The health and safety of your employees should be one of your biggest concerns when they are working outside in this summer heat. There are many things you as an employer can do to help prevent any incidents caused by the heat. Listed below are a few ways you can keep your employees safe out in the heat. 

• Provide access to water, rest and shade. 
• Schedule jobs to allow for rest or rotation of your employees.
• Schedule more physically demanding tasks during cooler times of the day.
• Train your employees to recognize heat illness symptoms and take preventative measures throughout the work day.
• Require employees to wear breathable, light clothing.
• Create and maintain an emergency action plan for heat emergencies. Communicate the plan to your employees.
• Provide first-aid training to your employees for heat emergencies.

Learn more about heat safety at http://blog.buildersmutual.com/can-you-take-the-heat.

These tips are provided by OSHA and Builder's Mutual,  www.buildersmutual.com

Auto insurance rates have been climbing in recent years. Accidents have increased as more of us are back on the road. Cars and trucks are more expensive to fix Repairs are taking longer, and replacement parts are scarce due to supply chain disruptions. Analysts forecast these trends will continue into 2023. Below is a graphic from Travelers Insurance that explains the factors driving auto rate increases.
 
Here are a few suggestions to help offset rate increases:
 
1. Consider increasing your Comprehensive and Collision deductibles
2. Bundle your Auto with other policies to maximize policy discounts
3. Check your policy to make sure your vehicle usage information is up to date
4. Watch your drivers. Enroll them in a defensive driving course to educate them about dangerous driving habits and hopefully prevent future claims.
 
Feel free to chat with our team here at Brock-Norton if you have questions. We are here to help!

In an increasingly digital world, we are more cognizant than ever of the need to protect our personal information. We place credit freezes on our cards and encrypt our Apple watches.  Business owners that collect PII and PHI (Personally Identifiable and Protected Heath Information) face serious liability risks if they don’t properly secure it. Now, the stakes are even higher as PHI also includes Biometric information such as retina scans, fingerprints, and facial features.
 
In 2008, Illinois became the first state to enact laws protecting the privacy of biometric data. Other states such as Washington, Texas and Virginia are introducing laws to govern this data, and Federal legislation may follow soon as well.  In the meantime, insurance carriers have been silently crafting BIPA exclusions to scale back the broad coverage provided in cyber policies. So where does this leave the business owner in the event of a suit? You guessed it, holding the bag.  In 2020, Facebook agreed to a $650 million settlement in a BIPA class action lawsuit (Patel v Facebook, Inc.), one of the largest consumer privacy settlements in US history.  In light of this, we want to arm you with the information you need to protect your business and safeguard the private information your business may collect.  Check out the articles for important information on this topic: 

If you drive for a rideshare company, you already have auto insurance. But are you certain you’re covered while working?

Most drivers assume that they are. After all, both Uber and Lyft have insurance plans as a part of the package.

But there may be big gaps in your coverage that you aren’t aware of - especially if you still have your personal auto policy and not a commercial auto policy. Here’s what to look for:

• When does coverage start? -  Check your rideshare company to see when coverage starts. If it is only when your ride starts, you could have a gap when driving to a pick-up.
• What does your auto policy cover? -  Does your policy cover driving for work? A claim could be denied if you are using your personal car for work.
• Is a hybrid policy right for you? - Some carriers have new add-ons for rideshare to cover your drives while picking up and dropping off riders.
• Can you risk it? - It is cheaper to pay for more insurance than risking an accident on the job.

Talking to an agent about your rideshare job, even if it is a side hustle, is worth it. You deserve to be protecting when you’re working hard out on the road.

We here at Brock-Norton Insurance Agency have compiled a winter vehicle car kit checklist to help you prepare for wintry weather travel. You probably already have a few of the items in this check list in your garage, but they, and a few other things should be placed into your car.
 
