quarter property/casualty insurance industry net income and profitability to the worst levels since...

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Live Well, Work Well - November 2023

November Is American Diabetes Month - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 37 million American adults have diabetes, and 1 in 5 don’t know they have it. Diabetes is a chronic disease...

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Mental Health Minute - November 2023

Mental Health Minute - November 2023 - Daylight Saving Time’s Impact on the Brain - Most of the United States alternates between standard and daylight saving time (DST) every year so people can enjoy the daylight more....

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HR Insights: Preparing for the Fall and Winter Virus Season

Preparing for the Fall and Winter Virus Season - Fall and winter are when viruses that cause respiratory disease usually circulate more heavily. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial...

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Know Your Insurance: Auto Liability

Understanding Auto Liability Coverage - Auto insurance is one of the most frequently purchased types of coverage in the United States. However, while these policies may be common, they can still be complex and nuanced....

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Work Comp Insights: Reading an Experience Modification Worksheet

How to Read an Experience Modification Worksheet - An experience modification worksheet, often referred to as an experience rating worksheet or experience mod worksheet, is important in workers’ compensation insurance....

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Risk Insights: AI + Employment Decision

- - Leveraging AI in Employment Decisions - Organizations are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in employment-related decisions. According to the Society for Human Resources Management, around 25% of...

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Work Comp Insights: Interstate vs. Intrastate Experience Modification Rating

Interstate vs. Intrastate Experience Modification Rating - An experience modification rating (EMR) is a numerical indicator crucial in workers’ compensation insurance. It quantifies an employer’s workplace safety and...

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Coverage Insights: Commercial Property

- - Preventing Property Losses With Infrared Thermography - For commercial property owners and managers, protecting facilities and minimizing potential losses is of utmost importance. One invaluable resource is infrared...

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Safety Matters: Driving Tips

- - Safe Driving Tips - Safe driving is a crucial responsibility that impacts not only your well-being but also the safety of everyone on the road. It involves recognizing and mitigating common driving hazards, such as...

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Think Well, Be Well: Sleep + Mental Health

- - Sleep Matters for Mental Health - When you don’t get enough sleep, not only does it affect your physical health, but it also takes a toll on your mental health. In fact, mental health and sleep are so closely...

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News Brief: EEOC Significantly Increased Discrimination Lawsuits in FY 2023

- - EEOC Significantly Increased Discrimination Lawsuits in FY 2023 - Preliminary data from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) showed that the agency filed 50% more employment discrimination...

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Risk Insights: Board Orientation

- - Best Practices for Board Orientation - The board of directors plays a vital role in maintaining the organizational structure of a company. This elected group oversees the organization’s activities and meets...

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News Brief: U.S. Sets Record for Billion-dollar Weather and Climate Disasters in 2023

U.S. Sets Record for Billion-dollar Weather and Climate Disasters in 2023 - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced that the United States has already seen a record number of...

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Cyber Update: MGM Cyberattack Emphasizes Need for Layered Defenses

MGM Cyberattack Emphasizes Need for Layered Defenses - The odds are stacked in favor of increasingly bold and sophisticated cybercriminals, as MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment learned this week,...

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Live Well, Work Well - October 2023

- - What to Know About This Year’s Flu Season - Influenza (flu) season lasts from October through May in the United States, with peak flu activity between December and March. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,...

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Mental Health Minute - October 2023

- - How Can Grounding Techniques Help Manage Feelings? - Grounding is a practice that can help you manage experiences such as flashbacks, unwanted memories or negative emotions. These techniques involve focusing on the...

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Know Your Insurance: Home Premiums

- - Factors That Affect Your Home Insurance Premium - Home insurance coverage can differ from policy to policy depending on a multitude of factors. Being aware of these factors that affect your premium can ensure that...

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Compliance Overview: Open Enrollment 2024 – Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

- - Open Enrollment 2024 – Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) - Employers who sponsor high deductible health plans (HDHPs) that are compatible with health savings accounts (HSAs) should prepare for open enrollment by:...

