Business Tips

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

Leased Staff

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Companies that lease staff from employment leasing firms are often concerned with how their insurance coverage will apply to both liability claims caused by the leased worker and injuries to the leased worker.

The commercial general liability (CGL) policy extends liability coverage to the insured organization for claims resulting from the actions of an “employee.” Leased and volunteer workers meet the definition of “employee” in the policy, indicating their actions will be covered. However, the policy does not extend coverage for claims arising out of the actions of a “temporary worker.” Thus, absent a contractual agreement with the leasing firm, coverage may not exist.

The CGL excludes coverage for injuries to “employees”—such injuries should be covered by a workers compensation policy. Your contract with the employee-leasing firm should define which party will cover a leased worker’s job-related injuries. If this liability falls on your business, an endorsement may be necessary to extend coverage to the leased worker.

If you are leasing workers or hiring temps, review your policies to ensure these workers are adequately covered. For information on endorsements that may close gaps in coverage for such employees, call our service team today.

Source: Insurance Services Office

Product Recall

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Product recalls can devastate a business if their effects are not covered by the company’s insurance. Losses include the costs of customer notification, shipping, additional maintenance and refunds of purchases. Additionally, there may be damage to your business’ reputation, or the recall may come during your prime sales period, thereby damaging your entire year’s profits. Even if you are not the producer of the recalled item, you could experience grievous losses, especially if you are a retailer whose mainstay is affected by a product recall.

Companies seeking coverage under their general liability insurance policy should be aware that—without special endorsement—costs associated with the recall of a product excluded are likely excluded.

Review your general liability policy for more information on its product recall exclusion. If your business’ success relies heavily on a certain item and is vulnerable to the adverse effects of a product recall, consult with us about the possibility of adding a product-recall endorsement.

Source: USA Today, Consumer Product Safety Commission – www.cpsc.gov