Vehicle emergency supply kits should include:

• Backpack or Durable Canvas Bags to Store all of these items
• Blankets (1 person & extras)/ Emergency Survival Blanket
• Sleeping Bags
• First Aid Kit
  • Gauze
  • Medical Tape
  • Bandages (Different sizes)
  • Antibiotics
  • Ointments
  • Aspirin
  • Nonlatex Gloves
  • Wet Naps
  • Scissors
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers
  • Instant Cold Compresses
  • Necessary Medications
  • First Aid Guide
  • Antiseptic Towelette
  • Sting Relief Pads
  • Alcohol Wipes
  • Q-Tips
  • Pain Killers (Tylenol/Ibuprofen)
• Winter Weather Tools
  • Ice Scraper
  • Snow Brush
  • Small Shovel
  • Windshield Wiper Fluid
  • Blanket
  • Gloves
  • Beanies
  • Hand Warmers
  • Sand/Cat Litter for Traction
• Jumper Cables
• Flares
• Reflective Triangles
• Brightly Colored Cloth to Hang out Window
• Snow tires
• Road Maps
• Compass
• Cell Phone Charger/Car Charger (Could be Solar Powered)
• Jump Starter Power Bank for Car Battery, Phones, Laptops or Other   
  Electronic Devices
• Tool Kits/Utility Tools
  • Pliers
  • Wrenches
  • Screwdrivers
  • Swiss Army Knives
  • Vice Grips
• Paper Towels/Towels
• Small and Large Trash Bags
• Flashlights and Extra Batteries
• Battery or Hand Cranked Portable Radio
• Tow Ropes
• Tire Chains
• Batteries of all Different Types
• Cable Ties
• Bungee Cords
• Emergency Candle
• Emergency Instructions
• A Few Cans of Compressed Air
• De-Icer for Windshields, Door and Locks
• Large Ziplock Bag of Ice Salt
• Bottled Water 3 Days’ Worth for Drinking
• Extra Water
• Non-Perishable Food 3 Days’ Worth
  • High Energy Foods
  • Unsalted Nuts
  • Dried Fruits
  • Canned Foods
  • Hard Candy
  • Energy Bars
• Toys, Book, and Games for Children
• Extra Baby Supplies
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Medicine
  • Clothes
  • Gloves
  • Hats
  • Baby Formula
• Clothes & Extra Clothes
  • Gloves
  • Hats
  • Scarves
  • Snow Boots
  • Jackets/Coats
  • Long Sleeve Shirt and Pants
  • Heavy Duty Work Gloves
• Antifreeze
• Portable Potty
• Extra Oil for Your Car
• Manual Can Opener
• Help Sign or Distress Banner
• Inflated Spare Tire, Wheel Wrench, Tripod Jack, and Tire Pressure Gauge
• Reflective Vest
• Fire Extinguisher
• Hand Sanitizer
• Coveralls
• Duct Tape
• Whistle
• Poncho or Umbrella
• Light Stick or LED Strobe Light
• High Visibility Safety Blanket
• Quick Spark Fire Starter Kit
• Car Escape Tools (Window Breaker and Seat Belt Cutter)
• Extra Medication
• And if you are travelling with your pets, you should have these following items in the kit:
  • 3 days to a weeks’ worth of canned or dried food
  • A weeks’ worth of bottled water for your pets
  • Food and water bowls
  • An extra collar, harness, and leash
  • A sturdy pet carrier plus carrier liners or disposable litter trays
  • Lights that can we attached to your pet’s collar or harness
  • Liquid dish soap and a towel
  • A two-week supply of your pet’s medication in a sealed container
  • Medical and Ownership Papers either printed or on a USB
  • A pet waterproof jacket and booties
  • Pet First Aid Kit

 
Here are some good tips to remember for any trip: 

• Do you have a full gas tank? Make sure it is kept full.
• Do not drive through a flooded area.
• If powerline falls on your car stay inside your car. You could get shocked. Wait until someone that is trained can remove it before exiting your vehicle.
• What are your antifreeze levels? Check them to make sure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Your battery and ignition system should be in top condition. If they are not have them serviced before taking your trip.
• How do your brakes look? Check for wear and fluid levels. If there is more wear than normal please take your car to get them replaced.
• Check your exhaust system. Check for leaks and crimped pipes. If there needs to be repairs please take your car in to be repaired. Be aware of carbon monoxide. It can be deadly and gives no warning.
• How are your car’s heater and defroster working? That will be important if you get stuck in the snow.
• Are your lights and flashers working? If not get them fixed.
• What is your oil level? If it is low please fill it back up. Also check for the weight. Heavier oils solidify more at colder temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Ensure that your thermostat works properly.
• Check your tire pressure. Refill if necessary. 

