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Summertime presents drivers with unique challenges, such as added traffic from summer vacationers, sun glare and unpredictable weather patterns. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, July and August are the most dangerous driving months of the year. Some summer driving hazards include:
• Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists—Since summer weather allows more people to enjoy outdoor activities, vehicles frequently share the road with joggers, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
• Increased traffic—During the summer months, roads are often more congested due to traveling vacationers and road construction projects.
• Inclement weather—In the summer, heavy rainfall, hail, and high winds are common in some locations.
• Sun glare—Sunshine can cause sun glare and present a challenge for drivers by potentially impairing vision. This issue may be particularly prevalent during early morning and evening hours.
• Intoxicated drivers—The summer months can be a dangerous time for driving because of all the outdoor celebrations and activities, and research shows alcohol-involved crashes and DUIs increase during this season.
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The labor market is a bit unpredictable at the
moment. Economists previously warned of a “Great
Resignation,” a time when employees were expected
to quit in record numbers and leave considerable
vacancies in the workforce. This actually happened
somewhat—according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS), there were a record number of
resignations at the end of 2021. Although the
number of quits dropped at the beginning of 2022,
the employment market is back to experiencing
record-high quit rates.
This article explains how employers can focus their
attraction and retention efforts to capitalize on this
moment of worker fluidity.
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Mental health has been a hot topic recently, thanks to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, so many
people have experienced issues such as burnout, depression,
anxiety and substance addiction. In fact, 40% of U.S. adults
said they have struggled with mental health or substance
abuse during the pandemic, according to a Jellyvision survey.
In 2022, mental health will continue to be a top concern for
workplaces, and employers are taking notice. Over 30% of
employers have added new mental health benefits within the
past year, according to McKinsey and Company. Yet, despite
increased efforts, nearly 25% of employees still don’t feel
supported when it comes to their mental health.
With that in mind, employers will need to evaluate their
mental health strategies and consider how they can best help
maximize their employees’ overall well-being. To help with
this, employers can consider the following trends that may
influence workers’ mental health in 2022.
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Doctors and physicians are educated and licensed to deal with the overall medical health and physical concerns of their patients, but there are many physicians who are not aware of the different risks their practices are exposed to on a day to day basis. Click Here to review our checklist of suggested coverages care providers and to learn about some of the most common risk physicians offices are exposed to.
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Open enrollment can be a confusing and stressful time for employees. Employees must take
more responsibility when selecting their benefits and securing their future, but that’s easier
said than done. Click here and learn how you can maximize enrollment for employees.
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There are a lot of complexities involved in auto insurance that can be very difficult to understand. But while it can be frustrating at times, it’s still important to know exactly what you’re covered for under your auto insurance policy. Click Here for a list of common auto insurance myths that may teach you something that you didn’t know, and maybe even save you some money.
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Personal Insurance Solutions
What exactly is Personal insurance? Our clients rely on us to creatively assist them with their insurance and financial needs to protect what matters most. We offer a full range of automobile, home and life insurance solutions, along with loss prevention, health and safety tips to help minimize claims, reduce your risks and promote your well-being. The insurance professionals at MHA Solutions can assist you in selecting the most comprehensive coverage, provided by highly-rated insurance companies. Read more about personal lines of insurance and let us help you decide how to best cover what’s really most important. We’ll discuss your auto, home, life, and everything in between.
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Reap the benefits of cross-training your teams.
To increase employee flexibility and further utilize their skills, many companies engage in cross-training efforts at their organizations. This process involves training employees on various tasks performed at the organization so they can complete the duties of others. This technique is beneficial to the organization and presents new educational opportunities for employees. Plus, it is far less expensive and labor-intensive than hiring new staff members to perform these tasks. Let us help you put together a game plan. Start by reading up on the importance of having a strategic plan and all the benefits you and your employees will receive.
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The more prepared you are for the unthinkable, the better.
Workplace violence is one of the most frightening exposures companies must face. One incident can devastate a company, destroying its bottom line and therefore, threatening its survival. Let MHA Solutions help you with insuring your business to protect your employees, business, and everything you’ve worked so hard for. Read more to see how you can get started or contact us to discuss your options.
