2024 Midyear Employment Law Compliance Trends - Throughout 2024, there have been significant changes in employment law at the federal, state and local levels. A review of recent and proposed legislation reveals a number...

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Zoning Out: The Signs, Causes and When to Get Help - “Zoning out” is a mild and common form of dissociation. Nearly everyone does it from time to time. Zoning out can serve as a coping mechanism when you are bored,...

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The Health Benefits of Camping - Millions of Americans enjoy camping each year, especially as temperatures rise and days get longer in the summer. Moreover, interest among noncampers has been growing steadily for years....

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OSHA’s Safe and Sound Week Scheduled for Aug. 12-18 - Each year, more than 5,000 workers are killed on the job. Additionally, more than 3.6 million employees are seriously injured each year while at work. Because of...

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OSHA Proposes Heat Injury & Illness Prevention Standard - On July 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an unofficial version of the proposed ...

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Federal Courts Block Enforcement of Certain Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Provisions - On April 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued a final rule under...

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The Role of a Data Breach Coach in Cyber Incident Response - Cybersecurity events can lead to businesses sustaining substantial financial and reputational damage. Recovering from these incidents can also be complicated...

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CVSA’s Brake Safety Week Scheduled for Aug. 25-31 - The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently scheduled this year’s Brake Safety Week for Aug. 25-31, 2024. This annual event aims to emphasize the importance...

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The Importance of Timely Notice Under Claims-made Liability Policies - Claims-made liability policies require timely notice of claims or circumstances that could lead to a claim for an insured to qualify for coverage....

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FMLA and Workers’ Compensation – Common Questions Answered - The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state workers’ compensation laws may both cover an employee who suffers a serious health condition while...

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Who to Communicate With During a Workers’ Compensation Claim - Simply put, communicating with all relevant parties involved in workers’ compensation claims (e.g., employees, supervisors, medical providers and claims...

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Workers Compensation Insurance - Profitable underwriting results have generated favorable conditions across the workers’ compensation insurance market for nearly a decade. According to the National Council on...

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Cyber Insurance - Heightened claim frequency and severity have created a volatile cyber insurance market in recent years, with most policyholders facing ongoing premium increases. Fortunately, the segment experienced...

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PRIORITIZING SUN SAFETY - While the warmth of the sun can enhance the enjoyment of outdoor activities (e.g., hiking, swimming and grilling), it comes with hidden dangers that can impact your health in both the short and...

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Federal Youth Employment Law - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees and enforces federal youth employment laws through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Under the FLSA, employers are prohibited from employing “...

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DOL Prioritizes Enforcement of Youth Employment Laws - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) oversees and enforces federal youth employment laws through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA prohibits organizations...

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SURVIVING THE SUMMER HEAT - Summer brings longer days and plenty of sunshine, but with it comes the challenge of staying cool amidst soaring temperatures. The sweltering heat can lead to various heat-related illnesses,...

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Defending AI Systems From Malicious Data Poisoning Attacks - As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) continues to grow, businesses that utilize these technologies must also be aware of the...

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Workers’ Compensation System Shows Financial Strength and Lower Claim Frequency - The performance of the workers’ compensation system remains strong, according to a new State of the Line Report from the National Council...

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OSHA Publishes Its Updated Hazard Communication Standard - On May 20, 2024, OSHA published its final rule on its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform to the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of...

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HHS Updates HIPAA FAQs Regarding Change Healthcare Cybersecurity Incident - On May 31, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) updated its frequently asked questions (...

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DOL Issues Gag Clause Attestation Resources for 2024 - On May 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued various resources to assist health plans and health insurance issuers in annually submitting their...

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- 3rd Circuit Rules USERRA May Require Paid Leave - On May 21, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit held that short-term military leave may be comparable to jury duty leave and bereavement leave and...

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DOJ Releases Proposed Rule to Ease Federal Restrictions on Marijuana - On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a proposed rule that would reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III...

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PCORI Fees Due July 31, 2024 - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance issuers and self-insured plan sponsors to pay Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute fees (PCORI fees). The fees are reported...

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Combating Summertime Stressors - Many people experience better mental health and mood during the summer due to longer days and sunlight. Yet the season is stressful for others; summertime stressors and extreme weather...

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Beat the Summer Heat - Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can threaten your health, especially for older adults and children. Hot and humid weather can make it more challenging for your body to cool down,...

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CVSA Reveals 2024 Focus for Upcoming Operation Safe Driver Week - Operation Safe Driver Week-an annual campaign conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)-will take place from July 7-13, 2024. This year’...

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EEOC Announces July 9 “Failure to File” Deadline for 2023 EEO-1 Reports - On June 5, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it had entered the “Failure to File” phase for EEO-1...

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June is National Safety Month - June is National Safety Month. This campaign, put together by the National Safety Council (NSC), highlights efforts to prevent injuries and deaths inside and outside the workplace. It...

