Employees are an organization’s first line of defense against cybercriminals. For this reason, they are also commonly targeted. In fact, the vast majority (88%) of data breaches are caused by employee mistakes,...

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Duties in the Event of a Commercial Property Loss - Most people understand that insurance companies have a duty to reimburse insureds for commercial property damage not excluded by their policies. What’s lesser known is...

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Training for Temporary Workers and Their Worksite Supervisors - Any host employer (HE) that utilizes temporary workers (TWs) through a staffing company (SC) may be opening themselves up to safety and health challenges....

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How to Recession-proof Your life - Many Americans and economists think rising inflation issues, interest rates and housing costs may be warning signs of a looming recession. According to a Bankrate poll, nearly 7 in 10...

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Builder's Risk Insurance- Understanding What's Covered - Builders risk insurance is a specialized form of property coverage that can help protect buildings and other structures under construction. Also known as course...

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Modern vehicle technology has transformed in the past several years as autonomous driving, vehicle electrification and car connectivity features have become more common. While these digital innovations in the automotive...

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Endpoint detection and response (EDR) is a cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors security-related threat information and endpoint data to detect and respond to ransomware and other kinds of malware. It...

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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 happening between December and March. The country’s flu activity has been...

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As cyber attacks become more and more common, protecting your data is increasingly difficult. In fact, a study from Juniper Research found that by 2023, cyber criminals are expected to steal an estimated 33 billion...

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Five Strategies for Reducing Workers’ Compensation Costs - When a company experiences significant increases in workers’ compensation costs, it usually triggers internal activities aimed at reducing insurance costs and...

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General Liability Exposures Every Organization Should Know - Almost every organization faces commercial liability exposures. A commercial liability loss exposure is a condition or situation that presents the possibility...

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Understanding How Habits Work to Influence Safety - As an employer, safety is your responsibility, and it’s important to identify workplace hazards and instill safe employee habits to ensure corrections remain permanent....

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The Art of Mindful Eating - Taking time to be mindful of your eating process and not focusing on restricting calories could enhance your awareness of the experience, improve your relationship with food and help you lose...

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Air Quality at Your Property - The health of your property’s occupants can be jeopardized by poor air quality, and it is your responsibility to provide a healthy indoor environment, whether it is protecting against...

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Protecting Property Against Hail - Hailstorms can be swift and destructive, damaging buildings, outdoor equipment and vehicles in a matter of minutes. For commercial property owners, such damage can result in destroyed...

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Cyber Hygiene Best Practices - As cyberattacks become more frequent and severe it is increasingly important for organizations to practice good cyber hygiene to minimize their exposure to risk. Cyber hygiene refers to...

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988: America’s First Three-digit Mental Health Crisis Line - The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Lifeline) launched nationwide on July 16. Similar to dialing 911 for medical emergencies, people in emotional distress or...

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Cyber Security for Small Businesses - High-profile cyber attacks on companies such as Target and Sears have raised awareness of the growing threat of cyber crime. Recent surveys conducted by the Small Business Authority,...

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Fuel Efficiency Best Practices for Fleets - Improving the fuel efficiency of a company’s fleet of vehicles can have many financial and environmental benefits, especially with fuel prices on the rise. Fuel can be one of...

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Avoiding Slips and Falls - A janitorial employee was scrubbing the steps and floors with water and a cleaning agent. An observant worker realized that soon, dozens of employees would be going down these steps for their...

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The Benefits of Seasonal Produce - In today’s supermarket, it’s normal to see the same produce available year-round. However, that doesn’t mean the quality always remains the same. Eating seasonally means you are simply...

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Hacktivism Explained - Hackers exploit virtual vulnerabilities to gain access to networks and devices illegally. While most engage in this activity for financial gain, others, called hacktivists, have different...

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Impact of Employee Mental Health and Well-being on Workplaces - Employee well-being refers to the overall state of employees’ physical, mental, social and financial health, which can often be influenced by various...

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Managing Road Rage - Road rage-aggressive or angry behavior exhibited by motorists-is prevalent on U.S. roadways. In fact, nearly 80% of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at...

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Do Your Part to Keep Our Workplace Safe - Preventing injury and illness on the job is something all employees should take seriously-nothing less than your future is at stake. An on-the-job accident, infection or serious...

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Jackware Cyberattacks Explained - Ransomware incidents entail cybercriminals compromising their victims’ computers or servers with malware and demanding large payments in order to restore the technology (as well as any...

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Safety Matters: Avoid Heat Illness - When it is hot outside, your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Normally, your body cools itself through sweating. However, in hot and humid weather, sweating is not...

