Sutter McLellan and Gilbreath BlogView Sutter McLellan and Gilbreath's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@06acfcf0-310f-45f7-8fbe-db38e63a39ba.insurancewebsitebuilder.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:16a9c496-e273-4b40-a398-db9f93e2907durn:uuid:6e77e4d6-574a-45fa-9ee4-a6380603d10a3-steps-to-prevent-heat-related-illnesses.aspx3 Steps to Prevent Heat-Related IllnessesPreventing heat-related illnesses at job sites has no easy answers or standard prescriptions, says EMC Senior Industrial Hygienist Dave Havick. That’s because there are many variables to manage, and best practices are different from company to ...Thu, 22 Jun 2017 04:55:35 -0700<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><img alt="" style="float: right;" src="/img/~www.smginsurance.com/Capture.JPG" />Preventing heat-related illnesses at job sites has no easy answers or standard prescriptions, says EMC Senior Industrial Hygienist Dave Havick. That’s because there are many</span> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">variables to manage, and best practices are different from company to company, project to project, and even employee to employee. “That is reality, and it all comes down to knowing your situation and your employees well enough to make the right calls at the right time,” he says.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">If you are in construction, landscaping or other industries with outdoor workers in Georgia, you know your workers are at risk when it’s hot outside. But sometimes forgotten are indoor workers in foundries, near ovens and in factories or warehouses without air conditioning.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Start With the Heat Index</strong><br />
Temperature plays a huge role in heat-related illnesses. So does relative humidity, which amplifies the effects of heat because sweat isn’t evaporated as effectively when there’s a lot of moisture in the air.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Calculating the heat index is a starting point for preventing heat-related illnesses. This index, a combination of heat and relative humidity, gives a baseline for danger in the outdoor work environment. There are various ways to calculate this, including </span><a href="" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline;">OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;">. Indoors, an inexpensive temperature and humidity gauge can provide similar numbers, which can be plugged into the app. You can also input the air temperature plus either the dew point or relative humidity into a </span><a href="" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline;">calculator</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"> found on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Use the heat index to plot your next steps. OSHA provides a </span><a href="" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline;">risk-level chart</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"> that includes a list of actions, including alerts, rest breaks and recommended water intake. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Also Account for These Variables</strong><br />
While the heat index is a good guide, it doesn’t handle every situation. Other variables are trickier to pin down as they are situation dependent. You’ll have to factor in the individual challenges your workers face as you fine-tune your responses to heat and humidity. Some of the variables to consider include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Air Movement―Moving air evaporates sweat, allowing bodies to stay cooler. For outdoor workers, this is usually wind, while fans may serve this purpose indoors. You can’t increase the wind, but you may be able to add some outdoor fans to improve air circulation. Indoors, make sure that the fans are positioned to reach all workers. However, keep in mind that at very high temperatures, air movement can actually increase heat stress.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Sun vs. Shade―Working in bright sunlight can boost the temp about 15 degrees, so those workers in the sun need extra TLC. Shade is important for resting times if there are no air-conditioned spaces available, although it will take longer to cool down outdoors in the shade.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Activity Level―If your employees’ jobs include high levels of exertion such as stacking items, shoveling gravel or lugging heavy timbers, the dangers of heat stress are increased.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Required Clothing―Welding gear, chemical protective suits and other personal protective equipment burdens workers with extra layers. If heat can’t escape and air can’t penetrate, the gear acts like a sweatbox. Workers wearing these items need other ways to cool down.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Physical Conditioning―Employees who are used to the weather, gear and heavy activity can handle more heat than new employees who aren’t accustomed to the routine. In one OSHA report, nearly 80% of heat-related illnesses involved workers who had been on the job for 4 or fewer days. Newbies also may be reluctant to let anyone know they are suffering.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><strong>3 Steps That Work in Most Situations</strong><br />
Some solutions work in most situations to prevent heat-related illnesses. You’ll still need to finesse the timing of breaks and amount of fluids, but you can prevent problems and Georgia Workers Compensation claims if you err on the side of caution.</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Encourage fluids.</strong> Workers in extreme conditions need to drink more water than they may realize. Encourage them to drink at will while working―in addition to during breaks―because gulping water during a 15-minute break and then working for 45 minutes won’t necessarily prevent dehydration. The amount of water needed will vary by conditions, but for moderate activity, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends 1 cup every 15 to 20 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Adjust break times as conditions get harsher.