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.

Read more on Business Wire

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.

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

1. Scope & Applicability
   • Applies to most indoor workplaces, including restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities.
   • Exemptions include local and state correctional facilities and emergency operations.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. Detailed compliance guides: Heat Illness Prevention (ca.gov)
2. Comparison charts for indoor and outdoor heat standards: Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Guidance and Resources
3. Online tools and training materials: 99 Calor
4. 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.