08/12/11

Data Security Coverage

Health Net, Michael’s, Microsoft X-Box.  You don’t have to look far to find major corporations who have become the victims of data security breach.  Think about it.  What is in your file cabinet right now?  Tax records?  Payroll information?  And what’s on your computer system?  Financial data from your suppliers?  Credit card numbers from your customers?  To a […]

06/30/11

Independent Contractors vs. Employees

 IRS plans to audit 6,000 companies over the next three years.    The IRS recently announced it will be increasing scrutiny of sole proprietorships that provide one 1099R for independent contractors who receive $35,000 or more during the year. The rationale behind the IRS’ thinking is that these independent contractors would be classified as employees based […]

06/27/11

Experts predict earthquake could devistate Northwest

Experts predict that within the next 50 years, Washington and northern Oregon may face a 10 – 15% probability of an offshore earthquake powerful enough to kill thousands and launch a tsunami that would level coastal cities.  Off southern Oregon, the probability of an 8-or-higher magnitude quake is even greater — 37%, according to Oregon […]

02/22/11

Employee Involvement Key to Workplace Safety

Employers across Oregon are encouraged to use award programs, trainings, and other special events to promote workplace safety and health during Safety Break for Oregon on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) coordinates the one-day event, designed to raise awareness and promote the value of safety and health in […]

06/24/10

OSHA Audit – What to Expect?

No business ever knows when Oregon OSHA is coming to do an inspection.  That’s because it’s against the law to give prior notice.  Even though employers don’t know that the inspection is coming, there are a few things they can do to make the inspection process go smoother.   All Oregon OSHA compliance officers carry […]

05/26/10

Employment Related Practices: A Growing Concern

Workplace discrimination claims are at an all-time high and small-business owners might feel vulnerable.  With a difficult economy and new employment laws making charges and lawsuits more likely, every business owner should consider purchasing Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI).    EPLI is a form of liability insurance that provides protection for an employer against claims […]

03/30/10

Is your business safe against a cyber attack?

Consider how your business would be impacted by the following:   A shut down of your computer system due to an outside hacker, introduction of malicious code, a virus, or a threat to shut down your system? The cost of a breach of your customer’s personal information – notification costs, credit monitoring, consumer redress funding, […]

03/02/10

Hired & Non-Owned Autos

  ACTUAL CLAIMS SCENARIO:  An employee was operating his personal vehicle on an errand for his boss when he struck a middle-aged pedestrian moving in a crosswalk.  This loss exposed the company to a lawsuit and damages in excess of $1 Million.  Do you have coverage for hired and non-owned automobiles? Many companies misunderstand the risks […]

11/16/09

Forklift Safety

Party Foul: Forklift Driver Spills Booze $100,000 in product lost in about 2 seconds. And that was the best case scenario. How bad would the loss be if someone had been standing in the aisle? And how does that happen? It looks like the driver is a complete idiot, but I bet if you dig […]