</strong> Taking breaks in the shade or under a canopy may be your only option, but understand that cooling down this way takes longer than if workers can rest in an air-conditioned breakroom. In extreme situations, accept that breaks may be longer than the amount of time spent working, or decide that conditions are too dangerous to continue working. You may have to reassign workers indoors or send them home. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Check on everyone frequently.</strong> This especially applies to new workers or those not fully acclimated to the conditions, as well as older or heavier employees and those with medical conditions. Even young, healthy workers can get sick in extreme conditions, so keep an eye on everyone and have workers watch out for each other, too. Watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as nausea, dizziness and extreme sweating, and intervene before the situation becomes dangerous.</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"></span></p>Georgia Workers Compensation, Heat-Related Illness on the Job, On the Job Injuriesurn:uuid:a9bf3d22-2567-4d69-b92f-a408bf8db526distracted-driving-raise-your-hand-if-youve-done-this.aspxDistracted driving: Raise your hand if you’ve done thisDistracted driving: Raise your hand if you’ve done this You’re driving along; the car in front of you swerves erratically, the driver apparently under the influence. As you pass, you glance over and shake your head. A look of self-right...Fri, 05 Aug 2016 12:13:29 -0700<p><span style="font-size: 24px; text-decoration: underline;">Distracted driving: Raise your hand if you’ve done this<img alt="" style="float: right;" src="/img/~www.smginsurance.com/tailgating.JPG" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">You’re driving along; the car in front of you swerves erratically, the driver apparently under the influence. As you pass, you glance over and shake your head. A look of self-righteous indignation crosses your face, but the driver has no clue of your disgust. You look more closely and see that the driver is obviously under the influence … of a smart phone!</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Raise your hand if you’ve ever seen this.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Keep your hand up if you’ve seen other drivers eating a sandwich, fumbling with a hot cup of coffee, reading a newspaper, reaching for something, yelling at kids, applying makeup, shaving or changing clothes.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">I recently saw a guy playing drums on his steering wheel. No, he wasn’t just tapping along to the music. There he was, drumsticks in hand, a drum pad taped to his steering wheel, pounding away while rocketing down the highway.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Are your hands still up? Good. Now put them down only if <em>YOU’VE</em> never done any of these things. Ah. There’s the rub. For all of the dirty looks and disgusted head shakes that we’ve given other drivers, most of us have been on the receiving end of those looks. We engage in the same behavior we so adamantly condemn.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">When presenting this scenario to groups of people, I see sheepish grins and embarrassed smiles. As for the 30 percent who put their hands down? Many of you aren’t being honest. That’s right – </span><a href="" class="external external_icon" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size: 16px;">a Virginia study showed</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"> as many as eight out of 10 crashes are connected to distracted driving.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="" class="external external_icon" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size: 16px;">We’ve seen the statistics</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;">. Auto-related accidents, injuries and deaths are all increasing due to distracted driving. So why the disconnect between what we know, what we disapprove of in others and what we actually do ourselves? What makes us – and I say us, because my grin is just as sheepish as the rest of you – think we are able to control a vehicle any better than others?</span></span></p>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Whose time is so valuable that 10 minutes can’t be spent in a parking lot eating that cheeseburger?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">What phone call is so important that it’s worth endangering the lives of those around us?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">What text absolutely must be read and responded to the second we receive it?</span></li>
</ul>
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">These are, of course, all rhetorical questions that we can’t answer for other drivers. However, we can eliminate the rhetorical aspect and actually begin answering them for ourselves.</span></p>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Yes, I can add 10 minutes to my drive by eating this sandwich in the parking lot.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Yes, I can wait to answer that text.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">No, I don’t need to answer that phone call.</span></li>
</ul>
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">It takes individual efforts to solve this nationwide epidemic. Until we make that effort, those of us with the sheepish grins remain part of the problem.</span></p>urn:uuid:7aa0e3c8-186c-4e75-9b64-f06fee4d8a87outdoor-grill-safety-101.aspxOutdoor Grill Safety 101Outdoor Grill Safety 101 Who can resist a juicy hamburger straight from the grill? Check out the following tips to enjoy safe grilling: - Keep flammable materials, such as leaves and other debris, away from the grill. Don't ...Mon, 01 Aug 2016 08:50:52 -0700<span style="font-size: 24px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" width="627" height="441" style="width: 468px; height: 354px; float: right;" src="/img/~www.smginsurance.com/grill%20fire.JPG" />Outdoor Grill Safety 101<br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">Who can resist a juicy hamburger straight from the grill? Check out the following tips to enjoy safe grilling:<br />
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- Keep flammable materials, such as leaves and other debris, away from the grill. Don't leave a grill unattended. Keep children and pets away from cooking areas. <br />
