http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/listing Valuable news and information from Horst Insurance en resources@horstinsurance.com Copyright 2009 2009-04-01T17:31:51+00:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/immediate_change_to_the_acord_25_certificate_of_insurance/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/immediate_change_to_the_acord_25_certificate_of_insurance/#When:16:46:59Z The ACORD 25 Certificate of Insurance has undergone a major change.  Beginning immediately, it is mandatory to use the updated version of the ACORD 25 Certificate.  In particular, the updated certificate alters the previous cancellation provision into a more generic form.  Cancellation provisions that once allowed modification for items such… 2010-08-30T13:46:59-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/taking_risks_with_risk_highlights_from_the_chubb_2010_private_company_risk_/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/taking_risks_with_risk_highlights_from_the_chubb_2010_private_company_risk_/#When:16:04:18Z Are companies cutting back on insurance protection in order to reduce costs during a difficult economic climate?  Even when it means assuming more risk? For many privately owned companies, the answer appears to be yes. According to the Chubb 2010 Private Risk Survey: Overall, the percentage of private… 2010-08-30T13:04:18-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/osha_severe_violator_enforcement_program/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/osha_severe_violator_enforcement_program/#When:12:01:42Z In June 2010, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a new Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP), which targets employers that demonstrate indifference or disregard for OSH Act provisions. SVEP is OSHA-wide, including states with a federally approved OSHA plan, and will replace the old Enhanced Enforcement Program (EEP).… 2010-08-02T09:01:42-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/the_abcs_of_indemnity_agreements_and_additional_insured_endorsements/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/the_abcs_of_indemnity_agreements_and_additional_insured_endorsements/#When:11:34:46Z Understanding your business’s risk exposures is the cornerstone to managing them. Whether your business relies on outside vendors to provide goods and services, or you’re a provider of goods and services to your clients, you should be aware of how to take contractual precautions to protect your business against potential… 2010-08-02T08:34:46-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employee_benefit_trends/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employee_benefit_trends/#When:11:08:56Z In the still fragile economy, employers are looking for ways to capitalize on their benefits programs, and improve employee productivity, health and wellness – all while controlling costs. Programs that help address these issues can be very strategic tools for employers. But better understanding these specific needs starts with addressing… 2010-08-02T08:08:56-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_plans_survey_results_2010/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_plans_survey_results_2010/#When:10:59:57Z While consumer-driven health plans continue to be of interest to employers, overall health plan design is a critical piece in the puzzle. How are employers positioning their plan design offerings? Take a look at this year’s survey results to determine how you fare. This… 2010-08-02T07:59:57-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_regulations_issued_on_grandfathered_plans/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_regulations_issued_on_grandfathered_plans/#When:17:05:16Z EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The health care reform law passed earlier this year brings many changes to employers and health plans. The extent of the impact will depend, in part, on whether you maintained a health care plan on March 23, 2010, the date the primary legislation was enacted. If… 2010-06-23T14:05:16-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/15_warning_signs_of_workers_compensation_fraud/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/15_warning_signs_of_workers_compensation_fraud/#When:16:48:52Z The WC (workers' compensation) insurance system is a no-fault method of paying workers for medical expenses and wage losses due to on-the-job injuries. While the majority of WC claims are truthful, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that billions of dollars of false claims are submitted each year. To help… 2010-06-23T13:48:52-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employee_or_independent_contractor/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employee_or_independent_contractor/#When:16:29:22Z Hiring an independent contractor offers employers many advantages. Unlike a traditional employee, an employer does not pay an independent contractor a wage or salary, federal and state payroll taxes on his/her earnings, social security tax, federal unemployment insurance tax, state unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation premiums, benefits or overtime. Employers do,… 2010-06-23T13:29:22-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/state_guide_to_workplace_safety_regulations/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/state_guide_to_workplace_safety_regulations/#When:16:23:23Z This manual reviews some of the most fundamental workplace safety regulations specific to the state of Pennsylvania. Most employers follow federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines on this matter, and because Pennsylvania does not have its own state-run plan, employers in this state must adhere to all federal… 2010-06-23T13:23:23-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/heat-related_illnesses/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/heat-related_illnesses/#When:14:31:32Z Overview Heat and humidity can cause several different types of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Knowing the signs and symptoms of each type of heat-related situation will help to keep you safe – at home and on the job. Normally, the body has ways… 2010-05-27T11:31:32-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/summer_safety_dehydration/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/summer_safety_dehydration/#When:14:12:28Z In the simplest terms, dehydration occurs when you lose more water than you take in.  