Latest news with #Safety
The Star
6 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Namibia strives for integration of refugees on World Refugee Day
WINDHOEK, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Namibia seeks to integrate refugees into its broader social and economic systems, a government official said Friday, as the country commemorated World Refugee Day. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security marked the day under the global theme "Solidarity with Refugees" at the Osire Refugee Settlement in the Otjozondjupa Region. Namibia currently hosts 6,582 refugees and asylum seekers, with the majority residing at the Osire Refugee Settlement, located approximately 225 km from the capital, Windhoek. "This number may vary over time due to factors such as new arrivals, voluntary repatriation, and changes in legal status," Etienne Maritz, executive director of the ministry, said in a public notice. He added that most of these individuals originate from African nations, notably the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda, with others arriving from countries like South Sudan, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. "Namibia follows a welcoming and inclusive refugee policy, offering access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and employment," he said, reiterating that the nation aims to integrate refugees into its broader social and economic systems. Through the Osire Refugee Settlement, the Namibian government, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other partners, continues to provide vital support to displaced persons seeking refuge within the country, he highlighted. Observed globally on June 20, World Refugee Day honors the courage and perseverance of millions of refugees worldwide.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AM Best Downgrades Issuer Credit Rating of Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and Its Key Subsidiaries
OLDWICK, N.J., June 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has downgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) to "a" (Excellent) from "a+" (Excellent) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) of Safety Insurance Company, Safety Indemnity Insurance Company, Safety Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Safety Northeast Insurance Company. The outlook of the Long-Term ICRs has been revised to stable from negative while the outlook of the FSR is stable. Collectively, these companies are referred to as Safety Group. At the same time, AM Best has downgraded the Long-Term ICR to "bbb" (Good) from "bbb+" (Good) of Safety Insurance Group, Inc. (Delaware) [NASDAQ/GS: SAFT], the publicly traded parent of Safety. The outlook of the Long-Term ICR has been revised to stable from negative. All companies are domiciled in Boston, MA, except where specified. The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect Safety's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The Long-Term ICR downgrades reflect a trend of deterioration in Safety Group's risk-adjusted capitalization position since year-end 2021, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). This reduction is attributed to the group's absolute surplus level declining while net written premium, net reserves and Safety Group's probable maximum loss estimate have all increased since. Inflationary trends and rate increases have also had a significant impact. Ultimately, these factors have led to Safety Group's risk-adjusted capitalization position declining to the strong level following 1Q 2025, down from the strongest level at year-end YE 2021. Company management has indicated its strategic goal is to remain within the strong range. AM Best assesses Safety Group's operating performance as strong due to five-year average pretax and total returns on revenue and equity that compare favorably with AM Best's private passenger and homeowners' composite averages. The group's five-year average combined ratio remains below breakeven and outperforms the composites as well. AM Best assesses Safety Group's business profile as neutral due to its consistent position as a top five carrier in the personal auto, commercial auto and homeowners' market in Massachusetts with a modestly diverse product offering. AM Best also views Safety Group's ERM as appropriate, supported by its comprehensive risk management framework that is well-documented in its Own Risk Solvency Assessment report. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on Contacts Justin Aimone Financial Analyst +1 908 882 1595 Christopher Draghi Director +1 908 882 1749 Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
6 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
AM Best Downgrades Issuer Credit Rating of Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and Its Key Subsidiaries
OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has downgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) to 'a' (Excellent) from 'a+' (Excellent) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) of Safety Insurance Company, Safety Indemnity Insurance Company, Safety Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Safety Northeast Insurance Company. The outlook of the Long-Term ICRs has been revised to stable from negative while the outlook of the FSR is stable. Collectively, these companies are referred to as Safety Group. At the same time, AM Best has downgraded the Long-Term ICR to 'bbb' (Good) from 'bbb+' (Good) of Safety Insurance Group, Inc. (Delaware) [NASDAQ/GS: SAFT], the publicly traded parent of Safety. The outlook of the Long-Term ICR has been revised to stable from negative. All companies are domiciled in Boston, MA, except where specified. The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect Safety's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The Long-Term ICR downgrades reflect a trend of deterioration in Safety Group's risk-adjusted capitalization position since year-end 2021, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). This reduction is attributed to the group's absolute surplus level declining while net written premium, net reserves and Safety Group's probable maximum loss estimate have all increased since. Inflationary trends and rate increases have also had a significant impact. Ultimately, these factors have led to Safety Group's risk-adjusted capitalization position declining to the strong level following 1Q 2025, down from the strongest level at year-end YE 2021. Company management has indicated its strategic goal is to remain within the strong range. AM Best assesses Safety Group's operating performance as strong due to five-year average pretax and total returns on revenue and equity that compare favorably with AM Best's private passenger and homeowners' composite averages. The group's five-year average combined ratio remains below breakeven and outperforms the composites as well. AM Best assesses Safety Group's business profile as neutral due to its consistent position as a top five carrier in the personal auto, commercial auto and homeowners' market in Massachusetts with a modestly diverse product offering. AM Best also views Safety Group's ERM as appropriate, supported by its comprehensive risk management framework that is well-documented in its Own Risk Solvency Assessment report. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments.