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- Use only lighter fluid specifically made for starting charcoal fires. Don't add starter fluid of any kind after charcoals are lit. <br />
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- Always light a gas grill with the lid open. After cooking, shut off the tank first, then the burners. <br />
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- Use outdoor grills where they belong-outdoors. Charcoal fires give off carbon monoxide, which can reach toxic levels in an enclosed space. <br />
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- Keep a fire extinguisher near. Use baking soda to handle small grease fires. If it's safe to get near the grill, close it to stifle the flames. <br />
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- Georgia law does not permit grilling on apartment balconies. Check to see if your complex has a separate grilling area. </span>urn:uuid:f621c8ef-547c-4953-91b4-8911799192a0tech-fire-suppression-for-commercial-cooking.aspxTech Fire Suppression for Commercial CookingTech Fire Suppression for Commercial Cooking EMC Insurance Companies-www.emcins.com History: On November 21, 1994, an Underwriters Laboratories (UL)® test standard entitled UL 300, Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems for Protection of Res...Thu, 21 Jul 2016 10:25:26 -0700<p><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 24px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tech Fire Suppression for Commercial Cooking</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><strong>EMC</strong></span> Insurance Companies-www.emcins.com </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>History:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px;">On November 21, 1994, an Underwriters Laboratories (UL)® test standard entitled UL 300, Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems for Protection of Restaurant Cooking Areas®, went into effect. This standard came about as a result of changes in fire hazards involving commercial cooking equipment.<br />
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Pre-engineered chemical suppression systems were originally developed in the 1960’s for the protection of commercial cooking equipment. UL® developed a series of fire tests for these systems designed to duplicate the potential commercial cooking fire hazards. These tests establish specific requirements (and limitations) affecting extinguishing agent, fire detection, piping, nozzle coverage, etc., for each manufacturer who submits its system for UL® testing.<br />
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<span style="color: #0070c0; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Fats and Temperature:</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px;">At the time the earlier tests were developed, animal fat (lard) was typically used to fry in commercial kitchens. Commercial cooking operations, appliances and supplies have changed greatly since the 1960’s. Health concerns have reduced the use of lard; efforts to cook faster have caused the use of insulated, more efficient fryers that heat faster and cool slower. Restaurant suppliers now estimate that 70-75% of all commercial kitchens use vegetable oils for frying in high-efficiency fryers.<br />
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These changes have significantly altered the fire hazards in cooking areas. Lard has a large percentage of saturated fat, whereas vegetable oils have a very low percentage. The ignition temperature of most animal fats is 550-600 F compared to 685º F or more for most vegetable oils.<br />
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The extinguishing agent in the earlier systems was alkaline based. Fat combined with alkaline to produce a soapy blanket, cutting off the oxygen supply and containing the fire until the fuel (animal fat) was cooled below its ignition temperature.<br />
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A similar fire involving vegetable oils creates a different set of circumstances. With only a limited amount of fat, the soapy action is greatly reduced and the higher temperature of such fires, enhanced by the insulation in a high efficiency fryer, causes the soap blanket to break down. Thus, the extinguishing capability of the earlier fire suppression system is reduced.<br />
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<span style="color: #0070c0; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>System Change Guidelines:</strong></span><span style="color: #0070c0;"> </span><br />
</span><span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"> Over the last few years, many questions have arisen about changing an existing dry chemical extinguishing system to a listed UL 300® wet chemical system. Updating your suppression system should be considered if any of the following has occurred:</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">· The hazard to be protected has changed; </span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">· New energy efficient cooking appliances have been installed, which keep cooking oils and metal appliances hotter-longer; </span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">· Vegetable oils are being used for cooking in place of animal fat; </span></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">· There are no longer parts or agent available for service of the existing system, thereby voiding its listing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px;">For Additional Information National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors: www.nafed.org </span></p>urn:uuid:813e3552-b8a9-416d-8bc5-9c59faf8c049how-prework-screening-can-help-reduce-workers-compensation-claims.aspxHow Prework Screening Can Help Reduce Workers' Compensation Claims<img src='' align='left' />How Prework Screening Can Help Reduce Workers' Compensation Claims Krista Scott, Industrial Hygienist Look up the term “prework screening” and chances are you’ll find information about how drug testing, job history verification, cr...Wed, 06 Jul 2016 07:34:30 -0700<h1>How Prework Screening Can Help Reduce Workers' Compensation Claims</h1>
<p><strong>Krista Scott, Industrial Hygienist</strong></p>
<img alt="" style="margin: 10px 0px 10px 10px; width: 420px;" src="" />
