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September 30, 2015
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Safe Driving Practices Can Lower Work Comp Costs

Millions of people drive as part of their job, but many non-professional drivers never receive driving safety training. It’s easy to think that common sense will keep workers safe. Use seatbelts, don’t text and drive, obey speed limits, don’t drink and drive, take a break if tired …we have all heard the mantras hundreds of time. Yet, the data clearly shows that relying on common sense is not enough. According to Injury Facts, the average economic cost due to a crash was more than $1 million per death, and more than $78,000 per nonfatal disabling injury. Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of occupational fatalities in the U.S. in 2012, accounting for 25% of deaths. Truck drivers accounted for 46% of these deaths. Some of the major issues include: Distracted driving Distracted driving is not only texting, but also includes e-mailing, Web browsing, social media activity, phone calls, and even putting an address into a GPS. According to the […]
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September 23, 2015
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From UNICO HR Solutions – Benefits and Hiring a Former Temporary Worker

Question: What is the waiting period requirement for benefits after hiring a long-term temporary agency worker as a regular employee? Answer: A temporary agency employee is not an employee of the contracting company; he or she is employed by the agency and would be subject to the agency’s compensation and benefits policies as an employee of that agency. The period of time that the agency worker worked for your company as a temporary employee before he or she was hired on a regular full-time basis would not meet the definition of an “active employee” in satisfying the waiting period requirements under your group health plan. Upon hire with your company, this employee would need to meet the eligibility requirements of the plan including the waiting period required of all regular employees. If you are considering waiving the waiting period requirements to include the time he or she worked as a temporary agency employee, please review your plan requirements and consult […]
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September 16, 2015
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How To Avoid Hiring a Work Comp Claim

One of the best ways to reduce the costs of workers’ comp claims is to avoid hiring an employee who is not fit to perform the essential functions of the job. While that may seem easier said than done, particularly in light of the many laws governing the hiring process, one tool has proven to be effective, but is underutilized. And that is the post-offer, pre-hire physical exam. Typically, this consists of a medical history questionnaire and a pre-employment physical exam. The purpose is to measure the individual’s ability to safely perform the job for which they are hired. It’s important to remember that this can only be done after a conditional offer of employment has been made and it carries with it American with Disabilities (ADA) accommodation issues if you have more than 15 employees (five in California). Also, consistency and confidentiality is critical. The exam must be required of all persons offered positions in the same job category […]
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September 9, 2015
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From UNICO HR Solutions – FMLA and Continued Benefits

Question: What benefits must be continued while an employee is on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave? What should we do with an employee who is not making his share of the copayments while out on leave? Answer: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations require that employers continue to provide group health benefits under the same terms and conditions as if the employee was actively at work. There is no requirement under the FMLA to continue other types of benefits offered by the employer. Whether or not an employee’s other benefits continue depend on an employer’s established policy. Any benefits that would be maintained if the employee was on another form of leave should be maintained while the employee is on FMLA leave. Part of the requirement to continue health insurance benefits “under the same terms” means that both the employer and employee must continue to pay their portions of the group health insurance premium, unless the employer […]
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September 2, 2015
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Work Comp Management- 3 Key Points To Lower Costs

For the unprepared, workers’ compensation (WC) issues can be both confusing and costly. Fortunately for employers, there are ways to actively engage Work comp issues to influence their outcomes. Through management controls and active involvement in the Work comp process, your organization can effectively influence related costs. To do so you will have to establish a number of your own processes that guide decision making throughout your organization. Areas requiring Work comp management can be divided into three main categories. These categories include facets that may range from the simple to the complex but, as a whole, address vital issues that can negatively influence WC costs in your company. 1. Workplace Safety Means Fewer Claims Simply put, reducing claims reduces costs. Establishing a safety-minded culture throughout every level of your company is essential to keeping workers injury free. However, establishing such a culture isn’t an overnight solution. To be successful, an ongoing commitment to safety must be made. Such a […]
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August 26, 2015
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Employment Practices Liability Insurance- An often overlooked insurance policy

Virtually every business has insurance to cover a fire, theft, automobiles, and general liability exposures. Did you know if is far more likely that a company will face an employee lawsuit than the terrible effects of a fire? Almost 75% of all litigation against companies today involved employment disputes, and the typical expense of a lawsuit exceeds $250,000 in judgments, attorney’s fees and costs. Over the past ten years, an average of more than 79,000 EPL charges have been filed annually with the EEOC, resulting in more than $2.2 billion in benefits for complainants. Monetary awards increased 73% between 1996 and 2004, when the total amount awarded topped $250 million. Not only are the numbers of employment-related claims increasing, but so is the potential financial risk to your business. Defending a wrongful termination or discrimination claim whether you are innocent or guilty, or even if the claim is groundless or fraudulent can be expensive. The potential exposure for a money […]
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August 19, 2015
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Why Does the Proposed Rule Matter?

