Office Building Employers Information for COVID-19
Office building employers, owners and managers can take proactive measures to create a safe and healthy workplace for employees, clients and other guests. This article shares COVID-19 guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 Employer Information for Office Buildings.
How Office Building EmployersCanProtect Employees
Employers should consider the following steps to protect their employees and other building visitors, while slowing the spread of COVID-19:
Check the building for hazards associated with prolonged facility shutdown, ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase air circulation as much as possible.
Identify where and how workers might be exposed to COVID-19 at work.
Develop hazard controls using the hierarchy of controls. Consider using a combination of engineering and administrative controls, explained further below.
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls isolate people from hazards. Consider the following example controls:
Modify seats, furniture and workstations.
Use methods to physically separate employees in the building, including work areas and common areas.
Improve building ventilation based on local environmental conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity).
Administrative Controls
Administrative controls change the way people work. Consider the following example controls:
Encourage employees who have symptoms of COVID-19 to notify their supervisor and stay home.
Stagger shifts, start times and break times to reduce the number of employees in common areas.
Post signs in parking areas and entrances that ask guests and visitors to wear cloth face coverings.
Post instructions and reminders at entrances and in other strategic places about hand hygiene, COVID-19 symptoms, and cough and sneeze etiquette.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
Educate Employees
Employers should consider the following steps to educate employees and supervisors about how to protect themselves at work:
Develop communication and training that is easy to understand, in preferred languages spoken or read by the employees, and includes accurate and timely information. Suggested topics include signs and symptoms of infection, staying home when ill, social distancing, cloth face coverings, hand hygiene practices, and identifying and minimizing potential routes of transmission at work, at home and in the community.
Provide information and training on what actions employees should take when they are not feeling well (e.g., workplace leave policies, and local and state health department information).
Remind employees and clients that the CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are hard to maintain. However, wearing a cloth face covering does not replace the need to practice social distancing.
The CDC has posters available for employers to download and print, some of which are translated into different languages.
Develop Special Considerations for Elevators and Escalators
Employers should implement special considerations if their building has elevators or escalators. Consider the following proactive measures:
Encourage occupants to take stairs when possible, especially when elevator lobbies are crowded or when only going a few flights.
Designate certain stairwells or sides of stairwells as “up” and “down” to better promote social distancing.
Use floor markings in elevator lobbies and near escalator entrances to reinforce social distancing. Place decals inside the elevator to identify where passengers should stand if needed.
Use stanchions in lobbies to mark pathways to help people travel in one direction and stay 6 feet apart.
Consider limiting the number of people in an elevator and leaving steps empty between passengers on escalators.
Post signs reminding occupants to minimize surface touching. They should use an object (such as a pen cap) or their knuckle to push elevator buttons.
Consider adding supplemental air ventilation or local air treatment devices infrequently used elevator cars.
For More Information
Read the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers for additional recommendations for creating new sick leave policies, and cleaning and developing employee communications to help protect employees and other building guests.
Contact us today for more COVID-19 guidance and resources to protect employees.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest-growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. The GDI team has developed an “insurance cost reduction” quoting plan, that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our clients know how much we value and appreciate their business.
In the event that a fire occurs at your commercial property, having measures in place to slow the spread of the flames and minimize potential damages is crucial. That’s where fire doors can help. These doors are specifically designed to withstand the extreme heat of a fire for a period of time, temporarily blocking flames from traveling from one area of a building to another.
Considering that time is of the essence when it comes to keeping a fire under control, these doors can make all the difference in allowing additional building occupants to safely escape the premises and preventing property damage. Yet, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards—namely, NFPA 80—emphasize that fire doors must be routinely inspected and adequately maintained in order to be effective.
Review the following guidance to learn more about how fire doors work and best practices for keeping these doors fully operational.
How Fire Doors Work
A fire door consists of multiple components—including the door, door frame, hinges, handle and additional hardware. Collectively, these parts are designed to withstand fire exposures for a set period of time, slowing the spread of flames and smoke throughout different sections of the affected property.
These doors can vary in size, materials and layout (e.g., a swinging, sliding, hinged or rolling door). These doors are typically utilized within the wall openings and stairwells of buildings. Installing fire doors in wall openings can help keep flames from spreading to additional areas on the same floor of a property. Implementing these doors in stairwells can deter a fire from traveling between different stories of a property and potentially allow additional building occupants to safely escape via the stairs. Fire doors can also provide firefighters with better access to the property overall, bolstering fire suppression efforts.
