Monthly Archives: <span>June 2010</span>

Rigger Faces Trial in Deadly New York City Crane Collapse

It was one of the nation’s deadliest construction crane accidents: A 200-foot-tall rig crashed down on a dense city block, killing seven people, leaving a gash of destruction near the United Nations and raising questions about the safety of the …

Ratings: Toyota Motor, First Mercury, Eastern Alliance, Southern Farm

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A-‘ (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a-” of Iowa-based Toyota Motor Insurance Company (TMIC), both with stable outlooks. The ratings reflect the company’s “adequate capitalization and improved operating performance,” …

S&P Revises Marsh Mac Outlook to Negative; Ratings Affirmed

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has revised its outlook on Marsh & McLennan Cos. (MMC) to negative from stable. S&P has also affirmed its ‘BBB-‘ long-term and ‘A-3’ short-term counterparty credit ratings on the company. “The outlook revision follows MMC’s …

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Rates to Drop 9.8%

South Carolina insurance regulators have approved an industry filing that lowers workers’ compensation insurance rates for employers by an average 9.8 percent. Insurers can begin using the new rates in 30 days. “This is the second year a decrease has …

Subpoenas Issued in West Virginia Mine Explosion Investigation

Government investigators have begun issuing subpoenas to reluctant witnesses to the nation’s worst coal mining disaster in 40 years, accordng to West Virginia’s mine safety director. The five subpoenas issued to date have gone to witnesses who skipped scheduled interviews …

Emergency Declared in Wake of Oklahoma Flooding and Severe Storms

State officials in Oklahoma declared a state of emergency on June 14 for 59 counties following severe storms and flooding that began a day earlier. At the request of Gov. Henry, who is out of the state, Lt. Gov. Jari …

Restaurants Lax on Food Safety, Says Researcher

Here’s an unappetizing thought: A review of restaurant food safety practices found that a typical kitchen worker cross-contaminates food with potentially dangerous pathogens about once per hour. Among the risky behaviors cited were workers using aprons and other garments to …

West Virginia Delays Black Lung Insurance Premium Hikes

West Virginia insurance regulators have put black lung premium increases on hold. The National Council on Compensation Insurance asked Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline’s office in May to increase rates for black lung losses incurred by insurers. The council requested a …

Lawyer for Alleged Ponzi Schemer Stanford Accused of Insurance Fraud

The judge handling the criminal case against accused Ponzi schemer Allen Stanford is allowing parties to review documents related to allegations that the Texas financier’s lawyers engaged in insurance fraud. An order released Monday by U.S. District Judge David Hittner …

Rise in Employer Healthcare Costs Slowing

Medical costs for U.S. employers will rise by 9 percent in 2011, slightly less than they have risen this year, according to a survey released Monday. To try to control the impact, employers are turning to wellness programs but also …