They warned us, and they weren’t kidding.  Back in September, the US Post Office announced that mail service would slow after October 1st as part of an overhaul to improve their profitability.  These delays continue to affect insurance customers who send their payments by mail.  Many don’t even receive their bills until AFTER the payment is due.  Mailed payments are taking over a week to get to the right place.  When a payment deadline is missed, insurance companies asses late fees and send cancellation notices.  For this reason, we recommend paying your insurance bills online or by phone.  Most carriers offer these options, and we encourage our clients to take advantage of them. 
 
If you are billed directly by your company, go to their website or go to our BILLING page to find the right link.  Check their sites for information on online billing options.  We can provide your policy number or any other information needed to assist you in setting up your account.
 
If Brock-Norton is billing you, we now offer the ability to pay your insurance premium online via ACH or credit card with ePayPolicy.  The ePayPolicy service is fast and secure.  Please contact us if you’d like more information.

By Venee Galloway, CPCU and Jimmy Norton, CPCU

A water loss to your home or business can be devastating.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says that just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 worth of damage.  Their Cost of Flooding Tool illustrates how the cost increases as the water rises. 
 
Many think that they aren’t at risk for a flood loss, but water can come from many different sources.  This video from Channel 6 in Philadelphia shows how one water main break affected many homes along a city street.

We have seen an uptick of “100 year storms” over the last decade. In fact, 90% of natural disasters in the US involve some form of flooding. In the wake of Hurricane Ida, New Orleans once again suffered extensive damage to hundreds of its homes and businesses.
 
Water losses like these are not covered by standard insurance.  Property policies exclude damage caused by flood, surface water, ground water and drain backups.  Unfortunately, many of us don’t realize this until it’s too late.  Flood insurance will help to cover these losses.  Most flood insurance is written through the National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP, which is managed by FEMA.  These policies provide important coverage, but they do have their limitations.  For example, NFIP Flood policies include a very specific trigger: a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry, affecting two or more acres of land or two or more properties. This means that a flood has to impact more than just you (unless you have more than 2 acres) in order to be covered. 
 
The policy is broken into 2 parts:  the first for coverage of the Building structure and all permanently affixed items (i.e. appliances, windows, etc.) and the second for the Contents within, such as furniture and computers. However, the maximum limits available under the NFIP are:
 
Commercial properties:  $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for contents
Residential properties:  $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents
 
The NFIP also requires a waiting period of 30-days before the coverage can begin, unless the coverage is required by your bank.  In order to close gaps in the NFIP for larger exposures, excess coverage limits can be purchased in the private insurance market.  Some carriers will also add Flood coverage to Property policies for larger buildings.   
 
Floods can affect us all, and Flood insurance should be heavily considered regardless of your proximity to water.  In the event that you do not currently have this coverage and are not sure if it makes sense for your business, please reach out to Brock-Norton for a free risk analysis. ​

Is someone trying to borrow money in your name? It's a danger we all live with in these days of identity theft and big-company data breaches.

That's why it's important to keep track of your credit record and banking or credit card accounts. Because, if you're a victim, the sooner you act the less havoc these criminals will wreak in your life.

One of the strongest defenses you have is to freeze your credit record with the big credit reporting agencies -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. That will stop anyone borrowing money in your name.

You have to do each one separately. But, thinking of your interests and in case this happens to you, I'm passing on the contact details that enable you to get the ball rolling.

Here they are:

Equifax: https://tinyurl.com/equi-freeze (1-800-685-1111)
Experian: https://tinyurl.com/Exper-freeze (1-888-397-3742)
TransUnion: https://tinyurl.com/TU-freeze (1-888-909-8872)

I collected this information from a very useful section on financial website The Balance (https://tinyurl.com/balance-freeze-report). I recommend spending a few minutes reading it.

Hurricanes affect a considerable portion of our country. And with hurricane season just around the corner, it’s time to think about how we can best prepare for these massive storms.

According to the latest information from FEMA, there are some basic steps to take before a hurricane

• Know your hurricane risk
• Make an emergency plan
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit

• Familiarize yourself with local emergency evacuation plans
• Stay tuned to local wireless emergency alerts, TV, or radio for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders
• Bring lighters, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and other supplies to minimize your risks.
• If you have to evacuate, find low-risk areas that can harbor your family.

To learn even more, head over to ready.gov/hurricanes and please feel free to send these tips to your friends and family.

​Did you know that drivers who are distracted by food or drink are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a collision?
 
Cell phone use is one of the most common forms of distracted driving.
 
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides some eye-opening data and invites us all to Take the Pledge to help reduce the risk.
Distracted Driving | NHTSA
 
Read up, take the pledge to drive phone-free, and share with your family and friends.
 
