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Ridgemark Insurance Services
As Risks Rise, You Need a Commercial Umbrella
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...
New Premium Threshold Set for X-Mod Qualification
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...
Cal/OSHA Requires Employers to Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke
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...
Commissioner Rejects Proposed Hike in Benchmark Rate
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...
Construction Firm Tips for Avoiding Insurance Disasters
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...
State Supreme Court to Weigh In on ‘Take-Home’ COVID Case
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...
Employers Upset About Three Bills
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...
Supreme Court Deals Blow to California Private Attorneys General Act
The United States Supreme Court has put a significant dent in California's Private Attorneys General Act, which in recent years has resulted in a surge in legal actions against California employers by their workers. The law has been a huge thorn in the side of...
New Employees Account for Large Share of Workplace Injuries
A significant share of overall workplace injuries occur during new employees' first year on the job, according to a recent study. The report by Travelers Cos., Inc. found that over a five-year period, injuries to new employees accounted for 35% of all workplace...
Minimum Wage Increases Coming in 12 Counties and Cities
As we approach mid-year there are about a dozen cities and counties in the Golden State that will be increasing their minimum wage for employers that operate within their jurisdictions. The state minimum wage is currently $15 an hour for employers with 26 or more...