Staying hydrated is important to keep all your body functions running smoothly. If you work outdoors or in a temperature-sensitive environment, you’ll want to take extra precautions as summer heats up. Water Loss On average,… 2010-05-27T11:12:28-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/bites_and_stings/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/bites_and_stings/#When:13:48:39Z If you are an outdoor worker, chances are protecting your skin is not one of your top safety priorities; it is an often-neglected safety concern. Depending on your exact project or geographic location, you may be at a higher risk for injury or illness associated with bites and stings from… 2010-05-27T10:48:39-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/west_nile_virus_and_you/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/west_nile_virus_and_you/#When:13:43:02Z West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. First discovered in Africa in 1937, it wasn’t until 1999 that WNV reached the United States. While less than one percent of those infected become seriously ill, this Q&A will help you learn about the disease and… 2010-05-27T10:43:02-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/get_the_facts_about_lyme_disease/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/get_the_facts_about_lyme_disease/#When:13:39:47Z Construction workers, landscapers, forestry employees, brush cleaners, land surveyors, farming workers, railroad employees, oil field workers, utility line employees and parks and wildlife management individuals may be at risk of contracting Lyme disease. Ticks carrying the disease are most prevalent in Northeast portions of the United States, some areas around… 2010-05-27T10:39:47-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/poison_ivy_oak_and_sumac/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/poison_ivy_oak_and_sumac/#When:12:33:08Z Poison ivy, oak and sumac are the most common causes of contact dermatitis, or skin rash, in the United States. These plants – most often found in areas such as woods, beaches, and rivers – do not only cause some fairly itchy discomfort, but can also cause severe allergic reactions… 2010-05-27T09:33:08-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/congress_passes_landmark_health_care_reform_bill/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/congress_passes_landmark_health_care_reform_bill/#When:14:15:40Z On March 21, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The legislation was previously passed by the U.S. Senate in December 2009 and was signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010. In addition to the… 2010-05-05T11:15:40-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_grandfathered_plans/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_grandfathered_plans/#When:13:59:54Z EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In March 2010, President Obama signed sweeping health care legislation into law. The health care reform law contains many provisions that will affect your business and your employees. The extent of the impact will depend, in part, on whether you maintained a health care plan on… 2010-05-05T10:59:54-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_extension_of_dependent_coverage/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_extension_of_dependent_coverage/#When:13:54:03Z On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This legislation, along with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, makes sweeping changes to the U.S. health care system, including an extension of health insurance coverage… 2010-05-05T10:54:03-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/irs_issues_guidance_on_tax-free_coverage_for_children_under_age_27/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/irs_issues_guidance_on_tax-free_coverage_for_children_under_age_27/#When:18:17:00Z IRS Issues Notice 2010-38 As a result of changes made by the recently enacted Affordable Care Act, health coverage provided for an employee's children under 27 years of age is now generally tax-free to the employee, effective March 30, 2010. The Internal Revenue Service announced on April 27, 2010 that… 2010-05-03T15:17:00-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_and_cobra_frequently_asked_questions/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_and_cobra_frequently_asked_questions/#When:18:07:51Z In 2010, health care reform became a reality with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued Frequently Asked Questions on how the health care reform law affects COBRA and the… 2010-05-03T15:07:51-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/small_business_health_care_tax_credit_questions_answers_qa/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/small_business_health_care_tax_credit_questions_answers_qa/#When:17:44:00Z The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010. This bill and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, which was signed into law on March 30, 2010, form the new Health Care Reform Law. The Health Care Reform… 2010-05-03T14:44:00-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_timeline/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/health_care_reform_timeline/#When:11:52:55Z On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This legislation, along with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, makes sweeping changes to the U.S. health care system. These changes will be implemented over the… 2010-04-05T08:52:55-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employing_teens_heres_what_the_fed_requires/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employing_teens_heres_what_the_fed_requires/#When:11:35:29Z Each year, millions of teenagers take on part-time or summertime jobs. Early work experiences can be very rewarding, while at the same time provide teens with great opportunities to learn important work skills. If you’re employing teens, the Department of Labor oversees the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) child labor… 2010-04-05T08:35:29-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/abbreviated_osha_inspections_of_construction_sites/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/abbreviated_osha_inspections_of_construction_sites/#When:11:10:01Z Did you know that an effective Safety and Health program can actually lead to abbreviated OSHA inspections of your construction site(s)?  