Industry Updates


July 2023 – Class Code Changes Okayed by Insurance Dept

If you have staff who work remotely, you’ll want to pay attention to changes that are coming to the workers’ compensation class code you use for them. Starting Sept. 1, California’s telecommuter class code will finally get its own pure premium rate, that is lower than what’s currently being charged. Since many people started working …

April 2023 – Workplace Safety – Construction Falls and the Perils of Suspension Trauma

ONE OF THE most common construction industry accidents is falls from heights, which is why it’s crucial that you have in place fall protection systems for your workers. One of the best ways to prevent injuries and death from falls is by using a fall-arrest system. But while these systems can save lives, they can …

April 2023 – Non-Disparagement, Confidentiality Clauses – NLRB Deals Blow to Severance Agreements

THE NATIONAL Labor Relations Board has issued a decision that non-disparagement and confidentiality clauses in employee severance agreements are illegal. The board ruled that these provisions stifle employees’ and ex-employees’ rights under Title 7 of the National Labor Relations Act to discuss work and their employer with one another, among other things. Since the NLRB’s …

April 2023 – Commercial Vehicle Tracking – Digital License Plate Law Creates Privacy Headache

A NEW STATE law that allows for digital license plates to be installed on vehicles in California, may have created a privacy nightmare for employers. The Motor Vehicle Digital Number Plates Act, which took effect Jan. 1, enables fleet and commercial vehicle owners to purchase and install digital license plates and soon-to-be-approved alternative devices for …

April 2023 – Law Barring Mandatory Agreements Shot Down

A U.S. COURT of Appeals has struck down a landmark California law that prohibits employers from requiring their workers to sign agreements to arbitrate any disputes arising from their employment. The ruling clears the way for employers to continue using arbitration agreements without risking criminal liability that the law – AB 51 – calls for. …

January 2023 – Ransomware Fallout – Firms That Pay Ransom Often Hit Again

A new report found that one-third of companies who are hit with ransomware and pay the hackers to unlock their systems, are often likely to be targeted a second time. And after they pay, they are often faced with significant consequences, including system rebuilding costs, their data still being leaked and financial consequences, according to …

January 2023 – Construction Prep – Preparing for Surety Bond Underwriter Queries

If you’ve been involved in a large construction project, you are familiar with surety bonds and all of the underwriter’s questions you need to answer. If you’re new to the game, it can be daunting. Many small contractors pass on bidding for projects if they require a surety bond. But it doesn’t have to be …

January 2023 – Top 10 California Laws, Regs for 2023

A slew of new laws and regulations that will affect California businesses are taking effect for 2023. Last year was a busy one, with ground-breaking new laws on employee pay disclosures, a law prohibiting discrimination against cannabis-using employees and another expanding the circumstances when employees can take leave to care for a loved one. The …

October 2022 – Employment Legislation – Law Bars Discrimination Against Cannabis Users

GOVERNOR GAVIN Newsom has signed into law legislation that would bar employers from discriminating against employees and job applicants who use cannabis on their time off. The law amends the California Fair Employment and Housing Act to prohibit discrimination against an individual based on “an employer-required drug screening test” that detects the presence of “nonpsychoactive …

October 2022 – AB 5 Court Decision – Tough Choices Ahead for Trucking Businesses

THE U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to not hear an appeal of the sweeping California independent contractor law known as AB 5 is likely to cause serious personnel headaches for motor carriers in the Golden State. While the law is already in effect, there had been an injunction exempting trucking companies after the California Trucking Association …