Business Insurance articles from February 2007

Business Insurance archives from February 2007

SOA, lean manufacturing, lead IT trends on CIO radar.(Tech Focus)(service-oriented architecture)(chief information officers)
February 1, 2007... Byline: Rodd Zolkos A migration to service-oriented architecture and the introduction of lean manufacturing principles to data center operations are the two trends that will occupy much of the attention of chief information officers in...

Outsiders looking in; Industry observers see the year ahead as one of stability after 2006's low cat losses.(Feature: Gatherings)(Industry overview)
February 1, 2007... Byline: Rodd Zolkos NEW YORK-While insurance industry returns this year likely won't reach last year's levels, there is reason to be optimistic about industry performance in the near term, according to some industry "outsiders'' who...

On the move.(appointments)
February 1, 2007... David Margrett, chief executive officer of Willis Group Holdings Ltd.'s Global Specialties unit, will take on the additional roles of chairman and CEO of the broker's London-based U.K. unit, Willis Ltd., upon the retirement of Richard Bucknall...

The quote.(Industry News)(Quotation)
February 1, 2007... `What we see are captives being used a lot better, as a complement to the existing market.' -David Ezekiel, President and Managing Director International Advisory Services Ltd.

Deadline approaching for ACORD nominees.(Tech Focus)
February 1, 2007... PEARL RIVER, N.Y.-Applications are available for submissions for consideration for the 2007 ACORD Awards, sponsored by the Pearl River, N.Y.-based Assn. for Cooperative Operations Research and Development. The 2007 ACORD Awards cover...

In focus.
February 1, 2007... For many captive insurance and other alternative risk transfer arrangements, fronting insurance is an essential ingredient in making the program work. Some ART program parents sometimes find it difficult to find the necessary fronting coverage,...

Insiders looking out; Industry CEOs see shared responsibility, discipline as keys to building on last year's gains.(Feature: Gatherings)
February 1, 2007... Byline: Rodd Zolkos NEW YORK-The insurance industry has the capital to deal with natural catastrophe exposures, but a sense of "shared responsibility'' is required for markets to function most effectively in cat-prone areas, according to a...

National Union e-tool offers form functionality.(Industry News)(National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
February 1, 2007... NEW YORK-The National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, Pa., has released a Web-based application for its PrivateRisk Protector portfolio of coverages that allows brokers to more easily process applications. Using the interactive...

Venture launches Vertibrands marketing spin-off.(Industry News)(Venture Insurance Programs)(Vertibrands Inc)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... WEST CHESTER, Pa.-Program administrator Venture Insurance Programs has launched an independent marketing communications firm to support program administrators and retail agencies. The spin-off firm, Vertibrands Inc., is a full service...

Three questions.(Industry News)
February 1, 2007... With captive insurance having become a commonplace risk financing tool and captive formations continuing regardless of traditional market conditions, some suggest that the alternative risk transfer market is no longer alternative. Recently,...

Institutes unveil new course offerings on P/C developments.(Industry News)(Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... MALVERN, Pa.-The American Institute for CPCU and the Insurance Institute of America have launched a series of professional development courses designed to provide the most recent information on trends and developments in the property/casualty...

Dispute resolution protocol available.(Industry News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... NEW YORK-A nonprofit alliance of global corporations, law firms, scholars and public institutions has released a tool to help manage the cost of disputes between insurers and reinsurers. The new procedural protocol from the International...

Courts unsympathetic to insurers that fail to properly reserve rights.(Last Word)(Olin Corp. vs. Insurance Co. North America et al)
February 1, 2007... Byline: Bennett Katz and Blaise Chow The District Court for the Southern District of New York last year granted partial summary judgment in Olin Corp. vs. Insurance Co. North America et al., reaffirming the rule that the insurers must state...

Emerging markets offer strong industry growth.(Industry News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Insurance business in emerging market countries continues to grow, according to a new sigma study from Zurich, Switzerland-based Swiss Reinsurance Co., with indications that growth will remain strong in coming years. The study examined...