<p>Look up the term “prework screening” and chances are you’ll find information about how drug testing, job history verification, criminal background checks and Social Security number traces can help protect your company from hiring questionable employees. But how can prework screenings help reduce workers’ compensation claims? The answer is simple–test prospective employees (who have accepted a conditional job offer) for their physical ability to do the jobs they will be assigned. </p>
<p>Consider the experience of a policyholder in the automotive industry that was experiencing recurring injuries on its supply line. After instituting a prework screening program for physical abilities, they noticed a reduction in claims. Other companies EMC works with are benefitting from prework screening when hiring temporary workers and ensuring employees at recently acquired locations are right for the job. </p>
<p><strong>Six Steps to Effective Prework Screenings</strong> </p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Target the jobs to be tested</strong>—Review injury data (such as your injury records or your claims records) to identify problem jobs that should be screened first. Look for jobs affected by lost time from injuries such as musculoskeletal/back injuries, multiple injuries and trauma, and jobs where tasks include lifting and carrying, balancing, use of ladders, overhead reaching, repetitive motion and postutres, awkward postures or climbing.</li>
<li><strong>Analyze the physical demands</strong>—For the jobs targeted in step one, identify and measure the physical demands. EMC can help with this process or you can consult with the physical/occupational therapist who will design the test.</li>
<li><strong>Have the physical therapist develop the prework screening test features and pass/fail criteria.</strong>—Provide the job description with the physical demands outlined to the physical therapist. The therapist will then identify the prework screening test features and develop the actual performance tests. You should receive written documents from the therapist for your review.</li>
<li><strong>Establish procedures before testing begins (with the therapist)</strong>—Answer the following questions before you begin testing:
<ul>
<li>Where will testing occur?</li>
<li>How will applicants be referred to this location?</li>
<li>What will happen if an applicant’s resting blood pressure and/or heart rate exceed safe levels for testing?</li>
<li>How will test-related injuries be handled?</li>
<li>How will pregnant or disabled applicants be tested?</li>
<li>How will the test results be handled?</li>
<li>How will the test failures be handled?</li>
<li>What information is to be shared with the employer?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Test existing employees</strong>—To ensure that your prework criteria are as accurate as possible, test it on employees who already hold the jobs you have selected for prework screening. Use these results to correct any problems before job applicants are tested.</li>
<li><strong>Review outcome and follow-up data</strong>—You should receive periodic updates from your physical therapist on the pass/fail rates, the test items most frequently failed and any information regarding significant differences in fail rates based on gender, age or ethnic groups. Review this information to modify the testing process if necessary. Consider tracking your work-related injury costs before and after starting the prework screening program. This can help your organization decide whether or not to continue or expand the program.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Hiring Considerations for Prework Screening Providers</strong> <br />
Retaining the services of a qualified prework screening provider is the most costly element of your prework training program. It is also one of the most crucial element for an effective program. When selecting a screening provider, convenience will certainly be a factor, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. You should pick a provider who: </p>
<ul>
<li>Is properly trained and experienced in administering prework screening and exam design methods</li>
<li>Understands the workers’ compensation system</li>
<li>Is a timely and skilled communicator</li>
<li>Is in close proximity to your job site(s)</li>
<li>Has demonstrated experience in both occupational and non-occupational therapy treatment</li>
</ul>
Some questions you should ask the screening provider include:
<ul>
<li>Do you have experience in conducting prework screening exams and functional job analyses? You may ask for written examples.</li>
<li>Are you knowledgeable about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission legally influence the appropriate administration of prework screening exams? For more information about ADA visit <a href="" rel="nofollow">www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/preemp.html</a>.</li>
<li>Are you willing to visit our workplace to observe, review, confirm and identify the essential job tasks and the related physical demands of those tasks in preparation for designing reliable test procedures?</li>
<li>Can you provide screening exams at multiple locations if needed?</li>
<li>What test orientation materials do you provide to the job candidates before undergoing a prework screen? You may ask for written examples.</li>
<li>Are you prepared to offer test accommodations to job candidates if needed/requested?</li>
<li>Have you accommodated a job candidate during a prework test? If so, please cite examples of accommodations you have made.</li>
<li>How do you communicate the results of the prework screen?</li>
<li>What is the cost to develop both the exam criteria and administration of each prework screening test? What is the cost to complete functional job descriptions? What is the estimated time to conduct the exam?</li>
<li>Describe your testing methods and reporting format (make sure these methods are compatible with the needs of your organization).</li>
<li>Do you have written medical standards and criteria defining when to start and stop a test for safety reasons related to the job candidate? Can you provide a copy of these?</li>
