The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to not hear an appeal of the sweeping California independent contractor law known as AB 5 is likely to cause serious personnel headaches for motor carriers in the Golden State. While the law is already in effect, there had been an injunction exempting trucking companies after the California Trucking Association […]
As inflation drives up salaries in all sectors, the workers’ compensation wage thresholds for construction dual class codes in California have increased as of Sept. 1, 2022. State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in July approved the recommendation by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau to increase the wage thresholds for high-wage workers. The new rates […]
As a responsible business owner, you no doubt make sure that you are properly insured for any liabilities resulting from damage to other parties. But, imagine the following scenarios: What if a visitor trips and falls at your business, breaking a leg and is unable to work for a few months while they recover? What […]
With COVID-19 cases spreading fast throughout the country in what experts say is the biggest surge since the pandemic started, employers who regularly test their workers may have to change their policies. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in July 2022 issued new guidance for when employers can test their workers in order to comply with […]
Employers whose annual premiums exceed $9,200 in annual premiums need to start paying closer attention to their workers’ compensation policies and safety practices. Under California’s workers’ compensation system rules, starting Sept. 1, if your firm’s premiums exceed this new threshold, it will be issued what’s known as an “X-Mod,” a numerical of your claims history. […]
Cal/OSHA has issued a reminder to employers that they are required to protect their outdoor workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke. Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke emergency regulation put in place in August 2019 was made permanent in February 2021. For the safety of your workers and to comply with the regulation, it’s […]
For the third year in a row, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has rejected the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau’s proposal for a workers’ compensation rate increase, and has ordered instead that benchmark rates remain the same. Lara rejected the WCIRB’s proposal that benchmark rates increase 7.6% for policies incepting on or after Sept. 1, […]
When you’re in the construction industry you already have lots to worry about: Keeping your workers safe in one of the most dangerous industries, uninsured or underinsured subcontractors, and finding experienced employees from a shrinking pool of talent. Not only that, but lawsuits lurk in any project, exposing you to serious losses that can threaten […]
The California State Supreme Court will take up a case to decide whether an employer can be sued for liability when a worker contracts COVID-19 at work and then passes it on to a family member. The 9th U.S. District Court of Appeal asked that state’s high court clarify if California’s Workers’ Compensation Act bars […]
There are three measures progressing in the state Capitol that businesses should keep an eye on as they could have profound effects for them. The measures passed their houses of origin by the legislative deadline of May 27 and will now be heard in the other house. The bills, if they become law, will affect […]