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EWG Releases 2022 Dirty Dozen List - Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a report ranking pesticide residue levels of fruits and vegetables based on samples taken by the U.S. Department of...

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Identifying and Avoiding Phone Scams - Every year, people report fraud, identity theft and bad business practices to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and law enforcement partners. According to FTC data, more than 2.8...

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Elevating Your Psychological Resiliency - Psychological resilience refers to the ability to mentally withstand or adapt to uncertainty and adversity. Building resilience to life’s inevitable changes and challenges can...

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Nip Seasonal Allergies in the Bud - More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies every year. In particular, springtime allergies are an annual nuisance for many people. As plants begin to bloom and neighbors...

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Spring can bring about some of the year’s most dangerous weather and wreak havoc on many aspects of a company’s operations. This article discusses the weather threats to watch out for during spring and measures...

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A spending bill signed into law on March 15, 2022, extends the ability of high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) to provide benefits for telehealth or other remote care services before plan deductibles have been met...

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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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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 you are appropriately covered. Review this Know Your...

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- Understanding Your Kidney Health - March is National Kidney Month, making it a great time to take charge of your health to lower your chances of developing kidney disease. Your kidneys filter your blood to remove...

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- - Data Breaches Rose 68% in 2021, Hitting a New High With No Signs of Slowing - According to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) annual report-which advocated for more effective laws and regulations to better...

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Reducing Your Stress During American Heart Month - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, half of all Americans are...

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Keeping outdoor walking surfaces-such as parking lots and sidewalks-clear of ice in the winter is a crucial practice at many workplaces. Not only does ice removal offer aesthetic benefits, it can also help keep you,...

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On Jan. 25, 2022, OSHA provided notice that it is withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccination and weekly testing emergency temporary standard (ETS). The withdrawal will be effective once the notice is published in the Federal...

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Losing control of a car is undoubtedly one of the most frightening experiences behind the wheel. Unfortunately, it is a potential side effect when the temperatures turn frigid and the roads get slick with ice or snow....

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- - 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...

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- Health care costs continue to rise each year, and 2022 will likely be no exception. In the new year, experts predict a 6.5% increase in medical expenses alone, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. In terms of health...

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On Jan. 13, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled to stay the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS). The ETS was...

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On Jan. 10, 2022, the Depts. of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury issued FAQ guidance regarding the requirements for group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover over-the-counter (OTC)...

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How to Make - and Keep - Your New Year's Resolution - As the new year approaches, you may find yourself reflecting on the past year. This introspection is a significant first step toward selecting a New Year’s...

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On Dec. 14, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued 14 new answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about what employers may or may not do to comply with federal fair employment laws during...

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On Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, the 6th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals reinstated the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) for COVID-19. The 6th Circuit decision...

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Winter weather can create various driving challenges. Cold temperatures make it difficult for engines to work properly, while snow limits tire traction and salt causes rust on exterior paint. That’s why it is important...

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Winter months present additional hazards that are typically not factors for employees during warmer weather – specifically, slip and fall concerns. With snow and ice-covered conditions, you run the risk of taking major...

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As we age and reach different milestones in our lives, our insurance needs change. The following life events may affect your insurance needs: New home ownership- Purchasing a new home is a big investment-one that you...

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Employee Benefit Plan Limits for 2022 - Many employee benefits are subject to annual dollar limits that are periodically updated for inflation by the IRS. The following commonly offered employee benefits are subject to...

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On Nov. 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a federal emergency temporary standard (ETS) to address the grave danger of COVID-19 infection in the workplace. Affected employers...

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Vehicle-related crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths. In addition to the potential for loss of life, work-related automobile accidents expose businesses to liability risks, legal expenses, lost time,...

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On July 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it is rescinding its 2020 Joint Employer Determination Rule (the Rule), effective Sept. 28, 2021. On Sept. 20, the DOL extended this date to Oct. 5,...

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently scheduled this year’s Brake Safety Week for Aug. 22-28. This annual event aims to emphasize the importance of ensuring sufficient brake systems in commercial motor...

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Each year, more than 5,000 workers are killed on the job. Additionally, more than 3.6 million employees are seriously injured each year while at work. Because of this, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (...

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Critical infrastructure cyberattacks are increasing in frequency according to Advisen’s loss database, and some experts are worried the worst is yet to come. There are sixteen industry sectors in the United States that...

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Understanding the 80% Rule for Home Insurance - When it comes to your home, making sure you’re adequately insured is of the utmost importance. Despite this, many homeowners are unaware of the “80% rule” for home...

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Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have a lot to consider when it comes to operating their vehicles safely. This is especially true during various seasons throughout the year-such as road construction season, which...

