Taylor Agency Blog

Taylor Agency Sponsors Charleston Home Tours

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  • Homes by Architects Tour: April 21, 2012 1pm-5pm
  • Old Village Home, Garden & Art Tour: April 22, 2012 1pm- 5pm

Taylor Agency is reaching out to support Charleston’s rich southern architectural allure by sponsoring the Charleston Home & Design Show! As the exclusive sponsor of the Homes by Architects Tour on Saturday, April 21st, 2012, we are setting the weekend in motion on Daniel Island with six private residences that will have architects on standby to answer any questions.
Click Here for Info & Tickets: Homes by Architects Tour

Then, on Sunday, April 22nd, 2012, the Old Village Home, Garden & Art Tour, presented by the American Red Cross, will showcase ten more homes and gardens along with local cuisine and artwork throughout the tour.  We encourage you to join us as we enjoy the best that Charleston has to offer.
Click Here For Info & Tickets: Old Village Home, Garden & Art Tour

When Employees Rent Vehicles

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Your business auto policy has limitations that can result in the denial of coverage for an employee following an accident.

One such limitation deals with employees who rent a vehicle in their own name for business purposes. The standard business auto policy grants insured status to employees while operating a vehicle covered by the business for business purposes, but employees who rent vehicles in their own names may find themselves not covered by the business’ auto policy.

Here are two common methods for closing this coverage gap:
1. Use a Personal Auto Policy
Employees who rent vehicles in their own name can seek coverage for a loss under their personal auto policy, even if the vehicle is rented for business purposes.

2. Modification or Endorsement to the Business Auto Policy
Businesses may purchase an endorsement to their business auto policy to cover this exposure, but it should be added explicitly. There is no guarantee this coverage is automatically included.

Call us if you would like to find out more about endorsements that expand your business auto policy.

Source: Florida Insurance School- Continuing Education

Playing Doctor

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When it comes to job-related illness or injury, employees and employers often believe they can determine the severity of an incident and whether treatment by a professional is needed. Making such assessments might seem, on the surface, quite straightforward, but frequently what appears to be a minor event can evolve into a series of problems. That’s when workers compensation claims arise.

Infections, allergic reactions or, in some cases, continued exposure can result in significant work loss—all of which likely could have been avoided were proper attention given immediately to the illness or injury.

Employers must understand they are responsible for directing employees in a manner consistent with state laws concerning treatment and workers compensation coverage. Employers must always be cautious of the unpredictable, long-term effects of illness and injury.

It’s not worth playing doctor, even in seemingly minor cases. Always follow your state’s workers comp reporting guidelines, and ask us if you have any questions about your coverage or carrier requirements.

Source: www.osha.gov

First-Aid Training Saves Lives

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Immediate response to workplace accidents, injuries and medical events saves lives and minimizes future disability. On-the-scene help for chemical burns, especially to the eyes; severe cuts and amputations; crush and head-impact injuries; heart attacks; strokes; seizures and other potentially deadly or debilitating events can prevent further injury to the victim while professional medical assistance is on the way.

Training in CPR, the use of a defibrillator (and access to one in the workplace), tourniquet application, movement of debris in a crush injury and movement of the victim can greatly improve the chances that an emergency will not deteriorate into confusion or result in a greater degree of injury. Offer training to employees as part of their overall work experience. Check with your local hospital and Red Cross to find accredited training programs. Also, emphasize that untrained individuals should not take remedial actions on their own if at all possible, since serious injuries to the victim can result from improper treatment and movement.

Remember to practice safety first and post emergency contact numbers and procedures in visible spots throughout your facility.

Source: www.blr.com

Woodworking Safety

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Woodworking is an age-old craft that produces commodities of high durability and beauty. Its artisans are highly skilled, but they are vulnerable to injury if safety precautions are not stringently followed. Here are some common safety precautions that should be part of every woodworker’s routine:

– Always wear safety glasses, adequate hearing protection, non-slip shoes and appropriate gloves.
– Do not wear loose-fitting clothing that can become entangled in moving parts. This is a common cause of injury when operating machinery.
– Inspect tools regularly for operational defects and make sure guards are in proper working condition before each use. Be sure electric power cords are properly secured and undamaged.
– Practice good housekeeping. This includes keeping machinery clean and free of debris that could become a projectile. It also includes clearing surrounding areas to prevent slips and falls that can result in major injury while machinery is in use.

Source: CCOHS- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

Office Parties and Alcohol

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The holiday office party—the age-old ritual. Relaxation, laughs, eggnog and, oh yes, alcohol.

If your business is planning an office party that will include alcohol, remember to practice some risk management up front and during the party. Include a reminder about designated drivers in the invitation. Offer special non-alcoholic “boat drinks” or other fun refreshments for designated drivers. Post the number for taxi service at the bar as closing time approaches, and put out a basket for donations for those who need help paying for a cab. Limit the number of free drinks by issuing drink tickets; then, have the bar staffed by someone who will cut off patrons who over-imbibe.

Here’s a Web site that has lots of information on preventing drunk driving: http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/index.html. The site also offers some quizzes and practical ideas that can help your employees enjoy the party more responsibly.

Source: The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research