Proposed Changes to FLSA White Collar Exemption Rules If implemented, the DOL estimates the new rule would extend overtime protections to approximately 5 million workers who are currently exempt under the white collar exemption rules. It would also clarify overtime compensation eligibility for another 6 million white collar workers. Currently, salaried workers who fall above the $23,660 salary threshold and who are given some managerial tasks are considered “exempt” from overtime pay. Many argue that this exemption has allowed millions of workers to be misclassified as managers, even if the majority of their work is not spent on managerial tasks.However, under the new rule, managers who make less than $50,440 a year would be considered “non-exempt,” meaning they would be eligible for overtime pay. Therefore, in the case above, the individual would be entitled to 20 hours of overtime pay—assuming she does not meet all of the exemption criteria (salary basis, salary level and duties test).While employers can elect to […]
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August 12, 2015
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UNITEL Risk Management- Online Security

Here we are starting the month of June! The half-way point of 2016. Was it not just yesterday that we were wishing each other happy holidays and looking forward to the new year? I can barely remember my new year resolutions made just a few months ago, how about you? There are a lot of things that we know are good for us, but we never get around to doing them. We know we should: Exercise more Eat healthier Drink more water Sleep more Read more books Take better care of ourselves Do our periodical health check-ups, etc. The list could really go on for a while. We often use these lists when we define our New Year resolutions or when we decide we want to have a better quality of life. I bet you have one of these lists too. And improving your online security may be on it as well, because it’s one of those things that you’ve always […]
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April 8, 2015
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Safe Driving Practices Can Lower Work Comp Costs

Millions of people drive as part of their job, but many non-professional drivers never receive driving safety training. It’s easy to think that common sense will keep workers safe. Use seatbelts, don’t text and drive, obey speed limits, don’t drink and drive, take a break if tired …we have all heard the mantras hundreds of time. Yet, the data clearly shows that relying on common sense is not enough. According to Injury Facts, the average economic cost due to a crash was more than $1 million per death, and more than $78,000 per nonfatal disabling injury. Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of occupational fatalities in the U.S. in 2012, accounting for 25% of deaths. Truck drivers accounted for 46% of these deaths. The ringing of a phone or pinging of a text creates irresistible urges for people to answer the call, read the message or respond. Moreover, the need to meet deadlines or make on-time deliveries often results […]
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January 27, 2015
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HR Solutions – Employee Pay and Salary Benchmarking Tools

Question: One of my best employees is asking for a raise because he found salary data on the Internet that he believes shows he is underpaid. How should I handle the conversation? I don’t want to lose him, but I am skeptical that he is underpaid. Answer: Handling this type of discussion on such a sensitive subject can be difficult, but it also provides an excellent opportunity for a conversation with the employee about his professional needs while you get direct feedback about his view of his job and the company. Consider this approach: Involve the employee’s manager in the discussion and have him or her lead the conversation with the employee. Treat his concerns with respect and schedule time with him to discuss his issues. He may have been searching the Internet for jobs as well as salary information. Let him know that he is valuable to the company and you want to hear his concerns and review the […]
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December 2, 2014
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Worksite Wellness as a Business Strategy

The Affordable Care Act has made you think about wellness. How do you do it? Where do I start? Do I really need it? This article is the first in a series of articles that will answer some of the questions above. Today we will focus on WHY WORKSITE WELLNESS. People spend more aware time at work than any other place. Time is a precious commodity in our fast-paced world. The saying goes; you can lead a camel to water, but you cannot make him drink. That is true for people as well, but businesses can help make the healthy choice the easy choice. Not only is wellness the right thing to do, it is a smart business strategy! Analysis of 22 large-employer studies showed significant positive impacts on healthcare costs and absenteeism: • Employee healthcare costs were reduced $3.27 for every $1 spent on comprehensive worksite health programs. • Absenteeism costs dropped by $2.73 for every $1 spent. Local […]
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November 5, 2014
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From UNICO HR Solutions – FMLA and Continued Benefits

Question: What benefits must be continued while an employee is on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave? What should we do with an employee who is not making his share of the copayments while out on leave? Answer: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations require that employers continue to provide group health benefits under the same terms and conditions as if the employee was actively at work. There is no requirement under the FMLA to continue other types of benefits offered by the employer. Whether or not an employee’s other benefits continue depend on an employer’s established policy. Any benefits that would be maintained if the employee was on another form of leave should be maintained while the employee is on FMLA leave. Part of the requirement to continue health insurance benefits “under the same terms” means that both the employer and employee must continue to pay their portions of the group health insurance premium, unless the employer […]
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October 24, 2014
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From UNICO HR Solutions – Benefits and Hiring a Former Temporary Worker

