For the third year in a row, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has rejected the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau’s proposal for a workers’ compensation rate increase, and has ordered instead that benchmark rates remain the same. Lara rejected the WCIRB’s proposal that benchmark rates increase 7.6% for policies incepting on or after Sept. 1,…
According to a recent survey, four in 10 American workers live paycheck to paycheck. This means that an unexpected illness or injury that takes someone off the job for more than a few days can have devastating consequences for many of your employees who depend on their wages to survive. You as an employer can…
When you’re in the construction industry you already have lots to worry about: Keeping your workers safe in one of the most dangerous industries, uninsured or underinsured subcontractors, and finding experienced employees from a shrinking pool of talent. Not only that, but lawsuits lurk in any project, exposing you to serious losses that can threaten…
It always takes more time than usual to onboard new employees — particularly ones who are new to the workforce altogether — to your employee benefits plans. Keep in mind that the ritual of choosing a benefits package is a brand-new experience for people who are new to the workforce, and you should prepare to…
The California State Supreme Court will take up a case to decide whether an employer can be sued for liability when a worker contracts COVID-19 at work and then passes it on to a family member. The 9th U.S. District Court of Appeal asked that state’s high court clarify if California’s Workers’ Compensation Act bars…
The health care sector is not immune to the effects of spiking inflation, and the increasing cost of care is likely to spill over into health insurance — but it’s uncertain by how much. Mid-year is the time that health insurers start setting their pricing for the upcoming year, and they are currently locked in…
There are three measures progressing in the state Capitol that businesses should keep an eye on as they could have profound effects for them. The measures passed their houses of origin by the legislative deadline of May 27 and will now be heard in the other house. The bills, if they become law, will affect…
July 1 was the deadline for health plans to make public their in-network negotiated rates, out-of-network billed charges, and more. While health plans will be required to post this information, employers who sponsor their group health insurance for their employees will need to take steps to ensure that their plans comply with the law, if…
The United States Supreme Court has put a significant dent in California’s Private Attorneys General Act, which in recent years has resulted in a surge in legal actions against California employers by their workers. The law has been a huge thorn in the side of employers, who have been on the receiving end of litigation…
A significant share of overall workplace injuries occur during new employees’ first year on the job, according to a recent study. The report by Travelers Cos., Inc. found that over a five-year period, injuries to new employees accounted for 35% of all workplace injuries. These injuries resulted in more than 6 million lost workdays, accounting…