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Risk Management
Why Jeopardize Your LLC?
You and some business partners have decided to form a Limited Liability Company or “LLC” for your new consulting venture...
Could This Happen to Your Board?: Corporate and Personal Assets at Stake: Series Four
A local firm (“seller”) reached a contractual agreement to sell its operations to another company (“buyer”)...
Workers’ Compensation Advantage
Many estimates state that as many as 50% of all business may be getting overcharged for their Workers’ Compensation Program...
Physician Employment Contracts and Medical Malpractice Tail Insurance:: A Necessary Evil to Address a Complex Issue
Can Your Restaurant Offset Shrinking Margins?: How Your Risk Management Program Can Be Part of the Solution
It is no secret that lower-cost menu items are driving down margin and shrinking the bottom line in restaurants across the United States.
Federal Motor Carrier Administration Looks to Improve Safety Performance for Trucks
In an effort to reduce commercial vehicle-related fatalities on U.S. roadways, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has taken a fresh look at how they evaluate the safety performance of motor carriers and their drivers.
Could This Happen to Your Board?: Corporate and Personal Assets at Stake
Two minority shareholders filed suit against the board of directors after annual earnings were below forecasted results...
Would You Take This Job?: While I look after the corporation, who looks after me?
As an officer or director of a privately-held company...
Driving While Distracted: Cell Phone Usage While Driving
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute recently used cameras to continuously observe light vehicle drivers and truckers for more than six million miles.
Amendment to Wisconsin Fair Employment Act: Punitive Damages for Discrimination Claims
Employees are now able to collect punitive damages in Wisconsin for discrimination claims tried in state court. On June 8, 2009, an amendment to the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA) was...
Commercial Umbrella: Stand Alone or Follow Form?
The differences between stand alone and follow form umbrellas - finding what is best for your company.
The Not-So-Great Drywall of China: Insurance and Financial Implications of Defective Chinese Drywall upon the Construction Industry
The recent domestic drywall shortage, caused largely by increased demand for building materials in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, has led to an increased use of “Chinese Drywall” for new home...
Mass Tort Litigation Claims: Do You Know What Insurance Coverage You Had ... And When?
Some companies faced with litigation are being forced to recall their insurance carriers and policy coverages as far back as three decades. Best in class ways to retain information you need.
Private Company D&O: Why Going Without Will Hurt
The current world of “Executive, Financial and Professional Liability” is one that no privately-held company should take lightly.
A Look at Restaurants and Bars from the 'Inside-Out': Today’s complex restaurant environment needs the right list of insurance ingredients
When people get to talking about America's food hot spots, the same handful of cities come up again and again, including New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans, the epicenter of Cajun Cuisine.
Avoid Leaky Contractor Policies: Best Practices for Insurance and Indemnification Requirements
With the economy in its current state, many companies turn to renovations or repairs as an alternative to new buildings when their offices need more space or updates.
Complimentary Truck Accident Packet: A booklet for truckers to keep in their glove compartment, preparing them for accidents or other insurance issues.
Stealing From Within: Protect Your Company From Internal Fraud
With the current slow economy, many of us look to the future asking, “When will it get better?”
Three Construction Law Lessons Learned the Hard Way: What Can You Do To Protect Your Business?
If you are in the construction business and have missed what the courts in Illinois have done during the past year, you may be in danger of not getting paid, overpaying somebody else or finding...
Vacant Buildings: A Side Effect of Downsizing
When asked about current economic conditions, especially related to downsizing, many CEOs cite concerns surrounding human resources issues.
Best in Class Approach to a Warehouseman's Lien Sale
Moving and storage companies commonly encounter customers that become delinquent on accrued long-term storage charges.
Non-Owned Autos: Why Employees Driving Their Own Vehicles Leaves You at Risk!
If your salespeople drive their own vehicles for work, you are at risk of financial liability in the case of an accident.
The Untold Truth: General Liability Policies May Not Cover a Product Recall
As more and more disputes involving defective and deficient products ensue, the need for standalone product recall insurance has become abundantly clear.
