Labor represents a significant expense for many businesses. Keeping labor costs under control is essential. At the same time, businesses must follow all local and federal wage and hour laws. Many of these laws have recently changed, and missteps can lead to expensive lawsuits. 

What do high-tech wearables, bird-friendly windows, and ancient ruins have in common? They’re all part of today’s evolving construction industry. In this week’s blog, we’ve tapped our sources to bring you some recent developments in the industry to keep you informed. Here are just a few.

Last week, we were honored to volunteer at the Blythdale Children’s Hospital event. It was truly an amazing morning. The energy was so touching and inspiring and the kids, staff and parents were so happy. It reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas. We applaud all the employees who work there, caring for medically fragile children. It is a truly special place. Here are some photos of our experiences.

When you plan your holiday events this year, don’t forget to consider your liability risks. Every time you welcome guests to your home, you take on some responsibility for their well-being. If a guest is injured on your property, you could be held legally liable. You may even face legal liability for what happens to guests after they leave a party you’ve hosted. Take precautions to keep your guests safe and your exposures under control.

We’ve seen some jaw-dropping liability claim settlements against big business in recent years. Just recently, corporate giant Johnson & Johnson was slapped with a whopping $8 billion products liability settlement for failing to sufficiently warn doctors of the side effects of the antipsychotic medication Risperdal.

Cyberattacks have become a part of daily life, but this doesn’t mean they’re becoming less of a risk. These days, no one is immune from the threat. Local governments are being hit with coordinated ransomware attacks, while the National Cyber Security Alliance reports that 25 percent of small- and medium-sized businesses file for bankruptcy after a cyberattack. To survive, your business needs to make cyber risk readiness the new normal.

In today’s litigious environment, employers must have employee practices liability insurance. This important policy provides coverage for employee lawsuits over common claims, including harassment, discrimination and wrongful termination. It can cover legal costs including defense and settlements.

It’s a lesson too many contractors learn the hard way… One pollution liability claim can ruin you.

Are your teens safe on the road? According to the NHTSA, 3,255 teen drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 were involved in fatal crashes in 2017. Remind your teens about safe driving best practices  frequently – you just might prevent a crash and save a life.

It only takes a split second for an employee to get injured on the job. A slip and fall. The careless handling of a power tool. Lifting gone wrong. There are almost endless ways your workers can be injured in an instant.