News
The latest insurance articles, insight, and news from Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors.
Summer Travel Safety Tips [2021]
September 2, 2021
As millions of Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19 and businesses resume normal operations, people are likely making plans to travel this summer. Of those planning to travel, 74% will take a domestic trip and 13% will travel internationally. Also, millennials report being the most excited to plan trips and get back out there this summer.…
Read MoreCritical Infrastructure Cyberattacks on the Rise
August 31, 2021
Critical infrastructure cyberattacks are increasing in frequency according to Advisen’s loss database, and some experts are worried the worst is yet to come. There are sixteen industry sectors in the United States that make up the country’s critical infrastructure. These sectors are considered so vital their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on…
Read MorePfizer – BioNTech Vaccine Fully Approved by FDA
August 29, 2021
On Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. It is the first full approval of any coronavirus vaccine in the United States. The other vaccines, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, are still available under emergency use authorization (EUA) granted by the FDA. The Moderna…
Read MoreFederal Workers and Contractors Must Attest to Their Vaccination Status
August 26, 2021
On July 29, 2021, President Biden announced new actions to strengthen safety protocols for federal employees and federal contractors. This announcement was not an executive order, but does impose new requirements for federal employees and contractors. Every federal government employee and on-site contractor is now required to disclose their vaccination status. Federal employees and contractors…
Read More4 Lessons Learned From Open Enrollment During the Pandemic
August 22, 2021
The pandemic presented many learning opportunities for organizations as they pivoted and learned how to be resilient during uncertain times. The 2020 open enrollment season was one such opportunity, and many employers rose to the challenge by exploring new ways to engage and educate their employees about their benefits. With open enrollment approaching and hybrid/remote…
Read MoreAccommodating Permanent Work Restrictions
August 19, 2021
When an on-the-job injury or illness results in permanent work restrictions, you are required to provide the injured worker a position that fits medically determined specifications. If you are unable to accommodate the permanent work restrictions, vocational rehabilitation benefits are available to the injured employee. These benefits may include job placement services, retraining or a…
Read MoreThe Long-term Effects of COVID-19
August 17, 2021
It's been more than a year since the pandemic began, and we continue to learn more about the short- and long-term health effects of COVID-19. Although most people get better within weeks, some people experience long COVID-19—a wide range of symptoms that can last weeks or months. In fact, a new study found that nearly…
Read MoreOSHA Penalty Schedule
August 15, 2021
An employer receives a written citation when it violates OSHA standards or regulations. The citation will describe the particular nature of the violation and will include a reference to the provision of the chapter, standard, rule, regulation or order the employer violated. In addition, the citation will provide a reasonable amount of time for the…
Read MoreWhy Starting Open Enrollment Early In 2021 Is More Important Than Ever
August 12, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic shook the job market in ways never before seen. For one, it created so much uncertainty that employees who would’ve typically searched for a new job last year decided to stay put. For another, the pandemic prompted workers to take stock of their circumstances and consider what workplace perks matter most to…
Read MoreHow Complete Is Your Business Contingency Plan?
August 10, 2021
A business contingency plan enables businesses to stay functional in adverse conditions, such as major technical issues, natural disasters, or other unexpected occurrences. These plans are often thought of as emergency action plans or disaster recovery plans, but business contingency plans go well beyond natural disasters. A well-constructed plan can mean the difference between staying in business…
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