New York has hit the pause button in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19. On March 20, Governor Cuomo signed the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order. Under the order, all non-essential business is required to close beginning 8:00 p.m. on March 22. Although some construction is allowed to continue, construction managers must ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken. Otherwise, both the workers and the larger community may be put in danger.

Businesses around the world are bracing for the impact of coronavirus. COVID-19, the novel coronavirus that made headlines in early 2020, has spread around the globe. In the United States, multiple cases and deaths have been reported. As cases increases, businesses must prepare for the possibility of an outbreak.

Organizations with industrial operations have a new threat to worry about. A new type of malware has been discovered. It’s called EKANS, which is “snake” spelled backwards. Like a serpent, it can slither into your industrial control systems and wreak havoc.

Businessowners should get ready for a more challenging insurance environment. The insurance market is showing signs of hardening, and this could make obtaining coverage more difficult for businessowners. Hard markets aren’t unusual, however, and there are steps you can take to minimize the impact. The key is to start preparing now.

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.

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.