Industry News
The Hidden Shift in Workers’ Compensation Pricing
The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) has approved the recommended increase in hourly wage thresholds for all 16 construction dual wage classifications. The increases range from $2 to $5 depending on the classification and will go into effect for policyholders renewing September 1, 2022 and thereafter. The chart below outlines the increases for each classification.
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.
Fleet Safety is Evolving: How Telematics and AI Are Changing Fleet Risk
Author, Rory Anderson, Partner, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Fleet safety technology is rapidly shifting from reactive to proactive. Modern telematics and artificial intelligence (AI) tools now give companies real-time visibility into driver behavior, helping identify and correct risky habits before they turn into accidents.
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.
CA Workers’ Compensation Market Faces Increased Pressure Beneath Stable Surface
Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Partner, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Recently, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) of California released its Quarterly Experience Report that offers insight into the state of the California workers’ compensation market. While at a glance, the market may seem stable; however, there are evolving claim patterns that are creating challenges for insurers and employers alike.
California’s Workers’ Comp Rates Poised to Increase Again: What the 10.4% Proposal Means for Landscape Employers
Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) recently released a proposed pure premium rate increase of 10.4% across all class codes. As a reminder, the proposed increase does not mean every class code will see a 10.4% increase on their specific class code, rather that is the blended average increase across all class codes. These proposed rate increases will be reviewed by California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara sometime in mid-July for the new rates to go into effect September 1, 2026.
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.
Update on California Workers’ Compensation Reform Efforts: APCIA Launches Public Awareness Campaign
As part of Rancho Mesa’s ongoing efforts to support meaningful reform around cumulative trauma claims, I want to share an important update on recent developments within the California workers’ compensation system.
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.
From RFI to Payment: Navigating the Full Change Order Lifecycle
Author, Anne Wright, Surety Relationship Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Luke Thompson, Esq. who is uniquely qualified to help us understand the nuances of change orders. Based on our conversation, I’ve put together an overview of what all subcontractors should know about change orders.
Cash in the Bank Is Not Profit: What Home Care Owners Need to Know About Margins
Account Executive Raysan Benito sits down with Dana Charumbira, CPA and founder of Home Care CPAs, to explore how home care leaders can use financial insights to drive smarter decisions and sustainable growth. They break down key concepts like gross margin, automation, and financial clarity, offering practical ways to turn numbers into meaningful strategies for scaling a business.
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.
Rising Impact of Cumulative Trauma Claims in California Workers’ Compensation System
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Claims involving Cumulative Trauma (CT) injuries are growing significantly, across California. Data collected by the Worker’s Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) shows growth of these types of claims accelerated in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The WCIRB now estimates that more than 25% of indemnity claims involve CT.
A Strategic Approach for Insuring HVAC and Plumbing Contractors in California Requires an Industry Specialist
Author, Matt Gorham, Account executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The insurance landscape that California plumbers and HVAC contactors currently face looks noticeably different than that of recent years. A prolonged period of sharp economic and social inflation has driven up claim costs for carriers, forcing many to exit or reevaluate their positions in the market. As carrier appetite shifts and capacity is constrained, contractors are largely experiencing frustration arising from limited carrier options, reduced coverage, and rapidly rising insurance premiums.
“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.
Building a Scalable Safety Program with SafetyOne™ for Landscape Professionals
Author, Drew Garcia, Vice President, Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa provides our clients the key components for building the infrastructure of a modern-day safety program through the SafetyOne™ Platform. By fundamentally layering your safety program through SafetyOne, you will build a system that can keep up with your growth, measure your goals, and keep your organization engaged.
Representing Independent Agents in Washington: Key Legislative Takeaways from the Big “I” Conference
Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Partner, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On April 22-24, I had the opportunity to attend the Big “I” Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The Big “I” is the national organization affiliated with IIABCal and IIAB San Diego. It represents and supports independent insurance agencies at the federal level and maintains a strong presence in Washington, advocating tirelessly on behalf of independent agents and our carrier partners.
Construction Risk Management in Action: Century Painting Making Safety A Priority
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
StudioOne™’s Episode 603 was packed with safety knowledge as I had the opportunity to interview and spotlight Rancho Mesa’s long time client, Century Painting Corp.
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.
New State Overview Screen in the RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Staying in compliance with state laws is key to an organization’s success. Rancho Mesa’s RM365 HRAdvantage™ portal is making compliance easier for business owners and HR managers through the new State Overview screen.