Lexi Ortega

2025 Workplace Safety Webinar Series Calendar

Dec 3, 2024 | About BHHC

Get Ready for the 2025 Workplace Safety Webinar Series!

We’re happy to announce that the BHHC Loss Control Team is doubling the value for 2025! Starting in January, we’ll be offering two webinars each month in our popular Workplace Safety Webinar Series. Expanding our offerings allows our team to provide more workplace safety topics and give you additional opportunities to learn and improve your workplace safety program.

Registration Open to All BHHC Policyholders and Teams

This exclusive series is designed for BHHC policyholders and their teams. Whether you’re a Safety Manager, Supervisor, Employer, or Employee, these webinars are packed with actionable insights from our Loss Control experts. From industry best practices to tailored strategies for reducing risk, our sessions are crafted to empower you and your team to create safer, more productive workplaces.

Mark your calendars and get ready to dive into a year full of learning and safety innovation. Check out the 2025 Workplace Safety Webinar Series Calendar and save the dates for the sessions you want to attend.

Webinar Topic	Date	Recommended Audience
Preparing Safety Efforts for the New Year A review of regulatory updates and discussion about elements to address for the next 12 months	January 7	Supervisor, Safety Manager
OSHA 300 Log Support Get ready for the posting deadlines	January 21	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Workplace Violence Prevention Regulatory update and review; implementation is due in 2025	February 4	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Work Comp 101 for Supervisors Supervisor Series: The role of Supervisors in the work compensation system	February 18	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Technology & Risk Reduction Leveraging technology to reduce risk potential	March 4	Supervisor, Safety Manager
OSHA Inspection Basics Learn how to prepare for a visit	March 18	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Modified Duty & Early Return to Work Programs Supervisor Series: Supporting employees in coming back to work	March 25	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Respiratory Protection Proper use of respiratory equipment and respiratory hazard awareness	April 8	All Employees
Heat Illness Prevention Updates to regulations and preparation for the summer	April 22	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Risk Management 101 Supervisor Series: Understanding the basics of a risk management cycle for supervisors	May 6	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Fall Protection Tips & Tricks in General Industry Preventing falls in non-construction workplaces	May 20	All Employees
Machine Safety General Lockout/Tagout procedures, awareness, and safeguards for supervisors	June 3	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Engagement: Getting Employees Buy-In Supervisor Series: Introducing Bradley Curve principles to improve your safety culture	June 17	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Confined Spaces General safety precautions for working in confined spaces	July 1	All Employees
Defensive Driving for Small Fleets Understanding the protocols that enhance compliance and reduce risk potential	July 15	All Employees
Hazard Identification for Supervisors Supervisor Series: conditions, behaviors, and compliance	July 29	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Emergency Preparedness Planning and response strategies in emergencies	August 12	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Supervisor Responsibilities for Fall Prevention in Construction Review of controls and responsibilities for construction supervisors	August 26	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Safety Management for Supervisors Supervisor Series: safely managing the work environment	September 9	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Contractor & Vendor Safety Management Ensuring third-party compliance with safety standards	September 23	Owner, Supervisor, Safety Manager
Winter Safety Tips Risk identification, mitigation, and review for winter hazards	October 7	All Employees
Communication for Supervisors Supervisor Series: Coaching for safety	October 21	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Safety Recognition Programs Designing and implementing effective safety recognition programs	November 4	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Chemical Safety Proper handling and storage of chemicals to reduce exposure risks	November 18	All Employees
Controlling Behaviors Through Audits Supervisor Series: Understanding the importance of auditing safety controls	December 2	Supervisor, Safety Manager
Scaffold Safety Awareness Review of scaffold safety regulations and proactive risk management controls	December 16	All Employees

Missed Our 2024 Webinars?

Visit our Safety Center to watch recordings of previous webinars and access valuable, specialized safety tools and resources.

