Doctor or nurse is holding the Covid-19 vaccine and syringe with her blue glove.

COVID-19 Immunizations and Employee Relations Considerations for Long-term Care Facilities

Denise GillinHuman Resources, News, Risk Management

By Richard L. Hackman, Esq. and Collin T. Keyser, Esq., Saxton & Stump Lawyers and Consultants With the imminent possibility of a COVID-19 vaccine, long-term care facilities must be prepared for staff questions and concerns related to immunization for the virus. A recent Gallup survey indicated that approximately 42% of Americans would decline an approved COVID-19 vaccination. Reasons for declining included: the rushed timeline for development of the vaccine; the desire to wait to confirm the vaccine is safe; no trust in vaccines in general; and the desire to wait to determine the effectiveness of the vaccine. These same concerns as voiced by the general populace most certainly will arise with facility staff, which will require an employer to engage …

Diverse Hands Holding The Word Wellbeing

Pandemic Mental Toll On Gen Z

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, News

By Michael Diller, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist and Director, Employee Assistance Program, WellSpan Normal times can be stressful, but the additional distress added by a pandemic can make things overwhelming. What are the signs to look for that may indicate mental anxiety has become something more? Stressors and symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, lower frustration tolerance, difficulty concentrating, problems and changes with sleep and appetite become more frequent, more intense, and last longer. All may be indicators that there is a need to reach out for and get connected to professional support. While everyone is impacted by the pandemic, the American Psychological Association reports the long-term consequences of the persistent stress and trauma are particularly serious for Generation Z – teens …

Holiday Gatherings During a Pandemic

Denise GillinNews

By Josh Mountz, M.Ed, Prevention Specialist, Compass Mark As people begin to think of holiday celebrations, it’s important to point out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers safety guidelines to protect individuals and communities by preventing the spread of COVID-19. Click here to read the guidelines and note they should be used in collaboration with state and local health official considerations. Also, according to the CDC, gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading the virus or the flu. For anyone planning even the smallest of gatherings, in addition to pandemic precautions, remember your guests may not want to drink for a variety of reasons. …

Optimize Ventilation to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission Risk

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, Human Resources, News, Risk Management

By Toby Graham, KPA The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) released new COVID-19 guidance on ventilation in the workplace. Employers should discuss options for optimizing building ventilation with an HVAC professional. Steps that can be taken include: Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick. Ensure all HVAC systems are fully functional, especially those shut down or operating at reduced capacity during the pandemic. Remove or redirect personal fans to prevent blowing air from one worker to another. Use HVAC system filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 13 or higher, where feasible. Increase the HVAC system’s outdoor air intake. Open windows or other sources of fresh air where possible. Be sure exhaust air is …

Cyberattackers Weaponizing Google Services

Denise GillinInsurance, News, Risk Management

By Kelly Sheridan, Staff Editor, Dark Reading Security researchers have reported an uptick in cyberattackers weaponizing Google services to sneak past defensive tools and steal credentials, credit card details, and other personal information. The Armorblox threat research team today published their analysis of five targeted phishing campaigns they call “the tip of a deep iceberg.” These attacks take advantage of several Google services, including Google Forms, Google Docs, Google Site, and Firebase, Google’s mobile platform for app development. Read more here >>>

PA November COVID-19 Traveler Testing Order Exemptions

Denise GillinAgribusiness, News

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine issued an order requiring anyone visiting from another state to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the Commonwealth. The Order goes into effect November 20, 2020. Section 4 of the order allows for exemptions as follows: The following individuals are exempt from this testing and quarantine order but shall conduct travel with attention to social distancing and wearing of masks when in contact with other individuals. Individuals travelling to and from the Commonwealth for the purposes of work. Individuals travelling to and from the Commonwealth for medical reasons, including individuals providing comfort and support to the patient. Military personnel travelling to the Commonwealth by order or directive of a …

Vehicle Hacking: It’s a Thing

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

By Andrew Blancher, CPCU, Director of Commercial Auto and Emerging Issues at ISO, Verisk Picture a day in the hopefully not-too-distant future when we’re all back to our pre-pandemic routines (Nice, isn’t it?). You’re back in the groove of your morning commute, looking forward to picking up on your audio book as you hop into the driver’s seat and start your truck. But rather than the normal hum of the engine turning over, nothing happens. Well, not nothing. Your media console lights up with an ominous message: “This vehicle has been hijacked. To unlock your truck, please forward five CryptoCoins to the following address.” Continue reading more about a new era of vehicle risk >>>

Home for the Holidays: finding joy and meaning during the pandemic

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, News

By Michael Diller, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist and Director, Employee Assistance Program, WellSpan As we enter the November and December holiday season, we remain amidst the ongoing, slow moving and ever-changing storm of COVID-19. Celebrating holidays that are rooted in tradition and history, mixed with personal meaning, can be disconcerting given our current situation. This can create heightened distress more so than any previous time. So, what can we do to help navigate the ongoing uncertainty and still find ways to embrace all this season has to offer? Tips for navigating and embracing this holiday season Acknowledge this year will be different: Express and own any normal frustrations. Admit the losses that are unique to you. Think of ways to safely …

What Delivery Drivers should know about their auto coverage

Denise GillinHome and Auto Insurance, News, Personal Lines

Shared from Forbes.com There are a multitude of ways to make extra income these days. In a time where ridesharing and delivery services are booming, be sure you understand your auto coverage. If you are a delivery driver using your own vehicle to carry and deliver other people’s goods in return for payment, a commercial policy is required. When working for such places as Uber, Lyft, GrubHub, Door Dash or grocery delivery, you are using your vehicle for business instead of personal use. If you have started a driving job (part-time or full-time), you could be putting yourself at risk and could have a claim denied if you haven’t informed your agent. Due to the pandemic, there are some companies …