Detecting a Propane Leak

Propane gas leaks are highly flammable and can be easily ignited by a spark or flame. They can result in explosions with devastating consequences. If you use propane appliances at home, it is important that you know how to recognize a leak and fix the problem before it becomes catastrophic.

Propane Safety Tips

The smell of propane is strong and foul, similar to a dead animal, rotting eggs or a skunk’s spray. The odor is deliberately added to propane so you are able to detect a leak. It is important for you and your family to become familiar with the smell. If you detect a leak in your home:

• Immediately extinguish flames or smoking materials, and do not create any sparks.


• Do not turn on lights or appliances, and do not use your land line or cell phone, as these actions could produce sparks.

Propane leaks can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are experiencing headaches, dizziness, loss of muscular control, vomiting or watering of the eyes, have your propane system checked immediately.

• Inform others in the premises and evacuate.


• If you are able, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane gas tank.


• Contact the fire department or dial 911.


• Do not return to the premises until instructed to do so by emergency response personnel.


• Have a propane service technician perform a comprehensive check on your entire system before turning on any appliances.

Take these proactive steps to prevent leaks:

• Clean furnaces regularly. Check with your propane retailer for cleaning instructions.


• If you suspect your propane appliance has been damaged by water, call a trained technician to check your system.


• When performing renovations or landscaping, refer to the layout of your gas service lines.


• When using gas grills, follow the owner’s manual.

Managing Your Risk While Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand.

Using a third party to host all or parts of your company’s technological presence has become so ubiquitous in the business world that many companies could not function without it. When assessing the risk of doing business in the cloud, the question has moved away from whether or not to take part in it and becomes the question of how cloud computing can best be managed to mitigate risk.

It is fundamental to understand that outsourcing business functions to a third party is not synonymous with outsourcing your risk. The data may reside on a different company’s systems, but the responsibility for that data has not been transferred. Companies must respond to their customers whether or not they are using a cloud service.

One of the best ways to mitigate risk is to treat your cloud provider like any other independent contractor by actively managing the relationship, reviewing contracts (many have hold-harmless clauses that favor the cloud operator), securing indemnity (the provider should have appropriate errors and omissions coverage) and understanding the vendor’s security practices.

Prepare Your Home for Frigid Temperatures

As the weather starts to cool in the autumn months, many homeowners tackle winterizing projects to ensure that their homes are weather-ready for cooler temperatures. The best way to undertake these projects is to start by taking a walk around your home and assessing what needs to get done. Consider inspecting the following areas:

• Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles that need replacing.


• While on the roof, examine your chimney for missing mortar, cracks and structural problems, as damage in your chimney or fireplace can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Also ensure that your damper is working correctly and has a tight seal. Your chimney cap should be snug as well.


• Remove clogs in your gutter and check for any water damage. Consider consulting a professional for guidance on how to prevent ice dams (water backup in cold temperatures).


• Check your doors and windows for missing weather stripping. Also make sure that door sweeps are not damaged and are aligned properly to block drafty air.


• Cover window-mounted air conditioning units if you are not going to remove them entirely. Fill in the gaps on the sides of the unit with insulation board and caulk. If you have central air, cover the unit loosely.


• Turn off the faucets outside of your home and cover them with a commercial cover or two old socks wrapped tightly around the faucets; seal with duct tape.


• Inspect the foundation for cracks and gaps to prevent animals from entering your home.


• Look at your home’s siding for missing pieces.


• Make sure your exterior light fixtures are working properly and are sealed tightly to the mounting.

Watch Your Levels

You can better meet your goals for cardiovascular health if you know your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol and glucose levels. By familiarizing yourself with these, you can aim for specific numbers instead of the general idea to “get healthy.”

Blood Pressure
Normal blood pressure is below 120/80

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Underweight : Less than 18.5
Normal Weight : 18.5-24.9
Overweight : 25-29.9
Obese: 30 or higher
To find your BMI, visit www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi

Cholesterol Levels
Triglyceride level categories are:
Normal: less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline-high:150-199 mg/dL
High: 200-499 mg/dL
Very high: 500 mg/dL or higher

Glucose Levels: Hemoglobin A1c
7% is the upper limit of normal
Action should be taken if HbA1c is over 8%

These are general guidelines. Since individual needs vary, you are encouraged to bring these figures with you to your doctor and discuss what specific goals to set for yourself.

