Industry News
Special COVID-19 Workers' Compensation Filing and Executive Order Imminent
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) voted unanimously this past Friday, April 17, 2020, on a special filing and sent it to the Insurance Commissioner for signature. If approved, this order would…
Potential Workers’ Compensation Changes Due to COVID-19 Claims
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Last week the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) began developing emergency regulations resulting from the COVID-19 crisis that will be presented to the Insurance Commissioner in the coming weeks. The major areas to be addressed are…
FFCRA Requiring Mandatory Display of Notice
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) is requiring all employers with fewer than 500 employees, to post the Employee Rights - Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act notice in a conspicuous place on their premises. An employer may satisfy this requirement by emailing or direct mailing this notice to employees and new hires or posting it on the employer’s website (“an employee information internal or external website”).
Manage Your COVID-19 Risk With These Tools
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
While most of the country is under shelter-in-place orders, many of our clients work in essential industries that must continue to provide vital services to the community. Therefore, it is imperative that they have the tools they need to keep their employees safe.
3 Cyber Threats of Employee Telecommuting
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created numerous challenges for both individuals and businesses all over the world. Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom required all residents to “shelter-in place” and all “non-essential businesses” to cease “in-person” operations. In doing so and in order to keep their business operating, many employers transition employees to work remotely, otherwise known at Telecommuting.
Healthcare Insurance Carriers Respond to COVID-19 Threat
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As Rancho Mesa continues building resources for our clients and their employees across all sectors, we have compiled a list of healthcare insurance providers and their enhanced benefits designed to respond to the COVID-19 virus. Listed below is information related to COVID-19 testing when ordered by a physician.
Fire, Earthquakes, Leaks, Oh My! Property Insurance Market Continues to Worsen
Author, Chase Hixson, Account Executive, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Many of our clients have opted for alternative options to the standard insurance programs most are accustomed to purchasing to cover their property. These alternative approaches are allowing our clients to save money while still insuring their property to a level that they feel comfortable.
Have You Brushed Up on Your ABC’s?
Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), better known as the “Gig Worker’s Bill” became law on January 1st 2020 and is designed to reclassify many independent contractors as employees for purposes of wages and benefits. What does this bill mean and how does it affect you?
Cal/OSHA Updates: AB 1805 Changes Definition of Serious Injury or Illness
Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
For reporting purposes, California Assembly Bill 1805 (AB 1805) outlines new definitions for what is considered a serious injury or illness. These changes were made to bring California’s laws more in line with Federal OSHA reporting standards. These changes include…
OSHA Penalties Increase in 2020
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On January 15, 2020 the Federal Register published the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2020. This final rule increases civil penalties the Department of Labor assesses including those issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) based on workplace inspections and potential violations of safety and health standards. The rule is effective January 15, 2020. Beginning January 16, 2020 OSHA civil penalties will increase.
Cal/OSHA Updates: AB 1804 Changes How Injuries and Illnesses Are Reported
Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As of January 1, 2020, California Assembly Bill 1804 (AB 1804) changed how an employer reports a serious employee injury or illness to Cal/OSHA. The bill removes the option to submit the report via email and replaces it with an “online mechanism,” according to Labor Code section 6409.1 (b). Reports may continue to be made via phone.
It’s OSHA 300A Time
Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The holidays have come and gone and here we are at the end of another great year. Year-end means calendar updates, process changes and document reviews, as well as time to prepare for filing your OSHA 300A form.
Youth Protection Policy - Are You Protected?
Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California Governor, Gavin Newsome, signed a new state law on October 13th, 2019 to better protect California’s survivors of child abuse. In response, youth organizations and insurance companies expect a surge in legal activity in 2020.
New Law Changes Which Injuries Must Be Reported
Author, Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
A new California law, Assembly Bill 1805 (AB 1805), changes when employers are required to report serious workplace injuries to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). The law now broadens the scope of what will be classified as a serious illness, injury or exposure. Many believe this change will increase the number of workplace accidents that will have to be reported in 2020.
California Non-Profits Brace for Higher Insurance Premiums and Dramatic Changes to Coverage
Author, Chase Hixson, Account Executive, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
For years, the insurance marketplace for non-profits, specifically general liability, abuse, property and management liability have been somewhat stable (subject to loss history, of course). Unfortunately, that is looking to change as the marketplace braces for significant correction.
Contractors Brace for Impact of 2020 Expected Loss Rates
Author, Kevin Howard, CRIS, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California contractors focused on their experience modification are paying close attention to the soon to be published 2020 Expected Loss Rates (ELRs).
California Wildfires Distress Insurance Market
Author, Chase Hixson, Account Executive, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
2018 saw the most destructive wildfire season ever recorded in California. Over 1.8 million acres were burned; 22,751 buildings were destroyed and over 100 lives perished. As a result, insurance claims have exceeded $12 billion and are expected to rise.
Senate Bill 778 Extends Employee Anti-Harassment Training Deadline
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Newly passed Senate Bill 778 (SB 778) extends the deadline set in Senate Bill 1343 for California’s mandatory Anti-Harassment Training from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021. The bill also addresses concerns about supervisory employees and clarifies when temporary workers must be trained. California Governor Newsom signed the bill into law on August 30, 2019, which included an urgency clause that allows the bill to go into effect immediately.
California Workers’ Compensation Dual Wage Thresholds Increases Approved for Construction Classes in 2020 – Bottom Line Hit Hard
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In an effort to keep you informed, so that you can begin to budget for 2020, we wanted to let you know of the approved changes in the dual wage classifications effective January 1, 2020.
Providing Anti-Harassment Training Is the Employer’s Responsibility
Author, Alyssa Burely, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Many industries like construction utilize a semi-transient workforce that can shift from company to company as labor needs change throughout the project’s life cycle. Employees may work a few months for one employer, then move on to another employer when the project is completed. This scenario poses a dilemma for California employers looking to comply with Senate Bill 1343 (SB 1343). Providing training to an ever-changing workforce can be a challenge.