<li>How do you handle a potential injury during testing? Cite examples.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Visit the <a href="">prework screening section</a> of EMC’s website for online training, safety program templates, tech sheets, a screening guide and other resources to help you implement an effective prework training program for your organization.</p>urn:uuid:fb773cc3-5b19-4331-a850-3dd6c7f3e8a8unified-registration-system-clients-with-trucks-must-comply.aspxUnified Registration System: Clients with Trucks Must Comply Unified Registration System: Clients with Trucks Must Comply by Tommy Ruke Do you know what a “motor carrier” is? More important, do you know how your definition compares to that of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCS...Wed, 22 Jun 2016 08:14:26 -0700<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="color: #313131;">Unified Registration System: Clients with Trucks Must Comply </span></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="color: #535353;">by Tommy Ruke </span></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #535353;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">Do you know what a “motor carrier” is? More important, do you know how your definition compares to that of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)?</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">One thing’s for sure: It’s not your father’s trucker anymore.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">When most insurance agents and carriers think about insuring motor carriers, what comes to mind is probably the for-hire motor carrier that operates a big 18-wheel rig: a tractor with three axles and 10 tires pulling a trailer with two axles and 10 wheels, driven by an over-the-road driver.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="background: yellow; color: #535353;">But the FMCSA defines a motor carrier as any business that uses a unit or a combination of units with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 10,001 pounds or larger and uses the unit in interstate commerce. Yes—that means a contractor with a Ford F-350 pickup who stores tools and materials in their bed, sports their name on the side of the truck and crosses state lines is a motor carrier according to the FMCSA.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">And the new Unified Registration System (URS), effective October 2016, mandates stricter enforcement of requirements that every “motor carrier” maintain a DOT number, pay the required fees to the Unified Carrier Registration—and much more.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">What does this mean for your commercial clients that drive trucks?</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #313131;">Rules of the Road</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">First, all motor carriers must obtain an identification number from the FMCSA—commonly referred to as a Department of Transportation (DOT) number. The business must display their number on the side of their vehicle. If they do not, law enforcement can stop them, fine them and even restrict their operations until they obtain the number. The severity of the consequences depends on how aggressive the enforcement officer wants to be when stopping and inspecting motor carriers.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">To meet the registration requirement, motor carriers must visit the <a href="" target="_BLANK"><span style="color: #00a4ca;">FMCSA online</span></a> and use the URS/MCSA-1 portal. All businesses with units that have a GVW of 10,001 and cross state lines must register, obtain a DOT number, pay a fee to the Unified Carrier Registration and operate within all FMCSA rules and regulations.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">For example, drivers must be at least 21 years of age and carry proof that they have had a DOT medical exam if unit is driven across state lines. If the driver plans to drive the unit more than 100 miles from where they started, they must also maintain a log of their driving time. The driver cannot drive more than 11 hours or work more than 14 hours straight, after which they must stop driving for 10 hours. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">If you’ve been providing insurance to traditional for-hire interstate motor carriers, not much has changed. The <a href="" target="_BLANK"><span style="color: #00a4ca;">FMCSA requires your client</span></a> to obtain and update their registration every two years, or the government will render them “out of service” for failing to meet the biannual information update requirement. This is true for all holders of interstate DOT numbers. Note that 23 states also require businesses with units that do not cross state lines to have an intrastate DOT number.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">But beyond the long-recognized for-hire motor carrier operating an 18-wheeler in interstate commerce, every business that has a unit with a GVW of 10,001 or larger and operates it across state lines for <i>any</i> business purpose—including lawn maintenance, welding, car dealing, boat sales and service, delivery and more—must also provide information to register and obtain a DOT number and update their information biannually at a minimum or every time their operation changes. Required information includes:</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Name</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Physical address</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Mailing address</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Contact information</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Number of units in operation</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Number of drivers in operation</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Type of cargo</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Nature of cargo</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">If the cargo is hazardous, classification of the hazardous commodity with increased financial responsibility requirements</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #313131;">The Public Eye</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">The FMCSA <a href="" target="_BLANK"><span style="color: #00a4ca;">provides this information</span></a> for public view through its Snapshot link, which displays not only the information the business furnishes, but also information enforcement officers record when doing on-road inspections or investigating any crashes the business has experienced over the past two years. The enforcement officer’s information includes but is not limited to:</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">The number of inspections a motor carrier had in the past 24 months.