President Trump’s far-reaching tariffs are starting to bleed into building costs as many of the main materials used in construction are now subject to import taxes. And as construction costs increase due to tariffs, so does the cost of repairing or replacing materials if damage occurs during construction. Rising repair and replacement costs make claims […]
When OSHA shows up, it’s not the time to figure things out on the fly. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing or any other field with safety exposure, knowing the ground rules can make all the difference between a successful visit or one where you leave yourself exposed to penalties and a drawn-out appeals process. If […]
As the one-year anniversary of California’s workplace violence prevention law approaches, employers will need to take steps to ensure their continued compliance. The law requires all California employers with 10 or more staff to have a workplace violence prevention plan and to provide training to employees on the plan by July 1, 2024. It also […]
As new malware and ransomware that specifically targets mobile devices grows exponentially, if you have not set rules for employees who use their own smart phones for company business, you should do so now. While implementing a bring your own device (BYOD) program can save your company money by not buying new phones for staff, […]
Employers that are hit with a discrimination complaint must act fast to compare the allegations in the lawsuit to the earlier complaint the worker filed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If the employer can find that the allegations in the complaint filed with the EEOC do not match those in the subsequent lawsuit filed […]
Cargo theft in the U.S. is climbing at an alarming pace. After spiking nearly 50% in 2024, incidents are already up another 22% in early 2025, according to a new report from supply chain visibility firm Overhaul. Criminals, both organized groups and opportunistic individuals, are not only stealing more — they’re getting smarter and more […]
Fed-OSHA has finalized a new regulation that requires personal protective equipment for construction workers to be properly fitting. The lack of access to properly fitting PPE for smaller-framed construction workers — especially women — has been a perennial problem, as ill-fitting gear may not protect employees adequately in case of an incident. The new standard […]
With more and more California businesses being forced to go to the California FAIR Plan for their coverage, the market of last resort has moved to increase its commercial property coverage limits significantly. This should bring a semblance of relief to companies located in wildfire-prone areas, who have seen their commercial property insurance non-renewed and […]
The U.S. Treasury Department has announced that it will not enforce a law requiring most businesses with fewer than 20 employees and less than $5 million in annual revenue to report ownership and control information to the federal government every year. The Corporate Transparency Act required firms to file this information by Jan. 1, 2025, […]
Farm operators rely on experienced workers to handle grain trucks, tanker trucks, worker transport buses and vital machinery like combines, pesticide sprayers and planters. But an ongoing labor shortage is increasing risks, as less-experienced workers are stepping into these critical roles. The American Trucking Associations warns that a nationwide trucking shortage could exceed 169,000 drivers […]