COVID-19 and workplace safety has been a moving target for OSHA and it has released a number of advisories, including one in March that said new cases were recordable events and then another one in mid-April saying employers are not required to report new cases among employees. But in May OSHA issued new guidance, once…
As protests around the country descended into rioting and civil unrest, many businesses that have been looted, or seen their shops damaged or completely destroyed, will obviously be turning to their insurance to file a claim. While many companies were unsuccessful in filing business interruption claims for the COVID-19 crisis, claims for damage and theft…
As a business owner or company director wanting to lease a car for yourself, you have the choice of either business contract or personal car leasing, and each option has its own implications, benefits and disadvantages, particularly in terms of insurance. And if you are using your new car mostly for work (think sales calls…
Musculoskeletal disorders from manual labor in factories, construction, printing and warehouse work are one of the most common types of workplace injuries and account for one-third of all workers’ compensation costs. These injuries take a profound economic toll on both workers who suffer these injuries and on employers who pay more for their workers’ comp…
There is some good news coming out in terms of COVID-19 and workers’ compensation in California. Overall workers’ comp claims tied to the coronavirus may not be as numerous and as costly as originally thought. Gov. Gavin Newsom in early March announced that any worker who is reporting to a worksite in California and contracts…
If your business is preparing to open due a relaxation of shelter-at-home orders, you should proceed with caution and make sure you have safeguards in place to protect your workers as well as customers, if they are entering your premises. Plan carefully. How can you take that first step back to a semblance of normalcy?…
One bit of good news coming from the COVID-19 pandemic is that the economic downturn has boosted efforts to close older workers’ comp claims that have been lingering as both sides cannot agree on a settlement. Due to the financial pain brought on by the sudden downturn, injured workers who have been reluctant to settle…
InterWest’s Distinguished Employee: Cynthia Sanderlyn 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.
Employers whose businesses continue to operate are obviously concerned about the coronavirus spreading through their worksites, so many have started testing their workers. Recent U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance authorized employers to conduct COVID-19 testing and check temperatures of employees. But doing so could expose a business to a number of employee legal actions…
A new report highlights the risks to commercial real estate owners from natural catastrophes and climate-related disasters, which are happening with increasing frequency. The report by Heitman LLC, a global real estate company, in conjunction with the Urban Land Institute, found that the increasing risks from catastrophes are bringing new challenges to commercial property owners…