Covid-19 written with pills isolated on white background

Opioid Addiction During a Pandemic: Help Stop the Trends

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management, Third Party Claim Administration

By Laurie Deitrich, CSP, ARM, HEM, Risk Control Specialist According to National Institute of Mental Health, there is a connection between opioid overdose deaths and mental health. “While we don’t know exactly how many opioid overdose deaths are actually suicides, some experts estimate that up to 30% of opioid overdoses may fit this description. The connection between opioid overdose and suicide has appeared to increase over time, with one 2017 analysis of National Vital Statistics data showing significant increases in suicides involving opioids among all age groups except teens and young adults between 1999 and 2014; in those aged 55-64, the rate quadrupled. A 2017 study using national survey data showed that people who misused prescription opioids were 40-60% more likely to have thoughts …

Workers’ Compensation and Mental Health Claims: What You Should Know

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management, Third Party Claim Administration

By Jill Root, Assistant Vice President and Third-Party Administration Claims Manager Headlines in business and insurance magazines across the Commonwealth raise similar red flags for human resource and workers’ compensation professionals – prepare for a surge in mental health claims related to COVID. Stress of the coronavirus pandemic may lead to an increase in mental health-related workers’ compensation claims, especially among first responders and healthcare workers. Are there other equally important stressors that deserve our attention? How is the workers’ compensation system prepared to respond, and what can we do to help? As a Third-Party Administrator working closely with retirement communities and municipalities in Central Pennsylvania, we see the pressure placed upon our clients every day to take care of …

OSHA Safe + Sound Week, August 10-16, 2020

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

The US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sponsors Safe + Sound, a year-round campaign to encourage every workplace to have a safety and health program. This year August 10-16 has been designated as Safe + Sound Week to emphasize this nationwide event that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. Click to get more information and to register. Contact a member of the Murray Risk Control team at 717.397.9600 for information on setting up a safety and health program for your organization.

Open packet of spinach seeds with some scattered in front of envelope. Extreme shallow depth of field with selective focus on seed in front.

Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Report Unsolicited, Mislabeled Seeds Received by Mail

Denise GillinAgribusiness, News

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today warned consumers to properly discard and report unordered and mislabeled seeds shipped from overseas. Consumers nationwide have received seeds in packages labeled as jewelry. These seeds may contain plant diseases, weeds or invasive plants that could harm Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry and ecosystem. “Seeds sold in Pennsylvania are rigorously tested to ensure that they are genetically pure and regulated to ensure that what’s on the label is what’s in the package,” Secretary Redding said. “Planting seeds without knowing what they are can wreak havoc with our environment, destroy agricultural crops and incur costly control efforts for years to come.” Seeds labelled as jewelry are likely a scam known as “brushing.” Companies boost online sales by purchasing …

York County Restart Fund

Denise GillinNews

The York County Commissioners voted to allocate a portion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to support a small business and nonprofit organization grant program. The YoCo Strong Restart Fund will be administered by the York County Economic Alliance and Community First Fund. York County will dedicate $10 million for small business support and $4 million for nonprofit support. Grant amounts will range from $10,000 to $35,000 for eligible organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are the grant program details provided by the York County Economic Alliance: Application will open the week of August 24 and remain open for 10 days. The program is not “first come, first served” basis.  On YoCoStrong.org you …

OSHA’s Six Standards that Apply to COVID-19

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

By Laurie Deitrich, CSP, ARM, HEM, Risk Control Specialist The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has outlined six federal health and safety standards that apply to the pandemic to help employers protect their workers: Personal Protective Equipment: General Requirements Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory Protection General Environmental Controls: Sanitation Toxic and Hazardous Substances: Hazard Communication Toxic and Hazardous Substances: Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records Below, Laurie provides a brief introduction to the six OSHA standards. Contact a member of the Murray Risk Control Team at 717.327.9600 or Laurie directly at 717.735.3050 for more information.  

Close-up text Emergency First Aid with illness sympton - accident.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

By Gene Schmitt, CSP, ARM, CHST, CFPS, Risk Control Specialist Excessive heat affects many workers, particularly people performing strenuous work including firefighters, foundry workers, bakery workers, and construction workers. It’s important to recognize conditions and situations where heat-related illness might occur and take appropriate prevention measures.  Employees should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and know how to appropriately respond. The heat wave we are experiencing brings the risk for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat cramps occur when the body loses significant amounts of salts. It’s important to stop strenuous activity and get to a cool, shaded place. Drink clear juice or a sports beverage, or water with food. Heat exhaustion is when …

Support Small Business

Denise GillinNews

Murray is proud to stand with other Small Business Champions to support small business.  

Leveraging Benefits in Post-coronavirus Compensation

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, Human Resources, News

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many organizations have been faced with making tough decisions—often leading to layoffs, furloughed employees and reduced pay. Post-coronavirus, many employers find themselves torn between balancing fair compensation and the current financial realities of their business—while hoping to return to a new sense of normalcy. The current employment market is intrigued by more than just pay, and compensation is often viewed holistically—including benefits packages. As organizations complete post-coronavirus planning, benefits can be leveraged as an attractive offering for both current and prospective employees. Click for Post-coronavirus compensation considerations for employers. Contact a Murray Health Benefits consultant at 717.397.9600 to further discuss your options.