The RISQ RECAP – May 2nd – May 6th, 2022
May 2nd – May 6th, 2022
Each week, you’ll find specially curated news articles to keep you up to date on the ever-evolving world of insurance and risk management. The articles are divided out between items relevant to Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits/Human Resources, and Compliance. We’ve included brief summaries of each item as well as a link to the original articles.
PROPERTY & CASUALTY
Report Forecasts ‘Above-Normal’ U.S. Wildfire Season, Worse in Drought-Plagued West
“The U.S. has in store an “above-normal” wildfire season if a prediction out on Wednesday from fire weather experts holds true – “intense” may be a better word for the expectations in Western region. Early predictions for the 2022 fire season point to 68,000 to 72,000 fires across the nation burning 8.1 to 8.3 million acres. The national average from 2001 to 2020 was 68,707 fires burning 7 million acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.” Full Article
– Insurance Journal
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, HUMAN RESOURCES, & COMPLIANCE
Five Steps Employers Can Take to Create a More Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Workplace “Having a diverse hiring strategy is an essential piece of the puzzle, but it’s not the only piece. Not only is it important to focus on bringing in diverse talent, but it’s two-fold. Employers must also equip current employees with the skills necessary for success in their roles, while fostering a culture of equity and inclusion.” Full Article – Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd
Form I-9 Requirements Flexibility Extended Until October 31, 2022 “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have announced another extension to flexibility relating to in-person Form I-9 compliance. The policy, which was originally announced on March 19, 2020, was previously set to expire on April 30, 2022. Through this new extension, the policy will remain in effect until October 31, 2022.” Full Article – Mintz
EEOC To Permit Short Window of Additional Time for Late EEO-1 Report Submissions “A new FAQ explains that EEOC will permit employers to submit their EEO-1 Reports after the May 17, 2022 deadline—during what EEOC is calling the “failure to file” phase, stating “All filers who have not submitted and certified their mandatory 2021 EEO-1 Component 1 Report(s) by the Tuesday, May 17, 2022 published deadline will receive a notice of failure to file instructing them to submit and certify their data AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, and NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022. This additional time, through Tuesday, June 21st, 2022, will be available to ALL filers who have not submitted and certified their 2021 EEO-1 Component 1 Report(s) by the May 17, 2022 published deadline.” Full Article – Jackson Lewis
Silica is the New Asbestos: New OSHA Regional Emphasis Program Will Target Respirable Silica Hazards in Six States “OSHA has developed a new Regional Emphasis Program (REP) to identify and reduce hazards in the cut stone and stone products industry, which OSHA alleges to have the highest documented overexposures to respirable crystalline silica in the Denver region over the past 10 years. Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in sand, concrete, natural stone, artificial stone, mortar and other materials, and generates respirable dust – dust that can be inhaled – during cutting, grinding and polishing. Exposures to crystalline silica are common in both construction and general industry, and OSHA has been targeting silica enforcement in the Biden administration.” Full Article – Seyfarth Shaw
How the Pandemic Changed Parental Leave Policies “In an article published by the Society of Human Resource Management addressing how employers are responding to parental leave policies following pandemic-era routines, which have shown employees can be productive in remote and hybrid working environments while juggling home responsibilities, Phillip J. Strach, Raleigh-based partner at Nelson Mullins, said employers considering making policy changes should ensure updates comply with the Family and Medical Leave Act.” Full Article – Nelson Mullins
Weed policy options for multi-state employers — are there any? “As we all know, a growing number of states have legalized marijuana use to varying degrees. In some states, medical marijuana is permitted, but not recreational. In some states, anything goes. In some states, including New Jersey and New York, even testing for marijuana is illegal in most circumstances. And we still have states where use of marijuana is illegal. (As of today, marijuana is still an illegal drug under federal law. Legislation to legalize it at the federal level is pending, but its fate is not clear.) If an employer has operations in multiple states, chances are good that its obligations will be different in different locations.” Full Article – Seyfarth Shaw
STATE & INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE
In addition to the RISQ Review, RISQ Consulting also provides a resource that features changes and updates to State and International Compliance measures. We’ve included brief summaries of each item below, and also provided links to the original articles if you’d like to read further.