Let’s make 2025 a year of enhanced safety, professional development, and success

BHHC Loss Control Webinar Series 2025 Calendar

The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) are a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway insurance group. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and with over 50 years in business, BHHC has evolved from a regional carrier to a national insurance group writing a diverse book of policies from coast to coast. The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies include Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company, BHHC Special Risks Insurance Company, Continental Divide Insurance Company, Cypress Insurance Company, Oak River Insurance Company, and Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) have earned an enviable record of success in the insurance industry. Supported by A.M. Best’s highest financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) (as of February 22, 2024), our corporate size enables our organization to react swiftly and effectively to opportunities in the insurance marketplace. Our financial strength provides our employees, agency partners, and policyholders the security rarely available in today’s marketplace. Browse bhhc.com to learn more.

Introducing Marjorie Hutchings

Jul 24, 2024 | News Release

Welcome to the Team

We are excited to share that Marjorie Hutchings, has joined the BHHC Workers Compensation Division as our new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Marjorie boasts more than 35 years of experience in technology and over 20 years in the insurance industry. Hutchings will lead our IT organization’s administration, daily operations, and strategic planning.

“Marj is an exceptional technology leader whose vast experience and innovative mindset will be instrumental in driving our IT initiatives forward,” said Rob Darby, President and CEO of BHHC Workers Compensation. “Her extensive background in modernizing applications, data security, and cloud implementation aligns well with our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and deliver superior service and data security to our policyholders and agency partners.”

With extensive experience in property and casualty claims systems, customer-facing web platforms, and the virtualization of production systems, she has also led the implementation of private cloud infrastructure. Notably, she was a founding member of the technology team at Esurance, an Allstate company known for its innovative use of advanced technology to drive business strategy.

“We are excited to welcome Marj to our leadership team,” added Darby. “Her proven track record in technology management and her ability to lead complex projects make her an excellent fit for BHHC as we continue to innovate and expand our capabilities in the workers compensation insurance sector.”

We warmly welcome Marjorie Hutchings to our team and look forward to the technology strategies she will bring to BHHC.

New Indoor Heat Protections in California

Jul 24, 2024 | News Release

What Employers Need to Know

As temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat illness, even indoors. In response, California has enacted new regulations to protect indoor workers, effective July 24, 2024. Here is a comprehensive overview to help you stay compliant and keep your employees safe.

Key Points of the New Regulation

Scope & Applicability
- Applies to most indoor workplaces, including restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.
- Exemptions include local and state correctional facilities and emergency operations.
Trigger Temperatures & Required Actions
- At 82°F, employers must provide water, rest breaks, cool-down areas, and training.
- At 87°F, additional measures include cooling the work area, adjusting work-rest schedules, and providing personal heat-protective equipment.
Special Considerations
- Additional requirements at 82°F for workers wearing restrictive clothing or working in high radiant heat areas.
- Employers with both indoor and outdoor workplaces must comply with both sets of regulations.

Read the full News Release here: California indoor heat protections approved and go into effect | California Department of Industrial Relations

Additional Resources

BHHC Safety Center

Log in to the BHHC Safety Center for more resources on Indoor Heat Prevention.

Cal/OSHA

Numerous prepared resources to aid employers in implementing these new protections, including:

Detailed compliance guides: Heat Illness Prevention (ca.gov)
Comparison charts for indoor and outdoor heat standards: Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Guidance and Resources
Online tools and training materials: 99 Calor
Consultation Services: Cal/OSHA Consultation Services

Questions?

For further assistance, employers can contact Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424 or visit the Heat Illness Prevention web page: Indoor Heat Illness Prevention (ca.gov)

The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) are a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway insurance group. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and with over 50 years in business, BHHC has evolved from a regional carrier to a national insurance group writing a diverse book of policies from coast to coast. The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies include Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company, BHHC Special Risks Insurance Company, Continental Divide Insurance Company, Cypress Insurance Company, Oak River Insurance Company, and Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) have earned an enviable record of success in the insurance industry. Supported by A.M. Best’s highest financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) (as of February 22, 2024), our corporate size enables our organization to react swiftly and effectively to opportunities in the insurance marketplace. Our financial strength provides our employees, agency partners, and policyholders the security rarely available in today’s marketplace. Browse bhhc.com to learn more.