Hartford hits the road with Vault training.(Industry News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... SIMSBURY, Conn.-The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is taking its Vault group disability insurance training program on the road to provide easier access for group benefits professionals across the country. Hartford's Vault program...

When marketing misses the mark.(First Word)
February 1, 2007... Byline: Rodd Zolkos Over the course of the past few weeks, I've run across a couple of marketing-related stories that struck me as particularly interesting. One was kind of poignant in a way, the other more of a head scratcher. The...

Setting the standard for an industry; Integrity, innovation and a team approach define the style of Vermont's Len Crouse.(Cover Focus: Alternative Risk Markets)(Interview)
February 1, 2007... Byline: Meg Fletcher MONTPELIER, Vt.-In the captive insurance world, Len Crouse and Vermont are synonymous. As deputy commissioner of captive insurance in the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care...

Fermat fund taps ALERT, CATRADER to assess risk.(Industry News)(Fermat Capital Management L.L.C.)(AIR Worldwide Corp.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... BOSTON-Hedge fund manager Fermat Capital Management L.L.C. has chosen AIR Worldwide Corp.'s catastrophe risk management systems for use in managing Fermat's catastrophe bond investment portfolio. Fermat is one of the largest investors in...

NAMIC launches climate impact Web site.(Industry News)(National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS-The National Assn. of Mutual Insurance Cos. has introduced a new Web site focusing on climate change and its impact on the property/casualty insurance industry. The site, www.climateandinsurance.org, was launched in response to...

Gallagher to buy Toronto-based broker.(Industry News)(Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. acquires Lowndes Lambert Group Canada Ltd.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... ITASCA, Ill.-Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire Toronto-based Lowndes Lambert Group Canada Ltd. Terms of the transaction, which was expected to close this month, were not disclosed. Lowndes Lambert has...

Shand Morahan launches retooled attorney program.(Industry News)(Shand, Morahan and Company)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... DEERFIELD, Ill.-Shand Morahan & Co. Inc., the underwriting manager of Evanston Insurance Co., has launched a revamped lawyers professional liability program. Designed Protection for Law Firms is aimed at hard-to-place attorneys and law...

By the numbers.(Industry News)(replacing insurance personnel)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
February 1, 2007... Insurance industry employers are expected to face difficulties replacing seasoned insurance professionals as Baby Boomers retire, according to most CPCU Society members surveyed. Expected ease of replacing experienced insurance industry...

Slow, steady, stable growth ahead; Busy year expected in captive market.(Cover: Focus Alternative Risk Markets)
February 1, 2007... Byline: Meg Fletcher Despite a general softening of the insurance marketplace, captive service providers and regulators still expect 2007 to be a busy year. Providers will be helping buyers find more affordable coverage for a few...

Risk-linked bond market poised for rapid growth.(Cover: Focus Alternative Risk Markets)(Industry overview)(Cover story)
February 1, 2007... Byline: Meg Fletcher ZURICH, Switzerland- The worldwide market for risk-linked securities is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, with the volume of life bonds leading the way, followed by property/casualty catastrophe bonds,...

A higher standard; NAIC's proposed RRG governance package would raise the bar for disclosure requirements.(Cover: Focus Alternative Risk Markets)
February 1, 2007... Byline: Meg Fletcher Drafters of tougher uniform financial and corporate governance standards for U.S. risk retention groups are debating a controversial issue concerning the capital requirements of reinsurers. At issue is whether to...

P/C technology blog promises open forum.(Tech Focus)(Property and casualty insurance)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... AUSTIN, Texas-A new property/ casualty insurance industry information technology blog is intended to offer the P/C industry a forum for opinion, conversation and experience sharing. The P/C Technology Blog...

Fatality raises likelihood of radio contest limits.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS The audience-pulling power of wacky listener contests and other irreverent stunts may no longer be enough to keep risk management out of the broadcast booth after last month's death of a contestant in a radio station's...

Giving consumers more choice in dental cover.(Perspective)
February 5, 2007... Byline: Thomas Dolatowski The face of dental benefits is changing as market trends spur evolution in employer-sponsored dental plans. The employer-sponsored model has been dominant for more than 50 years and some view current market...

