August 26, 2014  

“It Started Like Any Other Day”

You never know when disaster will strike. Meet three survivors from three recent natural disasters: Hurricane Sandy; the Moore, Oklahoma tornado; and the Poinsettia Wildfire outside of San Diego. Watch their stories and then log on to www.ready.gov/prepare for more information on what you can do to prepare you and your family or your business. Be Smart. Take Part. Prepare.

-JK

August 25, 2014  

The 10 Worst Cities for Drivers

Consumer advice website NerdWallet recently compiled a list of the 10 worst cities to drive in, based off five different criteria:

  • number of days of precipitation
  • annual hours of delay per commuter
  • gas prices
  • population density
  • average city car insurance rates.

Here are the results:

  1. New York City, NY
  2. Detroit, MI
  3. San Francisco, CA
  4. Chicago, IL
  5. Washington, DC
  6. Seattle, WA
  7. Boston, MA
  8. Miami, FL
  9. Honolulu, HI
  10. Oakland, CA

I’m absolutely shocked that Los Angeles nor Orange County, CA is on this list. As the most dense city in America, New York City takes the top spot. While many of the others on this list are very dense cities as well, large

public transportation systems can be found in each and offer a less stressful option for getting around (Not true for LA or OC!)

-JK

August 12, 2014  

Bank Robbery Conspirator/ Deadbeat Charged With Workers’ Comp Fraud

One of the various reasons we see Workers Compensation Insurance rates on the rise are due in part to deadbeats like this. Not only in aiding of the robbery of her on bank branch of $565,500, Aurora Barrera, 33, later filed a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder. “The bank’s insurance company subsequently paid her more than $35,000 in disability benefits and covered more than $9,000 in medical bills associated with the alleged workplace injury.”

See the full story from the Los Angeles Times. More than happy to see her locked up for 9 years. Honest employers pay the price for frauds like Aurora Barrera.

-JK

August 10, 2014  

Long Beach “Lawn to Garden” Rebate Increases

As drought conditions continue statewide, the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners approved a rebate increase for the popular Lawn To Garden program. Now, you can apply for rebates of $3.50 per square foot, up to $3,500, to replace your water thirsty grass lawn with a beautiful, drought tolerant landscape that can thrive naturally in our dry weather.

To get started, visit http://lblawntogarden.com/ You’ll find the rebate application, thousands of plant options, free design plans, budgeting tools and many other resources to make it easy to afford, design, and install your own water efficient landscape.

-JK

August 6, 2014  

Insurance Agency Settles Claim In $21K Of Loose Coins

From CBS Los Angeles– “An insurance company has paid off a $21,000 settlement to an elderly east LA man in buckets of loose coins. Andres Carrasco, 76, filed a lawsuit against Adriana’s Insurance two years ago after he was allegedly assaulted by one of its employees. The company finally agreed to settle the case recently and paid Carrasco in buckets of spare change.”

In the age of social media, it appears this move by Adriana’s Insurance will cost a lot more in the long run. The company’s Yelp page has been hammered with negative reviews. In the past two days, I counted 59 new reviews, ALL one star. Prior to 8/4, there were only 3 reviews on the Yelp page. I’ve been seeing this story all over the news nationally too.

Something tells me Adriana’s would have been much better off cutting a paper check and putting this one to bed.

-JK

July 25, 2014  

Is Sitting The New Smoking?

Some doctors are saying that sitting is the new smoking. According to the Mayo Clinic, sitting, like smoking, is a pervasive problem that harms your health. Approximately 80% of Americans work a non-active job, making all-day sitting a common occurrence.

Lengthy, uninterrupted periods of sitting cause poor circulation and low calorie burn and are linked to various health problems, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as stiffness, headaches and sluggishness.