Through the OSHA "Focused Inspection" program eligible construction sites can be relieved from the typical "Comprehensive Inspection" OSHA typically performs.  If during the inspection opening conference the inspector is… 2010-04-05T08:10:01-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/are_your_employees_appropriately_reporting_workplace_injuries/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/are_your_employees_appropriately_reporting_workplace_injuries/#When:17:30:03Z According to a report by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Education and Labor,  a staggering 69 percent of all workplace injuries and illnesses may not be represented in the Bureau of Labor and Statistics Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), which many trust as a gauge of… 2010-04-01T14:30:03-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/benefits_of_an_hr_audit/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/benefits_of_an_hr_audit/#When:14:45:08Z What is an HR Audit? An HR audit is an objective, systematic review of a company’s HR policies, procedures, strategic direction, structure, resources, and ultimately, its contribution to the organization. Such an audit offers the opportunity to protect the company, establish best practices and identify areas for improvement, and can… 2010-02-25T11:45:08-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/balancing_the_benefits_and_risks_of_social_networking/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/balancing_the_benefits_and_risks_of_social_networking/#When:14:35:17Z The idea of social networking evokes feelings of both fear and excitement in the minds of employers, and it should; this new phenomenon has the potential to change the way companies across the globe do business. It can not only help your company connect with its clients, but it is… 2010-02-25T11:35:17-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/pa_work_comp_update_chart/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/pa_work_comp_update_chart/#When:14:30:09Z It is important that employers remain up to date on current workers' compensation rules and benefits.  Annually Horst Insurance prepares an overview of the primary workers' compensation state statutes for each state and distributes those accordingly.  The latest overview for Pennsylvania is now available.  Below is a link to view… 2010-02-25T11:30:09-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/regulatory_update_ban_on_texting_for_commercial_drivers/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/regulatory_update_ban_on_texting_for_commercial_drivers/#When:14:00:50Z On January 26, 2010, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. -    The prohibition is effective immediately. -    The ban applies to all interstate drivers of commercial motor vehicles. -    Truck and bus drivers… 2010-02-25T11:00:50-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/now_is_not_the_time_to_drop_or_lower_your_coverages/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/now_is_not_the_time_to_drop_or_lower_your_coverages/#When:15:14:50Z The economy is still recovering from the recent recession, and employers continue to experience budget pressures. The first reaction is always to cut back and this can be a wise decision. But one area that should never be impacted by the budget is insurance coverage. In fact, when budgets are… 2010-02-03T09:30:50-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/job_loss_cobra_poster/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/job_loss_cobra_poster/#When:15:05:32Z Questions regarding COBRA benefits are on the rise.  With layoffs and terminations at an all-time high, your employees need to know their options under COBRA.  Add in a healthy dose of confusion about the Federal Governments 65% subsidy and premium payment extensions, and you have the makings of a very… 2010-02-03T09:00:32-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/the_automatic_401k_turning_non-savers_into_savers/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/the_automatic_401k_turning_non-savers_into_savers/#When:14:30:04Z The 401(k) is the most common retirement plan offered by employers today. Consequently, more and more companies are asking workers to assume a greater responsibility for their retirement futures. Many employees participating in 401(k) plans save enough money for the future and make wise investment choices. However, most employees do… 2010-02-03T08:30:04-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/fema_emergency_management_guide_for_business_and_industry/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/fema_emergency_management_guide_for_business_and_industry/#When:13:56:39Z Every business needs a working business contingency plan.  Unfortunately the statistics are stacked against you if you have a serious business interruption.  Sure, insurance can and will likely rebuild assets that are lost or damaged, but what about "your business"?  Returning your business to normalcy is the primary objective of… 2010-02-03T08:00:39-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employee_benefit_cost_trends_and_cost-shifting_initiatives_for_2010/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employee_benefit_cost_trends_and_cost-shifting_initiatives_for_2010/#When:16:24:55Z As employees are gearing up for open enrollment, employers are contemplating their benefit offerings for the coming year. Most companies desire to lower their rising health care costs and improve their employees’ overall health. When Human Resources professionals look towards the future, most are not making major changes from this… 2009-12-31T10:30:55-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/communicating_benefit_cuts_to_employees/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/communicating_benefit_cuts_to_employees/#When:16:20:24Z With salary cuts, shortened workweeks, halting 401(k) matches and layoffs becoming commonplace in many organizations today, employees are well aware of the continued economic downturn. As an employer, it is important to use caution when communicating benefits cuts to employees. Communicating changes that ultimately mean less money in employees’ pockets… 2009-12-31T10:00:24-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/osha_log_reminder_february_1st_deadline_is_fastly_approaching/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/osha_log_reminder_february_1st_deadline_is_fastly_approaching/#When:11:45:47Z February 1st, 2010, marks the deadline for you to tabulate your annual OSHA Log Summary (OSHA Form 300A).  