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Calm. Relaxed. Happy.
These should be words used to describe your employees on the job. We want to help you support your employees’ mental health. Reviewing your plan designs and benefits offerings is the first step. Contact us at MHA Solutions to discuss your current offerings and to learn more about the mental health resources that you can provide to your employees.
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Protect your business and leadership
Lawsuits involving directors and officers can be financially devastating for both an organization and its leadership. What’s more, D&O liability can come from many sources, and claims can arise without warning. D&O insurance is a must have for organizations of all sizes. Review this guide to get an overview of D&O insurance and its benefits.
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laws Change. know the details.
All Massachusetts employers are responsible for making contributions under the PFML law into the state via the MassTaxConnect portal effective 10/1/19. Special rules apply to employers who have under 25 employees. Please download the Reference Guide to gain a better understanding of this complex new law.
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RECRUITING Top Talent W/SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media can be very beneficial for businesses, especially as it pertains to recruiting new employees. Job seekers today—especially millennials—are looking beyond traditional job boards and career fairs to find work; instead, many are using social media to find job opportunities and get noticed. To make sure your organization is finding the best available talent, consider expanding your recruiting efforts to social media. Read more to get the latest input on using LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
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Small Business Owners’ Guide
As a business owner, you need some of the same insurance coverages for the cars, trucks, vans or other vehicles you use in your business as you do for vehicles used for personal travel. Your Business Owners Policy (BOP) does not provide any coverage for vehicles, therefore you must have a separate policy. Most states require you to purchase liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage that may result from a vehicle accident occurring while you or someone from your organization is driving on business. Many states also require you to have uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage and/or medical payments coverage (known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in some states). Read more to understand your coverage options and what is right for protecting your small business.
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E&O insurance and do you need it?
Short answer is yes. E&O policies cover large defense costs incurred when trying to prove liability or innocence. They also ultimately cover the final judgment if you as the business owner do not win the lawsuit. Read more.
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What is workplace wellness?
Workplace wellness refers to the education and activities a company may sponsor in order to promote healthy lifestyles for their employees and their families. Check out this road map we put together that helps you understand how a wellness program helps your employees as well as your business. Read more.
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What can you do to reduce the ever-rising cost of healthcare?
There are many factors that have contributed to rising healthcare costs. Employers are scrambling to cut costs wherever possible; yet this is easier said than done. Some organizations are encouraging workers to utilize telemedicine as a way to trim costs. Read more to learn how you can encourage your workers to take the right path for them, yet still trim costs.
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What is Commericial Liability Insurance and should you have it?
Commercial General Liability (CGL) covers non-professional negligent acts. Understanding this type of insurance coverage is important in order to reduce risks for your business in the event of an accident. Read the PDF to learn more about what this insurance is, what it covers, how to get it, and other options for you to consider.
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What are you doing to be sure that you’re engaging your employees?
Studies show that nearly 70% of workers in the U.S. say they’re not engaged on the job. Check out this score card to see if you need to make a change.
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Workers’ Compensation – A Cash Flow Solution
Workers’ Compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment. In exchange, you give up your right as the employee to sue your employer for the tort of negligence. Because you’re a business, you need to provide this type of coverage. But how do you go about it from a financial standpoint? A customized billing solution doesn’t have to be complicated. With Pay as You Go Workers Compensation, you, the employer, are billed a portion of the premium each payroll cycle based on actual wages paid. At the end of the year an audit is still done. You’ll be reporting actual wages, therefore you’ll avoid a surprise bill. Read more on how you can benefit from this type of program. Thanks to The Hartford for their explanation of Pay As You Go Workers Compensation.
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WHAT requirements DO YOU as an employer NEED TO KNOW?
As an employer, when it comes to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you want to be sure you’re employers are covered. Covered to make sure your employees are taken care of and also covered according to what’s mandated by the state. Changes to the requirements you’re obligated to abide by have been updated. For example, by July 1, 2019 employers must comply with workplace posting and new hire notice requirements. Employers must also begin remitting contributions to the trust. As an employer, be in the know. Make sure you’re in compliance with Massachusetts state law. Read more to find out what you can do now.
