U.S. employers estimate a median 7% increase in healthcare costs for 2024, according to a recent survey of employers by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). This sizable increase in healthcare costs is driven by chronic health conditions, catastrophic health claims and rising prescription drug prices. This is the second consecutive year employers have projected a 7% increase in healthcare costs.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has surged in popularity and usage among businesses and individuals. Many users have found ways to streamline commercial operations and personal hobbies using these programs; however, criminals have also developed means of weaponizing this technology, including by impersonating voices.
Molds are organisms that breakdown animal matter and dead plants. Though most molds grow outdoors, they can travel inside by way of open windows and doors, air conditioning systems and on pets, clothing and shoes. Once inside your home, mold needs a moist food source, such as lint, ceiling tiles or wallpaper to grow.
Amputation injuries frequently occur when workers operate unguarded or inadequately safeguarded machinery, but they can also occur if a worker is simply not paying enough attention or makes a careless mistake. Machine and equipment operators are at risk, but so are other employees in the area if they are not aware of their surroundings.
The Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) says crimes against U.S. jewelers last year hit their highest number the trade association has ever recorded, resulting in $129.4 million in losses.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is devoting more attention to scrutinizing employers' in-house medical programs for general duty clause violations related to alleged medical mismanagement of injured workers. With medical mismanagement claims on the rise, now is the time for employers to thoroughly evaluate their onsite treatment programs and make changes to reduce the risk of citations.
A series of high-profile bills recently cleared a key Senate committee which could substantially impact employers' obligations regarding unions, pay equity, and paid leave. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee on June 21 advanced three bills — the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Healthy Families Act. All three have companion legislation in the House.
The June 27 deadline has passed, and employers should now have updated workplace posters reflecting the expanded rights of employees under certain federal Acts. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), enacted at the end of June, and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), enacted last December, grant additional protections that must appear on mandatory postings.
Cyber security threats and trends can change year over year as technology continues to advance at alarming speeds. As such, it’s critical for organizations to reassess their data protection practices at the start of each new year and make achievable cybersecurity resolutions to help protect themselves from costly breaches.
When employees leave a company, there is a heightened risk of data theft, which is also known as data leakage or exfiltration. This risk is present whether an employee’s departure is voluntary or not. The consequences of data theft from insiders can be severe, as an organization’s most valued data assets and secrets are vulnerable. Data leakage events can impact a company’s financials through lost business and intellectual property, and they can result in reputational damage, litigation and regulatory fines.