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Legal Update: SEC Adopts Final Rules for Public Companies’ Cybersecurity Disclosures

- - SEC Adopts Final Rules for Public Companies’ Cybersecurity Disclosures - On July 26, 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published final rules to enhance and standardize how companies disclose...

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Know Your Insurance: Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

- - Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value - Your homeowners insurance policy can offer financial protection in the event of an unexpected disaster involving your home or personal property. But how you will be...

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Benefits Insights: Educating Young Employees on Open Enrollment

- - Educating Young Employees on Open Enrollment - Many employees need help with open enrollment. This is particularly true among younger workers, who typically have less experience selecting benefits than older...

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Safety Matters: Construction + Extreme Heat

- - Safety Matters: Construction + Extreme Heat - Preventing Falls Due to Extreme Heat - Extreme heat creates many risks in construction. As an employee in this industry, not only should you be aware of illnesses caused...

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Coverage Insights: Professional Liability Insurance Trends in the Legal Sector

Professional Liability Insurance Trends in the Legal Sector - Often referred to as legal malpractice coverage by lawyers, professional liability insurance can provide protection for losses caused by a client alleging...

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Mental Health Minute - September

- - Mental Health Minute - September 2023 - The Connection Between Gut and Brain Health - Recent research indicates that the communication between your brain and your gut plays a crucial role in your overall health....

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Live Well, Work Well - September 2023

- - Live Well, Work Well: The Link Between Health and Happiness - In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, happiness is a goal for many. However, happiness is not an isolated concept; it’s complex and connected to your...

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Legal Update: Workplace Violence Poster Required in Texas

- New Law Requires Poster on How to Report Workplace Violence - On June 14, 2023, Texas enacted a new law, House Bill (HB) 915, that requires employers to post a notice about how employees may report workplace violence...

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Cyber Update: Average Data Breach Costs $4.4M

- Average Data Breach Cost Hits All-time High of $4.4M - According to IBM’s annual Data Breach report, the average cost of a data breach reached an all-time global high of $4.45 million, up 2.3% from 2022 and 15.3%...

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Cyber Liability: The Value of Cyber Insurance

- The Value of Cyber Insurance - As cyberattacks become more frequent and costly, it’s crucial for organizations to maximize their financial protection against related losses by purchasing sufficient insurance. Cyber...

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News Brief - June Hailstorms Across U.S. Caused an Estimated $5.5B in Insured Losses

- Estimated $5.5B in Insured Losses - An outbreak of severe convective storm activity from June 10-19, 2023, is expected to cost approximately $5.5 billion in insured losses across 25 states, according to catastrophe...

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Live Well, Work Well - August 2023

- Improving Your Self-discipline - Self-discipline is an important skill that can enable you to reach personal and professional goals. Developing self-discipline is like strengthening muscles; it can be improved with...

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2023 Commercial Property Insurance Midyear Market Outlook

The last several years have seen the commercial property insurance market progressively harden, evidenced by ongoing rate increases over the past 22 consecutive quarters. Such rate hikes showed some signs of stagnation...

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Legal Update: New Form I-9 Available

- Legal Update: New Form I-9 Available Aug. 1, 2023, With a Remote Verification Option for E-Verify Users - On July 21, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new version of Form I‑9,...

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Live Well, Work Well - July 2023

UV Awareness Month - July is Ultraviolet (UV) Awareness Month. This campaign serves as a reminder of the dangers of UV exposure and the importance of sun safety. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV...

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Live Well, Work Well- June 2023

Safety Tips for Exercising Outdoors - As we move into summer, many will want to exercise outdoors to stay active and get some fresh air. That’s great news, as health experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate...

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Cyber Liability: Preventing Data Theft by Departing Employees

When employees leave a company, there is a heightened risk of data theft, which is also known as data leakage or exfiltration. This risk is present whether an employee’s departure is voluntary or not. The consequences...

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Understanding the Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national campaign designed to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental health issues and mental illness are common....

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What to Know During Mental Health Awareness Month and Beyond

Your mental health includes how you think, feel and act, as well as your emotional and social well-being. Mental health can change over time, depending on factors like workload, stress and work-life balance. Mental...

