Friday the 13th! Weekly PEO News Round Up
Did you know that Friday the 13th occurs in any month that begins on a Sunday? Quite simple math but I never really thought about it! The fear of Friday the 13th affects an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States, according to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute. However, studies on accident trends show that fewer accidents are reported on this day, as people are likely more cautious and limit travel and activities. You can find more interesting tidbits on the history of Friday the 13th at Earthsky.org
Here are our highlights from the week
Veteran's Day 2020
The United States just honored its Veterans with the observance of Veteran's Day. The anniversary of Veteran's Day marks the end of World War I back in 1918. Originally coined as Armistice Day, to reflect the signing of the armistice between the Allies of World War I and Germany, was renamed Veteran's Day in 1954 to honor all those that have served in the U.S. Military. November 11th is also celebrated by other countries as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day. While times have certainly changed for our Country since the early 1900's, I thought sharing the below quote from President Woodrow Wilson, on the first anniversary of such an important day, was fitting for the times.
"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations." You can find more on the History of Veteran's Day, here at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is also always accepting donations and volunteers. Learn more on how you can show thanks and give back, year-round, to those whom have given us so much.
MilitaryBenefits.info has put together a listing of the 2020 Veteran's Day Free Meals and Deals for those of our Veterans reading this post, many of them throughout the week and month of November.
To all Veterans, We thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and our freedom.
Hot for PEOs and Small Business
AllRisks Self-Storage Facility Program
AllRisks is pushing their Self-Storage Facility Program in light of non-renewal trends related to program administrators losing their markets. AllRisks has been providing solutions for storage-related exposures including products for boat/RV storage operators, self-storage facilities and converted buildings. They have 2 exclusive Self-Storage Programs with National Capabilities. AllRisks offers over 30 National Specialty Insurance Programs ranging from Amusement Insurance to Tattoo Shops. Contact Libertate Insurance today for more information.
PIE Insurance updates of important workers compensation claims fraud
PIE Insurance released updates of important need to know facts about workers compensation claims fraud and how to protect your business. Types of workers' comp insurance fraud fall into three categories:
1- Employees committing claim-related fraud by fabricating details surrounding an injury. Injury claim indicates injury happened at work in the warehouse, when it really happened on a ski trip over the weekend
2- Employers may engage in policy-related fraud by falsely reporting employees as contractors or by improper employee classification; i.e. admin desk position is reported when employee is actually a warehouse worker performing manual labor
3- Healthcare professionals can commit medical provider fraud by performing unnecessary services to collect insurance payments, fraudulent billing or partaking in kick-back programs
Workers' comp fraud has historically cost between $6 and $7 billion dollars each year based on estimates from CAIF (Coalition Against Insurance Fraud) and the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau). Insurance fraud is a white-collar crime and can lead to fines and imprisonment, and increased premiums and penalties for small businesses. The Claims Journal issued an article in August of 2020, indicating that with COVID-19 the California Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau is estimating annual losses in the state of $1.2 billion, extrapolated nationally approximating $5 billion. The plan to combat fraud? Data! Insurers are accessing cross-payer, multi-year claims data to identify repeat claimants, attorneys and medical providers.
How do we protect ourselves and our businesses? Educate and Document!
- Be forthcoming about physical requirements and hazards of the job
- Educate employees as to the proper way to lift, pull, and carry objects
- Provide training on work-related hazards, exposure risks, and safety equipment
- Inform employees and new hires about a zero-tolerance policy for false claims
- Teach employees how workers’ comp works and how to correctly report injuries
- Provide a safe way for employees to report suspicious workers’ comp activity
- Maintain and report accurate records regarding employee roles and numbers
This is great HR information to help support businesses and mitigate risk. If you have questions or are limited in your HR resources contact Libertate Insurance today, we can help.
NAPEO
NAPEO released its November 2020 edition of PEO Insider, for members. Interesting Featured Articles in this month's release include Q&A on State Legislative and Regulatory Trends, Non-COVID-19 Developments in the States, What PEOs Need to Know About the SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act, and so much more. Take a few minutes and dive into some of these interesting and useful articles. NAPEO is a great organization for all things PEO.
NAPEO also hosted an online webinar last night, for members, going over the 2020 Election and what's next! Georgia and Washington are in recount and lawsuits have been filed in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada as well as Pennsylvania.
Notable key dates in the upcoming months:
- December 8th - states are required to settle all disputes
- December 14th - Electoral College meets at state level and votes for President
- January 6th - Joint Session of Congress counts electoral votes and declares a winner
- January 21st - President is sworn in
If you are not currently a member of NAPEO, visit their site here and learn how to join.
Weekend in Sports
There are a ton of football events continuing this weekend with football seemingly back in full swing. South Alabama vs Louisiana, Notre Dame vs. Boston College, Miami vs. Virginia Tech, USC vs. Arizona, Florida State vs. NC State and the list continues, hope you have the opportunity to catch your favorite team. For our NFL roster Kansas City comes in the first ranking spot for week 10, they have a bye week so we won't be able to watch them play this weekend. The next highest ranking teams are Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Pittsburgh squares off against Cincinnati 4:25pm ET catch them on FOX and Baltimore will battle New England at 8:20pm (ET) available on NBC. Find more on your favorites here at ESPN.com
Have a Great Weekend Everyone!
Join the Conversation on Linkedin | About PEO Compass
The PEO Compass is a friendly convergence of professionals and friends in the PEO industry sharing insights, ideas and intelligence to make us all better.
All writers specialize in Professional Employer Organization (PEO) business services such as Workers Compensation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Data Management, Employment Practices Liability (EPLI), Cyber Liability Insurance, Health Insurance, Occupational Accident Insurance, Business Insurance, Client Company, Casualty Insurance, Disability Insurance and more.
To contact a PEO expert, please visit Libertate Insurance Services, LLC and RiskMD.