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Business Owner’s Policy Information
Most small medical and healthcare practices purchase a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP). It can help protect your business in much the same way that a homeowner’s policy helps protect your home and personal possessions. What’s your policy? Not sure? Read the PDF to learn more about how to make sure you’re covered.
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Changes You Need To Be Aware Of
With the new year getting started, MHA Solutions wants you to know what changes have been made to the Massachusetts Minimum Wage and how it affects you. The federal minimum wage is governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Massachusetts Minimum Fair Wage Law (MFWL) complements federal law and, in some cases, prescribes more stringent or additional requirements that most employers in the state must follow. Read more from MHA Solutions to get the information you need in order to be sure you’re being paid fairly.
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Holiday fire safety
The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and decorations. Cuddles up by the fire, then making hot chocolate. These are joyous times and we want you to treasure all that 2018 has brought to you and look forward to a wonderful 2019. But with all this festive celebration, also comes new hazards and safety considerations for homes and businesses alike. Each year nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays, claiming more than 500 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries, and costing $554M in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The increased use of candles, fireplaces, and combustible decorations means more risk for fire. It is important that employees and tenants know the property rules and regulations as they relate to holiday fire safety for your organization. Read more from the blog of Philadelphia Insurance Companies.
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MHA Solutions welcomes a New team Member
MHA Solutions is the leading broker and consulting firm for insurance and risk management in New England. They are welcoming John Papanastasiou as the newest MHA Solutions team member. In the Account Executive role, John will focus on the Property and Casualty lines of business. He will provide expert insurance knowledge and experience to new and existing clients, while also providing insight to team members.
MHA Solutions is thrilled to have John join their team of insurance experts. First, read the press release to learn more about John, and then contact MHA Solutions with any questions regarding your current coverage.
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Couch or Waiting room – your choice
Nothing’s worse than needing to haul yourself to a doctor when you’re sick. Why not save yourself the hassle and visit your doctor online? This video explains some of the benefits of virtual doctor visits. Watch the quick video to learn more and then contact us with your questions! We’re here to help.
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Family and medical leave paid enacted in massachusetts
Beginning in 2021, eligible employees may take protected paid leave for certain family and medical reasons. Effective July 1, 2019, employers must comply with a new workplace poster requirement and new hire notice; and begin remitting contributions for the paid family and medical leave program. Read the PDF to find out what else you may need to do and actions you can take to be sure you’re in compliance.
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Enrollment is here. Are you ready?
Employers that sponsor group health plans should provide certain benefit notices in connection with their plans’ open enrollment periods. Some of these notices must be provided at open enrollment time, while other notices must be distributed annually.
When it comes to enrolling in coverage plans, we want to help you reduce the stress and confusion for yourself and your employees. This guide gives some great information that you as the employer can use to help you ensure you’re providing the right information at the right time for your employees.
Download the PDF to learn more.
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Risk Insights
Floods can sometimes be predictable. For example, charting the habitual swelling of the tides establishes typical water levels. It can indicate when coastal areas might be prone to flooding. However, more often than not, floods can arise without warning. First, be prepared. Then, know how to lower your business’ risk of damage and reduce business interruptions. Read the article to learn more.
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Health and wellness tips for your work and life. Know Your Risk.
Did you know that high blood pressure guidelines have changed? Read the PDF to find out quickly what you need to know.
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Tornado Season Is Upon Us
Here in Massachusetts, we’ve been through all sorts of weather, but just recently tornadoes have been making their way through parts of our state. Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms, spawned from powerful thunderstorms, that can cause massive devastation. Should your area receive a tornado warning, do you know what to do? How can you be prepared for such a wild weather situation? Download our quick guide to help you understand what you can do before, during, and after a tornado strikes.
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Summer Safety Tips!
MHA Solutions hopes you’re having a great summer so far. Now that we’re heading into August, these summer safety notes may help you continue to enjoy the warm sunshine. Talk about how to stay cool with heat avoidance tactics and delicious recipes with your family, friends, and co-workers. Brought to you by the Live Well, Work Well and MHA Solutions teams. Download the PDF
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Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ highest court has ruled that terminating an employee for off -duty medical marijuana use may violate the employee’s rights under the state’s disability discrimination and medical marijuana laws.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court first issued its ruling in Barbuto v. Advantage Sales and Marketing on July 17, 2017. Because of that, the decision does not require employers to always permit off-duty medical marijuana use. Rather, employers may need to allow the use of it in certain circumstances.The decision differs from other state courts, which have held that employers can have zero-tolerance drug use policies.
