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OSHA recently announced its top 10 most frequently cited standards during the 2025 fiscal year using preliminary data. This information is valuable for all businesses as it helps them identify common exposures that affect their workforce. It also gives them the information they need to take proactive safety measures and plan their compliance programs.   For 2025, the top 10 most cited standards were as follows:   Fall protection - General requirements (1926.501): 5,914 total violations Hazard communication (1910.1200): 2,546 total violations Ladders (1926.1053): 2,405 total violations Control of Hazardous Energy - Lockout/tagout (1910.147): 2,177 total violations Respiratory protection (1910.134): 1,953 total violations Fall protection - Training requirements (1926.503): 1,907 violations Scaffolding (1926.451): 1,905 total violations Powered industrial trucks (1910.178): 1,826 total violations Personal protective and life-saving equipment—Eye and face protection (1926.102): 1,665 total violations Machine guarding (1910.212): 1,239 total violations   Several standards changed positions from fiscal year 2024. For instance, “Respiratory protection” moved down from fourth to fifth, and “Scaffolding” violations moved up from eighth to seventh. “Fall protection - General requirements” remained OSHA’s most frequently cited standard for the 15th consecutive fiscal year.   Each day, workers suffer preventable injuries, illnesses and deaths related to the hazards addressed in these standards. OSHA publishes this list to alert employers about these commonly cited standards so they can take steps to find and fix recognized hazards in these and other standards.   How Cottingham & Butler Can Help At Cottingham & Butler, our risk management specialists work closely with clients to address OSHA compliance challenges and reduce workplace safety violations. We can conduct comprehensive safety assessments to identify potential hazards, develop customized training programs to ensure your team understands and follows proper safety protocols, and help you implement effective safety management systems. Our team also provides ongoing support with policy development, safety audits, and corrective action plans to help you maintain compliance and create a culture of workplace safety. Don't wait for an OSHA inspection to uncover issues - contact us today to learn how we can help protect your employees and your business.

Winter weather can be devastating for agricultural operations. Frozen pipes, collapsed roofs, and equipment failures cost the agricultural industry billions of dollars annually, according to the USDA's Risk Management Agency. The good news? Most winter damage is preventable with proper preparation. Whether you manage a family farm or a large commercial operation, this guide will help you protect your property and keep your business running through the cold months ahead. Start with Your Buildings Check Your Roofs Before the first snow, walk through all your barns, storage buildings, and equipment shelters. Look for sagging, damaged shingles, or signs of weakness. Heavy snow can cause roof collapse, especially on older structures. If you see concerning signs, call a structural engineer - it's much cheaper than rebuilding. Don't forget gutters and downspouts. Clear them out so melting snow can drain properly and prevent ice dams. Seal Up Gaps Walk around the outside of every building looking for cracks in walls or foundations. Small gaps let in cold air that can freeze pipes and drive up heating costs. Use weatherproofing materials to seal cracks, and check that doors and windows close tightly. Protect Your Water Systems Burst pipes are one of the most expensive winter problems. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage from a single burst pipe can cost thousands of dollars. Simple Prevention Steps: Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation Add heat tape to pipes in unheated areas Drain and shut off water to unused buildings Install heated waterers for livestock Know where your main water shut-off valve is located When temperatures drop below 20°F, check your water systems every day. Catching a problem early can save you from a major disaster. Get Your Heating Systems Ready Heating equipment causes many farm fires during winter, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Before cold weather hits: Have a professional service all furnaces and heaters Clean chimneys and vents Test your thermostats Make sure you have good ventilation (to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning) Keep spare parts on hand for critical systems Also check your electrical system. Winter means more heating, lighting, and tank heaters running at once. Have an electrician verify your system can handle the load and that your backup generator works. Winterize Your Equipment Cold weather is hard on machinery. Prepare your equipment by: Switching to winter-weight oils and fluids Adding fuel conditioner to prevent diesel from gelling Testing batteries (cold reduces battery power by up to 50%) Checking tire pressure (it drops in cold weather) Storing equipment under cover when possible Keeping fuel tanks full to prevent condensation Drain water from pressure washers, sprayers, and irrigation systems. Store chemicals according to their temperature requirements - many products are ruined if they freeze. Be Ready for Emergencies Keep These Supplies on Hand: Backup generator with fuel Emergency lighting and batteries Snow removal equipment in good working order Ice melt or sand for walkways Emergency contacts for contractors and utilities First aid supplies Take photos of your property and equipment now for insurance documentation. Review your insurance policy to understand what winter damage is covered, and make sure staff know your emergency procedures. Special Considerations for Livestock If you have animals, also: Ensure barns have good ventilation while staying warm Check heated waterers work properly Stock extra bedding Verify feed storage is accessible during heavy snow Test all barn doors and latches Stay Ahead of the Weather Check weather forecasts daily during winter. When severe weather is predicted, do an extra inspection of your facilities. The National Weather Service recommends taking preventive action before storms hit, not during or after. Address small problems immediately - they become expensive emergencies if ignored. Why This Matters Yes, winter preparation takes time and money. But it's always cheaper than repairs and lost productivity. Facilities that follow these guidelines experience fewer insurance claims, less downtime, and avoid emergency situations that could threaten their entire operation. Don't wait for the first freeze. Start your winter checklist today. Partner with Agricultural Risk Management Experts At Cottingham & Butler, we've spent decades helping agricultural operations prepare for and navigate winter challenges. We understand that every farm and agribusiness is different, which is why our risk management specialists work closely with you to: Identify vulnerabilities in your specific operation Create customized winter preparation plans Ensure you have proper insurance coverage for winter-related damage Provide ongoing support throughout the season Our clients who implement thorough winter preparation protocols see fewer claims, less downtime, and greater peace of mind. Whether you're a small family operation or a large commercial facility, we're here to protect what you've built. Contact Cottingham & Butler today to discuss your winter preparation and agricultural risk management needs.