Help Brock-Norton end Distracted Driving! 

Did you know that you can be held liable if your dog bites someone?  It’s true.  Dog owners are often sued because of their pets’ behavior.  In fact, each state has its own law concerning owner responsibility for dog bites.  The level of liability ranges from “Strict Liability,” in which you are automatically held liable regardless of the circumstances, to a “One Bite Rule,” where owners may get a break for their dog’s first offense.    
 
In the insurance world, the Personal Liability limit on your Home or Renters policy will defend you against claims of bodily injury from dog bites.  Because of this loss exposure, insurance companies ask about the breed of dog in your home and often will exclude coverage based on the breed’s reputation.    
 
What are the Dog Owner Liability laws in your state?  Here’s a handy reference guide to the Dog Bite Liability laws in each state (thanks to the Independent Agents & Brokers of America).
 
If you have questions, simply reply to this email or contact us.

​​​Due to the impact of COVID-19, the US Postal Service is experiencing unprecedented volume increases and limited employee availability. As a result, important insurance documents, including bills and payments by check could be delayed. Mail delays have resulted in the cancellation or non-renewal of insurance policies for non-payment. This can happen because bills are not being delivered in a timely manner and vice versa for the payments. Most of the time insurance agency are willing to work with clients to address the late payment resulting from the mail delays. Below are a few steps you are able to take to protect yourself.
 

1. Know when your payments are due: It would be best to call your insurance agent as soon as possible if you have not received your bill or not sure when your payment is due or how much you are obligated to pay. Also find out when your payments are due, how much you must pay, and where/how payments can be made. Please make sure that when you make that phone call that you keep a record of the date and time you made the call, the information you were/are given, and the name of the person you spoke with. 
   
   
2. Sign up for electronic notices and billing if your insurance agency allows it: Get in contact with your insurer to see if you can sign up for an online receipt of notices and bills so you do not have to wait on the mail. Some insurance agencies will be able to provide both a paper and online notices and bills if you ask them to.
   
   
3. Pay online, by phone or in person if available: Many insurance agency and agencies have many electronic payment methods available to you. They may be able to accept they payments by credit cards or debit cards over the phone or their website or and app if they have one. Please remember to never give out your personal information, including policy information or financial information with someone who calls you! If you were able to make an electronic payment, make sure that your write down confirmation numbers, print your receipts or take a screen shot of the payment confirmation as evidence of your payment.
   
   
4. Consider setting up automatic payments from your bank account: If you are one to pay your insurance by recurring payments, it would be best if you were able to talk to your bank and insurance agency about how to set up automatic payments from your bank account. Some places don’t have this option, but it would be worth a phone call to see if it is a possibility.  
   
   
5. Make sure you have proof of payment/mailing: If none of the options above work for you and you must use the U.S. Postal Services to make payments, allow additional time in mailing and protect yourself by using the priority mail service or by obtaining proof of mailing (i.e., a receipt). Proof of mailing costs around $1.50. If you need more information about certificates of mail can be found here: https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Certificate-of-Mailing-The-Basics.

 
 

It’s getting chilly out there. And that change can mean only one thing - winter weather.

While we can’t stop snow, sleet, or freezing rain, we can be prepared. Making sure you are as ready as possible is vital for having a safe winter season.

According to the latest information from FEMA, there are some basic steps to take before a winter storm:

• Add the following to your basic emergency preparedness kit.
• Sand to improve traction.
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. 
• Extra clothing and blankets.
• Make a family communications plan.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts   for the latest information, and follow instructions given by local officials.
• Minimize travel. Keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle - especially if you are in an area hit by a pandemic or riots.

To learn even more, head over to ready.gov/winter-weather. And please feel free to send these tips to your friends and family.

Written by: ​Jimmy Norton, CPCU

Virginia passed two laws in 2020:

1. Effective July 1,2020, workers can sue their employers for past wages, benefits and other compensation.  Under this law, all workers are considered employees, and employers must prove that they are independent contractors to avoid liability for the prior expenses.
2. The second law went into effect on Jan 1, 2021.  It prohibits employee misclassification and allows the Virginia Department of Taxation to impose civil penalties for violations. 

 
Who determines whom is what?

The Virginia laws use the IRS test to determine the correct classification. 

According to the IRS, “The general rule is that an individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done.”