Free Choice?: A look at how employers might be affected by the Employee Free Choice Act
If the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCAS) passes through Congress and becomes law, the process for union representation voting by employees will be dramatically different.
How Are Your Claims Managed?: The Financial Benefits of Claim Audits
Insurance companies have dramatically changed their claim management processes. If your current insurance broker does not have a claim professional acting on your behalf, you may be surprised...
Illinois Contractors: There is a potential risk knocking at your door .. and it could come with a huge price tag!
Evaluate the negative impact on your bottom line of hiring individuals to work as contractors if they do not meet specific state requirements classifying them as "independent."
Insuring Customer Satisfaction: Best Practices for Moving and Storage Companies
Best in class guidelines to follow that will ensure a smooth move and ultimately a satisfied customer.
Cover Your Cough: Poster
Download our Cover Your Cough poster to hang up as a reminder for your employees to stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick.
Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 Affects Anyone Handling Food
The U.S. House of Representatives approved by a wide margin a new food safety bill (H.R. 2749), with the Senate now working on its own version. The Food Safety Enhancement Act could affect every aspec
UL 300 Compliance: A Hot Topic for Commercial Kitchens
The UL 300 standard is an Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. fire test standard that was developed to accurately simulate the real life fire hazards...
Where the Coverage Ends: Best Practices for Managing Discontinued Products Liability Risks
The term “out of sight, out of mind” never applies to a company’s liability exposure when a company goes out of business...
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa: Safety Act: Is your pool up to code?
Click here for a description of steps toward compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
Data Breach: The Proper Insurance to Protect Identities... Including Yours!
According to a recent study, a security breach can cost an organization anywhere from $50 to $250 per record. This could cause a substantial setback for any company, and could easily put a small...
How Effective is your Document Retention Policy?
More than ever before, employers face liability issues regarding the documents, both paper and electronic, they generate and destroy in the normal course of business.
Claims: Report Timely to Avoid Pitfalls!
As an insured, you have a contractual obligation to report losses or incidents that could generate claims to your insurance carrier.
How a “SMALL Perk” Can Cause Big Problems: The 24-hour Company Car Exposure
Due to the difficulty of attracting and retaining talented employees, many companies are providing company cars to corporate officers, managers, and sales executives as a perk.
Managing Corporate Credit Risk: Use Insurance to Increase Your Bottom Line!
Roughly one-sixth of U.S. industrial firms’ assets are considered accounts receivable.* When receivables are managed appropriately, a company’s cash flow is positively impacted.
Rising Cost of Building Materials: Are Your Property Values Updated?
Worldwide demand for building materials such as cement, steel and petroleum have increased substantially during the past several years...
Employee Benefits
Children's Health Insurance Program: Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIP OR CHIPRA)
This law has three requirements. The first one is currently required. The second one is newly required and the third one is still forthcoming.
Generic Medications for $4: They keep you and your wallet healthy!
Recently, several pharmacies have started participating in a $4 generic drug program.
New Qualified Retirement: Plan Requirement
In accordance with DOL Regulation Section 2510.3-102, employers must segregate participant contributions from general assets on the earliest date on which the contributions can be segregated from employer general assets...
Fiduciary Liability Insurance:: A Vital Safety Net
Picture this ... A physician dies unexpectedly, leaving behind a loving family, including his second wife and three children who are still in grade school.
Your Family Wants to Know:: Have You Completed Your Advance Directives?
New Illiois Laws Take Effect January 1, 2010
Dozens of new laws, adopted during the 2009 legislative session, are scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2010. Those new laws include the following...
Health Insurance Mandates: Wisconsin 2010
Health Insurance Mandates for Fully Insured, Non-Federal Government Self Funded Plans and Private Self Funded Plans.
Lost with Loss Ratios?: A guide for calculating loss ratios, expense ratios and expected premium increases
The loss ratio for a benefit insurance policy is the balance between the premium paid by the group and the claims paid by the group’s insurance carrier.
