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Securing Cargo for Safe Transportation
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Securing Cargo for Safe Transportation This article focuses on Federal Guidelines for securing cargo, but this is also a very good guide for non-DOT cargo securement. Shifting cargo is one of the most common hazards in...
Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs of 2020
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs of 2020 These are the most dangerous occupations in the U.S., as measured by fatal work injury rate. The first question one might ask when examining a list of the United States’ most dangerous...
Mandatory Vaccine Policies May Have Workers Comp Implications
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Mandatory Vaccine Policies May Have Workers Comp Implications By: Angela Childers The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has begun in health care and senior living facilities across the U.S., and employers in many industries are...
2020, What a Year!
Sunday, January 3, 2021
2020 What is there left to say? You don't need me to tell you about the COVID pandemic and how catastrophic it has been or enumerate the ways the coronavirus has taken over our lives. We're all tired of lockdowns,...
De-icing Outdoor Walking Surfaces in Winter
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Keeping outdoor walking surfaces-such as parking lots and sidewalks-clear of ice in the winter is a crucial practice at many workplaces. Not only does ice removal offer aesthetic benefits, it can also help keep you,...
IRS Announces 2021 Standard Mileage Rates
Monday, December 28, 2020
On December 22, 2020, the IRS issued the 2021 optional standard mileage rates, which are used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. The 2021...
Onboarding New Employees in the COVID-19 Era Takes Extra Planning, Effort
Monday, December 14, 2020
You only get one chance to make a first impression on a new employee. Despite the fact that initial interactions are often now remote instead of in person, welcoming a new employee to your company is vitally important....
Extension of Deadlines For ACA Reporting By Employers
Thursday, December 10, 2020
The information contained in this document is intended for educational purposes and to provide a general understanding of regulatory events, legislative changes and the law - not to provide specific legal advice. Source:...
Did you know that you could already be filing for your Advance Credits on Emergency Paid Sick Leave monies paid to employees under FFCRA?
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Did you know that you could already be filing for your Advance Credits on Emergency Paid Sick Leave monies paid to employees under FFCRA? Eligible employers can use Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to...
CDC Announces Shorter Quarantine Guidelines After a COVID-19 Exposure
Friday, December 4, 2020
During a recent media briefing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an update to quarantine guidelines, offering options for shorter quarantine periods. The CDC’s updated guidance allows for...
What You Can Do to Avoid the Flu
Monday, November 30, 2020
OSHA issues another $500K in COVID-19 citations
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued nearly $500,000 in COVID-19 citations between Oct. 23 and Oct. 29, bringing the total number of proposed penalties against employers for failing to protect...
COVID-19 Guidance on Ventilation in the Workplace
Sunday, November 8, 2020
OSHA is committed to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers and workplaces during these unprecedented times. The agency will be issuing a series of alerts designed to keep workers safe.Ensuring adequate...
CDC’s Recommendations for Holiday Celebrations
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
As many people in the United States begin to plan for fall and winter holiday celebrations, CDC offers the following considerations to help protect individuals and their families, friends, and communities from COVID-19....
New CDC Guidance Makes Contact Tracing More Difficult for Employers
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Employers will have to revise their COVID-19-related safety policies and practices to meet new guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on what it means to have been in "close contact"...
Driving at Night – Daylight Savings Time Increases Hazards
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Shorter days, fatigue, compromised night vision, rush hour and impaired drivers are some of the risks we face when driving at night. These risks become especially pronounced moving into the weekend, with fatal crashes...
Four Keys to a Solid Safety Audit and Inspection Program
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
4 Keys to a Solid Safety Audit and Inspection Program When was the last time you took a long, honest look at your environment, health, and safety program? If it has been a while, or you can’t remember-or if you’ve never...
FFCRA Changes to Meet Court Objections
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
The Department of Labor has issued new regulations governing the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) after the original set of rules was overturned by a federal judge. The new...
School Zone and School Bus Safety - Be Safe, Drive Smart
Thursday, September 17, 2020
The end of summer means millions of Texas children will soon return to school. TxDOT reminds drivers to be extra cautious as school zones become more active, as well as to be aware of school bus safety. In 2017, 811...
Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for Business
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for Business The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. A prompt warning to employees to evacuate, shelter or lockdown can save lives. A call for help to public...