Alternately, they use the common law definition of employee as anyone performing services for you “if you can control what will be done and how it will be done. This is so even when you give the employee freedom of action. What matters is that you have the right to control the details of how the services are performed.”

The degree of control and independence can vary and create a huge gray area.  Businesses must weigh several factors which the IRS organizes into 3 categories:

1. Behavioral: Does the company control or have the right to control what the worker does and how the worker does his or her job?
2. Financial: Are the business aspects of the worker’s job controlled by the payer? (these include things like how worker is paid, whether expenses are reimbursed, who provides tools/supplies, etc.)
3. Type of Relationship: Are there written contracts or employee type benefits (i.e. pension plan, insurance, vacation pay, etc.)? Will the relationship continue and is the work performed a key aspect of the business?

 
Washington DC uses the following:
​
The ordinary rules of common law relative to "master and servant" apply in defining  employers and employees. In determining who is an employee and who is an independent contractor, the Department of Employment Services considers the following:

• Who has the right to supervise regarding the means by which the intermediate work should be done?
• What is the method of compensation?
• Is the individual providing service engaged in an independent trade, occupation, profession or business?

Over the past few months, insurance carriers have asserted that the virus exclusion and the definition of “direct physical loss” were the determining factors for throwing out thousands of business interruption cases due to Government sanctioned COVID-19 closures. But as Wakefern Food Corp v. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. demonstrated, loss of physical functionality and use does constitute a covered loss. So, what does this new precedent mean for the other 1200+ cases making their way through the US court system?

Both the plaintiffs and the defendants in these cases are relying on precedence to sway the court to rule in their favor. But, as insurance contracts are contracts of adhesion, any ambiguity in the language is in favor of the party that did not write the terms, i.e. the business owners. The implication is then, hundreds of thousands of denied claims may be reversed. As this was never the intention of the business interruption endorsement on the policy, what are the consequences for the insurance industry in total?

Click below to look at the article below from PropertyCasualty360 that breaks down the case findings in the context of the policy language. 
​
Want to learn more? Check out our blog page at www.brocknorton.com

COVID-19 continues to affect us all.  Here are Brock-Norton we are committed to keeping our clients abreast of any updates or resources that we can provide during this challenging time. As you are aware, the outbreak of COVID-19 has placed considerable stress not only on individuals and families but the business community as well. We know many are concerned about cash-flow and future revenue. If your business has been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, here are a few things we can do to help:
 

1. Reach out to carrier partners to discuss flexible premium payment options.   Several carriers have been waiving late fees and offering extensions on due dates.  We can contact your carrier to see what payment arrangements can be made for you.

 

1. Update policy payroll and sales exposures to reflect the quarantine’s effect on your business.  Many policy premiums are based on payroll and gross sales estimates.  If you had to lay off or furlough employees due to the closures or had a reduction in work available for current staff, your gross payrolls will decrease.  We can review your policies to determine if any adjustments are needed that can reduce your premium.  Insurance carriers have started discounting furlough payroll from Work Comp audits.  See our post, Pandemic Payroll Tips for Work Comp Audits, for more info. 

 

1. Provide recommendations for vendors offering short term lending or loans to assist you in maintaining operations. We have information from companies like Heartland, Complete Business Capital, and the SBA that can provide financial assistance via loans for business owners. Please note that we have no control over any terms or acceptance for any financial products.  We are simply here to provide the information if you choose to pursue that avenue.

 

1. Speak to you about your coverages and how they may respond to claims related to the Coronavirus pandemic. We always strive to help you understand your coverages and how they protect your most valuable investments. We are happy to discuss coverage scenarios and review individual policy language. As always, we cannot guarantee coverage of any claim as the ultimate decision resides with the carriers and/or courts within your jurisdiction.  Please see our article on The Effects of Coronavirus on Your Business for additional information.  

 
We understand that these are unprecedented times and require unprecedented solutions. We hope that you will look for opportunities to stay positive and spread love and joy wherever and whenever possible. If you can stay quarantined, please do so out of consideration for healthcare workers and those with compromised immune systems. We will continue to provide resources as they become available.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of further assistance. We appreciate your time and look forward to continuing to be of service.

By; Marie White

Travel Smarts for Your Money and Identity

Thieves love tourists. It’s nothing personal. They’re just looking for an easy target – someone who’s carrying cash and credit cards, tablets and cameras, passports and other identification, all while being distracted by the new sights and sounds all around them.
 