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Whether any of the inspections prompted the FMCSA to render the unit out of service.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">When a unit cannot be moved due to an issue such as a bald tire.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Whether a driver has driven over the 11-hour limit or neglected to complete the 10-hour break afterwards.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: #535353;">·</span><span style="color: #535353;"> </span><span style="color: #535353;">Details regarding crashes that caused a fatality or an injury that required medical attention away from the crash site, or required a tow for a vehicle.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">If you have been providing services to users of 18-wheelers, you know this information does not reflect who caused the crashes. That means even if the motor carrier was not at fault, the FMCSA still reports the crash in its record of public information. If you have motor carriers who also operate in Canada, the public record also incorporates inspections and crashes while there.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">Lastly, a <a href="" target="_BLANK"><span style="color: #00a4ca;">safety rating</span></a> shows the date of a motor carrier’s on-site inspection, as well as its rating—Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory or No Rating—and any other on-site inspection results that did not result in a rating. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">An insurance agent who has not provided insurance to businesses that have DOT numbers may not understand that when they send an application to an insurance provider, the insurer compares the information furnished on the application to the public information the business provides to the government. This is one of the basic rules in providing insurance to motor carriers: The application must match the available public information.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">Agents should start the conversation with the insured at least 60 days ahead of when they need coverage. This way, the insured can update their information to ensure the public information reflects the information the insurer receives. If not, the agent and client must prepare a narrative of why the public information does not match the information on the application. If the underwriter does not feel comfortable about the accuracy of the information, they will not typically proceed with the underwriting and, in most cases, will not offer a quote.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.2in;"><span style="color: #535353;">For more information about insuring clients who operate trucks, check out the <a href="" target="_BLANK"><span style="color: #00a4ca;">Motor Carrier Insurance Education Foundation</span></a> (MCIEF), which specializes in helping agents, brokers and insurance carriers build valuable relationships with their clients who are motor carriers through education and training. Want to stay ahead of your competition? Sign up to attend free trucking webinars every second Thursday of the month.</span></p>urn:uuid:74cfdafb-7fb0-4bc8-b1bb-f3f07a3fbe75insurance-101-for-new-business-owners.aspxInsurance 101 for new business ownersInsurance 101 for new business owners If you’re thinking about starting a small business, you know a thing or two about taking risks. Your entrepreneurial spirit is not only commendable, it’s critical to keeping our economy going. But at...Wed, 08 Jun 2016 08:57:58 -0700<h1>Insurance 101 for new business owners</h1>
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<p>If you’re thinking about starting a small business, you know a thing or two about taking risks. Your entrepreneurial spirit is not only commendable, it’s critical to keeping our economy going. But at the same time, it’s smart business to limit your risks however and wherever you can. That’s where business insurance—and solid advice from your independent agent—come into play.</p>
<p><strong>Is business insurance necessary? </strong><br />
The short answer is absolutely. Especially if you have employees, in which case some types of insurance, including workers’ compensation and disability insurance, may be required by law. You may also be required to have insurance if you have a company car. In other instances, insurance coverage can be a stipulation of getting a business loan, lease, supplier or customer contract or a state or local business license. </p>
<p>In many cases, though, there are no laws, rules or regulations that mandate business owners make smart choices about protecting their business. As a result, around 40% of small businesses don’t have insurance<sup>1</sup>. </p>
<p><strong>What’s the risk?</strong><br />
Many small businesses go without insurance because of the cost. But those businesses haven’t carefully considered what <em>not</em> having insurance could cost them. The reality is, all businesses face risks that could be financially devastating without insurance protection. Obviously if you’re opening a skydiving school, your business risks are going to be a lot more substantial than if you’re opening up a bookstore. But no business is entirely immune to risks, which could include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Natural or manmade disasters like tornados, floods or fires</li>
<li>Theft by an employee</li>
<li>Employee accidents </li>
<li>Death of a business partner or key executive </li>
<li>False advertising or copyright infringement</li>
<li>Malpractice or negligence </li>
<li>Product-related injuries or accidents </li>
<li>Data breach, and much more</li>
</ul>
<p>Without the right insurance coverage, any of these situations could break your business—and even jeopardize your personal assets—closing your doors much more quickly than you opened them. </p>
<p><strong>Tips for protecting your business </strong><br />
