Risk Briefs

NCCI proposes 15% rate decrease for Florida workers’ compensation insurance in 2024

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">NCCI proposes 15% rate decrease for Florida workers’ compensation insurance in 2024</span></strong></big>
Florida employers may be paying less for workers’ compensation insurance next year. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) is recommending an average 15.1 percent rate level decrease in Florida’s voluntary workers’ compensation market for 2024.

Florida’s new workers’ compensation rules modify employer penalties and exemption procedures

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">Florida’s new workers’ compensation rules modify employer penalties and exemption procedures</span></strong></big>
The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation recently finalized amendments to various administrative rules, including those governing employer penalties and exemption procedures.

OSHA Update: More employers will be required to electronically report injury & illness data under new final rule

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">OSHA Update: More employers will be required to electronically report injury & illness data under new final rule</span></strong></big>
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently published a final rule that creates a new injury and illness reporting requirement for employers operating in certain industries. As of January 1, 2024, establishments with 100 or more employees operating in designated high-hazard industries must electronically submit injury and illness information to OSHA once a year.

When do employers need a Summary Plan Description?

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">When do employers need a Summary Plan Description?</span></strong></big>
If you are an employer sponsoring an employee group health plan, you must have an ERISA-compliant Summary Plan Description.

Does workers’ comp cover employees injured at company-sponsored events?

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">Does workers’ comp cover employees injured at company-sponsored events?</span></strong></big>
What happens if an employee is injured while attending a company-sponsored event? Is the injury covered under their employer’s workers’ compensation policy? Well, that depends.

FTC proposes ban on non-compete clauses for employee

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">FTC proposes ban on non-compete clauses for employee</span></strong></big>
The Federal Trade Commission recently proposed a new rule that would ban the use of non-compete clauses in employment agreements.

Florida minimum wage increasing by $1 on September 30th

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">Florida minimum wage increasing by $1 on September 30th</span></strong></big>
In case you forgot, Florida’s minimum wage is increasing by $1 at the end of the month. On September 30, 2022, Florida’s minimum wage will increase to $11 per hour.

What can employers do to help employees with surging inflation?

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">What can employers do to help employees with surging inflation?</span></strong></big>
Inflation. Inflation. Inflation. That seems to be what everyone is talking about these days, and with good reason. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the year-over-year consumer price index jumped 9.1 percent in June 2022.

New EEOC guidance limits employers’ ability to test employees for COVID-19

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">New EEOC guidance limits employers’ ability to test employees for COVID-19</span></strong></big>
New guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission may limit an employer’s ability to test employees for COVID-19 going forward.

Risk of workplace injuries higher among first-year employees

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">Risk of workplace injuries higher among first-year employees</span></strong></big>
Did you know that the risk of workplace injuries is higher among first-year employees? A recent analysis of workers’ compensation claims by Travelers revealed that an employee’s first year on the job is often the most dangerous.

DHS proposes Form I-9 overhaul and extends pandemic-related compliance flexibilities

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">DHS proposes Form I-9 overhaul and extends pandemic-related compliance flexibilities</span></strong></big>
The Department of Homeland Security is proposing an overhaul of its Employment Eligibility Verification form a/k/a Form I-9.

Florida Issues Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Child Care Facilities

<big><strong><span style="color: #ff9900;">Florida Issues Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Child Care Facilities</span></strong></big>
On February 24, 2022, Florida's Department of Health made significant changes to its COVID-19 guidance for child care facilities.