Workplace Posting Resources

Denise GillinRisk Management

By Timothy W. Braun, Risk Control Specialist Under OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and other workplace agencies or laws, legislators and agencies have determined workers have certain rights and that they should be given information regarding those rights. Management also has certain rights that employers and managers need to know, particularly when facing circumstances regarding an injury, claim or need to defend themselves against an allegation. Helpful resource information The agency or government groups requiring postings of workplace rights may cite or fine a business that does not have this information properly displayed. However, most of the required posters are free from the agencies that require them and can be easily downloaded. The following links contain information that businesses …

Four Steps To Managing Mental Health at Your Organization

Denise GillinHealth Benefits

Shared from ZyWave by Matt Pfeiffenberger, Vice President, Health Benefits Solutions We are about to add holiday stress to a pandemic. Here are four steps you can take to establish a workplace environment that is supportive of mental health: Create a supportive foundation An organization that is dedicated to preserving employee mental health and fostering a stigma-free environment is one that will succeed in its efforts to support employee mental health. Make sure that any mental health initiatives are aligned with core values, goals and ethics. Focus on reducing stigma An organization that focuses its mental health initiatives and efforts on normalizing mental health discussions will see improvements in employee mental health. Consistently communicate to employees that getting help is …

Manufacturing: Plan for Prevention

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

By Ryland Overly, GSP, Risk Control Consultant As most of us know, no two manufacturing operations are the same. Some may be similar, but there will always be some variance in the process, whether it be the raw materials, the machines, the setup, or the people working in the organization. Each one of these operations has its hazards that must be dealt with to protect its product, equipment, and people. If these hazards are left unchecked, it could result in a catastrophic loss. The Succeed / KPA safety platform notes that workplace incidents are not only tragic and frequently fatal for workers but also extremely expensive for employers. Between workers’ compensation, legal fees, regulatory penalties, employee turnover, diminished productivity, and …

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 …

Pennsylvania Launches New State-based Health Insurance Marketplace, Pennie

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, News, Small Group Benefits (2-50)

Pennsylvania has launched a new state-based health insurance marketplace for 2021 coverage called Pennie. Pennie is responsible for operating the health insurance marketplace for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in accordance with federal and state law. Pennsylvanians can shop, apply, and enroll in health coverage on Pennie.com or click here to review the plan offerings. Pennsylvanians currently enrolled through Healthcare.gov will be transitioned to Pennie for their 2021 coverage. Pennie – same as the federal marketplace – is based on household income so some applicants may qualify for financial assistance that will lower their monthly premiums or their out-of-pocket expenses. Important Dates: Open Enrollment:  11/1/2020 – 1/15/2021 Last Date to apply for coverage that starts 1/1/2021: 12/15/2020 Last Date to apply …

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 …

Preserve Mental Wellbeing with these Online Schooling Resources

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, News, Personal Lines

By Michael Diller, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist and Director, Employee Assistance Program, WellSpan Due to the pandemic, many teachers are conducting classes remotely, and many families are navigating virtual learning. Parents, caregivers, and teachers are working together to support each other and their students. During this uncertain school year, how do we recognized the signs that a young person is struggling with their mental health? What resources are available to help overcome these new challenges? Two websites with resources that can help alleviate some of the online school day stress and assist with the mental wellbeing of students learning virtually are Mental Health America (MHA) of Lancaster County and the Department of Education and Liberal Arts at Ashford University. Both websites …

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 …