Each fire door is designed to meet the standards of its resistance rating, which represents how long the door can actually withstand fire exposures before eventually succumbing to the heat and smoke. This rating is determined through various testing procedures, and applies not only to the door, but also to its collective parts. Fire door resistance ratings can range from 20 minutes to three hours. For example, if the door can withstand fire exposures for one hour, then it will be rated as a one-hour fire door.
Fire doors are also considered in the process of establishing a property’s fire divisions. While some buildings only consist of a single fire division, a property may contain multiple fire divisions if there are measures in place to limit a fire from reaching different areas of the building. With this in mind, properties with approved fire divisions by way of fire doors in place may benefit from reduced commercial insurance rates, seeing as there is a lower risk of a fire spreading across the entirety of the building.
On the other hand, properties that remove or don’t incorporate fire doors and thus lack multiple fire divisions may encounter higher commercial insurance rates, since a fire is increasingly likely to affect the entire building and result in more severe damages.
Maintaining Fire Doors
While fire doors can certainly offer numerous advantages to a property, it’s important to note that these doors must be properly maintained to remain effective. In particular, some fire doors need to stay fully closed in order to work. Otherwise, flames and smoke will easily travel through any openings, defeating the purpose of the doors altogether.
However, fire doors that are equipped with fusible links—which are heat-activated devices designed to ensure that such doors adequately close in the presence of a fire—do not need to stay shut at all times. In these circumstances, the doors can be kept open as long as there are no obstructions (e.g., a door wedge) in the way that could potentially prevent them from closing when necessary. Keep in mind that most rolling fire doors are equipped with fusible links.
In addition to keeping fire doors closed or unobstructed, NFPA 80 also outlines the following installation, inspection and maintenance requirements:
Ensure all fire doors at your property contain a fire label and resistance rating from Underwriter Laboratories or Warnock Hersey—both of which are trusted safety certification organizations.
Only allow a competent, qualified contractor to install fire doors or make modifications to existing fire doors at your property. Modifying a fire door with the wrong components or hardware could result in the door becoming ineffective and losing its resistance rating. Also, be sure to consult the contractor about the possibility of equipping your fire doors with fusible links.
Regularly inspect fire doors for potential damages (e.g., large gaps, broken seals, loose hinges or missing screws). Further, make sure that each door can connect firmly to its latch without getting stuck on the frame before fully closing. Schedule repairs when necessary.
Have a certified professional conduct a visual inspection and—in the case of rolling doors—a drop test (a test that confirms the door works as it should and completely closes) on your property’s fire doors at least once every year. Based on the results, schedule repairs and make door replacements as needed.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest-growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. The GDI team has developed an “insurance cost reduction” quoting plan, that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our clients know how much we value and appreciate their business.
Terrorism Risk Insurance and What You Need To Know
Terrorism has become an unfortunate fact of life. From the Nashville Christmas bombing, the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting to the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy to the Las Vegas Strip concert massacre, the news is filled with headlines related to acts of terrorism or thwarted attempts. These types of tragic events are changing how business owners are protecting their interests. You may want to consider a Terrorism Risk Insurance policy to protect your business.
“Commercial Property Insurance policies often contain exclusions for acts of terrorism,” said Carolyn Reiter, Associate Vice President, Global Excess Partners, New York, New York. “If the FBI determines the Nashville incident is an act of terrorism, those impacted may be denied coverage through their current Commercial Property Insurance policies.”
Domestic and Foreign Terrorism
Terrorism differs from other catastrophes because it is not an aspect of weather or nature. However, it shares the same problem of insurability with its natural peers. There are two distinct types of terrorism: domestic and foreign. Domestic terrorism involves terrorist acts (or plans) by citizens of the same country where the act is committed. The reason for the act (or planned act) generally involves some domestic political agenda.
Foreign terrorism involves acts of individuals from one (or more countries) who wish to disrupt the lives of another country’s citizens in order to advance a particular cause.
The Real Risk to Your Business
The perpetrators of terrorist attacks and the methods they use continue to shift and relatively unprotected targets are becoming a greater focal point. Property damage and bodily injury are the primary risks associated with terrorism, yet there are liability factors that you should consider to best safeguard your business, including:
Business interruption loss
Fiduciary liability for corporate directors and officers
Pollution loss and liability
Privacy and network security liability
At least 45 businesses were damaged in the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville, Tennessee that decimated a block of downtown buildings. Local police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are still investigating why a 63-year-old Nashville area information technology consultant set off the explosion in his RV, killing himself and causing widespread destruction.