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Penetration Testing Explained - Keeping workplace technology up and running is vital to any organization’s success. While this task seems feasible, it’s growing harder and harder each year as cybercriminals expand their...

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Employers now have some extra time to submit equal employment opportunity (EEO-1) workforce data from 2019 and 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced on June 28, 2021. These reports were...

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To help drivers keep their vehicles safe, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has marked July as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. Specifically, the...

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White House Issues Ransomware Prevention Guidance to Businesses - In a recent letter addressed to corporate executives and business leaders, the White House emphasized that bolstering the nation’s resilience against...

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Fireworks are a staple of many Fourth of July and other celebrations, but remember to take precautions to ensure your special event is safe and accident-free. The Risks - Unfortunately, many people do not realize just...

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On June 10, 2021, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) announced its COVID-19 Healthcare Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The ETS was developed to protect health care and health care support...

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A recent report by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that fatal traffic accidents increased 7.2% in 2020 from 2019, despite fewer drivers on the road....

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The Importance of a Standalone Cyber Insurance Policy - Over the course of the past decade, many organizations have relied on standard property and liability coverage rather than a standalone cyber insurance policy to...

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When it is hot outside, your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Normally, your body cools itself through sweating. However, in hot and humid weather, sweating is not enough and the result can be a heat...

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High-profile cyber attacks on companies such as Target and Sears have raised awareness of the growing threat of cyber crime. Recent surveys conducted by the Small Business Authority, Symantec, Kaspersky Lab and the...

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On May 28, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) added new answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to its existing guidance on how employers should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act...

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

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Home Grilling Safety Tips -

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President Joe Biden recently signed into law a $1.9 trillion relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan. The chart below provides an overview of the highlights of the bill and how it compares to the two previous...

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Congress has passed the PPP Extension Act of 2021, a 60-day extension of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Payment Protection Program (PPP), which was set to expire on March 31. President Joe Biden signed...

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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enacted March 11, 2021, includes changes to emergency paid sick leave and paid family leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The ARPA extended the tax...

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The commercial property market has steadily hardened in recent years, resulting in rate increases every quarter since Q3 2017. Unfortunately, these rate increases-as well as additional policy restrictions-are expected...

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Making Every Bite Count - The newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) offers science-based nutrition advice to develop healthy eating habits and reduce chronic disease risk. For the first time, this...

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Severe winter weather is wreaking havoc on the state of Texas-accompanied by record-low temperatures, snow and ice. These conditions have resulted in serious safety implications for many Texans. Photo: Ricardo B....

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Deepfakes Explained - Deepfakes refer to sophisticated forgeries of an image, video or audio recording. Deepfakes have been around for years-you can even find a version of them in social media applications. For instance,...

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This article focuses on Federal Guidelines for securing cargo, but this is also a very good guide for non-DOT cargo securement. Shifting cargo is one of the most common hazards in commercial transportation. Not only can...

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What is there left to say? You don't need me to tell you about the COVID pandemic and how catastrophic it has been or enumerate the ways the coronavirus has taken over our lives. We're all tired of lockdowns,...

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Keeping outdoor walking surfaces-such as parking lots and sidewalks-clear of ice in the winter is a crucial practice at many workplaces. Not only does ice removal offer aesthetic benefits, it can also help keep you,...

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On December 22, 2020, the IRS issued the 2021 optional standard mileage rates, which are used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. The 2021...

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During a recent media briefing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an update to quarantine guidelines, offering options for shorter quarantine periods. - - The CDC’s updated guidance allows...

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What You Can Do to Avoid the Flu Fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, nausea: If these symptoms hit, you may have been bitten by the flu bug. Who is Most Vulnerable? People over age 65 are at a...

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OSHA is committed to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers and workplaces during these unprecedented times. The agency will be issuing a series of alerts designed to keep workers safe. Ensuring adequate...

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- Posted on Thursday, October 29, 2020 Employers will have to revise their COVID-19-related safety policies and practices to meet new guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on what it...

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Shorter days, fatigue, compromised night vision, rush hour and impaired drivers are some of the risks we face when driving at night. These risks become especially pronounced moving into the weekend, with fatal crashes...

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4 Keys to a Solid Safety Audit and Inspection Program When was the last time you took a long, honest look at your environment, health, and safety program? If it has been a while, or you can’t remember-or if you’ve never...

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Distribution required prior to October 15th each calendar year and when a Medicare eligible participant joins the plan Companies that sponsor a prescription drug plan are required to distribute a form called the...

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The Department of Labor has issued new regulations governing the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) after the original set of rules was overturned by a federal judge. The new...