AM Best A++ (Superior Rating) 2024

Feb 23, 2024 | About BHHC

BHHC Insurers Secures A++ (Superior) Rating from AM Best: A Mark of Stability and Excellence

Today, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) insurers, which includes all six underwriting companies, is proud to announce our achievement and reaffirmation of the A++ (Superior) financial strength rating by AM Best, the premier global credit rating agency for the insurance industry. This top-tier rating highlights our strong financial health and steadfast commitment to our policyholders.

Founded in 1899, AM Best Company has set the standard for evaluating financial stability in the insurance sector. Our attainment of their highest possible rating signifies BHHC’s leadership in the industry, showcasing our enduring legacy and continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation.

This A++ rating across all BHHC affiliates honors our past achievements and reinforces our future aspirations. It affirms our dedication to upholding the highest standards of financial reliability, reflecting our team’s commitment to delivering superior service and support to our clients and partners. As we advance, we remain focused on leveraging our strength, stability, and innovative spirit to exceed the expectations of those we serve, ensuring BHHC remains a trusted leader in the insurance industry.

Read more in the official press release from AM Best.

The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) are a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway insurance group. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and with over 50 years in business, BHHC has evolved from a regional carrier to a national insurance group writing a diverse book of policies from coast to coast. The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies include Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company, BHHC Special Risks Insurance Company, Continental Divide Insurance Company, Cypress Insurance Company, Oak River Insurance Company, and Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) have earned an enviable record of success in the insurance industry. Supported by A.M. Best’s highest financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) (as of February 22, 2024), our corporate size enables our organization to react swiftly and effectively to opportunities in the insurance marketplace. Our financial strength provides our employees, agency partners, and policyholders the security rarely available in today’s marketplace. Browse bhhc.com to learn more.

World’s Most Admired Companies 2024

Jan 31, 2024 | About BHHC, News Release

Recognition like this matters – to our customers and us.

Coming in at #4, we are excited to announce that Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is ranked in the top 10 of the World’s Most Admired Companies list as determined annually by Fortune. Notably, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. maintained the 1st place ranking for our industry (Insurance: Property & Casualty) for the 19th consecutive year. The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies are honored to be a part of the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group in support of our organization’s reputation and integrity through a culture of service.

This annual list rates firms on nine critical attributes to identify those with the strongest reputations among the world’s top executives. The rankings emerge from a survey of 3,700 top executives and directors, along with financial analysts, that examines the companies that enjoy the strongest reputations within their industries and across industries.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has made the list before. In fact, since 1998, a 26-year streak, and for the Property & Casualty Insurance industry, since 2005, which is an 19-year streak. Being included as a part of the company that is named to this prestigious roster is an honor every single time. It says we’re innovative; provide high-quality products and services; are well-managed; are socially responsible; attract and retain talented team members; and are financially sound. All things that matter to our customers and to us. These are all things we strive to achieve every day.

Here’s to continuing the work as BHHC to be among the world’s most admired. After all, we want to be there next year to support and make our contribution to the Property & Casualty Insurance industry 1st place ranking and keep the streak going!

The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) are a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway insurance group. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and with over 50 years in business, BHHC has evolved from a regional carrier to a national insurance group writing a diverse book of policies from coast to coast. The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies include Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company, BHHC Special Risks Insurance Company, Continental Divide Insurance Company, Cypress Insurance Company, Oak River Insurance Company, and Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) have earned an enviable record of success in the insurance industry. Supported by A.M. Best’s highest financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) (as of February 1, 2023), our corporate size enables our organization to react swiftly and effectively to opportunities in the insurance marketplace. Our financial strength provides our employees, agency partners, and policyholders the security rarely available in today’s marketplace. Browse bhhc.com to learn more.