The bomb was detonated near an AT&T telecommunications hub, temporarily freezing mobile and internet systems in five states. As affected business owners assess the damage to their properties, they are also questioning whether their insurance policies will cover the repairs. If it is classified as terrorism, property owners without appropriate insurance coverage worry they may have to pay out of pocket for the damage.
Types of Terrorism Risk Insurance Solutions
Domestic terrorism coverage is available in traditional policies and stand-alone terrorism risk insurance. Traditional policies, including commercial general liability and property policies, may provide some coverage for terrorism risk if not expressly excluded.
Workers’ compensation insurance is another traditional policy that may provide some form of terrorism coverage. Unlike property and casualty policies, workers’ compensation policies will not have terrorism (or war) exclusions.
You may also consider purchasing stand-alone terrorism coverage. Stand-alone policies typically exclude:
Political risks, including loss resulting from strikes, riots, civil commotion, rebellion, revolution, war and insurrection
Cyber-related loss and liability
Nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological hazards, like anthrax
Terrorism Insurance coverage is available through a standalone policy or the federally-backed Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP),1 authorized by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA) in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks and extended through 2027 by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019 (TRIPRA). Nevertheless, many business owners have no Terrorism Insurance coverage at all, leaving them vulnerable at a time when terrorism is an escalating concern and businesses are already struggling to survive in a pandemic-induced recession.
Many times people believe that if they aren’t right next to something like an NBA arena or a National Monument that they don’t need it. But in the case of the AT&T building in Turlock, that could have impacted nearly 1/4 – 1/3 of our downtown.
Stand-alone Terrorism Risk Insurance Coverage
Terrorism Insurance can be purchased as a standalone policy—without a minimum loss requirement. Such policies include broader definitions of acts of terrorism that do not require government certification, Reiter said.
If you opt for stand-alone coverage, selecting the policy with the best terms involves more than just ensuring coverage extends beyond “certified acts of terrorism.” Valuation terms in stand-alone terrorism policies should be carefully reviewed to ensure you are appropriately compensated for loss and damage, even when actual repair or replacement isn’t possible or ideal.
It’s also important that specific terms are well defined, such as what constitutes an “occurrence” and how the number of occurrences associated with a given claim will be determined.
Coverage under a standalone Terrorism Insurance policy can also include loss of business income such as could occur during a forced closure due to property damage or to allow a criminal or forensic investigation to take place. Terrorism Liability Insurance is another important consideration, providing coverage for bodily injuries or deaths that may occur on a business’ premises due to terrorism.
A standalone Terrorism Insurance policy could mean a faster recovery for business owners in the aftermath of a terror attack, Reiter said. “There is typically a significant lag time to process claims and issue payments under a government-backed program, especially compared to a general insurance claims transaction,” she explained. “Coverage under a standalone Terrorism Insurance policy could help a business start recovering from an attack much sooner.”
Other Policy Terms to Consider
Traditional policies or stand-alone terrorism risk insurance generally will include these terms:
Sue and labor. What property is reasonable to protect, recover or save after a general casualty loss may differ from what is appropriate following an act of terrorism. Avoid disputes by tailoring language in “sue and labor” provisions accordingly.
Expediting expenses. After an event, you want to be able to return to “business as usual” as quickly as possible. However, the costs incurred to sustain operations or expedite repairs in the wake of a terrorism incident may vary considerably from any other casualty loss. It may be appropriate to expand terms beyond “reasonable and necessary” costs to include security or healthcare-related expenses.
Increased construction cost. A terrorism incident may prompt legislative or other practical requirements that may increase the cost of demolition and compliant repair.
Pollution exclusion. The “act of terrorism” may prompt the release of hazardous substances — increasing the cost of the claim. Policies should not exclude the cost associated with a release of “pollutants” that is an indirect result of an otherwise covered “act of terrorism.”
For more clarity on how to protect your business from exposure to terrorism risk, reach out to your insurance professional and review the type of insurance coverage and policy terms that are right for your business.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest-growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. The GDI team has developed an “insurance cost reduction” quoting plan, that provides you with the best coverage at the best rate!
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business.
