Industry News
Reducing Risk Near Traffic for Landscaping and Tree Care Crews
Author, Jessee Keirstead, Risk Control Consultant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Landscaping and tree care companies are already high-risk operations, but few job sites present more risk than roadsides, medians, and highway corridors. When employees work is near moving traffic, the potential for severe injury increases significantly, making effective traffic management a priority.
Creating a Safer Workplace Through Effective Violence Prevention Planning
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Workplace violence is a serious safety threat affecting employees across all industries. In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 740 fatalities due to violent acts in the workplace. Preventing fatalities and injuries is a top concern when addressing workplace violence; however organizational, financial, and emotional consequences can also arise from violent incidents in the workplace. Employers should implement a clear Workplace Violence Prevention Plan to keep employees and their organization safe.
What to Do After A Vehicle, Equipment or Fuel Theft
Author, Jessee Keirstead, Risk Control Consultant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When a company vehicle, piece of equipment, or fuel supply is stolen, taking immediate and organized action is critical. A prompt response can increase the chances of recovery, support insurance claims, and help minimize business disruptions.
Jobsite Fuel Theft is on the Rise
Author, Jessee Keirstead, Risk Control Consultant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Gasoline and diesel theft has emerged as a growing and often underreported risk across Southern California, driven in part by persistently high fuel costs and organized theft activity.
Construction Equipment Theft on the Rise
Author, Jessee Keirstead, Risk Control Consultant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Across the United States, construction equipment theft is on the rise. And, for companies that depend on small and/or heavy equipment to operate, a stolen piece can have devastating consequences that result in project delays and lost revenue.
NALP 10-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Course for the Landscape Industry
Some landscape companies require OSHA 10 training, but not all OSHA 10 courses are created with landscape professionals in mind.
Back to School Traffic Safety: Protecting Students and Drivers
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
August marks the start of a new school year and an increase of traffic risks for company drivers. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports motor-vehicle fatalities often increase in the month of August. Daily driver routes can be impacted by new drivers, students on e-bikes, and school zones. It is important to prepare and train company drivers for potential hazards they will face on the road.
Improving Hiring Practices in a Tight Labor Market
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Hiring practices are an overlooked aspect of an organization’s safety culture. Who you choose to employ can play an important role in the success of your business. Poor hiring practices can lead to a higher risk of injuries or claims from inexperience workers, damaged equipment and vehicles, and costly lawsuits which can negatively affect an employer’s bottom line. Even in a tight labor market, there are steps employers can take to improve hiring practices.
Safety First: Protecting New Employees from Day One
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As high schools and colleges let out for the summer months, your organization may be looking to hire young workers as interns or full-time employees. For many of these individuals, it may be their first job, or first time working in a professional setting. So, it will be necessary to ensure they understand the potential hazards they may face, their rights in the workplace, and how to address safety concerns that may arise.
Time Off from Work: Principles for Structuring PTO Policies
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Paid time off (PTO) policies play an important role in how employers structure and support time away from work. Clear and well-documented PTO policies are a necessity for organizations to stay compliant, avoid employee confusion, and ensure proper use of leave time.
Frontline Safety: Working in Wildfire Conditions
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rising temperatures in the summer months bring a greater risk of wildfires across the country. California in particular is especially vulnerable to high heat and dry conditions, making wildfire preparedness a necessity for employers who work outdoors.
Employee Health Insurance Benefit Protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When an employee takes leave provided to them by the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), an employer may be left with a number of questions concerning what protections they are required to give to said employee.
2026 National Safety Month: Protecting People, Preventing Risks
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Since 1996, June has been recognized by the National Safety Council (NSC) as National Safety Month. National Safety Month is a reminder that workplace injuries and fatalities are often preventable. In 2024, preventable injuries were the third leading cause of death in the United States, with falls and motor vehicle accidents showing some of the highest concentrations among the most frequent and deadly incidents.
Staying Safe in the Heat: Preventing Heat Illness for Employees
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As we enter into the summer months, warm weather conditions create a new level of risk for employers. High temperatures and greater sun exposure can pose a danger to employees working both outdoors and indoors. Proper heat protection and preparation are necessary to keep employees safe.
“All in Together”: Construction Safety Week 2026 Kicks Off May 4
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
May 4-8 is Construction Safety Week. The annual event is designed to improve industry safety culture through increased awareness and access to resources.
Well‑Being at Work: Observing Mental Health Awareness Month
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness on mental health and share resources within your organization.
Managing and Preventing Workplace Violence Involving Non‑Employees
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When employers seek to address workplace violence, trainings are often centered around preventing violent acts from occurring in an office environment. But, serious occurrences of workplace violence can also happen outside of an office setting.
Understanding Payment Fraud: Common Risks and Tools to Protect Your Business
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Payment fraud is a threat to businesses of all sizes and can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line.
National Ladder Safety Month 2026
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
March is National Ladder Safety Month, and 2026 marks a decade of the American Ladder Institute’s (ALI) efforts to increase awareness and education in the workplace.
Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2024
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released the collected data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary for 2024.