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Cyber Liability: 9 Cyber Risk Questions Every Board Should Ask

When a data breach or other cyber event occurs, the damages can be significant, often resulting in lawsuits, and serious financial losses. What’s more, cyber exposures impact businesses of all kinds, regardless of their...

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Live Well, Work Well- May 2023

National Mental Health Awareness Month - May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This national campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, reduce stigma and promote safe and healthy living...

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Safety Matters: Identifying and Preventing Future Accidents

Most of us have been personally involved in a minor auto accident. In an attempt to protect ourselves, we might become defensive, or be tempted not to reveal all the facts. Our car insurance agents advise us not to...

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Risk Insights: Trucking Industry Trends to Watch

The trucking industry consists of businesses that leverage large commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to transport various types of cargo (e.g., raw materials, product components and finished goods) over specified routes....

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News Brief: April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This event is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists like you to minimize...

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Live Well, Work Well- April 2023

Managing Seasonal Allergies - According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allergies are the nation’s sixth-leading cause of chronic illness. Seasonal allergies are an annual nuisance for many...

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Cyber Liability: Mobile Device Security Threats and How to Prevent Them

Mobile malware-malicious software designed to gain access to private data on mobile devices-is a growing threat to companies’ cybersecurity. As companies embrace remote work and more employees use their personal devices...

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Risk Insights: Construction Industry Trends to Watch

The construction industry consists of companies that construct, maintain and repair buildings and other structures (e.g., roads, bridges and utility systems). This sector plays a vital role in the U.S. economy by...

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Coverage insights: The Basics of Property Insurance

Your livelihood is dependent on the survival of your business, so it is imperative that you protect it against any potential threat-big or small. For instance, a fire could destroy your business’s warehouse and the...

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How Employers Can Address Substance Misuse

The National Safety Council (NSC) found that 1 in 12 workers is dealing with an untreated “substance use disorder” (SUD). Even if employers don’t see it, which is more likely with remote and hybrid work arrangements,...

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Live Well, Work Well- March 2023

Increasing Your Nutrient Absorption With Food Pairings - March is recognized as National Nutrition Month, making it a great time to evaluate the food and beverages you’re putting into your body. Did you know that some...

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Work Comp Insights: Disciplining or Terminating Employees With Open Workers’ Compensation Claims

Can an employer discipline or terminate an employee who has an open workers’ compensation claim? This is a common question that many employers ask. The answer depends on which state the company is located in, why the...

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Safety Matters: Working Safely in Cold Weather

Workers exposed to extremely cold conditions are at risk of serious health problems, including hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration and muscle injuries. Frigid temperatures can also cause additional pain for those who...

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Cyber Liability: Email Security Best Practices

Since organizations rely heavily on email to communicate and conduct business operations, cybercriminals commonly target email as an entry point to access networks and breach valuable business data. In fact, 94% of...

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Risk Insights: Winter Weather Liabilities

The winter months bring more than just cold weather and shorter days; they bring the possibility for winter storms that may result in a snow- and ice-covered landscape. While it may be a winter wonderland for some, as a...

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Live Well, Work Well- February 2023

The Art of Waking Up Refreshed - Some people wake up ready to take on the day, while others may need more time or a cup of coffee to start their day. Regardless of which camp you’re in, there’s an art and a science to...

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Cyber Liability: 10 Essential Cybersecurity Controls

Cyber incidents-including data breaches, ransomware attacks and social engineering scams-have become increasingly prevalent, impacting organizations of all sizes and industries. Such incidents have largely been brought...

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Risk Insights: Labor Shortages and Business Liability Risks

The past year has seen labor shortages across industry lines. According to a recent study from the Society for Human Resource Management, nearly 90% of businesses are having a hard time filling open positions. These...

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HR Insights: Engaging Employees with an Organizational Mission

Organizations thrive through a sense of belonging and shared purpose. As employers navigate on-site, hybrid and remote work models, many may worry that those critical success factors could get lost in the workplace....

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Risk Insights: Winter Driving-Skids

Winter Driving - Skids - One of the most dangerous winter driving hazards is skidding. If it happens at a high speed, the result can be deadly. But most skids can be avoided by simply adjusting to driving conditions and...

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