Question: What is the waiting period requirement for benefits after hiring a long-term temporary agency worker as a regular employee? Answer: A temporary agency employee is not an employee of the contracting company; he or she is employed by the agency and would be subject to the agency’s compensation and benefits policies as an employee of that agency. The period of time that the agency worker worked for your company as a temporary employee before he or she was hired on a regular full-time basis would not meet the definition of an “active employee” in satisfying the waiting period requirements under your group health plan. Upon hire with your company, this employee would need to meet the eligibility requirements of the plan including the waiting period required of all regular employees. If you are considering waiving the waiting period requirements to include the time he or she worked as a temporary agency employee, please review your plan requirements and consult […]
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October 23, 2014
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Cyber Security Awareness

October is officially Cyber Security Awareness month, but a reminder for consumers to review their bank statements and credit card bills to confirm that all the transactions listed are legitimate is good to remember every month. Individuals should also be vigilant when using their smartphones, tablets and other devices that store personal information digitally. Launched by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security in October 2004, Cyber Security Awareness month has grown to include the participation of industry experts, their customers and employees; and the general public. Experts in CNA’s Cyber Preparedness Center have shared 15 tips for companies and individuals to minimize their exposure to cyber-attacks. General Security Make sure passwords are at least eight characters long and contain both uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as special characters. Consider using a phrase to help create your password. For example, “Jack and Jill went up the hill,” becomes “J_Jwuth.” Never use the “Remember Password” software […]
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September 30, 2014
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UNITEL Recognizes Rand Moritzky

The society of Certified Insurance Counselors recognizes Rand Moritzky, National Program Director, for more than 25 years of steadfast commitment to leadership and excellence through continuing insurance education, which commitment has been manifested in outstanding individual achievement, and in the highest level of professional competence encompassing the major fields of insurance, insurance management and agency operations. Rand was recognized for a very special double milestone. He is now considered a Tenured CIC, a level of recognition achieved by less than 9% of CICs nationally. UNITEL would like to congratulate Rand on this achievement. We are thankful to have such dedicated professionals as Rand, a part of this team.
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September 17, 2014
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Common HR Mistakes Made By Smaller Companies

What Types of Mistakes Do Small Businesses Make Regarding Human Resources? Dealing with human resource issues can be challenging at times for any company but especially smaller companies. Quite often, smaller companies just don’t have the expertise or resources when it comes to making sure mistakes aren’t being made when it comes to handling employees. Management and business owners are focused on growth, customer relations, and being as profitability as possible. HR mistakes can cost companies a lot of money and many don’t realize they aren’t compliant or unaware what HR laws apply to them. It’s important that you make sure you avoid these common mistakes which can cost you a lot of time and money if they aren’t addressed properly. 1. Not Having An Employee Handbook – Employee handbooks are important for small companies too. A small business owner may not see a need for one to exist there are many reasons why one should. The employee handbook communicates […]
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September 4, 2014
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Common HR Mistakes Made By Smaller Companies

What Types of Mistakes Do Small Businesses Make Regarding Human Resources? Dealing with human resource issues can be challenging at times for any company but especially smaller companies. Quite often, smaller companies just don’t have the expertise or resources when it comes to making sure mistakes aren’t being made when it comes to handling employees. Management and business owners are focused on growth, customer relations, and being as profitability as possible. HR mistakes can cost companies a lot of money and many don’t realize they aren’t compliant or unaware what HR laws apply to them. It’s important that you make sure you avoid these common mistakes which can cost you a lot of time and money if they aren’t addressed properly. 1. Not Having An Employee Handbook – Employee handbooks are important for small companies too. A small business owner may not see a need for one to exist there are many reasons why one should. The employee handbook communicates […]
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July 25, 2014
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Health Care Reform Update

Several lawsuits have been filed by individuals and employers to challenge the ability of the federal government to provide tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to individuals in states that did not establish their own Exchanges (that is, in states with federally-facilitated exchanges, or FFEs). These lawsuits were filed in response to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule that authorizes subsidies in all states, including those with FFEs. On July 22, 2014, the D.C. Circuit Court struck down the availability of health insurance subsidies in states with federal Exchanges, while the 4th Circuit Court upheld their availability in all states, including those with federal Exchanges.that authorizes subsidies in all states, including those with FFEs. Click here to view the full article *This information has been provided by Midlands Financial Benefits, Inc.
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