Mandatory Electronic Filing of 5500s to Begin in 2010: 2008 Pension 5500s Must Be Posted on Employer Intranet Sites
Employers offering an employee benefit plan must file an annual report regarding the plan’s financial condition, investments and operations, unless specifically exempt by law.
What You Should Know About Mental Health Parity
The Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA) was originally passed in late 1996. It amended ERISA and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA)...
Michelle’s Law: Health Insurance Coverage for Dependent College Students Extended
On October 9, 2008, former President Bush signed and enacted Michelle’s Law, an amendment to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and...
Onsite Health Clinics Improve Employee Health, Reduce Absenteeism: Health savings through onsite clinics
Employers are constantly looking for ways to control healthcare costs while maintaining healthy and happy employees. One concept transforming the face of health care is onsite...
Fiduciary Liability Insurance: An Organization's Most Vital Safety Net
The important differences among Employee Benefits Liability, Fiduciary Liability, Crime Coverage and Employment Practices Liability.
Form 5500 Annual Report of Employee Benefit Plan: Answering Who, What, When, Where, Why... and How?
Information regarding timing and requirements for Form 5500 through ERISA
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: What Employers Need to Know
In January 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This law extends the statute of limitations for workers filing a compensation discrimination claim, which could have...
COBRA Expansions through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: What it means for your business
A summary of the newly-enacted COBRA subsidy, including a 65% federal subsidy toward an eligible individual's premium for up to nine months. Eligible employees include those involuntarily...
The Bottom Line: Critical Illness Coverage
Learn about the benefits of Critical Illness coverage as a way to protect your executives and key employees.
Changing the Game: Managing Health Insurance in the Workplace
A new look at managing health care costs by teaching employees how to understand their "healthy" numbers.
Common Sense Savings: The Benefits of Switching to Generic Prescriptions
Prescription drugs account for a growing share of overall health care spending. Innovative prescriptions are proving to cut down health care costs.
COBRA Division of Insurance
Federal Stimulus – Group Coverage Continuation Subsidy
COBRA Premium Assistance Subsidy Provides Relief for Laid-off Workers
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the multi-pronged stimulus plan signed into law this year, provides fiscal relief to individuals, states and municipalities.
Extended Dependent Coverage
The recent changes in Illinois legislation in regards to the extension of dependent coverage have created a variety of unforeseen complications and questions...
Helpful Resources For Filing Form 5500
Filing Tips and Resources for Form 5500
Illinois Extends Dependent Coverage for Group Health Insurance
On September 12, 2008, the Illinois House and Senate accepted Governor Rod Blagojevich’s amendatory veto of House Bill 5285, which will create the new dependent coverage provisions for health plans.
Illinois Insurance Coverage for Autism
Effective December 12, 2008, all individual and group health insurance policies and HMO contracts must abide by the provisions of Public Act 95-1005 (215 ILCS 356z.14).
Is Your Business Protected if an Owner Suffers a Major Disability?
Group disability income protection insurance protects basic income due to a disabling illness or injury. Discover how business owners can take full advantage of disability income planning in their...
Legislative Brief: COBRA and ARRA: Answers for Employers
On March 9, we sent you an article bundle, which included information regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and specifically COBRA continuation coverage.
Business Protection Using Life Insurance to Protect Against Financial Loss
There are a variety of tax-efficient and cost-effective tools for business owners and corporate executives to evaluate when planning for their companies. In the right situations, life insurance can...
Wisconsin Act 36
Effective July 1, 2008 Wisconsin law requires health insurance policies, as well as certain government self-insured plans, to continue to provide coverage for a dependent if he or she ceases to be a..
Safety and OSHA
OSHA Compliance: Creating Legal Privileges for Company Investigations and Audits
With the recent appointment of David Michaels as the new head of OSHA, the Obama Administration has affirmed its commitment to workplace safety, with an increased focus on industrial hygiene...