Many employee benefits are subject to annual dollar limits that are adjusted for inflation by the IRS each year. The following commonly offered employee benefits are subject to these limits: High deductible health plans (HDHPs) and health savings accounts (HSAs); Health flexible spending accounts (FSAs); 401(k) plans; and Transportation fringe benefit plans. The IRS typically announces the dollar limits that will apply for the next calendar year before the beginning of that year. This gives employers time to update their plan designs and make sure their plan administration is consistent with the new limits. This Compliance Overview includes a chart of key employee benefits limits for 2026. It also includes the 2025 limits for comparison purposes. Most of these limits increase for 2026. Although the contribution limit for dependent care FSAs is not indexed for inflation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act increased the limit, effective for 2026. *Limits that are not adjusted for inflation LINKS AND RESOURCES IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-19 : 2026 limits for HSAs and HDHPs IRS Notice 2025-67 : 2026 limits for retirement plans IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 : 2026 limits for health FSAs, adoption assistance and transportation fringe benefits

We are excited to extend an invitation to our upcoming Employee Benefits Seminar Tour designed specifically for individuals like you, who are at the forefront of shaping organizational culture and strategy. Cottingham & Butler hosts these exclusive events to provide a free opportunity for HR professionals to network, stay on top of emerging trends, and be a strategic leader in their organization. MULTI-DATE EVENT Better Every Day Seminar Tour May - August, 2025 Peoria, IL | Des Moines, IA | Iowa City, IA | Green Bay, WI Pewaukee, WI | Minneapolis, MN | Oak Brook, IL Pick Your Date! In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead requires mastering three critical areas: technological innovation, healthcare cost management, and regulatory compliance. At each of our upcoming seminars we bring together industry experts to discuss these interconnected challenges head-on. You'll discover how AI is revolutionizing HR and business operations, learn proven strategies to control escalating healthcare costs (which remain most employers' top financial concern), and cut through the noise to focus on what truly matters in employment law and benefits compliance for 2025. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to these areas, these insights will help you make informed decisions that drive your organization forward while protecting your bottom line. Join us at our exclusive seminar where industry experts will guide you through the three most critical challenges you are facing today. “The content and the information is great and I walk away with ideas to bring back to help enhance our benefits packages and compensation.” - COTTINGHAM & BUTLER SEMINAR ATTENDEE Seminar Tour Coming to a City Near You!

