Skip to content

NCW Blog

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

De-icing Outdoor Walking Surfaces in Winter

Keeping outdoor walking surfaces-such as parking lots and sidewalks-clear of ice in the winter is a crucial practice at many workplaces. Not only does ice removal offer aesthetic benefits, it can also help keep you,...

Read More


IRS Announces 2021 Standard Mileage Rates

On December 22, 2020, the IRS issued the 2021 optional standard mileage rates, which are used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. The 2021...

Read More


Onboarding New Employees in the COVID-19 Era Takes Extra Planning, Effort

You only get one chance to make a first impression on a new employee. Despite the fact that initial interactions are often now remote instead of in person, welcoming a new employee to your company is vitally important....

Read More


Extension of Deadlines For ACA Reporting By Employers

The information contained in this document is intended for educational purposes and to provide a general understanding of regulatory events, legislative changes and the law - not to provide specific legal advice. Source:...

Read More


Did you know that you could already be filing for your Advance Credits on Emergency Paid Sick Leave monies paid to employees under FFCRA?

Did you know that you could already be filing for your Advance Credits on Emergency Paid Sick Leave monies paid to employees under FFCRA? Eligible employers can use Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to...

Read More


CDC Announces Shorter Quarantine Guidelines After a COVID-19 Exposure

During a recent media briefing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an update to quarantine guidelines, offering options for shorter quarantine periods. The CDC’s updated guidance allows for...

Read More


What You Can Do to Avoid the Flu

What You Can Do to Avoid the Flu Fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, nausea: If these symptoms hit, you may have been bitten by the flu bug. Who is Most Vulnerable? People over age 65 are at a...

Read More


OSHA issues another $500K in COVID-19 citations

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued nearly $500,000 in COVID-19 citations between Oct. 23 and Oct. 29, bringing the total number of proposed penalties against employers for failing to protect...

Read More


COVID-19 Guidance on Ventilation in the Workplace

OSHA is committed to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers and workplaces during these unprecedented times. The agency will be issuing a series of alerts designed to keep workers safe.Ensuring adequate...

Read More


CDC’s Recommendations for Holiday Celebrations

As many people in the United States begin to plan for fall and winter holiday celebrations, CDC offers the following considerations to help protect individuals and their families, friends, and communities from COVID-19....

Read More


New CDC Guidance Makes Contact Tracing More Difficult for Employers

Employers will have to revise their COVID-19-related safety policies and practices to meet new guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on what it means to have been in "close contact"...

Read More


Driving at Night – Daylight Savings Time Increases Hazards

Shorter days, fatigue, compromised night vision, rush hour and impaired drivers are some of the risks we face when driving at night. These risks become especially pronounced moving into the weekend, with fatal crashes...

Read More


Four Keys to a Solid Safety Audit and Inspection Program

4 Keys to a Solid Safety Audit and Inspection Program When was the last time you took a long, honest look at your environment, health, and safety program? If it has been a while, or you can’t remember-or if you’ve never...

Read More


FFCRA Changes to Meet Court Objections

The Department of Labor has issued new regulations governing the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) after the original set of rules was overturned by a federal judge. The new...

Read More


School Zone and School Bus Safety - Be Safe, Drive Smart

The end of summer means millions of Texas children will soon return to school. TxDOT reminds drivers to be extra cautious as school zones become more active, as well as to be aware of school bus safety. In 2017, 811...

Read More


Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for Business

Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for Business The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. A prompt warning to employees to evacuate, shelter or lockdown can save lives. A call for help to public...

Read More


Join us for our FREE Question & Answer Session: Clear Up the Chaos - Power Hour

Have questions about regulations that affect your business? You’re not alone. Join us for our FREE Question & Answer Session: Clear Up the Chaos – Power Hour to hear about the top regulatory issues and get your...

Read More


NCW Risk Management Hosts Virtual Seminar About Employer Communication

NCW Risk Management Hosts Virtual Seminar About Employer Communication September 3, 2020 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon Online Webinar NCW Risk Management is hosting a virtual seminar on Thursday, September 3, 2020, from 10:30...

Read More


A Guide to Employee Temperature Checks

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) gave employers the green light to take employees' temperatures to try and ward off the spread of the coronavirus in guidance from earlier this year. But will taking...

Read More


NCW Risk Management Announces Nonprofit Contest

NCW Risk Management Announces Nonprofit Contest Free coloring sheet and opportunity for Nonprofit organizations to earn $5,000 donation. NCW has released a free coloring sheet to give our community’s youngest members...

Read More


Join us for our FREE Question & Answer Session: Clear Up the Chaos – Power Hour

Have questions about regulations that affect your business? You’re not alone. Join us for our FREE Question & Answer Session: Clear Up the Chaos – Power Hour to hear about the top regulatory issues and get your...

Read More


“Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles”

Texas Department of Transportation’s statewide “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” motorcycle safety and public awareness campaign urges motorists to look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections,...

Read More


Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) update July 2020

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) update July 2020 The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health...