The Newly Acquired or Constructed Property Extension
As a business owner, your commercial property needs can change over time to help meet operational requirements and satisfy customer demands. Specifically, expanding your business will likely require you to obtain additional property. When acquiring additional business property, however, it’s important to reassess your commercial insurance coverage and ensure you will remain adequately protected following such an expansion. Fortunately, the newly acquired or constructed property extension found in many commercial property policies can offer temporary protection in these situations.
Review the following guidance for an outline of key coverage features and limitations for the newly acquired or constructed property extension.
Key Features of the Newly Acquired or Constructed Property Extension
At a glance, most commercial property policies offer newly acquired or constructed property coverage as an extension of your existing building or business personal property insurance. This extension can provide protection for commercial property that you acquire throughout your existing policy period.
You can typically apply the newly acquired or constructed property extension to your existing building insurance policy in the following situations:
When you construct a new building—If you decide to construct a new building for your business, this building should be covered by the extension—as long as it’s located at the premises listed in your existing policy declarations. For example, if you decide to build a new and improved structure in the same spot as your existing building, you will remain covered. Keep in mind that although this extension can offer protection for your building while it’s under construction, it does not provide coverage for the actual construction project. Be sure to secure additional insurance for construction project protection.
When you acquire a building at a new location—In the event that you acquire a building at a different location from the premises listed on your existing policy declarations, you could still be covered by the extension—depending on how you use the new space. For instance, most policies allow the extension to apply if you use the new building as a warehouse or for a similar purpose as your current premises.
The new extension can also be applied to your existing business personal property insurance policy to provide protection for commercial property stored at the following locations:
A newly acquired building— If you acquire a building at a different location from your existing premises, the extension should cover any property within that building—including the property acquired after your policy inception date.
A newly constructed building—If you decide to construct a new and improved building at your existing premises, the extension should cover any property within the new structure—including the property acquired after your policy inception date.
Your existing building—If you obtain additional property for your existing premises (e.g., new office furniture), the extension should cover this new property.
This extension generally does not apply to personal property of others that is temporarily in your possession during the course of installing or performing work on that property. Additionally, coverage for personal property of others that is temporarily in your possession during the course of manufacturing or wholesaling activities by your business is also excluded.
Key Limitations of the Newly Acquired or Constructed Property Extension
It’s important to note that the newly acquired or constructed property extension is a temporary insurance solution. This extension is only intended to offer protection for your business until you contact your insurer and have any newly acquired or constructed property officially added to your policy.
The new extension is also subject to certain limits. These limits usually span between $250,000 and $1 million for newly acquired buildings, and between $100,000 and $500,000 for newly acquired personal property.
Your new property will be subject to these limits until you inform your insurer of the acquisition. Once you contact your insurer and have the new property officially added to your policy, it will be covered at the limit listed on your building insurance or business personal property insurance policy. Make sure you update your policy limits to reflect the added value of any new property.
Further, this extension is typically subject to the following time and value limitations:
Time limitations—Under most commercial property policies, newly acquired or constructed property can only be covered by this extension if you inform your insurer of the acquisition within a set number of days and pay any additional premium that your insurer charges. In terms of the coverage period, protection under this extension ends after a set amount of time has passed since you acquired the property or started construction on it—usually between 30 and 180 days.
Value limitations—Some commercial property policies only provide coverage under this extension if you also satisfy specific insurance to value standards (the ratio of your limit of coverage to the value of your insured property). Such standards might include having a coinsurance percentage of at least 80% or possessing insurance that’s written on a value reporting basis.
Keep in mind that every commercial property policy is different. Be sure to review your unique policy to understand the full extent of your coverage as it pertains to the newly acquired or constructed property extension.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive commercial property insurance quote!
Insurance Considerations for Riots, Vandalism and Civil Unrest
Riots, vandalism and civil unrest can create unique challenges for business owners—resulting in stolen, damaged or defaced goods and extensive property damage. That’s why it’s crucial to secure proper commercial insurance coverage to adequately protect your business in the event that such a situation occurs within your community.
Review the following guidance for an outline of various insurance solutions that can offer compensation for losses related to riots, vandalism and civil unrest, as well as best practices to consider when making claims in these situations.
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Coverage for Riots, Vandalism and Civil Unrest
The following forms of commercial insurance coverage can provide protection in the event that your business suffers a loss related to riots, vandalism or civil unrest:
First-party property insurance—This form of coverage can offer compensation for physical losses or property damage to the insured premises and contents. Losses caused by riots, vandalism or civil unrest are typically covered on both “named peril” and “all risk” commercial policies. However, be sure to review your policy to ensure it doesn’t exclude these situations. Keep in mind that your policy might utilize different terminology for these situations (e.g., “civil commotion” as opposed to “civil unrest,” or “riots” and “malicious mischief” as opposed to “vandalism”). Make sure you understand all policy definitions.
