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There's a LOT to know about insurance. So, whether you've got a specific question or just want the 411 on what we do, click around on the articles below.
Vehicle Thefts Surpassed 1 Million in 2022
Vehicle thefts nationwide surpassed 1 million last year. This was a 7% increase over 2021 numbers and the first time thefts reached that total since 2008, according to a new analysis from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
FDIC Takes Action to Protect Depositors Following Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank
On Monday, March 13, 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a press release explaining that it has taken action to protect depositors of the former Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) of Santa Clara, California. This announcement comes after the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation closed SVB on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Safety Focus | March 2023
Fire hazards exist in workplaces across industry lines, carrying severe safety risks. Even with proper prevention measures in place, fires may still occur. With this in mind, it’s vital for employees like you to be prepared for a fire on the job and know how to respond effectively. Here’s an overview of fire preparation and response best practices.
Yeti Recalls Nearly 2 Million Coolers and Cases for Magnet Ingestion Hazard
On March 9, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall for 1.9 million Yeti coolers and gear cases after reports of magnets coming detached, which can pose a risk of serious injury or death. The specific products recalled are the Sidekick dry gear case, Hopper M20 soft backpack cooler and Hopper M30 soft cooler (versions 1.0 and 2.0)—all available in various colors.
Product Recall Units Hit Record Levels in 2022
The number of recalled product units rose to record levels in 2022 (23.4% higher than the previous record set in 2018), and all signs point to “more aggressive and public” regulatory enforcement on product safety in 2023, according to Sedgwick’s latest “State of the Nation” recall index report.
Construction Risk Advisor | March 2023
Falls are an ever-present risk in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 353 deaths attributed to fatal falls to a lower level in 2020. The DOL has also stated that an average of 40 workers die each year due to falls from residential roofs.
White House Cyber Strategy Floats Federal Backstop, Liability for Software Makers
The Biden administration highlighted the potential of a federal cyber insurance backstop as a key objective of its long-awaited national cybersecurity strategy and a push to hold software manufacturers accountable for vulnerabilities in their products.
Email Security Best Practices
Since organizations rely heavily on email to communicate and conduct business operations, cybercriminals commonly target email as an entry point to access networks and breach valuable business data. In fact, 94% of malware is delivered by email, according to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report.
Personal Lines Insights | March 2023
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 American adults has high cholesterol. Too much cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke—two of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Behavior-based Safety Explained
It’s critical for safety to be at the forefront of any organization, regardless of size or industry. By upholding a safe work environment, organizations can minimize the risk of costly on-site accidents and employee injuries—boosting staff morale and maximizing productivity.
Commercial Risk Advisor | March 2023
Cybercriminals continue to become more sophisticated, leveraging a wide range of tactics to attack their victims. One tactic that has increased in frequency, complexity and resulting losses over the past few years is the use of business email compromise (BEC) scams.
Mitigating Violence During Food Deliveries
Delivery drivers who transport takeout food to restaurant customers must have direct contact with the public as part of the job. While this is a necessary component of being a delivery driver, it also increases the risk of becoming a victim of violence.
Trucking Risk Advisor | February 2023
On Dec. 16, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the Safety Measurement System (SMS) would now include an electronic logging device (ELD) violation. Now, under 49 CFR 395.24(d), the inability of an ELD to transfer ELD records electronically is a violation.
Workers’ Compensation Costs Rise Due to Physician Services
A recent report by the National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI) found that physician services, specifically physical medicine, are key drivers of increasing workers’ compensation costs.
OSHA Authorized to Certify Special Visa Applications During Inspections
On Feb. 13, 2023, the OSHA received the authority by memorandum to issue certification in support of applications for U nonimmigrant status and T nonimmigrant status visas. OSHA’s new authority becomes effective March 30, 2023.
Stair Safety in Restaurants
Slips, trips and falls are the most frequently occurring injuries to food service workers. More than 3 million food service workers are injured each year from slips, trips and falls in restaurants across the country, costing the hospitality industry over $2 billion annually, according to the National Floor Safety Institute.
Auto Insights | February 2023
Auto insurance costs are on the rise across the country due to inflation, increased claims and rising repair costs. Personal auto insurance premiums are expected to go up 7% during 2023. Therefore, customers like you are looking for ways to lower their insurance costs.
Bicycle Safety for Food Delivery Workers
When using bicycles to make food deliveries, it’s vital to prioritize your employees’ safety. After all, riding a bicycle on public roads—especially while transporting food—poses unique hazards. Failing to take sufficient precautions could lead to serious injuries or even death.
Personal Lines Insights | February 2023
The majority of Americans experience stress frequently. A 2022 survey found 84% of Americans experienced stress weekly, up from 78% in the previous year.
Home Matters | February 2023
Homeowners insurance is an integral part of financially protecting yourself and your home. However, a recent study of 2,000 Americans found that 45% have had a claim denied due to improper coverage and 65% do not fully understand their policies.