Industry Updates


April 2022 – Risk Management – Don’t Let a Subcontractor Derail Your Safety Efforts

ONE OF the biggest challenges construction businesses face is preventing subcontractors’ and suppliers’ poor or non-existent safety practices from denting their own safety program. While you may consider a number of factors when vetting a new subcontractor or vendor, one area that is often overlooked is their workplace safety practices. This mistake can cost you …

April 2022 – Growing Threat – Funds Transfer Fraud Hits Small Firms the Hardest

WHILE RANSOMWARE is making the headlines as the major cyber threat, small and mid-sized businesses are increasingly being targeted by lower fraud that dupes them into wiring criminals funds, according to a new report. These funds transfer fraud crimes involve hackers gaining access to a firm’s mailbox and extracting payments that go into their accounts. …

Jan 2022 – COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – Factors that are pushing the insurance rates higher

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY insurance rates are continuing to climb, as the segment faces a number of headwinds that have pushed claims costs to new heights. A number of factors are affecting rates, including the frequency and severity of extreme weather claims. the cost of rebuilding, rates for commercial properties not keeping pace with claims costs, and …

Jan 2022 – CYBER THREAT – Software Security Hole Puts Firms at Risk

THE FEDERAL government is warning that a newly discovered computer software vulnerability poses a major threat to the security of computer networks around the country. Cyber criminals are exploiting holes in open-source code software commonly used in computer applications, websites and cloud services, which can allow them to seize control of a business’s computer network …

Jan 2022 – RISK REPORT – Stay on Top of New Laws, Rules in New Year

EVERY YEAR starts with a flurry of new laws and regulations that California employers have to contend with. And 2022 is no different as the California legislature had a busy year and the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in more activity. The end result is another round of new laws that employers need to …

October 2021 – CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – Building Risks Evolve, Creating Unique Challenges

AS THE CONSTRUCTION industry booms, contractors face evolving risks that, left unchecked, can leave their operation exposed to new liabilities. If you already operate a construction firm, you know that there is a labor shortage that has made it difficult to find experienced workers and that hiring entities are asking builders to take on more …

October 2021 – WORKPLACE SAFETY- Permanent COVID-19 Standard Coming Soon

CAL/OSHA has taken the first step towards creating a semi-permanent COVID-19 standard to replace the emergency temporary standard that currently governs workplace coronavirus prevention measures in the state.   On Sept. 17, Cal/OSHA released a discussion draft for permanent COVID-19 regulations to give stakeholders the chance to comment on it before it starts work on …

October 2021 – Worker’s Compensation – COVID-19 Payroll Reporting Rules Have Ended

THE WORKERS’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau’s two temporary payroll reporting rules to reflect changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders have sunsetted. The move came after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s June 9 executive order which revoked the statewide stay-at-home order that had been in place since March 19, 2020. You may recall that after …

October 2021 – Wildfires Make for Difficult Insurance Market

MORE BUSINESSES in wildfire-prone areas are facing a difficult commercial property insurance market as insurers reduce their exposure and some have left the market altogether. Many businesses in areas that have already been ravaged by fires in the past, or those located in areas that are near forests and large grassy areas are seeing their …

July 2021 – Non-Admitted Carriers – The Option When No Insurers Will Cover You

SOME BUSINESSES are finding fewer insurers willing to write their policies for certain types of coverage that are seeing rapidly rising claims costs, particularly in liability lines as well as property insurance in areas with exposure to natural catastrophes. When no insurers that are licensed in California are willing to write a policy, we as …