MST Insurance Solutions, Inc.

This?Thanksgiving, we are thankful for our customers. You are a part of our family, and we appreciate you!

OSHA recently revealed its top 10 most frequently cited standards in the 2024 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for businesses of all kinds, as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce and gives them the information they need to plan their compliance programs. Fall protection, general requirements, continues to be the number one most frequently cited safety standard for 14 consecutive years. Visit our website for the top 10 cited standards.

On?Nov. 15, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas?vacated?the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL)?final rule?to amend current requirements that employees in white-collar occupations must satisfy to qualify for an overtime exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This ruling sets aside the final rule’s increases to the standard salary level nationwide, returning the salary threshold to the pre-July 2024 threshold. Visit our website for more information.

Workplace celebrations can help create an enjoyable workplace, resulting in high morale and low turnover rates. These events can provide an excellent opportunity for employees to network and socialize with their co-workers in a fun environment. However, work-related parties and events present several safety and liability risks that business leaders need to address to ensure no issues arise. Visit our website for risk and mitigation strategies.

Employee handbooks are important for establishing employee expectations, addressing workplace issues and defending against potential lawsuits. Failing to update the employment policies in these handbooks regularly can make employers vulnerable to legal risks and liabilities that may result in costly fines, penalties and attorney fees. Employment laws are often complicated, and employers must know about new regulatory developments that may impact their organizations and workforce. The start of the year provides employers with an excellent opportunity to review and update their policies. Visit our website for seven policies you should review for 2025.

La Ni?a conditions are predicted to affect the upcoming U.S. winter season (December 2024 to February 2025), according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)?outlook?issued in October. La Ni?a refers to an upwelling of abnormally cold water to the ocean surface, which can affect weather patterns. Visit our website for expected conditions and impacted areas.

Although the end of the year is a busy time, employers should continue to prioritize compliance requirements for their employee benefit plans. In addition, employers should take steps to prepare for next year. For applicable large employers (ALEs), this includes making sure that health plan coverage will be affordable for full-time employees. Employers should also update employee benefit plan limits for 2025 and revise employee communications, such as summary plan descriptions (SPDs), for 2025 benefit changes. Visit our website for benefits-related tasks that employers should make sure are completed by the end of 2024.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently released the results of its?2024 International Roadcheck. This inspection and enforcement initiative highlights the work of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspectors throughout North America and acknowledges the compliance of motor carriers and professional drivers by issuing a CVSA decal on eligible vehicles. Visit our website to view the most common vehicle violations in the United States.

IRS?Revenue Procedure 2024-40?includes updated penalty amounts that may apply to reporting entities that fail to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirements under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056. The increased amounts apply to 2025 information returns and individual statements?that are required to be filed and furnished in 2026. Visit our website for reporting penalties and penalty amounts.

The National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recently published a new?study?showing the relationship between injury frequency and weather conditions as they relate to workers’ compensation claims. In the study, the NCCI found that employees file 10% more workers’ compensation claims on hot and cold days than on days with moderate temperatures. Visit our website for the study findings.