French government minister vows to reintroduce class action measure.(Thierry Breton)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... Byline: RICK MITCHELL PARIS-The French government has withdrawn a bill that would have introduced class-action-style lawsuits in France. In early February, Parliament had been set to consider the bill promised by President Jacques...

Washington court upholds duty to warn of asbestos.(Joseph A. Simonetta vs. Viad Corp.)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... Byline: ROBERTO CENICEROS SEATTLE-A manufacturer had a duty to warn a plaintiff of potential asbestos exposure even though the manufacturer's water evaporator used on U.S. Navy ships did not contain asbestos, a Washington state appeals...

First captive forms in Alabama.(Chantilly Risk Management Inc.)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... Byline: JERRY GEISEL MONTGOMERY, Ala.-The first captive insurance company formed under Alabama's 2006 captive statute is now writing business. The new captive, Chantilly Risk Management Inc., owned by Automotive Aftermarket Assn....

ARE CASH BALANCE PLANS AGE DISCRIMINATORY?(News)
February 5, 2007... How courts have ruled since the IBM decision Date: September 2006 Employer: PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P. Judge: Michael Mukasey Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Decision: No Date:...

Stock Index [1/29- 2/2].(Stock Index)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... Up-to-the-minute data for all 82 companies that comprise the BI Stock Index can be found at www.BusinessInsurance.com. Percentage change of BI Stock Index vs. key indicators BI Stock Index: +2.27% Dow Jones: +1.33% S&P 500:...

CGL policy to cover damages.(Entercom Communications Corp. contracts with Chubb Corp.)
February 5, 2007... Byline: Dave Lenckus SACRAMENTO, Calif.-Entercom Communications Corp.'s commercial general liability coverage, which was written by Chubb Corp., may respond to any damages the company must pay the family of a woman who died after...

AMERICAN BANKERS ASSN. DRAWS 400 TO ANNUAL GATHERING.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: Louise Esola More than 400 bankers, brokers and insurers attended the 2007 American Bankers Assn. Insurance Risk Management Annual Conference in Naples, Fla., from Jan. 21-24. The conference featured workshops for both large...

Trade is a powerful weapon in the war on terror.(Perspective)
February 5, 2007... Byline: Stephen Patrick Cain What role can business-particularly within the insurance industry-and we, as individuals, play in the war on terror? There are two primary fronts to this war, and they are distinct yet intertwined. Before...

Companies not disclosing climate liabilities: Survey.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: Sally Roberts BOSTON-Despite the financial risks associated with climate change, more than half of the nation's 500 largest publicly held companies are doing a poor job of disclosing those risks to investors, according to a new...

Mooninites put Boston in a panic.(News)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... A guerrilla marketing campaign for an upcoming film based on the Cartoon Network show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' sparked terrorism fears-and significant transportation disruptions-in Boston last week when citizens reported suspicious devices...

Buck owner sues execs over attempted sale; Parent ACS charges former managers tried secret deal.(Affiliated Computer Services Inc.)
February 5, 2007... Byline: JERRY GEISEL NEW YORK-Unhappy with the ownership of Buck Consultants L.L.C., two recently departed top Buck executives-without authorization from the benefit consulting firm's parent-allegedly pursued deals with venture capitalists...

Cash balance plans nondiscriminatory: Court; Other circuits likely to follow suit after second favorable ruling.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: JERRY GEISEL Back-to-back appeals court decisions that cash balance pension plans do not discriminate against older employees significantly increase the likelihood that other appeals courts will follow suit, legal experts say. ...

Online Poll at www.businessinsurance.com.(Opinions)(Survey)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... What impact would President BushAEs proposal to make all health care premiums tax deductible have on the number of uninsured? 47.2% - No impact at all 33.3% - Slightly reduce the number 19.5% - Significantly reduce the number ...

Schools, not city, liable for complying with ADA; Responsibility to pay rests only on violators of disability legislation.(Americans with Disabilities Act)
February 5, 2007... Byline: DAVE LENCKUS RICHMOND, Va.-A city cannot be ordered to pay for a court-mandated retrofit of public schools to bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act if the city has not been found liable for...