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DOL Issues Guidance on AI-related Wage and Hour Risks - On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) No. 2024-1 on the use of artificial...

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Workers’ Compensation System Shows Financial Strength and Lower Claim Frequency - The performance of the workers’ compensation system remains strong, according to a new State of the Line Report from the National Council...

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The Power of Self-care - Self-care is the practice of intentionally engaging in activities that positively impact mental, physical and emotional well-being. It directly correlates to mental health, as self-care...

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Explore the Great Outdoors - Spending even a few moments outside daily can significantly improve your physical health by reducing muscle tension, regulating sleep and improving your work performance. Experiencing the...

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Overview of the EEOC's workplace Guidance to Prevent Harassment - On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published its final guidance on harassment in the workplace, which went into...

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Cybersecurity Awareness Programs: Benefits and Implementation - Businesses of all sizes are susceptible to cyberattacks such as phishing scams, malware attacks and ransomware schemes, which can create significant...

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Casualty Claims Severity Significantly Outpacing Economic Inflation - Claims costs for commercial auto, professional liability, product liability and directors and officers liability insurance have exceeded economic...

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OSHA Releases Its Injury Tracking Application 2023 Injury and Illness Data - On April 18, 2024, OSHA released the 2023 injury and illness data collected under the Improved Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illness...

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New HIPAA Rule Will Require Updates to Privacy Notices - On April 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule that strengthens the HIPAA Privacy Rule by prohibiting the...

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HHS’ FAQs on Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Final Rule - Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in certain health programs...

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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the DOL’s Final Overtime Rule - On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule to amend current requirements employees in white-collar...

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DOL Issues Guidance on AI and FMLA Administration - The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor recently published a Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) warning that the use of artificial intelligence (...

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DOL Announces Final Overtime Rule Increasing Salary Levels for White-collar Employees - On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule to amend current requirements employees in white-...

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- - HHS Finalizes Rule to Strengthen Reproductive Health Care Privacy - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule that strengthens the HIPAA Privacy Rule by prohibiting the...

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Mental Health Parity Compliance Remains a Key Focus in 2024 - The federal government is continuing its efforts to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) care in 2024, with a top enforcement...

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- Study Shows 40% of Insured Workers Delay Health Care Due to Cost - A study by employee health payment platform Paytient revealed the challenges Americans face with employer-sponsored insurance. Notably, 40% of workers...

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U.S. Supreme Court Rules That Mandatory Job Transfer Can Be Discriminatory Under Title VII - On April 17, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, holding that a...

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How Return-to-Work Programs Impact Workers’ Compensation Expenses - Workers’ compensation expenses are determined by a wide range of factors; however, one of the most significant cost components in any workers’...

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Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma - May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national health observance dedicated to shedding light on mental health conditions and fostering understanding and support for those...

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Mental Health in America and How to Get Help - More than half of adults in the United States will experience mental illness-which refers to a variety of conditions that affect one’s mood, behavior, feelings or thinking-...

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Health Care Costs and Your Employee Health Plan - Health care costs, and consequently employee health benefits costs, have been increasing at an alarming rate for nearly a decade. Avoiding rising health care costs is...

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EEOC Releases Final Rule Implementing Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - On April 15, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a final rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)...

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OSHA Announces Final Rule on Worker Walkaround Representative Designation - OSHA recently announced its final rule that clarifies the rights of employees to authorize a representative to accompany an OSHA compliance...

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Cloud Security Management Explained - Cloud computing refers to a pay-per-use service that equips users with on-demand access to a range of IT resources (e.g., databases, software, servers, networking and analytics...

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Preparing for the DOL’s New Overtime Rule - In early March 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed overtime rule, announced in August 2023, entered its last stage of review. Publication of the final rule is...

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- OSHA’s Worker Walkaround Designation Process Frequently Asked Questions - On March 29, 2024, OSHA announced its final rule that clarifies the rights of employees to authorize a nonemployee, third-party representative...

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OSHA Announces Final Rule on Worker Walkaround Representative Designation - On March 29, 2024, OSHA announced its final rule that clarifies the rights of employees to authorize a representative to accompany an OSHA...

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HHS Encourages Urgent Review of HIPAA Compliance Following Health Care Cyberattack - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued a letter addressing the cybersecurity incident impacting Change...

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- What Employers Should Know About EEO Retaliation - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency responsible for enforcing federal equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws. Each EEO law...

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U.S. Supreme Court Cases for Employers to Watch in 2024 - In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide several cases-it has already decided one case-that may have a significant impact on employers. It is important that...

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Types of Transitional Duties in Return-to-Work Programs - When an employee experiences an occupational illness or injury, their eventual return to the workplace can create considerable challenges, putting significant...

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April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month - The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This event is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and...