Join us for our FREE Question & Answer Session: Clear Up the Chaos - Power Hour
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Have questions about regulations that affect your business? You’re not alone. Join us for our FREE Question & Answer Session: Clear Up the Chaos – Power Hour to hear about the top regulatory issues and get your...
NCW Risk Management Hosts Virtual Seminar About Employer Communication
Monday, August 24, 2020
NCW Risk Management Hosts Virtual Seminar About Employer Communication September 3, 2020 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon Online Webinar NCW Risk Management is hosting a virtual seminar on Thursday, September 3, 2020, from 10:30...
A Guide to Employee Temperature Checks
Thursday, August 20, 2020
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) gave employers the green light to take employees' temperatures to try and ward off the spread of the coronavirus in guidance from earlier this year. But will taking...
NCW Risk Management Announces Nonprofit Contest
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
NCW Risk Management Announces Nonprofit Contest Free coloring sheet and opportunity for Nonprofit organizations to earn $5,000 donation. NCW has released a free coloring sheet to give our community’s youngest members...
Join us for our FREE Question & Answer Session: Clear Up the Chaos – Power Hour
Monday, August 3, 2020
Have questions about regulations that affect your business? You’re not alone. Join us for our FREE Question & Answer Session: Clear Up the Chaos – Power Hour to hear about the top regulatory issues and get your...
“Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles”
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Texas Department of Transportation’s statewide “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” motorcycle safety and public awareness campaign urges motorists to look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections,...
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) update July 2020
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) update July 2020 The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health...
Vaccination requirements could pit safety concerns vs. ADA, Title VII
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Workplace safety rules may clash with federal protections for individual rights if employees resist potential employer efforts to require them to take a prospective COVID-19 vaccine, but safety considerations will...
Guidance for Suspected or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in the Workplace
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
If an employee has symptoms when they arrive at work or become sick during the day, they should immediately be separated from other employees, customers, and visitors and sent home. Employees who develop symptoms...
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
What are they key differences between cloth face coverings, surgical masks and respirators? Cloth face coverings: May be commercially produced or improvised (i.e., homemade) garments, scarves, bandanas, or items made...
Wildfire Danger Information
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Wildfire Danger Information The Texas Panhandle and South Plains have seen several red flag warnings this season. We have seen how quickly fires can spread out of control and cause significant property damage and...
Social Engineering and Ways to Mitigate Susceptibility
Monday, June 1, 2020
Social Engineering and Ways to Mitigate Susceptibility Social engineering: two words that are increasingly being talked about in normal, day-to-day conversation. If you are like me, when you first heard the term, you...
FMCSA Revises Hours of Service (HOS)
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
FMCSA revises the hours of service (HOS) regulations to provide greater flexibility for drivers subject to those rules without adversely affecting safety. The Agency: (1) expands the short-haul exception to 150 air-...
Did you know there are 11 new translations of OSHA's poster to help prevent workplace coronavirus exposure?
Friday, May 15, 2020
Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Source: OSHA
IMPORTANT I-9 Form Notices
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
A notice came out from the USCIS (see below) giving all employers guidance on what to do during COVID-19 should a new hire present you with an expired List B document for I-9 form purposes. There are very specific...
Dentistry Workers and Employers - Steps to Stay Safe
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Dentistry Workers and Employers This section provides guidance for dentistry workers and employers. This guidance supplements the general interim guidance for workers and employers of workers at increased risk of...
U.S. Department of Labor Ends Temporary Non-Enforcement of Paid Leave Protections to Help American Workers
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
U.S. Department of Labor Ends Temporary Non-Enforcement of Paid Leave Protections to Help American Workers During Coronavirus PandemicWASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today the end of the...
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert to Help Keep Construction Workers Safe during The Coronavirus Pandemic
Monday, April 27, 2020
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert to Help Keep Construction Workers Safe during The Coronavirus Pandemic WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has...
Pre-Employment Drug Testing Following a Driver Being Furloughed
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
What does a company do in the event they have to lay drivers off because business has slowed down due to COVID19? Does the driver have to take another Pre-Employment test? If a driver is furloughed or laid off for 30...