New accounting rules may affect balance sheet; Ask a Benefit Actuary.(Perspective)
February 5, 2007... Byline: William J. Miner Q: As a controller of a large, publicly traded manufacturing organization that sponsors both defined benefit pension plans and retiree medical plans, I'm seeking to understand the implications of the Financial...

Controlled master program includes best of both worlds.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: LOUISE ESOLA NAPLES, Fla.-Directors and officers insurance coverage is gaining popularity overseas as more countries begin zeroing in on corporate governance and fraud, an industry expert told the American Bankers Assn. during its...

58% of employers to add automatic 401(k) enrollment this year: Study.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: JOANNE WOJCIK Employers are re-examining their retirement programs this year in response to recent changes in the financial and legislative environment and out of concern that employees aren't saving enough, a study concludes. ...

In brief.(News)(appointment)
February 5, 2007... Mich. court rejects same-sex benefits Michigan's 2004 marriage amendment prohibits public employers in the state from offering health benefits to employees' same-sex domestic partners, the Michigan Court of Appeals says. In a unanimous...

MBIA pays $75 million to settle finite charges; Consultant to review other suspect deals as part of pact.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: RUPAL PAREKH ARMONK, N.Y.-Another round of finite reinsurance probes came to a close last week with MBIA Inc.'s $75 million settlement of securities fraud and finite risk-related charges leveled by state and federal regulators. ...

Ex-Broncos star settles insurer suit.(End Page)(Former Denver Broncos)(cases)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... Former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis has settled a lawsuit he brought against his homeowner insurer, Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co., which refused to defend him in a 2005 scuffle at an exclusive post-Emmy Awards party in...

Comings & Goings.(appointments)
February 5, 2007... Insurers: ACE Ltd. has named Roberto Hidalgo as president and chief executive officer of ACE Argentina and ACE Chile. He formerly was president and CEO of ACE Puerto Rico and will be based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Also at ACE,...

Make time to act against potential flu pandemic.(Opinions)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... THE NEW REPORT on planning for an influenza pandemic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes for sobering reading indeed. While the United States has been fortunate in not having to deal with a major flu pandemic for...

Marsh reaps $3.9B with Putnam deal; Investment firm sale will sharpen focus, boosts war chest.(Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., Putnam Investments Inc.)
February 5, 2007... Byline: SALLY ROBERTS NEW YORK-Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc.'s sale of Putnam Investments, its investment management unit tarnished by trading scandals, will make the brokerage stronger and more focused, analysts say. Great-West Lifeco...

U.N. climate report stirs liability fears; Scientific testimony may fuel lawsuits on global warming.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: ROBERTO CENICEROS The publication of a U.N. report last week linking human activity to global warming won't be enough to cause immediate liability problems for industrial companies, but it does increase the chances of more claims...

Long-term impact.(News)(property insurance)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... Byline: Roberto Ceniceros The impact of climate change detailed by United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will occur over the long term and won't immediately impact property insurance rates, Swiss Reinsurance Co. says....

Rising temperatures may boost liabilities.(Opinions)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... ANY LINGERING NOTIONS that global warming is not a risk management issue should be dispelled by last week's U.N. report that closely linked increases in rising temperatures with human activity. Whether you buy the notion that greenhouse...

Virtual world could pack real-life biz.(End Page)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... One intriguing aspect of the Internet has been the creation of so-called "metaverses''-interactive virtual worlds where real people assume virtual identities and carry out parallel lives. The name derives from Neal Stephenson's 1992 science...

Deal drugs, lose workers comp.(End Page)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... Dealing cocaine may be illegal, but it is a form of employment just like working in a department store, Ohio's 10th District Court of Appeals has ruled. The court last month determined that someone who is employed-even in an illegal...