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Is it too hot to work? Irish worker rights in sweltering 29C heatwave & when you can legally go home as temps soar
IRELAND is basking in sizzling temperatures this week as temperatures look set to be hotter than the Canary Islands. All eyes will be on the weather forecast over the coming days as Ireland's Advertisement 2 Working in 'extreme temperature' can impact an employee's ability to do their job safely Credit: GETTY_HUB 2 The temperatures are set to soar to a whopping 29C And the Meteorologist Cathal Nolan from Ireland's While people are enjoying the heatwave, many With the current But regulations state that despite the lack of hard rule on hot temperatures - it does not mean that "any temperature is acceptable". Advertisement READ MORE ON MONEY According to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, temperatures should be at least 17.5C or 16C if the work involves rigorous physical effort. It also states that the temperature in rooms containing workstations should be appropriate for human beings, considering the working methods used and the physical demands placed on the The regulation also says: "The fact that a maximum temperature has not been specified in the Regulations does not mean that any temperature is acceptable. "At high or uncomfortable temperatures, especially when not caused by temporary weather conditions, a means of cooling should be provided." Advertisement Most read in Irish News Also under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must ensure the safety of their staff members. Ireland to sizzle in 24C heat as heatwave arrives and Met Eireann reveal hottest areas This act states that employers must "take reasonable care to protect his or her safety, health and welfare and the safety, health and welfare of any other person who may be affected by the employee's acts or omissions at work". And health and safety regulations say employers should take efforts to keep excessive heat out of buildings that have windows. They state: "Excessive heat from the sun shining through windows, skylights or glass partitions must be avoided. Advertisement "This can be achieved by various means including internal blinds, external blinds, use of low-emissivity glass, whitewashing of windows etc." HOT TIPS TO FOLLOW DURING HEATWAVE Here are some hot tips that will help you stay cool and safe during the high temperatures in Ireland: Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature and prevents heat-related illnesses. Taking breaks can help avoid overexertion and help the body cool down in shaded or air-conditioned areas. When outdoors, it is recommended to wear lightweight, breathable and loose-fitting clothing that allows better airflow while protecting your skin from harmful sun rays. Avoid activities during the hottest part of the day, which HSE reports to be midday. Stay alert to the signs of heat-related illnesses. 'ALLEVIATE THE WORST EFFECTS' According to the Irish They said: "Where an employer is obviously sympathetic and tries to alleviate the worst effects of hot weather most employees should bear with temporary discomfort and continue working normally. "Unless conditions are extreme, measures such as those outlined above should prevent any employees justifiably claiming that the company is in breach of its duty under the 2005 Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act. Advertisement "Any refusal by the employees to work would then place them in breach of their contracts of employment, which could lead, to loss of pay/disciplinary action." The employer should do a risk assessment if the majority of the workforce expresses complaints about hot temperatures. According to the Health and Safety Authority, if the temperature starts to rise, companies should take action to cool the workplace. Additionally, they advise businesses to loosen Advertisement However, if the employers fail to ensure the work environment is safe for the employees, they may face penalties, legal action, as it will increase the risk of workplace accidents and illnesses if not dealt with properly. VITAL TIPS FOR WORK ENVIRONMENTS Here are vital tips that will ensure employees and yourself to stay safe during the heatwave: Maintain positive management-employee relations by communicating clearly and reaching an agreement with staff over the necessary actions. Keep windows open, give fans, keep an eye on the air conditioner, and generally let fresh air flow around the office. Ensure there is a sufficient quantity of cold water on hand. If required, offer job rotation and suitable rest periods. Make sure outdoor employees understand the dangers of working in direct sunlight, wear the appropriate PPE, and use sunscreen as needed. For the comfort of employees, think about loosening the dress code in workplace settings. Make sure outdoor employees don't use the high temps as an excuse to take off their steel-toed boots and hard hats, among other necessary safety gear. SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED HEALTH ISSUES Working during extreme temperatures can impact people's When employees are exposed to hot weather for long periods, they are at risk of developing one of the many heat-related illnesses, including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself effectively, resulting in many symptoms, including heavy sweating, fatigue and discomfort. Advertisement Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that arises from long exposure to heat and inadequate fluid intake; if left untreated, it can lead to heatstroke. The symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headaches. Heatstroke is a severe condition that requires Symptoms may include confusion, altered mental state, and loss of consciousness. If not caught in time, it can be life-threatening. Advertisement