Explore all of Cottingham & Butler's upcoming events. Wednesday, May 3 | 12 PM CT Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center 300 East 9th St., Coralville, IA 52241 FREE SEMINAR Knowledge is Power Employers continue to face the everyday challenge of offering attractive employee benefits & compensation packages that are truly valued by employees, combined with the financial and administrative burden that comes with doing so. Knowledge is power. MAY 3, 2023 12 PM CORALVILLE, IA Key Takeaways / Agenda 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Welcome and Registration 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM | The Power of Purpose – A Case Study From One of the Best Places to Work Presented by John McHugh, Director of Corporate Communications, Kwik Trip With a turnover rate 6x lower than their industry average, there is no doubt the folks at Kwik Star have developed a recipe for success when it comes to employee engagement. To share some of the secrets behind their success, we have invited John McHugh, director of corporate communication s, leadership development and training at Kwik Star to present on the Power of Purpose in the workplace and the profound effect it has had for their 34,000+ employees in over 800 stores. 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | The Critical Role of Compensation in the Recruitment Process Presented by Matt Shefchik, Assistant Vice President, Carlson Dettmann Consulting When discussing compensation with candidates its more than just the final dollar amount offered, but being able to best position their total rewards being offered to attract that top talent. Today’s employees value pay transparency and pay equity within the recruitment process. In this hour, participants will learn the importance of pay transparency, how to align pay expectations with the candidates, and how to balance the candidates experience with internal equity. 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Follow the Leaders: What High Performing Employers Are Doing to Curb Costs & Boost Employee Value Presented by Taylor Orton, Vice President, Benefits – Cottingham & Butler In an old social science theory known as the “Diffusion of Innovation Theory”, there are five types of adopters in the world of innovation, including: Innovators, Early Adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority, and Laggards. While there are the five categories, the distribution in each is not equivalent, as only about 16% of organizations are truly considered Innovators (2.5%) or Early Adopters (13.5%). This 16% is often known as the market leader in their respective field, as most competitors often lag behind adoption and copy ideas well after they are proven a success. While it is understandable that not every organization has the risk tolerance levels required to be a true innovator, finding ways to expedite that knowledge transfer is imperative for the remaining 84% of employers to have any competitive advantage in the market. In this session, participants will learn about the leading edge strategies being used by innovative employers to have a competitive edge in the Great Resignation. 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Optional Hors D’oeuvres and Happy Hour Presenters Olivia Walker Editor in Chief Dan Mitchell Assistant Manager Noah Patterson Programming Editor Tess Anderson Art Director Upcoming Events WEBINAR Navigating Employer-Sponsored Coverage & Medicare Join us for a practical session on how Medicare interacts with employer-sponsored health plans—an increasingly important topic as more employees continue working past age 65. We’ll break down eligibility and enrollment timing for Medicare Parts A, B, and D, clarify how Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) rules impact group plan coordination, and highlight key considerations such as HSA eligibility, COBRA timing, and employer premium reimbursements. Understanding these rules is essential for employers evaluating benefit offerings and for employees choosing the coverage option that best fits their needs. Read More WEBINAR Cross-Border Safety: Strengthening ELP Standards and CDL Integrity Information Coming Soon! Read More WEBINAR Understanding CSA Scores and Their Impact Information Coming Soon! Read More IN-PERSON CEO Summit CEOs gather here to solve complex challenges alongside peers and industry leaders who've navigated similar ground successfully. This summit delivers what others don't: actionable strategies, peer-validated solutions, and frameworks you can implement immediately. Read More WEBINAR ERISA Fiduciary Duties Join us for an in-depth session on ERISA fiduciary duties for health and welfare plans, designed to help employers understand their obligations as plan sponsors. We’ll review key ERISA requirements, highlight common compliance pitfalls, and share practical best practices to minimize fiduciary risk. Read More WEBINAR Building a Safer Workplace: Reducing Workplace Injuries and Workers Compensation Claims for Drivers Information Coming Soon! Read More WEBINAR Nuclear Verdicts: How to Protect Your Organization from Catastrophic Jury Awards Nuclear verdicts show no signs of slowing down while the financial stakes for businesses continue to escalate. Join our claims management experts on February 10th for an interactive discussion breaking down what's fueling massive jury awards and sharing proven strategies to protect your operations. Learning from real-world case studies and field-tested approaches, you'll gain practical tools and actionable steps to reduce risk exposure and build a stronger defense against nuclear verdict outcomes. Read More WEBINAR ACA Employer Reporting As the new year begins, join us for a timely webinar on ACA employer reporting, held right in the midst of the 2025 filing season. We’ll walk through the key requirements for Forms 1094 and 1095 and highlight common pitfalls, best practices, and practical tips to ensure accurate, complete, and compliant reporting. Read More WEBINAR Navigating FMCSA Compliance Reviews Information Coming Soon! Read More WEBINAR Year-in-Review & Looking Ahead Throughout 2025, HR and employee benefits professionals have continued to navigate an evolving compliance landscape for health and welfare benefit plans. As the year draws to a close, this session will highlight the most significant compliance developments and regulatory changes that shaped 2025 and what they mean for your organization. We’ll also look ahead to 2026, previewing upcoming rules, deadlines, and trends that could impact your benefit strategies in the year to come. Whether you're wrapping up year-end compliance or planning for what’s next, this webinar will help you stay informed and prepared. Examples will be provided to help employers manage different types of common employee positions. Read More Connect with a C&B Representative Today!

We help clients lower their total cost of risk by challenging the status quo, solving complex business problems and delivering creative insurance solutions. Our technical expertise and proprietary programs, combined with our commitment to client service is the foundation of the value we bring to our clients every day. WEBINAR December 18, 2025 Year-in-Review & Looking Ahead Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR January 21, 2026 Cross-Border Safety: Strengthening ELP Standards and CDL Integrity Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR January 22, 2026 ACA Employer Reporting Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR February 10, 2026 Nuclear Verdicts: How to Protect Your Organization from Catastrophic Jury Awards Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR February 18, 2026 Building a Safer Workplace: Reducing Workplace Injuries and Workers Compensation Claims for Drivers Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR February 19, 2026 ERISA Fiduciary Duties Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR March 17, 2026 Navigating FMCSA Compliance Reviews Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR March 19, 2026 Navigating Employer-Sponsored Coverage & Medicare Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR April 21, 2026 Understanding CSA Scores and Their Impact Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON May 7-8, 2026 CEO Summit Learn More! Learn More!