PPF not required to increase compensation to 100%: Court; Britain's High Court to determine retirees' level of compensation.(International News)(Pension Protection Fund)
February 5, 2007... Byline: JONATHAN GARDNER British pension plans dodged a bullet when the European Court of Justice ruled that an industry-financed reserve fund for employees of bankrupt companies is not required to pay benefits equaling 100% of expected...

THE HISTORY.(News)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... How New York-based Buck Consultants has evolved 1916: Founded by George B. Buck. 1994: Buck Consultants offers to acquire much larger rival Towers Perrin. Offer is rejected. 1996: Buck Consultants buys W.F. Corroon benefit...

Errors & Omissions.(Corrections)
February 5, 2007... A Products & Services item in the Jan. 29 issue, "USRisk Brokers Covers Parking Operations,'' listed an incorrect telephone number for the program administrator. To contact Connie Chalayan, call 800-856-7035.

New E.U. members face huge increase in liability exposures; Brokers say clients in Bulgaria, Romania need far higher limits.(International News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: RICHARD MILLER The recent accession of Bulgaria and Romania into the European Union means companies in those countries are now facing an increased threat of liability claims-a risk some companies may find financially difficult to...

FERMA urges insurers to speed development of environmental cover; Report queries ability of market to meet E.U. requirements.(Federation of European Risk Management Association)
February 5, 2007... Byline: RICHARD MILLER The Federation of European Risk Management Assns. is calling on insurers to be less "risk averse'' and develop products that will allow businesses to protect themselves against new environmental liability exposures...

Data protection, pandemic planning among top banker concerns at ABA conference.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: LOUISE ESOLA NAPLES, Fla.-Identity theft and the possibility of a pandemic are among the major evolving risks facing banks, experts say. Michael Flanagan, Chicago-based managing director with the Gallagher CyberRisk Services...

Banking industry faces huge risk in major disasters, insurers tell ABA; Lack of preparedness cited as issue 'nobody wants to talk about'.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: LOUISE ESOLA NAPLES, Fla.-The U.S. banking sector faces one of the biggest exposures of any industry in the event of a major disaster in an affluent, major metropolitan area, but banks do little to protect themselves from such...

Congress set to reconsider surplus lines reform bill; Measure would give some risk managers easier access to market.(News)
February 5, 2007... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN WASHINGTON-Supporters of a measure that would streamline surplus lines and reinsurance regulation are optimistic that the bill could receive approval sooner rather than later in the new Congress. In part, that's...

Why wait until my day to issue climate report?(Commentary)
February 5, 2007... Byline: Punxsutawney Phil I think it no coincidence that on Groundhog Day, a plot was hatched by a cabal of international scientists to undermine my influence and prestige earned from more than a century of weather forecasting-nay, weather...

On the Web.
February 5, 2007... BENEFIT MANAGER OF THE YEAR' Benefit manager award open for nominations Business Insurance is accepting nominations for the 2007 Benefit Manager of the Year' award. The deadline is June 1. For information and a nomination form, please...

Online Poll at www.businessinsurance.com.(Opinions)(Survey)(Brief article)
February 5, 2007... What impact would President Bush's proposal to make all health care premiums tax deductible have on the number of uninsured? 47.2% - No impact at all 33.3% - Slightly reduce the number 19.5% - Significantly reduce the number ...

On the Web.
February 5, 2007... BENEFIT MANAGER OF THE YEAR[R] Benefit manager award open for nominations Business Insurance is accepting nominations for the 2007 Benefit Manager of the Year[R] award. The deadline is June 1. For information and a nomination form,...

Tactics depend on location.(Crawford and Co.'s remote claims adjustments)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Byline: Mark A. Hofmann The task of adjusting remote claims often becomes even more complicated when an international element is thrown in to the mix. Even under less than ideal circumstances, the United States "has a very good...

Policy buybacks call for cautious approach.(risk managers)
February 12, 2007... Byline: Judy Greenwald Risk managers who are dealing with runoff insurers may want to consider policy buybacks, but they also should proceed cautiously, observers say. Buybacks are contractual agreements under which the policyholder...