So how do you take it all in without allowing a thief to take off with your money, identity and other valuables? These five travel tips should help:
 

1. Stay aware of your surroundings. This applies to all situations, from your hotel room to crowded public spaces. If a stranger bumps you, check your belongings immediately, even if it seemed accidental. Also use caution if you notice a public disturbance or other commotion – thieves appreciate a good distraction.

 

1. Watch out for digital thieves, too. If you use public wi-fi, only visit secure sites (addresses starting with “https”), and log out of accounts after each session. Need cash from an ATM? Paying for gas at the pump? Watch for “skimmer” devices designed to steal your information. They can be hard to detect, so look for card readers that don’t seem to match the rest of the machine.
   
   
2. Lock up your devices. Make sure your smartphone, computer and tablet all require secure passwords for access. Otherwise, a thief who makes off with your electronics could also make off with your personal information. Leaving devices behind at the hotel? Store them in your hotel room safe.

 

1. Always have some cash. There are situations where cash is just better than credit. If a merchant or barista just doesn’t seem trustworthy, use cash. Credit cards are best when you know the location is secure, such as at an airport or chain store, or when you want the purchase protection your card offers for a big-ticket item.

 

1. Think about home. Don’t let burglars ruin your return from vacation. Stop your mail and newspaper delivery, put some lights on timers and make your {city, state or region} home looks occupied. Just in case someone does get in, keep your documents and valuables in a secure area. 

 
Remember, travel is supposed to be fun! Taking just a few common sense precautions will help make sure you’re free to wander without worry. ​

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in dramatic ways.  Companies have closed their doors or reduced operations out of public health concerns.  Employees were furloughed or laid off until businesses could operate safely.  Fortunately, disaster assistance programs like the PPP helped employers keep people on the payroll during the pandemic. 
 
If you carry a Workers’ Compensation policy, you will soon face your annual audit.  The Insurance Auditor will want to see your actual payroll records for the policy term.  Here are a few important things to remember if you paid employees to stay home or perform different duties. 
 
Workers’ Compensation policy premiums are based on gross payroll assigned to different classifications based on the type of work performed.  Each classification carries a different rate based on the hazards associated with it.  How do you classify an employee who sits home while on a paid furlough from work?  Ratemakers in the insurance industry feel they have an answer to this question.  The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) announced that payroll for paid furloughed employees can be classified under a special code – 0012.   This rule was put in place effective 3/1/20 and will run until 12/31/20.  This expiration may be extended depending on the circumstances. 
 
In addition to furloughs, many companies have had to dramatically alter their operations due COVID.  If employees were placed in new roles during this time, then companies may be able to reclassify them into different categories.  For example, a salesperson moved from outside sales to inside sales while quarantining at home.  Chesapeake Employers Insurance provides other examples:
 
EXAMPLE: A retail store that remains open for delivery of goods but closes the showroom to consumers. Several of the retail showroom employees work from home to assist with phone orders, customer service calls, and related clerical paperwork. These employees may be reassigned to Code 8871—Clerical Telecommuter Employees. In addition, this same employer has other showroom employees delivering goods to customers. These employees would be reassigned to Code 7380—Drivers, Chauffeurs, Messengers, and Their Helpers NOC—Commercial while they are in their new role as delivery drivers. In both situations, the employees’ original job descriptions were included in the applicable store code, but their new job descriptions place them in a new code. Once the employees return to their former roles after the pandemic has passed, their payroll would return to the store code that was assigned before the employer closed the showroom.
 
In many cases, employees performing more hazardous work will be assigned to less hazardous work due to a change in the company operations.  This means that employee’s payroll will go from a higher Work Comp rate to a lower Work Comp rate. 
 
It will be important to notify Insurance Auditors about changes in employee duties as well as paid employees who stayed home on furlough.  Auditors WILL REQUIRE that companies maintain separate payroll records, so make sure to start tracking this now.  It will be much easier to track the changes now than to have to look back and recalculate at audit time.  As with any audit, if separate payroll records are not maintained, then employee payroll is assigned to the highest rated applicable classification. 
 
Good luck and please contact us here at Brock-Norton if you have any questions. 
 
For more information on NCCI’s changes, you can visit their COVID-19 page here:  https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/Insights-Coronavirus-FAQs.aspx
 
Brock-Norton’s website has other COVID-19 information and resources, too.  http://www.brocknorton.com/covid-19.html