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School ZonesBe Safe. Drive Smart. The end of summer means millions of Texas children will soon return to school. TxDOT reminds drivers to be extra cautious as school zones become more active, as well as to be aware of...

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Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for Business The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. A prompt warning to employees to evacuate, shelter or lockdown can save lives. A call for help to public...

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Sanford & Tatum Hosts Virtual Seminar About Employer Communication September 3, 2020 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon Online Webinar Sanford & Tatum is hosting a virtual seminar on Thursday, September 3, 2020, from 10:30...

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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) gave employers the green light to take employees' temperatures to try and ward off the spread of the coronavirus in guidance from earlier this year. But will taking...

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Sanford & Tatum is excited to offer this OSHA 10 Hour Course the afternoon of Thursday, October 15th, and the morning of Friday, October 16th. Due to COVID-19, space will be very limited. Please sign up today by...

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Have questions about regulations that affect your business? You’re not alone. Tune in to Clear Up the Chaos – Power Hour to hear about the top regulatory issues and get your questions answered. Join business leaders in...

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Texas Department of Transportation’s statewide “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” motorcycle safety and public awareness campaign urges motorists to look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections,...

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Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) update July 2020 The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health...

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Workplace safety rules may clash with federal protections for individual rights if employees resist potential employer efforts to require them to take a prospective COVID-19 vaccine, but safety considerations will...

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NEWS RELEASEU.S. Department of Labor | July 2, 2020 WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published frequently asked questions and answers to help...

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If an employee has symptoms when they arrive at work or become sick during the day, they should immediately be separated from other employees, customers, and visitors and sent home. Employees who develop symptoms...

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What are they key differences between cloth face coverings, surgical masks and respirators? Cloth face coverings: May be commercially produced or improvised (i.e., homemade) garments, scarves, bandanas, or items made...

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Wildfire Danger Information The Texas Panhandle and South Plains have seen several red flag warnings this season. We have seen how quickly fires can spread out of control and cause significant property damage and...

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Social engineering: two words that are increasingly being talked about in normal, day-to-day conversation. If you are like me, when you first heard the term, you likely thought of something different than what this...

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FMCSA revises the hours of service (HOS) regulations to provide greater flexibility for drivers subject to those rules without adversely affecting safety. The Agency: (1) expands the short-haul exception to 150 air-...

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Source: OSHA https://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/publication.html#c19

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Source: OSHA

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Posted on Friday, May 8, 2020 Source: OSHA

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Today notice came out from the USCIS (see below email) giving all employers guidance on what to do during COVID-19 should a new hire present you with an expired List B document for I-9 form purposes. There are very...

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https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/dentistry.html Dentistry Workers and Employers - Steps to Stay Safe - Posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 Dentistry Workers and Employers This section provides guidance for dentistry...

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Heat_Illness_Prevention-May_2020_Safety_Handout-PDF.pdfAs the temperature soars, we want you to use precaution to avoid heat illness.Heat-Related Illnesses and First Aid Most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the...

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https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20200420 News Release U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ENDS TEMPORARY NON-ENFORCEMENT OF PAID LEAVE PROTECTIONS TO HELP AMERICAN WORKERS DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - WASHINGTON, DC –...

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ISSUES ALERT TO HELP KEEP CONSTRUCTION WORKERS SAFE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has...

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Cyber Risks Given the implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, countless employees across a variety of industries are working remotely. While this allows businesses to remain operational, it can create a...

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Pre-Employment Drug Testing What does a company do in the event they have to lay drivers off because business has slowed down due to COVID19? Does the driver have to take another Pre-Employment test? If a driver is...

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IMPORTANT_NEWS_FROM_BITCO_INS_CO-PAYROLL_RECORDS_2020-2.pdf

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DOL Regulations for Families First Coronavirus Response Act The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued temporary regulations under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The FFCRA created new employer...

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https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20200403-0The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued interim enforcement guidance to help combat supply shortages of...

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In response to the American economy reeling from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the federal government recently signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Among other...

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The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the "FFCRA"), signed by President Trump on March 18, 2020, provides small and midsize employers refundable tax credits that reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of...

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FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf FFCRA-Spanish_Posting_Non-Federal.pdf

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https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questionsFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers - As provided under the legislation, the U.S. Department of Labor will be issuing implementing...

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Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) - Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 What is the effective date of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which includes the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act...

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IRS_Issues_Guidance_on_Tax_Credits_for_Coronavirus_COVID-19_Paid_Leave.pdf

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To view the bill - please click here: https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr6201/BILLS-116hr6201enr.pdf

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In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have recommended that individuals who may have been exposed to the...

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronaviruses are common in animal species, and most don’t affect humans. As of now, only seven different coronaviruses are known to infect humans. In...

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