Business interruption insurance—This type of policy (also known as business income insurance) can provide coverage for loss of income that results from having to temporarily halt business operations to recover from a physical loss or property damage to the insured premises. For your policy to be triggered, the halt of business operations must be directly caused by a physical loss or property damage that was incurred by a covered peril—such as a vandal smashing your property’s windows with a brick. In addition, some insurers might not allow your policy to be triggered unless the physical loss or property damage results in a “complete and total” halt of business operations. This means that if the physical loss or damage only affects some of your operations—but not all—you might not be covered. With this in mind, be sure to review your policy wording to understand the full extent of your coverage.
The civil authority clause—Most business interruption policies also include a civil authority clause, which can offer compensation when an action or order of civil authority temporarily prevents or restricts access to the insured premises—forcing the affected business to either limit hours or halt operations altogether. Although this clause still requires a physical loss or property damage to occur in order to be triggered, the damaged property does not necessarily have to be owned by your business—it typically just needs to occur within a set distance of your operations.
Extra expense insurance—This type of policy can provide coverage for additional expenses that result from continuing business operations while the insured premises is being repaired or replaced due to a physical loss or property damage that was incurred by a covered peril. This might include costs such as the added expense of shipping necessary business supplies overnight rather than at the standard delivery rate in order to resume operations as soon as possible.
Best Practices When Making a Claim
If riots, vandalism or civil unrest take place within your community and result in losses for your business, consider these best practices when making a claim:
Report it immediately—Be sure to report the incident right away to the local authorities and consult your broker for immediate claims assistance.
Prevent additional losses—When the loss occurs, try to do everything you can to mitigate the risk of further damages (e.g., boarding up your property’s windows and doors). However, only take these precautions if it is safe to do so. Avoid any mitigation measures that could put you or your employees at risk of injury or fatality.
Beware of waiting periods—Make sure you consider any waiting periods or other deductibles that might apply when making a claim. For example, most business interruption policies are subject to a 72-hour waiting period—meaning that you won’t be covered for any loss of income that occurs for the first three days following the incident.
Document all expenses and damages—To ensure the best possible compensation for your loss, be sure to document the full extent of the damages that your business incurred by taking plenty of pictures as evidence. Further, make sure you keep track of all expenses related to the loss by saving receipts and bank statements.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive business insurance quote!
California has enacted two laws that require certain employers in the hospitality and transit industries to provide employee training to combat human trafficking
The new laws, known as SB
970 and AB
2034, went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, but give subject employers until
Jan. 1, 2020 or 2021 to provide the initial training. Subject employers include
hotels, motels, intercity passenger rail stations, light rail stations and bus
stations.
Under existing law, these and other employers must also post notices about human trafficking in multiple languages.
Highlights of Training to Combat Human Trafficking
Two new California laws require certain
employers to provide training on human trafficking to their employees.
The new training requirements apply to hotels,
motels and employers that operate intercity rail or bus stations.
These and many other employers, businesses and
establishments must also post notices on human trafficking.
Important Dates
January 1, 2020
Training
deadline for hotel and motel employees who were hired prior to July 1, 2019
(others must be trained within six months of hire).
January 1, 2021
Training deadline for intercity rail and bus station employees.
What Are Your Action Steps?
Hotels and motels in California should become familiar with
SB 970, ensure that their existing employees receive the required training by Jan. 1, 2020, and ensure that any
new employees receive the training within in six months of hire.
Employers who operate rail or bus stations in California should become familiar with AB 2034 and ensure that their employees receive the required training by Jan. 1, 2021.
Training Requirements for Hotel and Motel Employees to Combat Human Trafficking
As of Jan. 1, 2019, every hotel and motel (other than bed-and-breakfast
inns) that has five or more employees
in California must provide classroom or other interactive training and
education regarding human trafficking awareness. This training is required for all
employees who are likely to interact or come into contact with victims of human
trafficking. These include any employees who have recurring interactions with
the public, such as those who work in a reception area, perform housekeeping
duties, help customers in moving their possessions or drive customers.
Any such, employees who were hired before July 1, 2019, must
receive the required training by Jan. 1,
2020. Those hired after July 1, 2019, must receive the training within six months of hire. Each of
these employees must also repeat the training at least once every two years.