If you don’t want all the hard work that goes into starting a business to be in vain, make sure your business is covered. Keeping these tips in mind can help you secure the right insurance for your company:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Make the right call</strong>. Trying to understand your insurance needs and which coverages are the right fit can be overwhelming, if not downright impossible, to do on your own. So don’t go it alone. Call your independent insurance agent. Independent insurance agents are not only well-versed in the types of risks businesses face, they also know the types of insurance products available to protect businesses, and they represent multiple insurance companies, which means they have access to a wide range of products to choose from.. An independent agent can help you carefully consider and identify potential risks to the business and fully explore your insurance options, so that coverage can be matched to your unique needs. Essentially, working with an agent ensures you get the expert help and advice you need to make sure your business is covered, no matter what happens. </li>
<li><strong>Plan on it.</strong> Create a detailed business plan that outlines what the business will do and how it will do it. A solid business plan is a crucial tool when it comes to securing insurance as well as funding for a new business. A plan demonstrates to insurance underwriters and potential investors that you’ve done your due diligence to consider the risks you may encounter and how to protect your business as it grows. Your independent agent can help you create a good plan and pitch it to insurance underwriters. </li>
<li><strong>Know your risks</strong>. There are many, many types of commercial insurance products on the market, ranging from general liability insurance, to property coverage, to commercial automobile coverage, to data breach and e-commerce coverage. Knowing what protection you need starts with understanding the unique risks your business faces. For example, if you’re starting a contracting business or a manufacturing company, equipment breakdown or electrical failure could seriously jeopardize your livelihood. On the other hand, if you’re launching an e-commerce site, protection against data compromise is probably a must. An independent agent can help you identify your potential liabilities and risks via a professional risk assessment so you know what types of coverage you need. </li>
<li><strong>Consider a package deal</strong>. If your business requires a number of different types of coverage—such as property coverage, vehicle coverage, protection from business interruptions or loss of equipment and liability coverage—you may want to consider a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP). A BOP bundles different types of coverage together and can save you money versus buying separate policies for your various insurance needs. </li>
<li><strong>Make it personal</strong>. Your business is unique, and that means your insurance coverage should be too. Even if a BOP makes sense for you, you should talk to your independent agent about customizing the coverage so you have added protection where you need it most. Your agent can help you look at adding endorsements or other options to your coverage based on your business’s specific needs and risks. Keep in mind that independent agents typically have access to a multiple carriers, so they’re very well equipped to deliver the customized insurance options you need. </li>
<li><strong>Make no mistake</strong>. Owners of home-based and small businesses frequently make two common insurance mistakes. First, home-based business owners often assume their homeowner’s policy covers business assets. But in most cases, you need a separate commercial policy to safeguard business property and protect your business from liability. Second, owners who have incorporated or formed an LLC may think their business structure protects them. While a formal business structure may protect your personal assets, it won’t cover business losses. </li>
<li><strong>Don’t overdo it</strong>. While protecting your business with insurance is no doubt a smart investment, no owner wants to pay for coverage he or she doesn’t need. Working closely with your independent agent and ensuring he or she truly understands your business can help prevent buying unnecessary coverage. You can also save money by choosing a higher deductible and following your insurer’s recommendations for avoiding loss. </li>
<li><strong>Take a second look</strong>. As your business evolves, so will your risks. It’s a good idea to review your insurance policies with your independent agent at least two times each year to identify new risks and ensure you have the coverage you need to protect your company and your livelihood for the long term.</li>
</ol>
</div>urn:uuid:cf7d8b78-8f1a-46b3-8771-09c7942649e5six-strategies-to-reduce-hotwork-losses.aspxSix Strategies to Reduce Hotwork LossesSix Strategies to Reduce Hotwork Losses If EMC Engineer Neil Wysocki had his way, all hotwork would be done in designated areas. “Without a doubt, a designated area for hotwork would significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire,” notes W...Wed, 01 Jun 2016 12:59:12 -0700<h1>Six Strategies to Reduce Hotwork Losses</h1>
<p>If EMC Engineer Neil Wysocki had his way, all hotwork would be done in designated areas. “Without a doubt, a designated area for hotwork would significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire,” notes Wysocki. Figures from a study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association support Wyscoki’s point–torch, soldering and welding equipment is responsible for an average of 3,165 fires, eight deaths and 116 injuries per year.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, many hotwork jobs cannot be completed in designated areas. These jobs can include cutting metal containers and drums, repairing large machinery, renovating office or warehouse spaces and working on ductwork to install a roof cover system. Implementing certain procedures and taking the necessary precautions when doing hotwork in non-designated areas can reduce the likelihood of fire, personal injury and other losses associated with this type of work. Wysocki recommends the following six strategies to keep workers and facilities safe when doing hotwork in non-designated areas.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Avoid Hotwork if Possible</strong> <br />
Before beginning work, decide if the hotwork really needs to be completed outside a designated area. If possible, move the work to a designated area or outdoors.</li>
