Jan 15, 2025 | News Release
The recent wildfires across Los Angeles and Southern California have profoundly affected communities, including businesses and individuals connected to our industry. At BHHC, our thoughts are with everyone impacted during this challenging time, and we want you to know that we’re here to support you.
Flexible Policy Solutions for Affected Policyholders
If you are a policyholder and experiencing difficulties due to the wildfires, BHHC is ready to assist with flexible policy solutions, including payment accommodations. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance or assistance.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (888) 495-8949
Cal/OSHA Wildfire Smoke Standards
Employers, even those far from active wildfire zones, may encounter poor air quality due to widespread smoke. Cal/OSHA has issued alerts emphasizing the importance of protecting employees through appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Resources and guidelines are available in English and Spanish to help employers comply with wildfire smoke standards:
Agents, we encourage you to share these resources with your clients to ensure they are equipped to maintain workplace safety.
Industry Resources for Support and Relief
In light of the wildfires, the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) has launched the Wildfire Relief Fund to aid those in need of shelter and assistance. Funding from the Western Division Board Leadership Campaign will also go toward fire relief efforts. Learn more and donate here.
Additionally, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s Trusted Choice Relief Fund offers support to agents and their communities during crises like these. For more details, or to apply for a grant, visit the Trusted Choice Relief Fund page.
Jan 9, 2025 | News Release
The ongoing wildfires in greater Los Angeles area are concerning, and BHHC is grateful to the first responders fighting the blazes. We encourage you to safeguard yourselves and prioritize safety during this time.
Even employers far away from active fire events might have poor air quality in your area. Cal/OSHA issued an advisory today to remind businesses of its Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard to protect workers from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
Why It Matters
Wildfire smoke contains fine particles (PM2.5) that can harm respiratory health. Workers who spend time outdoors or in poorly ventilated areas are at greater risk.
What Employers Must Do
Monitor Air Quality
- Track the AQI for PM2.5 at the worksite before and during each shift using tools like AirNow or Cal/OSHA-approved instruments.
Provide Respiratory Protection
- When AQI exceeds 150: Offer N-95 respirators for voluntary use.
When AQI exceeds 500: Ensure workers use respirators.
Adjust Work Practices
- Limit outdoor work or provide additional breaks in safe areas.
Educate Your Team
- Provide training on the hazards of wildfire smoke, how to use respirators, and the importance of reporting unsafe conditions.
Respect Evacuation Orders
- It’s illegal to retaliate against workers who refuse to work in unsafe conditions, including in evacuation zones.
Resources to Help
Cal/OSHA provides detailed guidelines and resources in English and Spanish to help employers comply with wildfire smoke standards. Visit www.WildfireSmokeCalifornia.org or www.HumodeIncendios.org for more information.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe!
Keep up to date on wildfire status through Cal Fire and monitor air quality via local resources. By taking these steps, you protect not just your workers, but your business as well.
Oct 24, 2024 | News Release
In response to Hurricane Helene, five states have issued a Declaration of Emergency. Florida has also released a Declaration of Emergency in the wake of Hurricane Milton.
Florida issued its emergency declaration for Alachua, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Franklin, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. The declaration is in effect from September 26 to December 10. We will offer extensions for response and payment until December 10 for in-force policies. Florida issued its Hurricane Milton emergency declaration for Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia counties. The declaration is in effect from November 8 to December 10. We will offer extensions for response and payment until December 10 for in-force policies.
Georgia issued its emergency declaration for Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clay, Clayton, Clinch, Cobb, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, DeKalb, Dodge, Dougherty, Douglas, Early, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Fayette, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Grady, Gwinnett, Hancock, Henry, Irwin, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Pulaski, Putnam, Quitman, Randolph, Richmond, Rockdale, Screven, Seminole, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson, and Worth counties. The declaration is in effect from October 1 to November 30. We will hold any cancellation or non-renewal notices for in-force polices until November 30.
North Carolina issued its emergency declaration for Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. The declaration also applies to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The declaration is in effect from September 25 to November 29. If policyholders in the affected areas request them, we will offer payment extensions and hold cancellations and non-renewals for in-force policies until November 29.
South Carolina issued its emergency declaration for the entire state, effective September 25 to November 29. If policyholders request them, we will offer payment extensions and hold cancellations and non-renewals for in-force policies until November 29.
Tennessee issued its emergency declaration for the entire state, effective September 27 to January 9, 2025. If policyholders request them, we will offer payment extensions and hold cancellations and non-renewals for in-force policies until January 9, 2025.
If your business is located in one of the declared emergency areas and was impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton, please reach out to your agent to discuss the accommodations available to you. Agents, please contact your Marketing Manager or Underwriter with questions about affected accounts.
Sep 23, 2024 | News Release
In response to Hurricane Francine, Louisiana released a Declaration of Emergency. This Declaration notes 25 parishes impacted: Ascension, Assumption, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, and West Baton Rouge. It will expire on September 18th. If your business is located in one of the listed parishes and was impacted by Hurricane Francine, please reach out to your agent to discuss the accommodations available to you. You can read the Declaration of Emergency here.
Aug 29, 2024 | News Release
The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents has updated its Notice to Employees poster. All employers are required to post the new version by September 16, 2024.
The revised poster includes specific instructions for injured workers on obtaining medical treatment. It now states: “Injured workers may select their medical provider. Medical treatment costs that are reasonable, necessary, and related to the work injury will be paid by the insurer named above.” Additionally, if the insurer listed on the poster has a preferred provider arrangement, the poster provides information on the medical facility for the worker’s initial treatment.
The updated poster is available on our BHHC website in nine languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Click here to access the Massachusetts claim kit with the updated posters.
Questions?
Please contact our Customer Care Team at 800-661-6029 or [email protected].
