The COVID-19 pandemic will lead to permanent changes in the way business is conducted, how we manage our workflows and how we handle our personnel. It has forced many companies to furlough workers or keep operations going by having staff that, if they can do so, work from home ― and it’s clear the work landscape is…
A second court has ruled that an insurer does not have to pay business interruption claims by businesses that saw their revenues run dry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will further make it difficult for businesses to successfully file such claims. In the most recent case, a Superior Court judge in the District of…
In the 15th annual North Bay Business Journal survey which gathered nominations, anonymous employee input and extensive review, InterWest was named one of the Best Places to Work in the North Bay and will be recognized, along with other local recipients of this award, at the Best Places to Work virtual event on September 23rd from 4:00…
The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have reversed years of falling workers’ compensation rates in California, as the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau has recommended that average benchmark rates be increased by 2.6% for 2021. The recommendation was forwarded to the California Department of Insurance, which will schedule a hearing on the recommendation in the fall.…
InterWest’s Distinguished Employee: Melissa Turner Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out for their invaluable contributions.
As lawsuits against employers continue rising amid the coronavirus pandemic, some businesses are requiring workers to sign waivers absolving them of liability and responsibility should they contract the virus. Eight percent of executives surveyed by law firm Blank Rome said they would require that their workers sign waivers of liability before returning to the workplace.…
To ensure that low-income and foster children in grades K-12 start the school year with the tools they need to feel prepared and ready to learn whether learning from home or in the classroom, InterWest’s Chico office organized their 6th annual backpack and school supply drive. New backpacks filled with essential school supplies will be…
While the pandemic rages on, the number of workers in the U.S. who are filing COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims is increasing and are accounting for a growing portion of overall claims. While there is only data currently available from two states — California and Florida — the numbers coming out of the two states show…
The state Department of Public Health has issued the “COVID-19 Employer Playbook,” which is designed to provide in-depth guidance for reopening business operations and on how to respond to outbreaks in the workplace. Among the topics covered in the guide are support for employers on: Returning to work, Outbreak identification preparedness, Communication of identified COVID-19…
The California Legislature is working on a number of new measures to protect workers in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures take aim at “holes” in the system that may leave employees who contract the coronavirus on the job without workers’ compensation benefits, footing higher utility bills because of working at home and…