After the Rain: Disaster Recovery and Employee Safety
Hurricane Katrina, recent flooding in Atlanta, earthquakes in California, and tsunamis in the South Pacific are all recent reminders of how merciless and unpredictable Mother Nature can be.
Supervisor Duty To Enforce OSHA Compliance
Currently, the American workplace is undergoing a seismic demographic change as the “Baby Boomer” generation (born between 1946 and 1960)...
Set Your Records Straight: OSHA’s Recordkeeping National Emphasis Program Creates Employer Liability
Frequently, failures to comply with OSHA’s recordkeeping standards...
OSHA Plans to Increase Activity
According to several reports, companies receiving funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), especially those designated as high-risk, will be targeted by OSHA more than quarterly
OSHA Defense 101: Avoiding the OSHA Liability Pyramid
Avoid receiving multiple penalties and fines for the same offense.
Balancing the ADA with Safety
A look at how the Americans with Disabilities Act applies in relation to safety standards in place through the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
OSHA: 2009 and Beyond...
A look at current OSHA legislation and predictions from the new administration.
Violence in the Workplace
As the pace and emotional pressures of everyday life impact employees at home and in the workplace, a distressing and tragic trend is occurring - employees are unable to control their emotions at...
Special Bulletin: OSHA Activity Increases
OSHA, the nation’s agency tasked with enforcing workplace safety regulations, recently announced plans to increase inspections of construction projects funded by the ...
OSHA Issues a Far-Reaching Compliance Initiative...
Your business is one of many Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) or North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes selected by OSHA for inspection!
OSHA Issues Final Ruling on Employer vs. Employee-Paid Personal Protective Equipment
OSHA requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when employees are exposed to many work-related hazards. Until now, the responsibility of who actually pays for the PPE has been the...
Workers' Compensation
Interstate Scaffolding, Inc. v IWCC1
Does an employer have a duty to pay Workers’ Compensation benefits...
Developing Effective Preferred Provider Relationships
As a cost conscious employer, have you ever been frustrated by the lack of communication and control with medical providers when it comes to effectively managing workers compensation claims?
Avoid Hiring Your Next Workers' Compensation Claim
Matching physical capabilities of applicants to physical job demands using pre-employment strength testing.
Controlling Workers' Compensation Claims and Costs
There are precautions you can take to minimize risk of hiring employees with a tendency toward Workers' Compensation claims.
Economic Downturn: Think Twice Before Laying Off Injured Workers
Difficult economic times have forced employers to limit workforce expenses. While looking to streamline employees, employers must be alert to increasing Workers' Compensation costs and additional...
Your employee is injured playing softball at the company picnic – Does workers’ compensation apply?
Company-sponsored summer events are just around the corner.
Avoiding Legal Headaches from Work-Related Injuries: A Guide for Coordinating the Laws of FMLA and Workers’ Compensation
Employers should take time to understand their duties and rights when combining the laws of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Workers' Compensation (WC).
New Illinois Workers’ Compensation Kotecki Exclusion
Effective January 1, 2008, the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation approved Illinois Workers’ Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance Policy Exclusion Endorsement...
Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Act and an Employer’s Responsibility to Comply with Safety Regulations
The State of Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission recently issued a decision regarding increased compensation...
Workers’ Compensation: Are Employees Covered When Commuting To and From Work?
In most states, an employee commuting to and from work is not considered in the course and scope of employment...
Horton Personal Insurance
All Insurance Policies Are Not Created Equal!: Policy coverage differs among well-known carriers
Volume 1, Issue 1: Top ten facts about floods, protecting your valuables and umbrella policies
Flood and water damage to a home can be heartbreaking. Discovering you have no insurance coverage can be truly devastating. All homeowners’ policies have standard limitations and common exclusions.
Wellness
Test
A Comprehensive Look at Heart Disease
Heart disease is a common term for coronary artery disease (CAD). It is the number one cause of death in both men and women over the age of 60 in the United States...
Chasing those SAD Days Away
Seasonal depression, often called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a depression that occurs each year at the same time, usually starting in fall or winter and ending in spring or early summer.
