By July 1, 2024, most California employers with ten or more employees must have a compliant Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) in place. What do California employers need to know about the WVPP requirements? It must be in writing and include detailed information and effective procedures for identifying and correcting workplace hazards specific to each…
Violence in the workplace is a growing problem for which many U.S. employers are unprepared. Business owners may believe that their workforces are like families and that a violent outburst could never happen at work. They may also think that they have adequate security in place to stop an outsider from launching an attack or…
Announcing 2023 InterWest Insurance Services Distinguished Employee Winner! Ericka Ramirez SBU, Senior Manager SBU Chico, California Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out…
With multiple generations working side-by-side in this economy, the needs of your staff in terms of employee benefits will vary greatly depending on their age. You may have baby boomers who are nearing retirement and have health issues, working with staff in their 30s who are newly married and have had their first kids. And…
Efforts are afoot to create new laws and regulations that would require California employers to include the opioid overdose medication Narcan in their first aid kits. The National Safety Council (NSC) recently asked the Cal/OSHA Standards Board to create new regulations requiring construction sites and general industry workplaces to stock medications that can reverse opioid…
InterWest is saddened to share that Tom Williams had passed away comfortably in his sleep late last week. Reading his obituary, you will see that Tom lead and amazing life. I can safely say that without Tom’s influence InterWest as we know it may never have come to be. Thankfully, Tom’s wisdom and guidance brought…
If you have staff with health savings accounts, they still have until April 15 to make additional contributions to their accounts if they want to reduce their tax bills for last year. HSAs allow your employees to put away funds to pay for future medical expenses. Usually, these accounts are funded with pre-tax deductions from…
The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California will recommend changes to class codes for some electronics manufacturing sectors, as well as increases to the wage thresholds for construction industry dual classifications. The move comes after the Rating Bureau’s governing committee unanimously approved proposed changes, which will be sent in March to the state insurance…
As the economy continues roaring, the market for top talent stays exceedingly competitive. Multiple studies have consistently shown that a robust set of employee benefits is a vital component of an overall compensation package. But it’s tough for smaller companies to compete with their large counterparts, who have the advantage of economies of scale. As…
Announcing 2023 InterWest Insurance Services Distinguished Employee Winner! Heather Ruley Commercial, Account Manager Chico, California Each year, InterWest recognizes employees who are identified by their co-workers as having demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their clients, workmates as well as their community. This partnership between work and giving back makes them stand out for…