Read More


Vaccination requirements could pit safety concerns vs. ADA, Title VII

Workplace safety rules may clash with federal protections for individual rights if employees resist potential employer efforts to require them to take a prospective COVID-19 vaccine, but safety considerations will...

Read More


Guidance for Suspected or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in the Workplace

If an employee has symptoms when they arrive at work or become sick during the day, they should immediately be separated from other employees, customers, and visitors and sent home. Employees who develop symptoms...

Read More


COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

What are they key differences between cloth face coverings, surgical masks and respirators? Cloth face coverings: May be commercially produced or improvised (i.e., homemade) garments, scarves, bandanas, or items made...

Read More


Wildfire Danger Information

Wildfire Danger Information The Texas Panhandle and South Plains have seen several red flag warnings this season. We have seen how quickly fires can spread out of control and cause significant property damage and...

Read More


Social Engineering and Ways to Mitigate Susceptibility

Social Engineering and Ways to Mitigate Susceptibility Social engineering: two words that are increasingly being talked about in normal, day-to-day conversation. If you are like me, when you first heard the term, you...

Read More


FMCSA Revises Hours of Service (HOS)

FMCSA revises the hours of service (HOS) regulations to provide greater flexibility for drivers subject to those rules without adversely affecting safety. The Agency: (1) expands the short-haul exception to 150 air-...

Read More


HSA Limits Increase for 2021

Source: Zywave

Read More


Did you know there are 11 new translations of OSHA's poster to help prevent workplace coronavirus exposure?


Seven Steps to Correctly Wear a Respirator at Work

Source: OSHA

Read More


Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus

Source: OSHA

Read More


IMPORTANT I-9 Form Notices

A notice came out from the USCIS (see below) giving all employers guidance on what to do during COVID-19 should a new hire present you with an expired List B document for I-9 form purposes. There are very specific...

Read More


Dentistry Workers and Employers - Steps to Stay Safe

Dentistry Workers and Employers This section provides guidance for dentistry workers and employers. This guidance supplements the general interim guidance for workers and employers of workers at increased risk of...

Read More


Heat-Related Illnesses & First Aid


Return to Work Resource Guide

Source: HR Workplace Services

Read More


U.S. Department of Labor Ends Temporary Non-Enforcement of Paid Leave Protections to Help American Workers

U.S. Department of Labor Ends Temporary Non-Enforcement of Paid Leave Protections to Help American Workers During Coronavirus PandemicWASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today the end of the...

Read More


U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert to Help Keep Construction Workers Safe during The Coronavirus Pandemic

U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert to Help Keep Construction Workers Safe during The Coronavirus Pandemic WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has...

Read More


Coronavirus and Managing Remote Work Cyber Risks


Pre-Employment Drug Testing Following a Driver Being Furloughed

What does a company do in the event they have to lay drivers off because business has slowed down due to COVID19? Does the driver have to take another Pre-Employment test? If a driver is furloughed or laid off for 30...

Read More


Reopening a Business After the Coronavirus Shutdown


Important Payroll Record Information from one of our Valued Insurance Partners


U.S. Department of Labor Issues Guidance for Respiratory Protection During N95 Shortage Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued interim enforcement guidance to help combat supply shortages of disposable N95 filtering face piece respirators (N95 FFRs)....

Read More


CARES Act - Small Business Loan Overview

In response to the American economy reeling from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the federal government recently signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Among other...

Read More


COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the "FFCRA"), signed by President Trump on March 18, 2020, provides small and midsize employers refundable tax credits that reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of...

Read More


12 Tips For Staying Fit, Healthy and On Task While Working From Home

12 tips for staying fit, healthy and on task while working from home: Set up a separate office space. Use a space in your home that’s designated solely for work. Working from your couch or other casual places can...

Read More


Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers As provided under the legislation, the U.S. Department of Labor will be issuing implementing regulations. Additionally, as warranted, the Department will...

Read More


Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

What is the effective date of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which includes the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act?The FFCRA’s paid leave...

Read More


What You Need To Know About Coronavirus For Your Business

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of infection from the coronavirus is currently low, even for most workers. However, as an employer you may face questions and concerns,...

Read More


Eye Safety

More than 2,000 eye injuries occur on the job site every day and about one in 10 of them require missed workdays to recover. Of the total amount of work-related eye injuries, 10 to 20 percent will cause temporary or...

Read More


Avoiding Driving Distractions - Myth versus Reality

In 2018, there were 3,567 deaths on Texas roadways1. Among the leading causes were distracted driving, driving under the influence and speeding. Many of these incidents had more than one cause but driving while...

Read More


Slip & Fall Prevention: Tips for Walking on Ice

Just one bad fall on ice can have long-term consequences. Pay attention to the weather and stay inside to avoid icy hazards when you can. When you do venture out, walking in winter requires special attention to avoid...

Read More


Join Us To Hear About the State of Amarillo’s Economy

Join Us To Hear About the State of Amarillo’s Economy January 22, 2020 7:30 to 9 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Room We’re proud to announce that NCW is sponsoring the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation’s...

Read More