Industry News
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Recently, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board approved new requirements for California businesses, heat illness prevention for indoor work spaces. The new Section 3396 addition to the California Labor Code will go into effect as early as August 1, 2024.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As July 1st quickly approaches, California businesses are working hard to prepare their Workplace Violence Prevention plans before the deadline. In our aim to serve the needs of our clients, Rancho Mesa has outlined resources we offer to supplement your specific company’s training and plan.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As we hit the halfway mark on the 2024 year, we’ve explored plenty of important topics related to health and safety each month. The month of June is National Safety Month by the National Safety Council (NSC), in partnership with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
We’ve just started the month of May, National Electrical Safety month. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) dedicates this month annually to help reduce electrical-related fatalities, injuries, and property loss.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month across the nation. The month is dedicated to preventing distractions while driving as well as spreading awareness of these dangers on the road.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The hard hat has long been a staple for construction-site safety. However, a new contender has entered the industry in 2023 as more and more general contractors are requiring safety helmets.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On September 30, 2023 Governor Newsom signed into law new standards for California companies regarding workplace violence. Effective July 1, 2024, Senate Bill 553 (SB 553) will expand requirements for recordkeeping, injury and illness prevention programs, and employee training.
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California faces a critical need to prioritize heat illness awareness among its workforce. The combination of Southern California's recent above average rainfall and the anticipated heatwave resulting from El Niño has created the possibility of an extremely warm summer. Construction companies must remain vigilant and adaptable, implementing appropriate measures to address these changing weather dynamics and ensuring the safety of their workers. By staying informed about weather forecasts and implementing flexible work schedules and site preparations, companies can effectively navigate these challenging conditions and prioritize the well-being of their employees. By understanding the significance of heat illness awareness, companies can ensure the safety and well-being of their workers while fostering productivity, minimizing downtime, and improving overall project efficiency.
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
With unemployment rates settling near 4 percent, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the right employees to help grow your construction company. With most able-bodied workers having secure employment, this leads to having either apprentice-type employees that come with unique challenges or pulling from an aging workforce that can bring cumulative injuries and risks. Navigating these issues can be complex and there is not a perfect solution, but employer’s hiring practices need to change in order to keep up with the current state of the industry.
Author, Sam Brown, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As some company leaders may recall, since 1991, all California employers are required to maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). An IIPP is an understandable and accessible safety program tailored to a business’ operations. An effective IIPP will help an employer establish and maintain a safe workplace while setting expectations and protocols for all employees.
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
For businesses that rely on a fleet of commercial vehicles, insurance costs can be a significant expense. Insurance carriers calculate premiums based on a variety of factors, including the age and condition of the vehicles, driver experience and record, and the frequency and distance of trips. One factor that can positively impact insurance costs is the use of global positioning systems (GPS) in commercial vehicles. Below, we will explore some of the insurance benefits of installing GPS systems in commercial vehicles.
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
For many foremen and superintendents, weekly tailgate meetings can feel like a task that just needs to be checked off the list. However, while the purpose of these meetings is critical for the health and well-being of fellow field employees, the time required and repetitive nature of them can create challenges. To maximize the benefits of these meetings, construction firms must be proactive and thoughtful as they develop an inventory of topics.
Author, Sam Brown, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As non-profits and leaders of human service organizations navigate important business decisions in the face of inflation, it’s important to consider measures that can reduce inflation’s impact to an organization’s operating budget. Today, we look at inflation’s effect on workers’ compensation insurance and strategies to reduce future costs.
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
With the heightened safety regulations and OSHA guidelines over the past decade, many would think we are working in a much safer environment with fewer fatalities. Despite the rising number of employees and using a standard based off deaths per 100,000 employees, the data is showing that the number of fatalities are the same as they were a decade ago.
Author, Sam Brown, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California employers work hard to maintain a safe workplace, but accidents and injuries can occur. While human resources professionals typically have an excellent understanding of the workers’ compensation claim process, proper supervisor training can improve workers’ compensation outcomes for employers and their injured workers.
Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As temperatures continue to rise across the country, it is important for landscape companies to take proper precautions while working in the heat of summer. Heat-related illnesses are very much preventable, if the proper safety steps are in place.
Author, Rory Anderson, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
A tree care company’s auto fleet includes specialty vehicles like bucket and box trucks. These vehicles are important assets for the company and critical for completing jobs. Getting into an auto accident is already stressful, but what can add more grief is if the vehicle that gets damaged is vital for your business. In this case, you will be looking to rent a replacement vehicle during the repair window so that your business can maintain productivity and profitability. With this in mind, rental reimbursement coverage helps cover the rental cost incurred while your vehicle is repaired after a covered loss.
Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Every landscape company wants to be safe. So, I want to discuss three ways to improve safety in your workplace starting today: routine equipment maintenance, personal protective equipment (PPE) checks, and finally, assessing job site hazards.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Cal/OSHA released its third and final version of its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that was approved by the Standards Board at its April 21, 2022 meeting. The revised standard is expected to remain in effect from May 6, 2022 through December 31, 2022.
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The future is here and construction companies are starting to adopt wearable technology for their workers to reduce and prevent injuries from occurring on their jobsites. Wearable technology can be defined as any device that construction workers wear on his/her body. Since the construction industry accounts for nearly half of all fatal work injuries, this new type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is going to look radically different in the years ahead and should reduce both fatal and non-fatal injuries on jobsites worldwide. Below is an overview of five technologies in use today or soon to be in use in the near future.
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