Business Archives - Page 6 of 10 - Premier Insurance Services

Dealing with Violent Customers Who Refuse to Wear Masks

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:August 18, 2020
Post category:Business

As many states and municipalities have issued mandatory mask orders for businesses that are open to the public, operators like retailers and restaurants have been thrust into the front lines of reducing the spread of the virus by requiring customers to wear masks when on their premises. This has led to confrontations that sometimes result in violence - and even in the deaths of some workers. Due to the volatility of some of these confrontations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a guide for limiting workplace violence associated with COVID-19. The guidance recommends: Offering customers options to…

Future Work Trends Ushered in by COVID-19

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:August 10, 2020
Post category:Business

The COVID-19 pandemic will lead to permanent changes in the way business is conducted, how we manage our workflows and how we handle our personnel. It has forced many companies to furlough workers or keep operations going by having staff that, if they can do so, work from home ― and it's clear the work landscape is not as it was just a few months ago. The consulting firm Gartner recently published a paper on its predictions for how the pandemic will have a lasting impact on the future of work. Look at each of the trends below and consider…

Number of COVID-19 Workers’ Comp Claims Continues Rising

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:August 3, 2020
Post category:Business

While the pandemic rages on, the number of workers in the U.S. who are filing COVID-19 workers' compensation claims is increasing and are accounting for a growing portion of overall claims. While there is only data currently available from two states - California and Florida - the numbers coming out of the two states show the steady progression of claims being filed, although in Florida's case the numbers don't reflect all filed COVID-19 workers' compensation claims. Additionally, the National Council on Compensation Insurance, which the rating agency for about 38 states will release it's first numbers on coronavirus claims in…

How to Buy Health Insurance If You Lose Your Job

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:June 17, 2020
Post category:Business

For those who have lost jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss of income is only part of the hardship. Another major part is the loss of health insurance that came with the job. Amid the worst public health crisis in a century, millions of people no longer have their health coverage for this reason. What can they do to replace it? Public exchanges One avenue is the health insurance exchanges in their states. These are online marketplaces, created under the Affordable Care Act, where individuals and small employers can purchase coverage. Some states have their own exchange, while others participate…

COVID-19 Presents Special Challenges for Truckers, Commercial Drivers

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:June 10, 2020
Post category:Business

More people staying home and driving less during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a drop in the number of accidents, but new data suggests that emptier roads may actually be more dangerous to those who are driving on them. With this in mind, companies that have drivers who are plying the roads now have special issues to contend with during this unprecedented time. And because of a rule suspension for long-haul truckers, there could be a rise in truck accidents due to fatigued drivers. Preliminary data from the National Safety Council shows the fatality rates per miles driven increased…

Pay Attention to Policy Milestones to Reduce Workers’ Comp Costs

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:May 27, 2020
Post category:Business

Once they have paid their annual premium, many employers pay scant attention to their workers' comp policy until the renewal date starts closing in. Unfortunately, that's not the best time to attempt to control costs. Because workers' comp is one of the most loss-sensitive insurance policies, and as claims can sometimes be paid out for decades, it's important that you proactively manage claims. One way to do that is through a quarterly claims review process, the timing of which is in line with the calculation of your company's Experience Modification Factor (X-Mod). It's important to review loss runs and assess…

What Business Insurance Policies Cover Rioting, Looting

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:May 15, 2020
Post category:Business

As protests around the country descended into rioting and civil unrest, many businesses that have been looted, or seen their shops damaged or completely destroyed, will obviously be turning to their insurance to file a claim. While many companies were unsuccessful in filing business interruption claims for the COVID-19 crisis, claims for damage and theft from rioting and looting are more likely to be paid. A number of coverages will come into play depending on the damage and lost income a business suffers at the hands of rioters, vandals and looters. Property damage Standard commercial property policies cover damage to…

10 Potential Causes of Employee COVID-19 Lawsuits

Post author:Mark Kofalt
Post published:May 4, 2020
Post category:Business

The novel coronavirus that broke out in the winter has caused immeasurable suffering, both physical and economic. For employers struggling to stay in business, this is a fraught time where mistakes in managing their workforces could lead to employee lawsuits. Here are 10 potential trouble spots to watch for. Workplace safety - Businesses that still have employees working on-site run the risk that a single infected worker may send the virus ripping through the entire workforce. While workers' compensation laws may prevent employees from suing, their family members who become ill or suffer through a worker's illness face no such…