OPINION
Virus risk hard to transfer
As the March issue of Business Insurance goes to press, the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread to new countries, with growing numbers sick from the virus and a global death toll that is also rising. While the majority of the cases are in China, where the virus originated, countries including South Korea, Japan, Italy, Singapore, Iran, the United Kingdom and the United States have reported confirmed cases, and varying internal responses are in place from quarantines to travel restrictions and lockdowns.
Editorial: No turning back from new norms
When states started lifting COVID-19 lockdown restrictions last month, people who had been working from home through the crisis began preparing to head back to their workplaces, in many cases rather reluctantly.
Viewpoint: Young drawn to innovation
How to plug the talent gap in any industry is a perennial question, but the question asked of this year’s Break Out Award winners “What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?” is perhaps more pertinent.
Editorial: Terrorism backstop still plays key role
First and foremost, many people in the industry had friends and colleagues who were trapped in the Twin Towers on 9/11 and did not make it out. The hundreds of insurance industry professionals that died in the attacks remain fixed in many people’s memories and continue to be memorialized by their companies.
Editorial: Defy hard market with soft skills
The vocabulary used differs, but most people in the insurance and risk management sector acknowledge that market conditions are changing.
View from the Top: Megan Miller, Spencer Educational Foundation
Megan Miller, recently appointed executive director of the Spencer Educational Foundation Inc., discusses her role with the organization, industry recruiting and what she has learned so far.
Today’s top health care workforce challenges
Health care professionals are facing new challenges as an ever-changing regulatory environment, the evolution of patient care and fierce competition come together to create the perfect storm.
View from the Top: Joe Tatum, Relation Insurance
Joe Tatum, CEO of Relation Insurance Inc., discusses the brokerage’s growth plans, strategy and the market environment for brokerage M&As.
Overextended warranties: What policyholders should know to protect themselves
When purchasing directors and officers liability insurance, policyholders are often asked to warranty that they are not aware of any facts that might lead to a claim under the prospective policy.
Editorial: Terrorism backstop still plays key role
Even with the distance of 18 years, the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks still have a profound effect on the insurance and risk management sectors.
Risks Assessment: Wildfire challenges raging
Managing the risk of wildfire seems to be as hard as managing the wildfire itself in the new normal of “public safety power shut-offs” and extreme weather conditions in California.
Editorial: Technology gain can devolve to pain
Technological advancement is a wonderful thing. But the road to the technological promised land is not always straight, and the human factor can create obstacles.
Risks Assessment: Seeking clarity on cursing
Watch your language! Or not? Profanity, and whether it has a place in civil discourse — either in the workplace, in public life or on the campaign trail — has become a topic of debate in recent weeks.
View from the Top: Bill Diaz, Ventiv Technology
Bill Diaz, CEO of risk management information systems provider Ventiv Technology Inc., discusses developments in the RMIS market and plans for growth.
Risky business: Peak hurricane season meets prime filming season
Fall is finally here, and for those in the media and entertainment industry, that means peak filming season.
Insurance and AI: Can robust standards help navigate the ethical conundrum?
Artificial intelligence has started to occupy a unique place in our lives. In fact, no other technology has the kind of far-reaching implications as AI because it touches human lives across industries and geographies.
Editorial: Pot gives plenty of food for thought
Ever since states began legalizing medical marijuana more than 20 years ago, employers have been caught in a quandary about how to deal with formerly illegal drugs in the workplace.
View from the Top: Bill Pieroni, ACORD
Bill Pieroni, president and CEO of the insurance industry nonprofit Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development, or ACORD, discusses the industry’s technological progression, the use of big data and blockchain applications.
Terminate a toxic corporate culture before it reaches the point of no return: violence
Workplace violence: What images does this phrase conjure up in your mind? You may envision physical altercations or even workplace shootings. But most employers are surprised to learn that 82 % of reported workplace violence incidents do not involve a weapon.
View from Washington: All eyes on the economy
It’s the economy, stupid. James Carville’s infamous campaign slogan in Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential election victory against George H.W. Bush has endured and been referenced many times in the nearly three decades since he coined the phrase.
Breaking through misconceptions on defense rules when litigating claims
Recently, we have seen an uptick in coverage disputes with insurers that are centered on the insurer’s defense obligation. Many policyholders do not understand their rights with respect to the selection of defense counsel.
Editorial: Resurgent measles requires action
It’s been more than 50 years since the measles vaccine was introduced in the United States, ending what had until then been an unpleasant part of growing up.
View from the Top: Bruce Carnegie-Brown, Lloyd’s of London
Bruce Carnegie-Brown, chairman of Lloyd’s of London, discusses the challenges facing the Lloyd’s market, including recent allegations of sexual harassment at London-market companies, and its plans for a digital future.
View from Washington: NFIP reform inches closer
It might have gotten lost in the spectacle of Bob Mueller’s congressional testimony, but a legislative fix for the troubled National Flood Insurance Program may finally be gaining some traction.