FDA Moves to Regulate the Sale of E-cigarettes

When electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, first entered the market, there were few rules regulating who they could be sold to and what warnings (if any) they must carry. In recent years, concerns about the safety of e-cigarettes has grown and many have criticized e-cigarette manufacturers for targeting teenagers with candy-like flavors like cookies and cream,…

ACA’s Affordability Contribution Percentage Increased for 2017

The Affordable Care Act came out and you checked in and made sure you were compliant. However, as things change, you may need to check again. On April 12, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released new guidance on the percentages used to determine what is considered “affordable” health coverage.Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA),…

How to Make Sure Your Office is Hurricane Ready

Reading a protection blog, even when well written and with convenient bullet points, gets boring after awhile. Thanks to Quill.com who shared this great graphic with us. We want to bring you protection information in the most fun, colorful and most appropriate way for you to read. Our office is prepared, is yours? Do you…

Transportation Insurance Trends

Most commercial lines insurance remains very competitive in the current economic climate. This is favorable to the insureds. The commercial auto industry is unique as rates continue to increase for these businesses. In this article from National Underwriter, Craig Dancer, a transportation practice leader for Marsh says, “Trucking is seeing particularly severe tightening in the…

Fireworks Extravaganza 2016

I love the 4th of July. I love a professional fireworks displays on a warm night. I am also pleasently surprised by the professional displays that are hosted by small towns on the Eastern Shore. Here in Willards, MD we are lucky that they host a great show on Sunday, July 3rd. Rain date is…

OSHA Increases Fines for Violations

Starting in July of 2016, fines for OSHA violations are increasing by 80-150%. This increase could have a huge impact on all businesses. Violation Current Maximum Amount of Increase Increased Penalty Amount 80 % 150 % (max) 80 % 150 % (max) Non-serious $7,000 $5,600 $10,500 $12,600 $17,500 Serious $7,000 $5,600 $10,500 $12,600 $17,500 Willful…

New Changes to Overtime Wage Payment

On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a new rule that will overhaul overtime wage payment. The new rule doubles the salary threshold that employees must meet to qualify for the overtime wage payment exemption—a change that could affect more than 4 million workers across the United States. What is changing?…