Your job may require you to spend a considerable amount of time at a desk, or maybe you’re fond of all-day movie marathons. Try these tips to sit less, move more and improve your health:

  • Stand while talking on the phone or watching television.
  • Have a walking or standing meeting at work.
  • Stand up and stretch at least every hour.
  • Wear a pedometer and find ways to add steps into your daily routine.
  • Take the stairs when possible.
  • Consider walking or biking when commuting to work or running errands.

Source: Zywave, Inc.

JK

July 24, 2014  

Access Your UV Index With This Online Tool

Did you know that you can access your UV index, which provides a forecast of the risk of overexposure to UV rays? This is a helpful tool for employers with outdoor workers.

Protect your outdoor employees from UV rays; check your UV index here: http://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index

As we speak, the temperature in long beach is 91+ degrees right now. The UV Index is 11 which is extreme:

UV Index

At 11, protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade. Beach-goers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

Check your UV index for yourself and be sure to keep outdoor employees protected from the sun.

-JK

July 2, 2014  

Getting Rid of Old Electronic Equipment? Destroy the Data!

Today I stumbled on a business blog post from Chubb that really grabbed my attention. This was regarding disposal of computers, laptops and any other electronic equipment that may contain personal information about employees, clients or customers. Make sure that the information has been completely destroyed!

Here’s the post……“Trashing Bytes of Information”

old computersWhen you dispose of this type of equipment, it is not enough to simply delete the information from the hard drive or format the disk. Instead, you should overwrite, or wipe, the hard drives and disks. You can do this by purchasing a wipe disk software program that conforms to Department of Defense requirements.

If you dispose of equipment without taking the proper steps to destroy the information, it could still be accessible and this may constitute a data breach. Your business may be subject to the same fines, penalties and regulatory notification requirements as if your systems had been infiltrated by a hacker.

Techniques for Removing Information

1. Deleting

Deleting information is not effective. It removes pointers to information on your device, but it does not remove the information. Do not rely on the deletion method you routinely use when working on your device, whether moving a file to the trash or a recycle bin or choosing “delete” from a menu. Even if you “empty” the trash, the information is still there. It can be retrieved.

2. Overwriting

Overwriting is effective on all computing devices. It puts random data in place of your information, which cannot be retrieved because it has been obliterated. There are software programs and hardware devices available that are designed to erase your hard drive, CD or DVD—but because these programs and devices have varying levels of effectiveness, it is important to carefully investigate your options.

3. Physical Destruction

Physical destruction is the ultimate way to prevent others from retrieving your information. Of course, you should physically destroy the device only if you do not plan to give it to someone else. Specialized services will disintegrate, burn, melt or pulverize your computer drive and other devices. If for some reason you do not wish to use a service, it is possible for you to destroy your hard drive by drilling nails or holes into the device yourself or even smashing it with a hammer. Never burn a hard drive, put it in the microwave or pour acid on it.

See more on this subject at: Cyber Liability Safely Disposing of Your Devices

-JK

June 25, 2014  

Employers Rethink Benefits

According to the new Aflac Workforces Report, 49% of employers agree that controlling costs is the top business issue facing companies today. In 2013, as a result of Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation and rising costs, businesses:

  • Eliminated or delayed raises (32%)
  • Eliminated or cut back on benefits (22%)
  • Changed some full-time workers to part-time workers (21%)
  • Reduced the number of major medical plan options (14%)

Credit:  iamagazine.com

-JK

June 23, 2014  

Download OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool To Keep Workers Safe

When you’re working in the heat, safety comes first. With the OSHA Heat Safety Tool, you have vital safety information available whenever and wherever you need it—right on your mobile phone.

The app allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their work site, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor workers. Then, with a simple click, you can get reminders about the protective measures that should be taken at that risk level to protect workers from heat-related illness.

For more information about safety while working in the heat, see OSHA’s heat illness Web page, including new online guidance about using the heat index to protect workers. Download the app directly from OSHA’s website.

Photo by: CAL-OSHA

Photo by: CAL-OSHA

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