The Roundup is Origami Risk’s bi-weekly bulletin of headlines and resources impacting the risk, compliance, safety, P&C insurance, and healthcare industries.
The topics dominating headlines this edition include a continued rise in ransomware attacks, updates to OSHA’s COVID-19 NEP, a case of monkeypox being reported out of Dallas, continued challenges related to wildfires across the US, and more.
The topics dominating headlines this edition include a continued rise in ransomware attacks, updates to OSHA’s COVID-19 NEP, a case of monkeypox being reported out of Dallas, continued challenges related to wildfires across the US, and more.
Tue, July 6 | What caused the Surfside condominium building to collapse?
The first in a two-part series, PropertyCasualty360 dives into the events that lead up to the June 24 building collapse in Surfside, FL and provides detailed insights. (Continue reading)
Wed, July 7 | Processors foresee increase in food safety claims: Survey
According to a new report released by law firm Lathrop GPM LLP, “nearly three-quarters of food processing leaders expect an increase in food safety claims, but fewer than half have internal risk management teams in place to handle insurance issues.” (Continue reading)
Mon, July 12 | Liberty Mutual agrees to buy State Auto in $2.29 billion deal
According to Bloomberg data, there has been approximately “$9.3 billion worth of mergers and acquisitions among property and casualty insurers so far in 2021.” This latest transaction is set to add about 3,400 independent agencies in 33 U.S. states to Liberty Mutual's business. (Continue reading)
Read Next: 3-Step Insurer Best Practice Guide
Mon, July 12 | Despite Drop in Healthcare Mergers and Acquisitions, Revenue Rises
Kaufman Hall’s quarterly M&A report unveils that despite low merger and acquisition activity in 2Q21, “total transacted revenue rose as health systems focused on acquiring smaller hospitals and strengthening regional partnerships.” (Continue reading)
Tue, July 13 | More than 300,000 acres up in flames across the U.S. West
Record-breaking heat and drought in the Western United States have led to California’s largest wildfire this year, the Beckwourth Complex Fire. Low humidity, dry winds, and extreme heat could cause potentially dangerous fire behavior. (Continue reading)
Read Next: Is your BCM program able to withstand challenges arising from wildfires?
Tue, July 13 | Florida's new property insurance law faces lawsuit challenge
Florida Senate Bill (SB) 76, which covers a host of issues regarding property insurance, is now facing lawsuit challenges due to “part of the legislation designed to prevent contractors from advertising to spur property owners to file roof-damage claims.” (Continue reading)
Fri, July 16 | Rare monkeypox virus reported in Dallas resident
“Dallas County health authorities are reporting a case of rare monkeypox virus in an individual who traveled from Nigeria to Dallas,” according to The Washington Post. The CDC and local health officials are working with Delta airlines to contact passengers that may have come into contact with the individual. (Continue reading)
Cybersecurity News
Government Resource | Stop Ransomware
The US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has created a one-stop-shop for resources, news, alerts, and a self-assessment for ransomware readiness. As ransomware continues to surge, keep this government resource on hand, which includes a portal for reporting ransomware attacks. (Visit CISA)
Mon, July 5 | Hackers demand $70 million to unlock businesses hit by sprawling ransomware attack
REvil, the same Russian hacking group that was behind the attack on the world’s largest meat processor, is responsible for the sprawling ransomware attack that demanded $70 million to unlock thousands of businesses affected by the hack. (Continue reading)
Read Next: 2021 CIR Risk Software Report
Fri, July 9 | What insureds need to know to prevent cyberattacks
With the surge in cyberattacks across industries, PropertyCasualty360 has compiled detailed information about cyberattacks and how to prevent them. (Continue reading)
Coronavirus News
As case counts begin to surge in countries across the world and government guidance and laws continue to remain in flux, The Roundup will have grouped COVID-19 news in future editions.
Mon, July 5 | England plans to end legal mandates for masks and social distancing on July 19, Boris Johnson says
In a news conference, Prime Minister Borris Johnson announced an end to “one of the longest, most restrictive series of lockdowns on the planet,” as a result of “vaccines doing their job.” (Continue reading)
Thu, July 8 | Policyholder loses first COVID-19 coverage appellate case
The US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled in favor of The Cincinnati Insurance Co. in the first appellate court case regarding COVID-related business interruption coverage and found. (Continue reading)
Read Next: How to track COVID-19 vaccinations
Tue, July 13 | Coalition says health workers should be required to get coronavirus vaccine
“COVID-19 vaccination should be a condition of employment for all healthcare personnel,” according to a statement from a coalition of health-care organizations. The coalition states that without the requirement, “a sufficient vaccination rate is unlikely to be achieved.” (Continue reading)
Thu, July 15 | OSHA Changes Focus of COVID NEP
OSHA’s recent changes to its National Emphasis Program (NEP) for COVID-19, which was kicked off earlier in 2021, have included the removal of target industries for intensified inspection activities. (Continue reading)