Considerations for a Remote Workforce

Denise GillinHuman Resources, News

By Hannah Lopez, MBA, SHRM-CP, Human Resource Consultant In recent years, more businesses have been shifting towards a more remote workforce. The advent of the coronavirus pandemic has only accelerated this trend. Many businesses are now giving serious consideration to continuing remote opportunities for their employees even after the COVID-19 pandemic ends. The link below covers the pros and cons of remote work, as well as other considerations every company needs to process before making these changes permanent. Pro and Con Considerations for a Remote Workforce Contact Hannah at 717.205.5117 to further discuss.

COVID-19: Pennsylvania Phased Return-to-Work for Business

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

By Timothy W. Braun, Risk Control Specialist As Pennsylvania continues efforts to return to normal, it is critical to be aware of the landscape of orders, laws, regulations, and best practices in order to avoid illness, liability, loss and compliance issues with local, state, or federal government. Failure to follow rules or guidelines could expose individuals or entities to illnesses, fines, lawsuits, insurance claims, harm to reputation, or other adverse outcomes. Being aware of, and adhering to, requirements, recommendations, and other best practices is important. Read the Safety Practices and Protections for the Phased Return-to-Work for businesses: RC Phased Return to Work for Business The situation regarding COVID-19 is changing rapidly, along with guidance and recommended actions. Be sure to …

Insurance Impact of Early Reopening Or Move to “Yellow” Phase

Denise GillinInsurance, News

May 15, 2020   To Our Clients: Several counties in Pennsylvania are considering reopening early or shifting to a “yellow” phase ahead of Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 timeline.  Regardless of whether we agree or disagree with such a decision, it is important for you to be aware of potential insurance implications should you choose to reopen ahead of the Governor’s order. Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department recently made several public statements regarding provisions in many types of insurance policies that could exclude coverage for businesses or individuals “engaging in illegal acts or conduct”.  We believe that most policyholders recognize that insurance, in general, does not provide coverage for illegal or criminal acts, regardless of the current COVID-19 pandemic or …

PCRB Update to PA WC Manual Due to COVID-19

Denise GillinInsurance, News

On May 5, 2020, the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau released an update to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Manual, specifically to address issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The new provisions have been approved by the Insurance Commissioner, and will apply from April 1, 2020, or later for policies in force on March 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Following is a summary of the changes as presented and what they may mean for PA employers. Allocation of Payroll The COVID19 Coronavirus Exception allows for temporary reclassification of payroll for employees working from home to Code 953 – Clerical Office during laws or regulations issued due to COVID-19, if separate, accurate and verifiable records are kept. Once normal operations resume, appropriate …

American Industrial Hygiene Association – Going Back to Work Safely

Denise GillinInsurance, News

The American Industrial Hygiene Association put out the following re-opening guides: At Home Service Providers: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-At-Home-Service-Providers_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument May 2020 General Office Setting: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-General-Office-Settings_CoVid 2020 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Rideshare – Taxi, Limo, and Other Passenger Drivers for Hire: AIHA Returning-to-Work-Rideshare-Taxi-Limo-and-other-Passenger-Drivers-for-Hire_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 My 2020 Retail Industry: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-the-Retail-Industry_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Restaurant Industry: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-the-Restaurant-Industry_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Construction Environments: AIHA Returning-to-Work-Construction-Environments_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Gyms and Workout Facilities: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-Gyms-and-Workout-Facilitiess_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Hair and Nail Salons: AIHA Reopening-Guidance-for-Hair-and-Nail-Salons_CoVid 19 GuidanceDocument 06 May 2020 Contact your Murray representative at 717.397.9600 for further assistance.  

SBA Accepting New Economic Injury Disaster Loan Applications

Denise GillinAgribusiness, News

Shared from the Small Business Administration Website: The Small Business Administration (SBA) will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications on a limited basis only to provide relief to U.S. agricultural businesses. The new eligibility is made possible as a result of the latest round of funds appropriated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Agricultural businesses include those businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries as defined in Section 18(b) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 647(b). The SBA is encouraging all eligible agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees wishing to apply to begin preparing …

HR Reopening Considerations During COVID-19

Denise GillinHuman Resources, News

By Hannah Lopez, MBA, SHRM-CP, Human Resource Consultant As companies begin to ramp up operations and bring staff back to work, Hannah has some suggestions for your consideration.   HR Reopening Considerations During COVID-19 To further discuss, contact Hannah at 717.205.5117 or email her.