New Interim Final GINA Regulations Affect Wellness Programs
In October of 2009, the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor and Department of Health and Human Services jointly released an advanced copy of interim final regulations on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
The Company with 100 Percent Wellness Participation: The secrets about how one employer attained mythical success with its wellness program.
Workplace wellness programs often provide employers with positive results, such as happier employees, reduced absenteeism and a strong return on investment.
Of Course We Have a Wellness Program!
Does having a company wellness program mean that employees receive hot rock massages on work time, or does it mean utilizing a well-planned, multi-layered group of programs aimed at increasing product
When Adopting a Worksite Wellness Program...: Be Aware of ADA and HIPAA Regulations
Wellness programs must be carefully structured to comply with both state and federal law in order to address issues regarding reasonable accommodation, privacy, confidentiality and protection of...
Perfect Your Plan for Employee Wellness
Many firms are taking more control of their health plan renewals, rather than just switching plans or raising deductibles. The best step is often to educate your employees of the virtues and values...
Clean Hands Save Lives: Poster
Download our Clean Hands Saves Lives poster to hang up as a reminder for your employees.
How do I learn my Basal Metabolic Rate?: What is it, and why should I care?
Receive a complimentary complete body composition analysis on a professional grade Tanita scale, courtesy of Horton Health Initiatives
Participation Builders to Increase ROI
Based on field-tested experience, here is a “top ten list” of Participation Builders – not in priority order – to help you understand your target population, create a supportive environment...
Water: Are You Getting Enough?
There are many reasons to be on a water kick these days: you are trying to lose weight; you are an athlete in training; it is part of basic nutrition...
Wellness Incentives: To Tax Or Not To Tax
As the popularity of wellness programs grows, employers are designing more creative and complex arrangements that offer financial incentives for employees and their family members...
Wellness Programs: A Risk Management Approach for Employee Benefit Plans
The Horton Group has developed practices for healthier, happier and more productive employees.
Adopting a Worksite Wellness Culture: A Proven Method to Control Healthcare Costs and Improve Productivity
Benefit plans can eat up a large share of a company's profits, but some of that cost can be saved by taking corrective action.
Best in Class Services
2010 Workshop Catalog
Horton Health Initiatives: A Risk Management Approach for Employee Benefit Plans
“We chose to work with The Horton Group because they are on the cutting edge of insurance and health programs..."
Best in Class Services: HRMS
Insurance and Risk Management Solutions for: Demolition Contractors
Horton has been a trusted advisor to the Construction Industry for nearly 40 years.
Insurance Protection for: Wisconsin's Manufactured Housing Industry
The Horton Group understands that businesses in the manufactured housing industry face many unique exposures, which require specialized insurance protection.
Metals Industry Practice: Providing Property and Casualty Insurance to the Metal Manufacturing, Finishing, Fabricating and Machine Shop Industries
What level of risk is your company willing to accept? The Horton Group helps you answer that question by providing a systematic approach to analyzing loss potential.
Benefit Solutions: Individual Coverage Options
As life takes unexpected turns, you can take comfort in knowing that there are solutions to keep you and your family members protected.
Best in Class Company
We believe that to deliver Best in Class insurance, risk management and employee benefit solutions, Horton must also strive to operate as a Best in Class Company.
Best in Class Profile: AMS Mechanical Systems, Inc.
A job is a job, but integrity is for eternity. After we installed 500 fan valves in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago, two of the valves were having problems.
Best in Class Services: Benefits Packet
The first step to a Best in Class healthcare plan
International Practices
Making sure we have our foreign operations properly cared for is critical to protecting our entire organization.
Medical Arts Insurance: Specializing in Professional Liability, Employee Benefits and Insurance for Health Care Providers
Medical Arts Insurance is a highly specialized firm that provides insurance brokerage and consulting services exclusively to health care providers and organizations.
Moving and Storage Commercial Solutions
Since working with our first moving and storage client more than 20 years ago, The Horton Group has become a premier provider of insurance and risk management solutions for moving and storage...