For those industries required to maintain an OSHA 300 Log, February 1st not only marks the date with which your OSHA Logs must be made current, but it also marks the start… 2009-12-31T09:30:47-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/2009_most_frequently_cited_osha_standards/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/2009_most_frequently_cited_osha_standards/#When:11:06:24Z The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled its list of the top 10 most frequently cited violations at the 97th annual National Safety Council (NSC) Congress and Expo on October 27, 2009. The agency reports the leading causes of workplace injuries during its fiscal year (October through September). According… 2009-12-31T09:01:24-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/solution_for_hiring_uninsured_sole_proprietors_without_risk_of_workers_comp/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/solution_for_hiring_uninsured_sole_proprietors_without_risk_of_workers_comp/#When:14:26:28Z One of the more difficult discussions that any agent has with his or her client is the discussion that happens AFTER the client is charged with workers' compensation premium because they hired uninsured "independent contractors".  Unfortunately, if you hire independents without verifying that they carried workers' compensation coverage on themselves… 2009-12-31T09:00:28-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/h1n1_vaccine_myths_and_realities/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/h1n1_vaccine_myths_and_realities/#When:13:43:31Z H1N1 influenza has certainly caused a firestorm of conversation, and with all the confusion, it can be tough to distinguish the facts from the rumors. To help clear up the misconceptions, www.flu.gov has created the following list of common myths along with the reality of each situation. MYTH: “The… 2009-12-02T17:31:31-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/stay_safe_healthy_this_holiday_season/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/stay_safe_healthy_this_holiday_season/#When:19:53:49Z It’s winter, which means the arrival of numerous holiday parties that you are probably looking forward to attending. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Don’t become a statistic – or turn someone else into one. You do not need to drink alcohol just because you are at… 2009-12-02T16:53:49-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/winter_driving_-_skids/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/winter_driving_-_skids/#When:18:54:16Z Good drivers know the special hazards of winter driving, but should be reminded about the danger of skidding when speed is too high. One of the most terrifying experiences of winter driving is to skid. If it happens at a high speed, the result could be a disastrous crash. That… 2009-12-02T16:10:16-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/discontinued_operations_insurance_solutions_for_your_business/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/discontinued_operations_insurance_solutions_for_your_business/#When:15:19:34Z Mergers, acquisitions and business closings have become the norm given the rough economy. When these changes occur and operations are discontinued, the company’s insurance needs change as well. This is because unforeseen liabilities arise even years after the business has closed, products are no longer manufactured, etc. As long as… 2009-12-02T12:19:34-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/search_engine_smarts/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/search_engine_smarts/#When:16:57:08Z If your company relies on computers to conduct any aspect of your business, you should be aware of how to protect your assets from cybercrime, including cyber attacks, cyber theft and other computer security incidents. The Department of Justice (DOJ) reported in 2008 that more than 90 percent of companies… 2009-10-28T11:14:08-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/using_materials_from_the_internet/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/using_materials_from_the_internet/#When:16:50:11Z Copyright law protects original works of authorship ranging from literary works to sound recordings. Rights accrue the moment that the content is “fixed” in a tangible medium of expression. This means that works written on paper, programmed onto a Web page or recorded on a digital tape have been fixed… 2009-10-28T11:13:11-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/breach_notification_guidelines_for_unsecured_phi_hhs_interim_final_rule/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/breach_notification_guidelines_for_unsecured_phi_hhs_interim_final_rule/#When:16:23:15Z On August 24, 2009, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued an interim final rule (Breach Notification Rule) to require notification of breaches of unsecured Protected Health Information (PHI).  OCR is the part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responsible for enforcement of the Health Insurance Portability… 2009-10-28T11:12:15-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/limiting_social-host_liquor_liability/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/limiting_social-host_liquor_liability/#When:16:20:23Z If a bartender is legally liable for serving alcohol to a patron who becomes intoxicated and then injures a third party, is the exposure the same for a business if they host a social event where alcohol is served, such as an open house or employee picnic? According to the… 2009-10-28T11:05:23-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/red_flag_requirements_for_financial_institutions_and_creditors/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/red_flag_requirements_for_financial_institutions_and_creditors/#When:11:00:16Z Each year, more than 9 million Americans are the victim of identity theft. Often times, there are red flags – that is, potential patterns, practices or activities indicating the possibility of identity theft before it actually happens. Beginning Nov. 1, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission’s Red Flags Rule will go… 2009-10-06T11:45:16-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/the_risk_of_identity_theft_guidance_for_your_business/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/the_risk_of_identity_theft_guidance_for_your_business/#When:10:00:54Z It is almost impossible to be in business and not collect or hold personally identifying information (Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, etc.) about customers, employees and business partners. