Commercial P/C Market Index Year in Review: 2022

Nina ConnerInsurance

By Zach West for Leader’s Edge Premium pricing increases slowed; most lines saw some relief. Premium pricing stabilized slightly in 2022, with slower increases for most lines compared to 2020 and 2021. The majority of lines recorded lower average increases at the end of 2022 compared to the beginning of the year. Workers compensation was the only line that saw a decrease in 2022, with premiums, ending the year at -0.7%. Despite the slowing of increases, respondents were clear that market conditions were still challenging in 2022, pointing to tight underwriting, increased scrutiny, and decreased carrier appetite. Read full article here>>>

We now accept credit card payments!

Nina ConnerUncategorized

For your ease and convenience, Murray now offers credit card payments for your policy invoice! Please click on the link below to make your payment. Contact us at 717.397.9600 with any questions. Thank you!

Managing the Numbers: A Look Inside TRIR, DART, and Experience Modification Factors

Nina ConnerEnergy

By Tara Crisp for AssuredPartners Oil and gas contractors often secure and maintain work based on their Total Recordable Incident Rate, TRIR, and/or Experience Modification Factor. If either of those numbers goes above a 1.0, then a contractor may not be allowed to continue to perform work for an operator. Understanding how to manage your TRIR, DART and experience modification factor can be a useful tool in maintaining your current and future business operations. The TRIR is intended to assist employers to understand how they, the safety team, and the company is performing on at least one dimension of safety. Because incidents capture and cover such a large part of the safety spectrum, it is one of the most common …

2023 Construction Conference Guide

Nina ConnerConstruction

By Sarah Licata for AssuredPartners With an ever-changing landscape facing the construction industry, keeping up to date by getting advice from industry experts makes navigating the challenges that come your way a little easier. Our construction and surety experts often attend conventions and other industry events to get the latest information on what is happening so that they can best serve you. Interested in possibly attending an event in 2023? Check out the list below for some options to get you started on finding the best event for you. Please Note:  Check conference websites linked below for more information and the most current schedule. The Associated General Contractors of America Convention When: March 13-16 Where: Las Vegas, NV About: “Experience …

A Modern Approach to Security Deposits

Nina ConnerBusiness Insurance, Insurance

By Nate Bunty for Murray Housing affordability is one of the hottest current economic topics. Housing stock is down while rents and interest rates are up, and inflation is at its highest in a generation. Existing home sales, new construction, and the rental market are all feeling the effects. For property managers and landlords, this environment requires new creative solutions to address affordability issues; legacy systems need to be rethought and retooled. Emerging alternatives to the traditional security deposit are making renting more attainable while protecting the interests of property owners. Creative Solutions to an Evolving Proble A few enterprising companies have developed alternatives to traditional security deposits that eliminate hassle for landlords or property managers and make newer, better …

Best Practices for Avoiding Electrical Risks

Nina ConnerAgribusiness

By Gina Ekstam for AssuredPartners Electrical risks are one of the most overlooked hazards in agriculture. According to the National Ag Safety Database (NASD), thousands of workers are shocked and burned due to accidental contact with electricity each year, and an estimated $1.2 billion in property damage occurs because of faulty electrical usage. Accidents happen for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest dangers is overhead power lines. Workers using portable grain augers, large wagons, combines, fold-up cultivators, and other tall equipment should know where power lines are located as well as the clearance needed for equipment that must travel underneath the lines. Maintaining a minimum 10-foot clearance between the power line and the top of equipment traveling under …

Tips for Safely Extracting Stuck Vehicles

Nina ConnerAgribusiness

By Gina Ekstam for AssuredPartners Agricultural workers know all too well the risk of trucks and tractors getting stuck in the mud or snow. Unfortunately, it’s during attempts to dislodge a stuck vehicle that serious injuries occur. Safety training is one of the best ways to avoid an accident. Techniques may vary, but all safe towing practices should consider: Soil condition How deep the truck or tractor is stuck Stuck vehicle weight Towing vehicle weight When a vehicle becomes stuck, it’s important not to rush. Mistakes are more likely to happen when workers hurry to extract the vehicle, increasing the chance of property damage and injury. Instead, assess the following: How stuck is the vehicle, and how much damage may …

PPE Hazard Assessments in Oil & Gas

Nina ConnerEnergy

By Tara Crisp-Schwartz for AssuredPartners A recent injury incident in Midland, Texas, has spotlighted a little-known hazard related to working with sodium hypochlorite, also known as, bleach. An employee, who was performing water treatment duties in conjunction with the water transfer department, violated the standard operating procedure when working with sodium hypochlorite and suffered second and third degrees burn on his backside. The pump that the employee was utilizing to inject the sodium hypochlorite into the water manifold would not prime. The employee deviated from the standard operating procedure and inadvertently broke the line that contained 12.5% sodium hypochlorite. The employee was wearing the required PPE [issued by the employer and recommended on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)]; goggles, face …

Changes Announced by U.S. Department of Labor to OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program

Nina ConnerEnergy

By Tara Crisp for AssuredPartners On September 15th, 2022 the U.S Department of Labor announced changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Severe Violator Enforcement Program. OSHA has changed the requirements for placement into the program in order to strengthen the enforcement while improving compliance. The changes reflect a more serious violation offense for those that show up as repeat offenders and according to OSHA, “focuses on employers who repeatedly disregard workers’ safety, health” (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2022) According to the press release released by OSHA, the program features these updates: Read the program feature updates here>>>

The State of Commercial Insurance

Nina ConnerInsurance

The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB) recently released The State of Commercial Insurance report, in collaboration with EY, one of the largest professional services firms in the world. This report highlights the current pressure points at play in the market as well as premium pricing, economic conditions, and geopolitical risk.  The video from Leaders Edge offers a high-level overview, while the full report is also available for a more detailed depiction of the state of the market. Read the full report here>>>