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Recognizing the Signs of Stress and Building Resilience - April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging the prevalence of stress and empowering individuals to manage it effectively. In today’s fast-...

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- The Health Benefits of Walking - Walking is often overlooked as a form of exercise; however, it offers several health benefits for the body and mind. This simple yet powerful activity is accessible to people of all...

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- FMCSA Exempts 9- and 15-passenger Vans From Operating Authority Requirements - On Feb. 26, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its regulations to implement the statutory exemption...

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- Change Healthcare Cyberattack Causes Unprecedented Disruptions - On Feb. 21, 2024, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group (UHG) and one of the largest platforms for managing health insurance billing and...

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- New CDC Isolation Guidance and Employee Leave Considerations - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new guidance that individuals no longer need to isolate from work for five days following a...

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- - HHS Highlights HIPAA Violations and Breaches in Annual Reports - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently shared two reports on compliance with HIPAA’s privacy, security and breach notification...

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DOL Independent Contractor Rule - Worker classification directly impacts employee eligibility for benefits, legal protections (such as minimum wage and overtime rights) and taxation. Employee misclassification is a...

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- HR Insights: Avoid 10 Common ADA Mistakes - The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 broadened the definition of disability previously established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and effectively expanded the group...

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- Live Well, Work Well - March 2024 - Understanding Your Kidney Health - March is National Kidney Month, making it a great time to take charge of your health by lowering your chances of developing kidney disease. Your...

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- Mental Health Minute - March 2024 - Recognizing the Symptoms of ADHD in Adults - New research by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows that prescriptions for drugs used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity...

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4 Ways AI Will Impact the Workplace in 2024 - Artificial intelligence (AI) garnered attention from every industry in 2023, revolutionizing the way organizations operate and make decisions. Many employers adopted this...

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2023 Employment Law Changes Important in 2024 - The year 2023 brought about significant shifts in the employment law landscape, impacting how organizations navigate the complex web of regulations governing workplaces....

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The Business Implications of the DOL’s New Independent Contractor Rule - On Jan. 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a final rule, effective March 11, 2024, revising the agency’s guidance on how to...

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NCCI Experience Modification Factor 2024 Changes FAQs - The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) is making alterations to its experience modification factor for 2024. These changes are slated to go into...

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5 Employment Policies to Review in 2024 - Employee handbooks are important tools for establishing employee expectations, addressing workplace issues and defending against potential lawsuits. Failing to update the...

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Top 2024 Wellness Trends - As the workplace landscape continues to evolve, so does the understanding of employee wellness. In 2024, organizations are embracing innovative strategies to prioritize their workforce's...

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Benefits of Return-to-Work Programs for Employers and Employees - According to the National Safety Council, a worker gets hurt on the job every seven seconds. And when an employee experiences an occupational illness or...

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Data Breach Class Actions Skyrocketed in 2023 - Data breach class action lawsuits “exploded” in 2023, according to Duane Morris LLP’s Class Action Review 2024, becoming one of the fastest growing areas of litigation and...

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New TX Law Prohibits COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates - As of Feb. 6, 2024, a new Texas law prohibits all private employers in the state from adopting or enforcing any COVID-19 vaccination mandates for workers. Covered...

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OSHA Proposes to Issue a New Emergency Response Standard - On Feb. 5, 2024, OSHA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to issue a new safety and health standard, titled Emergency Response, to replace the...

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Health Care Industry Trends to Watch in 2024 - In recent years, the health care industry has been navigating a landscape fraught with volatility. Shifting market demands, supply chain struggles and medical inflation...

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Live Well, Work Well - January 2024 - How to Make-and Keep-Your New Year’s Resolution - As a new year begins, you may be reflecting on the past year. This introspection is a significant first step toward selecting a New...

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8 Tips for Modernizing Hiring in 2024 - As talent acquisition continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for organizations aiming to attract and retain top-tier talent. Last year highlighted labor...

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OSHA’s Safety and Health Bulletin on Safety Helmets in the Workplace - On Nov. 22, 2023, OSHA provided a Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) on the use of safety helmets in the workplace. The SHIB provides the...

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OSHA Form 300A Posting Requirements Begin Feb. 1 - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers subject to its recordkeeping requirements to post copies of their OSHA Form 300A between Feb....

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Workplace Fatalities Up 5.7% According to Bureau of Labor Statistics - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its 2022 national census of fatal occupational injuries. The census, which represents...

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House Passes Bipartisan Act to Lower Health Care Costs and Increase Price Transparency - On Dec. 11, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed landmark bipartisan legislation to lower the cost of health care and...

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- 2024 Workers’ Compensation Insurance Market Outlook - Profitable underwriting results have generated favorable conditions across the workers’ compensation insurance segment for nearly a decade. According to the...

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Mental Health Minute - January 2024 - Mental Health Benefits of a Clean, Organized Space - If you’re struggling with seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, keeping your home tidy...

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