Mail & Guardian
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Don't call asylum seekers and refugees makwerekwere; make them feel at home
Asylum seekers and refugees leave their home countries because life has become intolerable. They seek safety and understanding. World Refugee Day is observed annually on 20 June to honour the courage and strength of people who have been forced to escape their home country by conflict or persecution. According to the In South Africa, refugees and asylum seekers, like many around the world, seek safety and an opportunity to rebuild their lives after escaping violence, conflict and persecution from their countries of origin. But many continue to face ongoing difficulties, including xenophobia and limited opportunities to earn an income. These difficulties are often worsened by delays or obstacles in With more than First, we should have discussions with refugees and asylum seekers . It is essential to better understand their experiences of living in the country and the types of support they need to rebuild their lives effectively. In my experience, many are willing to speak openly and share their stories when given a safe space to do so. Second, we should make refugees and asylum seekers feel welcome. They are often called 'makwerekwere', a derogatory term used by some to inform foreign nationals from African countries that they are outsiders who are not welcome. Instead of looking at refugees and asylum seekers as outsiders, we need to focus on how we can make South Africa a place of safety and dignity, where they can rebuild their lives and feel at home. One way to achieve this is by running community-based programmes in areas where refugees and asylum seekers live. These programmes can raise awareness about who refugees are, why they are in communities and how local residents can partner with them to build stronger and more inclusive communities. Such platforms also allow refugees and asylum seekers to tell their stories. This will help locals to understand the context of their journeys and the reasons they have sought refuge in South Africa. Being given a voice also empowers refugees and asylum seekers to participate in community life and build mutual understanding. Many refugees are skilled professionals (lawyers, healthcare professionals, teachers, and more) who bring valuable experience and expertise that can benefit South African society. Embracing their contributions is a step toward building more inclusive and safe communities for all. Third, we should teach children to respect and accept refugees and asylum seekers . Through my work with refugee and asylum-seeking children in mental health services and research, one recurring problem they face is bullying often because of their skin tone or accent. It is important to teach local children respect, empathy, and inclusion. School-based programmes and initiatives can encourage South African learners to see refugees and asylum seekers as equals, and not to mock, isolate,or bully them for being different. In 2020, Fourth, we should support organisations that provide services to refugees and asylum seekers . In recent years, organisations worldwide offering essential services to them have had severe funding cuts, further reducing already limited services to this marginalised population. For example, in South Africa, the Adonis Musati Project, which was founded in 2007 and offered skills training, youth programmes and psychosocial support, had to close because of a lack of funding. Organisations such as the Trauma Centre and Last, we should prioritise multi-stakeholder intervention. It is also important for civil society, and government departments (such as health, education and the police) to collaborate in finding solutions to address the problems refugees and asylum seekers face. Ensuring access to basic needs like education and healthcare, as well as support services such as local language programmes and income-generating opportunities, is critical to promoting the effective settlement and integration of refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa. Standing in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa requires us all to play our part. The country is known around the world for its philosophy of ubuntu, which means 'am because we are'. For the nation to fully reflect its spirit of ubuntu and show humanity towards others, all who live in the country must extend compassion, understanding and support to refugees and asylum seekers as they work to rebuild their lives and heal from traumatic experiences. Yeukai Chideya is a researcher at the Institute for Life Course Health Research at Stellenbosch University.
