Category: Property & Casualty

Disaster Recovery Planning Considerations

Natural disasters can come in many forms, with the most common being related to windstorms, fires and flooding. More tornadoes occur in the United States than in any other part of the world. While large-scale disasters capture media attention, disasters can also be local in nature, such as electrical blackouts from lightning strikes or a vehicle collision with a power line. Such events can cause significant disruption to your operations.

With proper planning, downtime and loss of revenue can be kept to a minimum and operations quickly restored. A formal disaster recovery plan is critical to ensure continual operations for your business, and should incorporate the following elements: 

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Affordable Housing Insights A Unique Industry Providing Real Solutions for Communities

Over the last several years, I have had the privilege of helping manage the risk of several organizations working to provide affordable housing options for low-income households. This experience has given me great insight into the unique aspects of this complex industry, as well as a passion to advocate for the organizations and individuals working in this space.

The Need for Affordable Housing is Increasing

Today’s demand for rental properties of all types is unprecedented. According to a study by the Joint Center For Housing Studies of Harvard University, 37 percent of all U.S. households are now renters – the highest level since the mid-1960s. The study also reveals that the largest and fastest growing segment of the exploding rental market is comprised of households earning less than $25,000 annually.   And while the number of renter households rose 40 percent from 2003-2013, the number of low-cost rental units increased by just 10 percent. It is clear that the need for more affordable housing is great.

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Top Risk Concerns for Businesses and Individuals

Business leaders and consumers share many common concerns, according to data compiled from the 2016 Travelers Risk Index. The annual survey found that cyber risk is still considered one of the greatest risks facing both Americans and American businesses. And while businesses worry more about the implications of getting hacked, consumers are primarily concerned about personal privacy loss, identity fraud and cyber threats.

Top Business Risk Concerns

Medical cost inflation, increasing employee benefit costs and cyber-related technology risks/data breaches again topped the Travelers Risk Index for business concerns in 2016, although the overall proportion who felt the business environment is becoming more risky declined slightly from 2015 to 2016, from 44 percent to 41 percent. 

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Opioid Use in the Workplace

Companies and organizations of all sizes have an important role managing risks in the workplace and promoting the safety and health of their employees. Strong workplace policies, health benefit programs and education create safe and healthy environments in which employees and business can thrive.

The coverage of prescription medication in healthcare benefit packages, when used wisely and correctly, can contribute to favorable treatment outcomes and quality of life. However, a disturbing trend driven by the use and abuse of opioid painkillers in the workplace is something that poses a unique challenge for employers and deserves attention.

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New FAA Commercial Drone Regulations

Earlier this year, we shared information with you regarding the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, for commercial use. Regulations and guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been confusing, even frustrating, for many companies who were looking to integrate this emerging technology into their operations. Thankfully, new rules from the FAA make commercial drone use significantly easier. The UAS Part 107 rules, effective August 29, still require UAS owners to register their drones, but it eases some of the more burdensome restrictions.

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