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Leveraging AI in Employment Decisions: Balancing Benefits and Risks
Although AI can offer several benefits—such as improved efficiency, objectivity and decision-making—it also presents challenges related to biases, transparency and ethical concerns. This article examines the pros and cons of AI in employment decision-making, discusses relevant laws and regulations for businesses to consider, and provides tips on mitigating AI-related risks.
Trends Impacting Commercial Insurance Costs
Recent market developments have demonstrated signs of an improving commercial insurance landscape. Yet, industry experts asserted that ongoing headwinds facing certain lines of coverage will continue to generate hardened conditions overall, therefore driving up premiums. As such, it’s essential for businesses to be aware of the following market trends and how they may impact coverage…
New York State Expands Employer Obligations to Nursing Mothers
Effective June 7, 2023, New York State employers are required to comply with new obligations to accommodate nursing employees in the workplace. New York State’s Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act was amended to expand requirements to allow nursing employees to express breast milk based on individual needs for up to three years following childbirth.
Rate of U.S. Workers Testing Positive for Marijuana Reaches 25-year High
An analysis by workplace drug testing provider Quest Diagnostics found that drug tests administered after workplace accidents in 2022 reached the highest level in 25 years for positive marijuana results.
Ongoing Wildfires Impact Health of Millions in U.S
Wildfires in Canada continue to create poor air quality conditions throughout the United States. As of June 7, 2023, air quality advisories are in effect for nearly 110 million Americans in parts of 18 states from New Hampshire to South Carolina.
Using ChatGPT and Other AI Tools in The Workplace
Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT has recently made waves for producing human-like text and communications from user inputs. Accessible to anyone with a computer and internet connection, ChatGPT produces usable written material on a wide range of topics and helps make decisions. These functions are leading many employers to consider ways to incorporate this technology…
2024 HSA Limits
The IRS recently released 2024 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) via Revenue Procedure 2023-23.
Construction Industry Trends to Watch
The construction industry consists of companies that construct, maintain and repair buildings and other structures (e.g., roads, bridges and utility systems). This sector plays a vital role in the U.S. economy by keeping residential areas, commercial facilities and local infrastructure in good condition, thus supporting the safety and welfare of communities across the nation.
Employing the Best Drivers
If you’re experiencing driver shortages, you may feel compelled to quickly fill an empty position to avoid undelivered cargo that’s costing you money; however, you may end up spending more money in the long run if you hire unfit drivers who are a risk to themselves, your company and the public.
Active Shooter Incident Preparedness and Response Strategies
According to the FBI, the annual number of active shooter incidents doubled between 2017 (31 incidents) and 2021 (61 incidents), with three out of the five deadliest mass shootings taking place in the last decade. These incidents often result in serious damage and harm, even though FBI research found that the majority (70%) of mass…
A Primer on Stop Loss Contracts
Minimizing financial exposure to catastrophic health care claims is a priority for employers with self-funded health plans, especially as these types of claims become more common due to rapid cost increases. Stop-loss insurance helps self-funded employers protect themselves from higher-than-anticipated health claim payouts by limiting their exposure to employee medical claims that exceed a predetermined…
CVSA Announces 2023 International Roadcheck Focus
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently announced that this year’s International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 16-18, 2023. The International Roadcheck is an annual, three-day enforcement initiative that emphasizes the importance of commercial motor vehicle and driver safety through a blitz of high-visibility roadside inspections across North America.