News and Events - March 2010

Cell Phone Liability

Under the doctrine of vicarious responsibility Law firms are looking for additional financial resources and employers may be held legally accountable for the negligent acts of employees committed in the course of employment…. 

Commissioner Poizner Announces Anthem Blue Cross Agrees To Delay Health Insurance Increase - California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today announced that Anthem Blue Cross has agreed to a Feb. 8 request by Commissioner Poizner to delay their individual health insurance rate increase until May 1 to allow an independent actuary to review their rates.
 

California Regulator Wants Anthem Blue Cross To Postpone Rate Increase - California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, responding to a dramatic proposed rate hike by WellPoint's California affiliate, Anthem Blue Cross, has called on WellPoint executives to postpone the rate increase, allowing the California Department of Insurance proper time for an independent actuarial review of the proposal.

• March Newsletter - Changes to Low Voltage Electric Safety Orders
  The Cal/OSHA Standards Board has been very busy. Changes were made to the Low Voltage Electrical Safety Orders and Guarding Rules for Circular Ripsaws. Recently the Cal-OSHA Reporter highlighted the changes:
  
  

  Hot-Pipes - The Cal/OSHA Standards Board has also made quick work on changes to the Regulations for Hot-Pipes,General Industry Safety Orders §3308. As reported by the Cal-OSHA Reporter:
  
  
  
• February Newsletter -  "National Burn Awareness"   During the month of February our nation observes National Burn Awareness Week. Schools, fire departments, health departments, etc. will be working to present the public with information on burn prevention. This information, if remembered and followed, will help prevent burns.
  
  

State Recalls Respirators - Bad Fit Tests - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is ordering a recall of a specific type of N95 respirator and Cal/OSHA is advising employers not to use the respirators if employees cannot pass fit-tests on them.

Risk & Safety Management Calendar March 2010