Nine Tips for Space Heater Safety

Denise GillinInsurance, News, Risk Management

From Succeed / KPA Safety Platform Can we all agree that it seems no one can agree on what is a comfortable office temperature? However, office temperature is important and may impact in ways previously not considered. A study conducted by Cornell University found that chilly workers not only make more errors but cooler temperatures could increase a worker’s hourly cost by 10 percent, as estimated by Alan Hedge, professor of design and environmental analysis and director of Cornell’s Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory. Bring out the space heaters If you are going to use them, follow these guidelines from Succeed / KPA safety resource platform to ensure a safe work environment: Never use space heaters in the areas where …

Increased Risk During Civil Unrest

Denise GillinInsurance, News, Risk Management

From Chubb Commercial Insurance Businesses may face increased risks during periods of public protests and civil unrest, which can threaten employees, disrupt operations, and damage property. You can help mitigate these risks by considering the following actions: Prioritize employee protection When civil unrest arises – or appears on the horizon – communicate as soon as possible with your staff to express concern, emphasize the importance of situational awareness, and provide critical guidance to ensure employee and customer safety. Protect your facilities Property in areas with unrest face the threat of damage, looting, and arson. Take steps to help protect your company’s facilities. Secure vacant premises Vacant buildings are particularly vulnerable to damage during periods of civil unrest – and with …

Hacker cyber computer crime attack network security password protection internet technology

Risk Managers Play Critical Role in Protecting Production

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

Recent news reports indicate that ransomware attacks are becoming more prolific and all industries are vulnerable. An article by Jeffrey Tilley, Vice President and Manager, Cyber Hazards, and Jens Alkemper, Vice President and Research Area Director, FM Global, point out the specific risks to manufacturing and production. Tilley and Alkemper maintain that effective prevention of cyber risks cannot remain the sole responsibility of technology professionals. Risk management professionals, along with business leaders and senior management, need to work in conjunction with IT in a coordinated effort against cyberattacks. They outline several steps risk managers bring to the team to help enhance prevention and mitigate losses in the event of an attack: Break down technology silos for a holistic approach. Close …

Combine and Tractor Fires – A Burning Problem

Denise GillinAgribusiness, Risk Management

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 …

Cyberattack – Not “if” but “when”

Denise GillinInsurance, News, Risk Management

By Brian Owen, CPCU, Executive Vice President, Client Services and Ommie Rivera, Chief Information Officer Paying ransoms in ransomware attacks has always been controversial, but now it may be considered illegal by the US Department of Treasury according to SiliconANGLE.com. The argument is that at times, paying ransom to obtain core business files is worth it. However, conversely, does paying ransom encourage future attacks? Every situation is different and insurance policies are not created equally so there isn’t a one size fits all answer to a cyber breach. While coverage is important, partnering with experienced professionals you trust can be more important. Look for experts with established best practices to help your company weather the lifecycle of an incident. Murray represents …

October 18 – 24 is National Teen Driver Safety Week

Denise GillinNews, Personal Lines, Risk Management

Sponsored by the US Department of Transportation October 18 – 24, 2020 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. This week – and every week, parents should have conversations with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. These rules address the greatest dangers for teen drivers: alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and number of passengers. Facts about Teen Driver Fatalities: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States, ahead of all other types of injury, disease, or violence. In 2017, there were 2,247 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver, …

Sober October: Alcohol Use and Abuse During the Pandemic

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, News, Risk Management

By Josh Mountz, M.Ed, Prevention Specialist, Compass Mark This unprecedented time during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread social isolation and has caused a great deal of anxiety and stress.  This is especially true for people with alcohol use issues and those recovering from alcohol use disorders. According to a study published in “JAMA Psychiatry”, nearly one in eight Americans have an alcohol use disorder (Read more about the study at CNN.com).  The rate of drinking has only risen in the wake of the pandemic.  Compared to this time last year, online sales of alcohol have risen 243 percent. RAND Corporation, supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, reports that Americans are dinking 14 percent more …

October is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

By Eugene V. Schmitt, CSP, ARM, CHST, CFPS, Risk Control Specialist October is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of workplace deaths. In 2018, there were 276,000 people injured in distracted-driving crashes and more than 2,700 died in distracted-related crashes. Drivers must avoid visual (eyes), manual (hands), and cognitive (mind) distractions. Three ways to help make our roadways and our people safer: First – Commit to driving distraction-free: Take the NSC Just Drive Pledge*. Pledge to Just Drive for your own safety and for others whom you share the roads by not: Having phone conversations Texting or sending Snapchats Using voice-to-text features Updating Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo or other …

Why your company should have a safety committee

Denise GillinRisk Management

By Timothy M. Murray, GSP, Risk Control Consultant Safety committees are a great tool in helping to keep your employees safe, accident free, and on the job happy and healthy. This is also a good way to bring workers and managers together to create a forum to discuss health and safety concerns throughout your company. There are two major positives for a company to have a state certified safety committee: 1) the decrease in accidents; and 2) lower loss injury costs. Also, having a safety committee significantly impacts the cost of workers’ compensation insurance. There is a five-percent discount credited to your company’s workers’ compensation premium as a reward from PA Labor & Industry for becoming a state certified safety …

September 14 – 18 is National Safety Stand-Down Week

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

By Eugene V. Schmitt, CSP, ARM, CHST, CFPS, Risk Control Specialist According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees. Those deaths are preventable.  It is critical that fall hazards such as holes and leading edges are recognized and employees are protected by guardrails or Personal Fall Arrest Systems. If an employee is working from a ladder above guardrails, fall protection is required. Also, anytime an employee has to wear a fall harness, a rescue plan is needed. Make sure your foreman know how to best protect employees from fall hazards. Use this information for a Toolbox Talk with your crew. For more information …