Training to Combat Human TraffickingProgram Requirements
The human trafficking awareness training and education program
for hotel and motel employees must be at least 20 minutes long and include, at minimum, the following:
The
definition of human trafficking and commercial exploitation of children;
Guidance
on how to identify individuals who are most at risk for human trafficking;
The
difference between labor and sex trafficking specific to the hotel sector;
Guidance
on the role of hospitality employees in reporting and responding to this issue;
and
The
contact information of appropriate agencies, including, but not limited to, the
National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free telephone number (1-888-373-7888)
and text line (233733), and the telephone numbers of the appropriate local law
enforcement agencies.
The program may also include materials and information
provided by the California Department of Justice, the Blue Campaign of the
federal Department of Homeland Security, and private nonprofit organizations
that represent the interests of victims of human trafficking.
Enforcement
If a hotel or motel fails to comply with these new training requirements, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing may seek a court order requiring compliance.
Training Requirements for Intercity Rail and Bus Station Employees
On or before Jan. 1,
2021, every business or other establishment that operates an intercity
passenger-rail station, an intercity light-rail station or a bus station in
California (regardless of the number of employees) must provide training on how
to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to report those signs to
the appropriate law enforcement agency. This training is required for all employees
who may interact with or come into contact with a victim of human trafficking
or are likely to receive, in the course of their employment, a report from
another employee about suspected human trafficking. Each of these employees,
whether existing or new, must receive the required training on or before Jan. 1, 2021.
Program Requirements
The training program for intercity passenger- or light-rail
and bus station employees must be at least 20
minutes long and include, at minimum, the following:
The
definition of human trafficking, including sex trafficking and labor
trafficking;
Myths
and misconceptions about human trafficking;
Physical
and mental signs to be aware of that may indicate that human trafficking is
occurring;
Guidance
on how to identify individuals who are most at risk for human trafficking;
Guidance
on how to report human trafficking, including, but not limited to, the national
hotline (1-888-373-7888 and text line 233733) and contact information for local
law enforcement agencies that an employee may use to make a confidential report;
and
Protocols
for reporting human trafficking when on the job.
The training program may also include information and
material utilized in training Santa Clara County Valley Transit Authority
employees, the California Department of Justice and private nonprofit
organizations that represent the interests of human trafficking victims.
Enforcement
An intercity rail or bus station that fails to comply with
the new training requirements may be subject to civil penalties of $500 for a
first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
Posting Requirements for Various Employers
Since 2013, California law has required various businesses
and other establishments to post a notice regarding human trafficking in a
conspicuous place near the public entrance of the establishment or in another
conspicuous location in clear view of the public and employees, where similar
notices are customarily posted. As of
Jan. 1, 2018, this requirement applies to all:
On-sale general public premises licensees under
the California Alcoholic Beverage Control Act;
Adult or sexually oriented businesses;
Primary airports (as defined by federal law);
Intercity passenger rail or light rail stations;
Bus stations;
Truck stops (defined as privately owned and
operated facilities that that provide food, fuel, shower or other sanitary
facilities, and lawful overnight truck parking);
Emergency rooms within general acute care
hospitals;
Urgent care centers;
Farm labor contractors;
Privately operated job recruitment centers;
Roadside rest areas;
Certain businesses or establishments that offer
massage or bodywork services for compensation; and
Hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfast inns (other
than personal residences).
These employers may use the California Department
of Justice’s model notice or another notice that meets the requirements
outlined in the law. Specifically, the law requires each notice to be at least
8 ½ inches by 11 inches in size and written in a 16-point font and to include
the following statement:
If
you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot
leave—whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work, construction,
factory, retail, or restaurant work, or any other activity—text 233-733 (Be
Free) or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or the
California Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) at
1-888-KEY-2-FRE(EDOM) or 1-888-539-2373 to access help and services.
Victims
of slavery and human trafficking are protected under United States and
California law. The hotlines are: available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
toll-free, operated by a nonprofit nongovernmental organization, anonymous and
confidential, accessible in more than 160 languages, and able to provide help,
referral to services, training, and general information.
Finally, the notice must be posted not only in English, but
also in Spanish and, if applicable, one other language that is the most widely
spoken language in the county where the establishment is located and for which
translation is mandated by the federal Voting Rights Act.
Enforcement
An entity that fails to post the notice as required may be subject to civil penalties of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quote!
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