<li><strong>Establish a Work Permit System</strong> <br />
A <a href="">hotwork permit</a> system ensures adequate controls and safety precautions are used in non-designated hotwork areas. Hotwork permits are required for any hotwork operations performed outside of a designated area. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety offers the following guidelines for an effective work permit system:
<ul>
<li><a href="">The hotwork permit itself</a> should be used as a checklist to confirm that proper safety precautions are taken.</li>
<li>Hotwork permits should be printed on a highly visible color of paper (e.g., bright pink or orange) and posted in a prominent location in the work area.</li>
<p>A hotwork permit program can be created and easily implemented at any size business. It takes a minimal amount of staff, money and time. Most importantly, taking these very small steps can prevent significant property damage and business interruption. You can obtain additional hotwork permit information and sample hotwork permits in EMC’s <a href="">safety program template for hotwork</a>.</p>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Train Employees on Hotwork Safety Procedures</strong> <br />
At a minimum, employees and supervisors must be aware that the following precautions need to be met to perform hotwork in a non-designated area:
<ul>
<li>Building fire sprinkler system must be operational at the hotwork location (if applicable).</li>
<li>All combustible materials within 35 feet of the hotwork must be moved to a safe distance or other location.</li>
<li>If combustible materials cannot be moved, they need to be protected by covers or shielded with fire retardant or metal guards.</li>
<li>Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided to employees performing hotwork.</li>
<li>A fire watch must be initiated during and for 30 minutes after all hotwork has stopped.</li>
<li>The hotwork approver must inspect the hotwork area prior to beginning work.</li>
<li>The hotwork approver must issue and post a hotwork permit.</li>
</ul>
Where any of the following conditions exist, additional precautions are recommended above the basic precautions:
<ul>
<li><strong>Floor openings/Coverings</strong>–All combustible floors or materials on the floor, floor openings or cracks must be protected from exposure to flames, sparks, slag or other hot materials.</li>
<li><strong>Wall openings</strong>–All combustible walls, wall openings, pipe penetrations or ducts must be protected from exposure to flames, sparks, slag or other hot materials.</li>
<li><strong>Potentially explosive atmospheres</strong>–If there is flammable gases, vapors, liquids or dust in the air, no hotwork should be conducted until air monitoring has confirmed that there is no danger of an explosion.</li>
<li><strong>Containers</strong>–No hotwork should be performed on used drums, barrels, tanks or other containers until they have been cleaned.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dress for Hotwork</strong> <br />
Whether in designated or non-designated areas, employees should not begin any hotwork without obtaining and wearing the required PPE. EMC recommends the following PPE when completing any welding, cutting, heating or brazing:
<ul>
<li><strong>Eye and face protection</strong>—Helmet with filter lens and cover plate that complies with ANSI Z87.1 and safety glasses with side shield under helmet.</li>
<li><strong>Head and ear protection</strong>—Fire-resistant welder’s cap under helmet and approved earplugs or muffs.</li>
<li><strong>Foot protection</strong>—Leather, steel-toed, high-topped boots in good condition that meet the requirements of ASTM F2412 and ASTM F2413. Pants should have no cuffs and should be worn over the tops of the boots.</li>
<li><strong>Hand protection</strong>—Dry, hole-free, insulated and flame-resistant welding gloves.</li>
<li><strong>Body protection</strong>—Oil-free protective clothing made of wool or heavy cotton. Clothing should allow for freedom of movement and should prevent skin exposure. Leather aprons, leggings, capes and sleeves should be worn as needed. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Designate a Fire Watch</strong> <br />
A fire watch is a designated employee who monitors the hotwork area for fires while work is being performed and for 60 minutes after its completion. Duties of the fire watch personnel include:
<ul>
<li>Monitoring adjacent areas for fires</li>
<li>Extinguishing small, controllable fires with extinguishing equipment available in hotwork area</li>
<li>Activating fire alarm if an uncontrollable fire occurs</li>
<li>Signing the hotwork permit 60 minutes after the work is complete and reposting signed permit in hotwork area</li>
<li>After the hotwork and mandatory 30-minute monitoring period is complete, periodically returning to the area for three hours where the hotwork was completed to check for fires</li>
<li>Ensuring that the supervisor has conducted a final inspection after the fire watch period has concluded and signs off on the permit</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Communicate Your Hotwork Policies With Contractors</strong> <br />
Whenever outside contractors perform any hotwork activity, they must be informed of the hotwork program and procedures before work begins. In addition, all outside personnel are required to obtain a hotwork permit before proceeding.</li>
</ol>urn:uuid:f6f59581-14d4-404d-945b-0ad0dd81566bfive-ways-to-celebrate-national-forklift-safety-day.aspxFive Ways to Celebrate National Forklift Safety Day Five Ways to Celebrate National Forklift Safety Day June 14 is National Forklift Safety Day, and what better way to celebrate than with some forklift safety facts. In the United States, 1 in 6 of all workplace deaths are forklift-related Fo...Wed, 01 Jun 2016 12:57:35 -0700<h1>Five Ways to Celebrate National Forklift Safety Day </h1>
<p>June 14 is National Forklift Safety Day, and what better way to celebrate than with some forklift safety facts.</p>
<ul>
<li>In the United States, 1 in 6 of all workplace deaths are forklift-related</li>
<li>Forklift-related accidents cost U.S. business $135,000,000 in lost time</li>
<li>90 percent of all forklifts will be involved in some type of accident during their useful lifetime</li>
</