Important Payroll Record Information from one of our Valued Insurance Partners
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Guidance for Respiratory Protection During N95 Shortage Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Monday, April 6, 2020
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued interim enforcement guidance to help combat supply shortages of disposable N95 filtering face piece respirators (N95 FFRs)....
CARES Act - Small Business Loan Overview
Friday, April 3, 2020
In response to the American economy reeling from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the federal government recently signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Among other...
COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the "FFCRA"), signed by President Trump on March 18, 2020, provides small and midsize employers refundable tax credits that reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of...
12 Tips For Staying Fit, Healthy and On Task While Working From Home
Sunday, March 29, 2020
12 tips for staying fit, healthy and on task while working from home: Set up a separate office space. Use a space in your home that’s designated solely for work. Working from your couch or other casual places can...
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers As provided under the legislation, the U.S. Department of Labor will be issuing implementing regulations. Additionally, as warranted, the Department will...
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
What is the effective date of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which includes the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act?The FFCRA’s paid leave...
What You Need To Know About Coronavirus For Your Business
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of infection from the coronavirus is currently low, even for most workers. However, as an employer you may face questions and concerns,...
Eye Safety
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
More than 2,000 eye injuries occur on the job site every day and about one in 10 of them require missed workdays to recover. Of the total amount of work-related eye injuries, 10 to 20 percent will cause temporary or...
Avoiding Driving Distractions - Myth versus Reality
Monday, February 3, 2020
In 2018, there were 3,567 deaths on Texas roadways1. Among the leading causes were distracted driving, driving under the influence and speeding. Many of these incidents had more than one cause but driving while...
Slip & Fall Prevention: Tips for Walking on Ice
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Just one bad fall on ice can have long-term consequences. Pay attention to the weather and stay inside to avoid icy hazards when you can. When you do venture out, walking in winter requires special attention to avoid...
Join Us To Hear About the State of Amarillo’s Economy
Monday, January 6, 2020
Join Us To Hear About the State of Amarillo’s Economy January 22, 2020 7:30 to 9 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Room We’re proud to announce that NCW is sponsoring the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation’s...
NCW Insurance, is pleased to welcome two new team members.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Contacts: Cori Burns, MBA Media Liaison Estacar Companies, LLC 806-676-9960 Cori [dot] burns [at] estacar [dot] com Kimberly Dryden, CIC Partner, Risk Management Advisor NCW Insurance 806-376-6301 kdryden [at] neely [...
Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine Support
Thursday, January 10, 2019
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce made a $15,000 contribution to Amarillo Matters, Inc. to support the group's efforts to secure the proposed Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo. "We have...
Help After Hurricane Harvey
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Insurance offers these recommendations for Obtaining help after Hurricane Harvey. Call your insurance agent or company, protect your home or business from further damage; and make a list...
Tips For Filing A Flood Insurance Claim
Friday, September 1, 2017
Tens of thousands of insurance claims are expected to begin rolling in following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. Below are some bullet points to follow when it comes to filing a claim. Take as many photos as...
Preparing Your Business For Flooding
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Floods can sometimes be predictable. For example, charting the habitual swelling of the tides establishes typical water levels and indicates when coastal areas might be prone to flooding. However, more often than not,...
Easy to Forget Cleaning Projects
Thursday, August 24, 2017
As a busy homeowner, it's easy to fall into the trap of pushing off tasks that maintain the long-term value of your home in favor of more pressing problems. That’s OK, to a point, as certain house-cleaning projects...
REVISED I-9 FORM
Monday, July 31, 2017
On July 17, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, issued an updated version of the I-9 Form; Employment Eligibility Verification. Under federal law,...
OSHA Announces Policy Change On Monorail Hoists In Construction
Thursday, July 20, 2017
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced a new enforcement policy that excludes monorail hoists from the requirements of Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in...
Understanding Non-Discrimination Testing
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Employers that sponsor a cafeteria plan and certain other health and welfare plans need to be aware of the requirement for non-discrimination testing. Non-discrimination testing is done to ensure that a plan does not...
Turning To The Positive: How To Be A Better Friend And Co-Worker
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Written by: Robert Ledbetter, Hillside Christian Church & Kimberly Dryden, NCW Insurance Traumatic events such as sudden illnesses, accidents, and deaths can have profound effects on individuals and the way they...