California
Judge Rules That Race and LGBT Quotas for Corporate Board Members Violate the California Constitution
“A Los Angeles Superior Court judge recently ruled that a California law (Assembly Bill 979) requiring California corporations to implement race and LGBT quotas for their board of directors is unconstitutional.” Full Article
– Greenberg Traurig
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Updates – What You Need to Know
“The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave has issued a series of updates concerning Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (“MAPFML”). These updates reflect the latest changes made to MAPFML since the Department’s last quarterly briefing.” Full Article
– Mintz
New York
New York Employers Must Comply with Electronic Monitoring Notice and Acknowledgment Requirements by May 7, 2022
“The New York Attorney General’s Office will begin enforcing the new law on May 7, 2022. Potential penalties for violations range between
$500 for a first offense and up to $3000 for three or more offenses. Fines are per violation, i.e. per employee, so aggregate penalties under this format for even medium-sized employers may be significant for companies that ignore this obligation.” Full Article
– Nelson Mullins
Maine
Amended Maine Law Will Require Vacation Payout When Employment Ends
“Maine’s governor recently signed H.P. 160 – L.D. 225, amending the state’s final wages statute to require that “[a]ll unused paid vacation accrued pursuant to the employer’s vacation policy on and after January 1, 2023 must be paid to the employee on cessation of employment.” The amendment provides that private employers with 11 or more employees must pay all unused vacation to a separated employee at the cessation of employment.” Full Article
– Littler Mendelson
Mississippi
Mississippi Pay Equity Bill Crosses Finish Line
“Mississippi’s new law prohibits employers from paying “an employee a wage at a rate less than the rate at which an employee of the opposite sex in the same establishment is paid for equal work on a job, the performance of which requires equal skill, education, effort and responsibility, and which is performed under similar working conditions.” Full Article
– Jackson Lewis
- Published in Blog
Stay Active While Working From Home
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.
Working from home has many perks, but it may leave you at-risk for developing a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy habits. It may be easy to forget about exercise when you’re home all day. The good news is you’re in control of keeping yourself active while also getting your work done; it all comes down to building healthy habits throughout the day.
This article explores the importance of an active lifestyle and how to get in your daily movement while still getting your work done.
The Importance of Being Active
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends most adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, such as brisk walking or light housework. Additionally, it’s recommended to do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days per week that target major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms). The good news is that you can spread your activity out during the week, so you don’t have to do it all at once.
Regular physical activity is vital for your health. There are numerous health benefits of physical activity. Most significantly, it can help maintain your weight and reduce your risk for high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
On top of the physical benefits of working out, research finds that exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood and overall mental health. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which can help you healthily cope with daily stressors.
Tips for Staying Active
Some physical activity is better than none. Adults should move more and sit less throughout the day. However, staying active while working from home can require self-discipline. Consider the following strategies for avoiding inactivity during your remote workday:
- Try a fake commute. A fake commute involves using a typical commute time period to transition and mentally set yourself up before working. Without a standard commute, you could exercise before or after your workday.
- Schedule your workout. If a fake commute doesn’t fit with your remote work routine, find ways to plan your exercise and stick to it. Building exercise into your daily planner can help you stay on track. If something comes up and you have to change a fitness appointment, reschedule it right away.
- Designate a workout spot. Find a room or corner in your home to be your workout space. You don’t need that much space for an efficient workout, just enough to move around a bit or lay down an exercise mat.
- Move every hour. It’s important not to be sedentary for long periods of time. Set a timer or use apps that remind you to stand up and move for a few minutes. Use that movement to grab a healthy snack, refill your water cup, or walk up and down the stairs.