Pre-employment Strength Testing
Before implementing pre-employment strength testing, we experienced several costly Workers’ Compensation claims, many of which were caused by pre-existing conditions.
Private Equity-Mergers and Acquisitions
The Horton Group has two primary divisions that provide responsive service to Private Equity Firms.
Risk Management Audits
A Risk Management Audit includes a thorough identification and categorization of risk.
Salons and Spas: Insurance Program
For more than a decade, The Horton Group has provided insurance protection to Salons and Day Spas in Illinois. We provide best-in-class solutions and insurance protection for the services you perform.
Surety Bonds
As a leading writer of fidelity and surety bonds, The Horton Group has access to a wide spectrum of bond programs from the nation’s finest sureties.
The Horton Group’s Law Firm Support Practice (LFSP)
The Horton Group’s Law Firm Support Practice (LFSP) provides employee benefit solutions for law professionals. From benefit plan design to ancillary coverages, we provide assistance to your firm so yo
Wire Rope Fabricators: Understanding the Unique Exposures of the Wire Rope Industry
The wire rope industry is very complex, requiring unique coverages and a higher emphasis on risk management....
Safety B.O.S.S. Toolbox Talks
Chemical Hazard Communication: How to protect yourself from daily chemical exposures
This safety tip involves chemical hazards and how to protect yourself from daily chemical exposures
Coping with Heat: How to protect yourself while working in extreme heat
This safety tip deals with heat and how to protect yourself while working in extreme heat
Electrical Cords and Equipment: safety concerns that should be watched at all times
This safety tip involves electrical cords and concerns that should be watched at all times
Pain in the Back: Steps to avoid back and neck injuries
This safety tip involves back and neck injuries and important steps to avoid them
Preventing Sprains and Strains: How to prevent sprains, strains and muscle fatigue
This safety tip involves the prevention of sprains, strains and muscle fatigue
Protecting Your Eyes
This safety tip involves eye safety – a concern that should never be taken lightly
Protective Guardrails: How Protective Guardrails can save lives
This safety tip involves the importance of protective guardrails and how they can save lives
Safe Winter Driving: How to drive safely in winter weather
This safety tip discusses how to drive safely in winter weather
Setting Extension Ladders Up Safely: How to set up Extension Ladders properly
This safety tip involves extension ladders and how to set them up properly
Step Ladder Safety: How to use Step Ladders safely
This safety tip involves step ladders and how to use them safely
The Importance of Lockout/Tagout: How it can save lives
This safety tip involves the many advantages of Lockout/Tagout and how it can save lives
Using Extension Ladders Safely
This safety tip involves extension ladders and how to use them safely
Walkboard Safety
The walkboard is a specialized piece of equipment for the moving and storage industry that is crucial for productivity, efficiency and employee safety.
Welding and Cutting
This safety tip helps with protecting yourself from the hazards of welding and cutting
Forms
ZixMail Secure Messages
Step by step guide to ZixMail, a secure way to send confidential information via email.
Application for Medicare Bond
To request a medicare bond, complete the attached PDF and send it to The Horton Group.
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Building Replacement Cost Estimator Form
Bid Bond Order Form
To request a bid bond, complete the attached PDF and send it to The Horton Group.
Cell Phone Policy
Sample Cell Phone Use Policy
Hold Harmless Agreement
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Subcontractor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Contractor, Owner, General Contractor, and their respective officers, agents...
Performance Bond Order Form
To request a performance bond, complete the attached PDF and send it to The Horton Group.
Pool and Spa Safety Act - Wording
Click here for the full text of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
Questions for Medical Professionals
This form offers questions to ask a medical professional prior to medical treatment or surgery.
Questions for Medical Professionals: Spanish Version
Esta forma debera asistirlo al hacer preguntas y al obtener informacion cuando su Proveedor de Salud recomienda cirugia o un tratamiento especial por cualquiera condicion medica por la cual usted...
