Teke Drummond, Executive Director Penn Medicine HealthWorks, provided an overview of how businesses can best be prepared for safe and responsible operations in the current COVID-19 environment. Highlights covered in the webinar include: Overview of Penn Medicine HealthWorks as a comprehensive service to employers. Update on the current state of COVID 19 on our community. Understanding the recommendation of Prevention, Exposure Management, and Quarantine / Return to Work measures needed to ensure safety. Review of regulatory standards. Service recommendations to address employee well-being amidst COVID 19 and a modified work design. Update on testing protocols and contact tracing services. Click for “Kicking COVID Together, and use password sCMpEFw5 To further discuss, contact your Murray Health Benefits Consultant at 717.397.9600.
June Is National Safety Month – Mental Health During COVID-19
The National Safety Council designates June as National Safety Month. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will affect employees well beyond the immediacy of the initial crisis. As an employer, you have a unique ability and responsibility to manage your benefit providers, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and health insurance plans to ensure your workers have access to the help and support they need. Find out more about an employer’s role>>> To further discuss, contact your Murray Risk Control Consultant or Health Benefits Consultant at 717.397.9600.
Congress Passes Bill Amending Paycheck Protection Program
Since being established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in March 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been the subject of additional stimulus bills, legal guidance and interim final rules. In the latest development, Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, which is a bill that provides borrowers with greater flexibility in spending PPP funds without compromising forgiveness eligibility. What is included in the bill? If you have questions, contact Matt Pfeiffenberger, Vice President, Health Benefits Solutions at 717.283.9680.
The Impact of COVID-19 on ESOP Executive Liability Insurance
By Patrick J. Dixon, Account Executive, and Jeff Gelburd, CPCU, ARM, Vice President As we continue to work through the current pandemic, ESOP companies considering purchasing or renewing Executive Liability Insurance (D&O, Fiduciary, EPL, and Crime) should know that the insurance marketplace is taking measures on new applications as well as upcoming renewals. Read how it may impact >>> Murray, an ESOP Company, administers an affinity insurance program endorsed by The ESOP Association since 1989. The Program offers D&O, Fiduciary, EPL and Cyber Liability insurances to ESOP companies. If you have questions, contact Patrick (717.725.3203) or Jeff (717.579.1485).
Living Our Core Values as an Agency
Living our Core Values as an Agency has never been more important. Facing the challenges of coronavirus, we joined together to seek balance in our personal and professional lives, took ownership of our health and responsibility for protecting our clients and families. But now, the horrible death of George Floyd focuses our attention on the bias that exists in our world and elevates the significance of our “community” and “diversity” values. This senseless act reinforces the importance of righting wrongs and healing wounds that go far deeper than we may have known. The need for personal and community action is on our minds as we ask ourselves, “What can I do – what can we do together?” To say we …
Lancaster County Economic Recovery Plan
As a member of the Lancaster community, Murray wholeheartedly supports the Lancaster Chamber’s “Recovery Lancaster” initiative – Let’s Get Back To Business. We recognize small businesses are the backbone of our county. They bring growth, innovation and employment opportunities by creating meaningful jobs and developing lasting relationships. That’s why “Cultivate Community” is one of our core values. It’s our responsibility to improve the places where we live, work and play, to genuinely connect and be a positive influence by partnering with businesses so they are better prepared and more secure. More information regarding funding, supplies, and staff health and safety for your business is available at RecoveryLancaster.com.
Considerations for a Remote Workforce
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
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
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
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 …