- Go digital. Many apps, videos and on-demand programs are available to help you stay committed to exercise. Online memberships or streaming services can provide classes and workouts in the comfort of your home during workday breaks or lunchtime. You could even invite family and friends to join to increase accountability. Your employer may even offer such digital health and exercise resources.
- Keep it simple. If you already have hand weights, a yoga mat or exercise bands at home—great! If not, get creative with body-weight exercises, or consider using household items to add resistance to your routine.
Consistency is key with any fitness routine. Staying active at home makes you more likely to adopt fitness habits and live a healthy lifestyle. Health experts recommend talking to your doctor before starting new exercise programs.
- Published in Blog
Managing War-Related Anxiety
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.
If you’re worried about the war in Ukraine, you’re not alone. Although it may be your first instinct to think about those caught up in the conflict, it’s completely normal to feel upset or concerned about what you see from afar.
War is terrifying to hear about, and it’s causing a return to a heightened state of anxiety and stress for many. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression jumped 25% in the first year of the pandemic. With COVID-19 beginning its transition from pandemic to endemic, a sense of relief and a gradual return to normality had begun. However, the war in Ukraine has created further uncertainty, and for many people, it’s taking a toll on their mental well-being.
This article outlines ways to cope with war-related anxiety and support those affected by the war.
How to Cope
Watching a war unfold can make you feel out of control, heightening anxiety and stress. Instead, try to focus on what you can control. Consider the following coping tips:
- Avoid doomscrolling. A University of Florida study has found that doomscrolling—a term used to describe the concept of binging on negative news—is a new and unique behavior. Understandably, you may want to follow news coverage about current events to stay in the loop of what’s happening, but spending too much time doing this can negatively impact your mental health. To combat this unhealthy habit, try to spend less time on social media and focus on facts rather than speculation.
- Be physically active. Try to give your mind a rest, shifting the focus to your body instead. Physical activity creates mood-boosting chemical changes in the brain. Engage in activities such as swimming, cycling, walking and running.
- Be mindful. When thoughts feel spiraling, mindfulness activities may stop your mind from racing. Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and other mindful practices can help you feel in the present moment.
- Take time to unwind. It’s essential to still engage in activities you enjoy. Creative outlets, such as hobbies, crafts, writing or home improvement, can especially be a good distraction.
- Maintain sleep habits. Although it may be hard to sleep when anxious, try to maintain your usual sleeping pattern. Being well-rested is vital for emotional balance.
- Connect with others. Good relationships foster a sense of belonging and provide an outlet to share experiences. Sharing worries with others can improve your situation and feelings.
Connect with friends and family to bolster your mental well-being. Make plans, such as a family meal or lunch with a close friend or colleague.
Especially amid the current events, it’s essential to focus on what you can control: your thoughts. If you’re concerned about your mental health, reach out to a professional or use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline by calling or texting 800-985-5990. SAMHSA’s 24/7 confidential hotline is dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for Americans experiencing emotional distress related to any human-caused disaster.
How to Help
It may be harder to cope with war-related anxiety if you’re unsure of how you can help. However, there are many avenues to make an impact. Various charity organizations offer a wide range of support for those affected by the war. Charity Navigator, a nonprofit evaluator, assessed ways to help and recommends the following organizations:
- Direct Relief
- GlobalGiving
- Heart to Heart International
- International Medical Corps
- Project HOPE
- Save the Children
- UNICEF
These charities outline various ways to make a difference, including volunteer opportunities, charitable donations and other activities.
Summary
When anxious and helpless feelings occur, it’s hard to know what to do, but it’s important to focus on what you can control. You are in control of your thoughts and can take steps to protect your mental health.
It’s natural to feel anxious in the wake of destructive international events, but don’t suffer alone. Your employer may offer mental health resources. Additionally, if you’re feeling anxious or concerned about your mental health, talk to your doctor or call or text SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.
- Published in Blog
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