Sanford & Tatum Blog
All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance
Comparing the American Rescue Plan to Previous COVID-19 Relief Bills
Monday, April 12, 2021
News Brief: Congress Passes Extension of Paycheck Protection Program
Monday, April 5, 2021
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...
American Rescue Plan: Changes to FFCRA Employee Leave
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
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...
2021 Commercial Property Insurance Market Outlook
Thursday, March 18, 2021
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...
Live Well, Work Well - March 2021
Monday, March 8, 2021
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...
Texas Winter Storm Safety Tips
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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....
The Danger of Deepfakes
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
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,...
Securing Cargo for Safe Transportation
Thursday, January 28, 2021
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...
2020, What a Year!
Sunday, January 3, 2021
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,...
De-icing Outdoor Walking Surfaces in Winter
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
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,...
IRS Announces 2021 Standard Mileage Rates
Monday, December 28, 2020
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...
CDC Announces Shorter Quarantine Guidelines After a COVID-19 Exposure
Thursday, December 3, 2020
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...
What You Can Do to Avoid the Flu
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
COVID-19 Guidance on Ventilation in the Workplace
Monday, November 9, 2020
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...
New CDC Guidance Makes Contact Tracing More Difficult for Employers
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
- 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...
The Most Dangerous Time to Drive As we 'Fall Back' to Shorter Days, Take Extra Care on the Road
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
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...
Four Keys to a Solid Safety Audit and Inspection Program
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
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...
Medicare Part D Notices - To Medicare Eligible Participants
Friday, September 25, 2020
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...
FFCRA Changes to Meet Court Objections
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
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...
School Zone and School Bus Safety
Thursday, September 17, 2020
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...
Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for Business
Thursday, September 3, 2020
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...
Sanford & Tatum Risk Management Hosts Virtual Seminar About Employer Communication
Monday, August 24, 2020
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...
A Guide to Employee Temperature Checks
Thursday, August 20, 2020
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...
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Safety Course: October 15-16, 2020
Friday, August 7, 2020
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...
Clear up the Chaos - Power Hour
Friday, August 7, 2020
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...
Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
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,...
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) update July 2020
Thursday, July 23, 2020
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...
Vaccination requirements could pit safety concerns vs. ADA, Title VII
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
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...
U.S. Department of Labor Publishes Frequently Asked Questions and Answers To Help Keep Workers Safe During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Monday, July 13, 2020
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...
Guidance for Suspected or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in the Workplace
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
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...
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Friday, June 19, 2020
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...
Wildfire Danger Information
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
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...
Social Engineering & Ways to Mitigate Susceptibility
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
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...
FMCSA Revises Hours of Service (HOS)
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
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-...
Did you know there are 11 new translations of OSHA's poster to help prevent workplace coronavirus exposure?
Friday, May 15, 2020
Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus
Friday, May 8, 2020
Posted on Friday, May 8, 2020 Source: OSHA
Form I-9 Announcement and M-274 Employer Manual
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
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...
Dentistry Workers and Employers - Steps to Stay Safe
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
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...
Heat Illness Prevention
Thursday, April 30, 2020
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...
DOL Ends Temporary Non-Enforcement of Paid Leave Protections
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
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 –...
DOL Issues Alert to Help Keep Construction Workers Safe During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Monday, April 27, 2020
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...
Cyber Liability - Coronavirus and Remote Work Cyber Risks
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
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...
Pre-Employment Drug Testing for Furloughed Drivers
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
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...
Reopening a Business After the Coronavirus Shutdown: Things to consider as we look to the future
Monday, April 20, 2020
Important Payroll Record Information from one of our Valued Insurance Partners
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
DOL Regulations for Families First Coronavirus Response Act Update
Thursday, April 9, 2020
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...
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ISSUES GUIDANCE FOR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION DURING N95 SHORTAGE DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Monday, April 6, 2020
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...
CARES Act - Small Business Loan Overview
Friday, April 3, 2020
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...
COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
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...
Department of Labor - Families First Coronavirus Response Act Posters
Monday, March 30, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
Friday, March 27, 2020
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...
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
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...
IRS Issues Guidance on Tax Credits for Coronavirus Paid Leave
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Coronavirus Paid Leave Bill Signed into Law
Friday, March 20, 2020
To view the bill - please click here: https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr6201/BILLS-116hr6201enr.pdf
Maintaining Mental Well-Being During a Quarantine
Friday, March 20, 2020
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...
Coronavirus Facts and Information
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
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...