TAKING ACTION.(Spotlight: Claims Management)(risk managers services)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Steps that industry experts recommend risk managers take to be proactive in managing their organizations' claims * Determine all of the organization's exposures. * Develop a contingency plan to handle possible coverage gaps. *...

TPAs promote consumerism with products and services.(third-party administrators)
February 12, 2007... Byline: Gloria Gonzalez The ability to incorporate consumerist elements into their products and services is a major priority for many third-party administrators operating in the health care benefits area. Helping employers provide the...

More third-party administrators sharing technology with customers; Turning data into practical information still biggest challenge.(Spotlight: Claims Management)
February 12, 2007... Byline: GLORIA GONZALEZ Third-party administrators have made strides in using technology to broaden the range of products and services they offer, but they need to work harder to make technology an asset for their customers, risk managers...

Emerging risks create challenges; Too much emphasis on physical risks, not enough on liability.(News)
February 12, 2007... Byline: SARAH VEYSEY NANTES, France-Emerging risks and changing attitudes toward risk present a challenge to risk managers, insurers and government, according to speakers at this year's annual conference of the Association pour le...

WAL-MART CLASS ACTION.(News)(cases of farmer female employee)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Plaintiffs: Class could include more than 1.5 million current and former female employees at one or more of Wal-Mart's 3,400 stores in 41 regions since 1998 Charges: Women employed by Wal-Mart are paid less than men in comparable...

PLUS D&O Symposium draws nearly 1,400 to New York.(directors' and officers' liability insurance)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Byline: Rupal Parekh The Professional Liability Underwriting Society's annual D&O Symposium drew nearly 1,400 attorneys and insurance, reinsurance and brokerage representatives from countries including the United States, Australia,...

Questions & Answers: AIG claims department improving customer service.(American International Group Inc.,Charles R. Schader)(Interview)
February 12, 2007... Charles R. Schader, is senior vp and chief claims officer in American International Group Inc.'s Domestic Brokerage Group in New York. Mr. Schader, who joined the insurer in 1984, recently spoke with Business Insurance Associate Editor Rupal...

Cheaper health premiums eluding big groups.(News)
February 12, 2007... Byline: JOANNE WOJCIK Buying in bulk may be a good idea for warehouse shoppers, but it may not always work for purchasing health benefits for public employees. "The era of using economies of scale-if it isn't well past its end, it's...

Claims disputes take alternate path in search of resolution; Zurich sets up unique program to handle 2005 hurricane losses.(Spotlight: Claims Management)
February 12, 2007... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN SCHAUMBURG, Ill.-Disputes over claims sometimes are unavoidable, but that doesn't necessarily mean such disputes have only one place to end up-in court. For Zurich Financial Services Group, a way to settle...

Creative solutions to tough problems; Innovative approaches aim to quickly meet post-disaster client needs.(Spotlight: Claims Management)
February 12, 2007... Byline: MARK A. HOFMANN It seems straightforward enough-to adjust a claim, start by getting a claims adjuster to a loss site. Then, pay the claim. But in the aftermath of huge catastrophes, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the claims...

Over 1,400 attend event.(News)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... NANTES, France-About 1,480 people attended the 15th annual meeting of the Association pour le Management des Risques et des Assurances de l'Entreprise, the French risk management association, in Nantes, France, Jan. 24-26, 2007. Next...

French risk managers shut out of many M&A deal discussions; Lack of access could derail transactions, observers warn.(International News)
February 12, 2007... Byline: RICK MITCHELL NANTES, France-French corporations often neglect to include risk managers on teams negotiating mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, an omission that can have deal-breaking consequences, according to a panel of...

Canadian court ruling seen as guidepost on firing injured workers.(News)(cases on illness or injury workers termination)
February 12, 2007... Byline: GLORIA GONZALEZ OTTAWA-A recent Supreme Court of Canada decision provides guidance for Canadian employers with unionized workforces about how far they must go to accommodate employees disabled by illness or injury before...

GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS.(News)(protecting employees from pandemic influenza)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration outlined steps for employers to reduce workplace exposure to pandemic influenza. These include: * Encouraging sick employees to stay home. * Encouraging employees to wash their hands...