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Ridgemark Insurance Services
Protect Outdoor Workers in Areas Affected by Wildfire Smoke
Cal/OSHA has issued a warning to employers located near the Los Angeles fires to take steps to protect their outdoor workers against unhealthy air quality. Wildfire smoke contains a number of harmful pollutants but the main danger to anyone outside in smoky conditions...
A New Cyber Security Threat Businesses Cannot Ignore
An allegedly Chinese state-sponsored hacker campaign dubbed "Salt Typhoon" has infiltrated major cell phone providers, including AT&T and Verizon, potentially exposing your company's communications to threat actors. The attack has been described as the most...
AB 5 Exemption for Construction Trucking Operators Expires
A temporary exemption that construction trucking providers had enjoyed from the controversial AB 5 law, sunsetted on Dec. 31. AB 5, which took effect in 2021, created a higher standard for determining who is a worker or a contractor in California. This expiration will...
Top 10 New Laws and Regulations Affecting California Employers Part 2
6. PAGA reform In July 2024, Gov. Newsom signed into law two measures aimed at curbing rampant abuse of the Private Attorney General Act, which has become a costly thorn in the side of businesses in California. PAGA allows workers who allege they have suffered...
Top 10 New Laws and Regulations Affecting California Employers Part 1
With 2025 now upon us, so is a slew of new laws and regulations that will affect California businesses. Every year, laws passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by the governor take effect, and 2024 was a busy legislative session in Sacramento. The end...
Protect Your Officers with ‘Drive Other Car’ Coverage
Linda is a junior partner in a law firm and drives a car that the firm owns and insures. The firm's auto insurance covers her as a partner and she doesn't own another car, so she sees no need to have her own policy. Most of the time, this is not a problem....
Spike in Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Lawsuits Alarms Employers
Since the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act took effect in June 2023, there's been a huge spike in lawsuits against employers alleging failure to reasonably accommodate workers covered by the landmark legislation. In the first 11 months following enactment of the law, the...
The Holidays Have Their Own Workplace Perils
On-the-job accidents may increase during the holidays as distractions in the workplace increase and decorations can pose safety issues. Normal routines and schedules are disrupted, and your staff — like everyone else — are also rushing around to crowded and...
How to Keep from Hiring a Serial Workers’ Comp Filer
As employers have found in the last few years, hiring has become more difficult as the labor market has tightened amid a strong economy. With slim pickings, many firms are having to settle for workers they may not normally hire – but that can lead to issues. Some...
Legal Traps to Avoid When Dealing with FMLA Requests
When employee files a federal Family and Medical Leave Act request to either deal with a health issue or care for a loved one, their employer is often put in a tight spot, particularly if the person serves a vital role in their organization. There are also a number of...