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Risk Advisor Konnect – September 2025

By Drew Lester • 09/19/2025

Fall Safety & Workplace Compliance Updates

As the seasons change and new workplace regulations continue to evolve, it’s important to stay informed on both safety practices and compliance requirements. This month, we’re focusing on fall driving hazards and the growing expansion of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs across the United States.

Fall Weather Driving Hazards

Fall can be a tricky season for drivers. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s cold, wet, or foggy. Days are also getting shorter, which means more driving during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. Whether you’re commuting, transporting students, or making deliveries, awareness and preparation are key to staying safe on the road.

Key Fall Driving Safety Tips:

  • Be alert during school hours. Watch for children near buses and crosswalks.

  • Slow down and increase space. Wet leaves, fog, and slick roads reduce braking ability.

  • Check your visibility. Clear frost, control windshield fogging, and wear sunglasses against sun glare.

  • Watch for hidden hazards. Leaves can cover potholes and lane markings.

  • Stay mindful of wildlife. Deer and other animals are more active in the early morning and evening.

  • Maintain your vehicle. Check tire pressure regularly as temperature swings can cause fluctuations.

  • Use the right lights. Low beams in fog, high beams on clear nights for maximum visibility.

Small adjustments in driving habits during this season can prevent big accidents.

Paid Family and Medical Leave: What Employers Need to Know

Less than a decade ago, only four states required Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). Today, more than a dozen states and Washington, D.C. have mandatory programs, with several more on the way. Many others also offer voluntary options.

How PFML Works

Much like short-term disability coverage, PFML provides partial income replacement for employees who need time off for:

  • Their own medical condition

  • Caring for a family member with a serious health issue

  • Bonding with a new child

Some programs also include job protection, requiring employers to reinstate employees to the same or equivalent role after leave.

Federal FMLA vs. State PFML

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees, but PFML supplements this with paid benefits. In states with PFML, both leaves often run concurrently.

States with Mandatory Programs

Current PFML programs exist in:
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Washington, D.C.

More states, including Maryland and Minnesota, have upcoming programs starting between 2026–2028.

Voluntary State Programs

Some states, like Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, allow employers to opt into private PFML insurance programs, giving flexibility while still offering employee support.

Key takeaway for employers: If your organization has workers in PFML states, you must understand and comply with the specific requirements—including contribution rules, notice postings, and reinstatement obligations.

About Risk Advisor Konnect

Risk Advisor Konnect is here to support you with:

  • Safety & OSHA compliance

  • HR and employment guidance

  • Claims management

  • DOT/FMCSA compliance

Sample client questions we address:

  • Do I need to keep OSHA 300 logs?

  • How should I report an auto accident involving an employee?

  • What are the driver qualification standards under FMCSA?

  • How do I respond to a workplace harassment complaint?

Our goal is simple: partners helping partners.

 

All Lester Insurance Commercial Customers have access to Risk Advisor Konnect

Call 888.976.7565 or email myriskadvisor@keystoneinsgrp.com

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