Category Archive

By Gina Ekstam for AssuredPartners.com A recent review of auto, liability, property, and workers’ compensation claims reported between April and June revealed a sharp rise in liability claims, costing agribusinesses millions. Property claims were the costliest, while workers’ compensation claims were the most frequent. It is no secret that safety is everyone’s responsibility. One way to instill a safety-first culture is with the creation of a safety committee. Click here to learn the four things most successful committees have in common>>>

By Gina Ekstam for AssuredPartners.com Imagine a scenario where an employee uses machinery without proper training, or a worker almost slips in a puddle of water caused by leaking equipment. No one is injured, but someone could have been. These near misses are just two examples of the many incidents that occur every day in the workplace that could result in serious injury or damage. OSHA refers to these near misses as “Close Calls,” which means “an incident that could have caused serious injury or illness but did not.” Near miss incidents may not cause immediate harm, but they can precede events in which an injury or loss could occur. Implementing a miss reporting system allows safety managers to capture …

By Timothy M. Murray, GSP, Risk Control Consultant All industries need security and farming is no exception. In addition to fire and safety, identifying vulnerable property and assets, and keeping online confidential information secure as outlined by Rural Security Planning (Purdue), make sure you have physical protection in place. Below are some suggested steps taken from the American Dairy Association North East for those in the agricultural industry to consider to make their property and operations more secure: Take basic steps to secure your farm and facility, making it more difficult to access by intruders. These include no trespassing signage, motion-sensor lighting, security cameras, gates, fencing, etc. Consider what is visible from the road. Consider the “curb appeal” of your …

Excerpted from John Shutske, UW CALS / Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison Combine and tractor fires cause over $20 million in property losses each year and millions more because of lost time and downed crops during the busy harvest season. They also cause 40 to 50 serious injuries each year and occasionally death. Prevention begins with a focus on keeping machinery clean and eliminating sources of heat that could lead to a fire. Cleanliness and maintenance: Begin every harvest season with a clean machine. Use a pressure washer to remove caked-on grease, oil, and crop residue, paying particular attention to the engine and engine compartment. Use compressed air to frequently blow off any dry chaff, leaves, and other material on the …