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could put these individuals at risk for identity theft.… 2009-10-06T11:30:54-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employer-sponsored_smoking_cessation_programs/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/employer-sponsored_smoking_cessation_programs/#When:09:00:40Z The human and financial costs associated with tobacco use are enormous. In addition to the incalculable physical and emotional distress brought on by tobacco-related diseases and deaths, tobacco use exacts a high price from employers via greater costs for health care and life insurance, increased absenteeism and lower productivity. Employers… 2009-10-06T10:02:40-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/cobra_guidelines_for_pennsylvania/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/cobra_guidelines_for_pennsylvania/#When:08:00:56Z Comparison of Federal and Pennsylvania Continuation Laws Note: Pennsylvania’s state continuation law, 2009 Act 2, is effective July 10, 2009.  Pennsylvania also mandates conversion rights upon loss of coverage. Pennsylvania’s extended dependent coverage law, 2009 Act 4, is effective for policies issued or renewed after December 7, 2009.  2009-10-06T10:00:56-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/all_you_need_to_know_about_h1n1_flu/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/all_you_need_to_know_about_h1n1_flu/#When:17:26:04Z A new kind of flu caused by the influenza A (H1N1) virus has recently emerged. Human cases of the H1N1 and associated deaths have been identified in both the United States and internationally. What is H1N1? H1N1 is a respiratory disease that causes a regular outbreak in pigs. Humans do… 2009-08-31T14:26:04-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/general_business_and_workplace_guidance_for_the_prevention_of_h1n1_flu_in_w/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/general_business_and_workplace_guidance_for_the_prevention_of_h1n1_flu_in_w/#When:15:19:49Z This guidance is to help employers with employees in OSHA's Lower Risk (Caution) Zone*: those employees who have minimal occupational contact with the general public and other coworkers (for example, office employees). Note:  This guidance has been updated as of Jun 25, 2009 to state that a worker who has… 2009-08-31T12:19:49-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/planning_for_a_flu_pandemic_in_the_workplace/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/planning_for_a_flu_pandemic_in_the_workplace/#When:17:49:01Z In the event of an influenza pandemic, employers will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as in limiting the impact on the economy and society. Employers will likely experience employee absences, changes in patterns of commerce… 2009-08-31T14:49:01-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/ada_-_compliant_employer_preparedness_for_the_h1n1_flu_virus/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/ada_-_compliant_employer_preparedness_for_the_h1n1_flu_virus/#When:18:10:52Z This H.G.I.D., Inc. t/a Horst Insurance Legislative Brief answers basic questions about workplace preparation strategies for the 2009 H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Because this situation is rapidly evolving, employers should consult their local public health authorities and the Centers… 2009-08-31T15:10:52-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/business_contingency_planning_workshop/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/business_contingency_planning_workshop/#When:18:18:20Z Most businesses still have not adequately addressed their Business Contingency Planning needs.  The financial and healthcare industries have under Federal order, but most privately held businesses still “plan to plan” when and if a business interruption occurs.  The statistics are clear – 43% of businesses experiencing a major interruption never… 2009-08-31T15:20:20-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/safety_cornerstones/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/safety_cornerstones/#When:16:42:24Z What Employers Can Do to Protect Workers from Pandemic Influenza On June 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the current H1N1 outbreak has reached Phase 6. For businesses, Phase 6 is the last alarm for pandemic preparedness. What can you do now? Employers can use a… 2009-08-18T13:42:24-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/five_steps_to_reducing_workers_compensation_costs/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/five_steps_to_reducing_workers_compensation_costs/#When:13:16:29Z When a company experiences significant increases in worker’s compensation costs, it usually triggers internal activities aimed at reducing insurance costs and reduce spending. The key to spending fewer dollars is more than just stopping a few accidents; the key is having a sound safety program designed to continuously improve. This… 2009-08-18T10:16:29-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/layoffs_a_proactive_approach/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/layoffs_a_proactive_approach/#When:12:53:46Z The economy is in a slump and that means that your organization may have to lay off some – or many – of its employees. While this may be a trying time for your company, it will be a whole lot worse if any of those terminated employees come back… 2009-08-18T09:53:46-05:00 http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/restoring_employee_morale_after_layoffs/ http://www.horstinsurancelibrary.com/index.php/commercial_insurance/restoring_employee_morale_after_layoffs/#When:13:09:50Z The uncertainty of layoffs can make the morale at your organization plummet as employees feel sadness for those who have left while also nervous regarding the fate of their own positions. To boost morale, employees must understand how they can do their jobs with confidence, that they will be rewarded… 2009-08-18T10:09:50-05:00