First read the PDF to gain more of an understanding of Barbuto V. Advantage Sales and Marketing, Then reach out to your own company for questions or concerns. You have other resources available to you as well. Take a look at state resources such as the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. You can also read more about the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA) enacted in 2012. This act is to protect individuals who are diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition for using doctor-prescribed marijuana.
For more information download the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Law – Off-duty Use PDF.
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Health and wellness tips for your work and life – news presented by MHA Solutions. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the artificially produced trans fats found in junk and fried foods contribute to more than 500,000 preventable deaths annually. WHO has created a guide for governments to eliminate industrially produced trans fat in their countries. First, watch the video and then learn more about trans fats, how to avoid them, and what you can do overall to live a healthier lifestyle. MHA Solutions wants you to live a balanced, happy life both for work and play. This newsletter is a great way to start so download the PDF for great recipes and snack ideas! Download the Newsletter Today
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Texting while driving?
Are you texting while driving? Not only is it illegal, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. The NHTSA claims that driver inattention is the leading cause in most crashes or near-miss accidents in the United States. The most prevalent danger on roadways is texting while driving. Texting requires the driver’s full attention, which then inhibits his or her ability to pay attention to the road. Learn the facts and be safer for it. Download the PDF and be safe and healthy on the job and on the go.
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Don’t let cyber attacks happen at your company.
Every day, more than 1 million people become victims of cyber crime. These types of criminals look for the weak spots and then attack, no matter how large or small the organization. Security for these types of threats should be a company-wide effort because the attacks pose such a prominent threat to your business, customers, and employees. It’s essential to create a plan to deal with this problem. Implementing and adhering to basic preventive and safety procedures will help protect you and your business. Learn simple steps to help reduce your companies chances of becoming under attack. Download the PDF for more information.
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From June through November, hurricanes are at their peak. During a hurricane, heavy rains and catastrophic winds barrel through coastal areas and can severely damage or destroy homes and businesses. To help you plan and remain safe at home during these potentially deadly storms, download the PDF and follow these safety tips.
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Fair Employment Laws – Massachusetts Equal Pay Act
The federal Equal Pay Act requires employers to pay men and women equally if they perform substantially equal work within the same establishment. In addition, many states, including Massachusetts, have enacted their own equal pay laws prohibiting wage discrimination based on gender. This Employment Law Summary provides an overview of Massachusetts’ Equal Pay Act (MPEA), including the amendments to it that go into effect on July 1, 2018. Download the PDF.
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Fair Employment Laws – Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
Having a baby? Now, you may be worried about your boss’ reaction, but as a new parent, you have rights. And these rights are in place to protect you. The federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits employers with 15 or more employers from discriminating against individuals based on pregnancy or related medical conditions. Massachusetts also has enacted a similar law that applies to a broader range of employers in the state. This Employment Law Summary provides an overview of Massachusetts’ Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which was first signed into law on July 27, 2017. This will then go into effect as of April 1, 2018. Download the PDF.
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ACA Taxes and Fees: What You Need to Know
The future of the ACA as a whole is currently unclear, but some definitive changes have been made to a few of the ACA taxes and fees for 2017. Several steps have been taken in 2017 toward repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Now, you need to know how that affects you and your staff. Employers should be aware of the evolving applicability of existing ACA taxes and fees so that they know how to the ACA affects their bottom lines. Download the PDF and learn more about how to prepare for these changes, what you should do first, and any alterations that may take place in the future.
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Cyber security is the most prominent risk issue facing company Boards of Directors and executives worldwide. Read the full article
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The sharing economy is growing at a tremendous rate, with more and more individuals participating in exchanges of services and property. Along with car sharing companies, home sharing companies have rapidly achieved high rates of market penetration and now face increasing regulation. Read the full article
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Changes under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and uncertainty about its future significantly impact the group health market. Read the full article