Chicken: Handle with Care

Two-thirds of raw chicken contains salmonella and/or campylobacter, the leading bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses, according to a recent study by Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports has consistently found disease-causing bacteria in store-bought chicken since 1998, suggesting that most poultry producers have inadequate safeguards against contamination.

Campylobacter was found in 62 percent of the chickens and salmonella was found in 14 percent. Only 34 percent of chickens were free of both bacterias. So what can you do to protect yourself and your family? Follow these procedures to avoid contracting a food-borne illness from chicken:

• When at the grocery store, choose chicken that is well-wrapped at the bottom of the case where the temperature is coolest.


• Buy chicken last before checking out.


• Cook chicken to at least 165 degrees F. It can still contain bacteria even if it’s not pink, so use a meat thermometer.


• Don’t place cooked chicken back on the same plate that held it raw.


• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of cooking.
  

Choose the Right Gym

Are you considering joining a health club? Start by visiting the facility and take a tour before signing a contract. With help from your observations and asking a few questions, you can choose the health club that is right for you and your lifestyle.

• Are the staff members friendly and helpful?


• Is the facility clean and well-maintained?


• Does the fitness staff have adequate educational backgrounds and/or accredited fitness certifications?


• Are new members offered an orientation that includes instruction on how to use the equipment?


• Does the club have the right equipment to help you reach your fitness goals?


• Does the club offer a variety of group fitness programs?


• Is the club too crowded at the time you would be working out? And is there adequate parking?


• Is child care available if you need it?

Supply Chain Trends and Business Interruption Risks

While lean manufacturing has become a cornerstone of successful supply chain management and a way for businesses to stay flexible and responsive to changing tastes in their markets, the dependence on suppliers resulting from outsourcing and minimizing stock creates a host of exposures for businesses taking advantage of supply chains.

A key supplier or buyer can be debilitated for a number of reasons: natural (floods, pandemics, earthquakes, severe storms), human (terrorism, civil disorder, electronic security breaches) or technical (power failure, hardware or software viruses). These disruptions are more common than one might imagine.

A survey of corporate risk managers and supply chain risk managers by insurer Zurich Services Corporation revealed that 74 percent of respondents had experienced a supply chain disruption in the last 12 months, and that these interruptions caused approximately 10 percent in lower sales and 11 percent in higher costs. Beyond these direct losses, it is important to consider the lasting damage to your brand and possible loss of market share you could suffer after an interruption in your supply chain or energy supply. Consider the following steps you can take to mitigate your business’s risk:

• Choose suppliers carefully, and conduct regular audits and inspections if possible to ensure that their commitment to business interruption prevention matches yours.


• Work with your broker to understand the extent of your exposure, and create a business interruption worksheet to quantify as accurately as possible the effect these exposures could have on revenue and profit. Re-evaluate it on a regular basis to account for changes in the market or your business model.


• Transfer your risk by purchasing appropriate coverage, which could include business income disruption and other special endorsements specific to your exposures.

Do You Need Workplace Violence Coverage?

The employee shooting at Hartford Distributors in Manchester, Conn., this August serves as a powerful reminder of the prevalent threat of violence in the workplace and of potential holes in standard business coverage. The greatest number of violence incidents occurs in companies that deal with the public, exchange money, deliver goods and services, and operate late at night, but no business is immune. Criminals, disgruntled employees, angry customers or even stalkers can pose threats. Any situation that puts employees under excess stress – from office politics to a romance gone wrong – is a risk.

The costs of an incident can be extensive, especially considering the cost of hiring independent security consultants and public relations experts, payment of benefits and business interruption expenses. Medium- and long-term losses include compensation claims, lost productivity, counseling for employees, extra security and lawsuits.

Employers commonly insure their business against violence using a combination of workers’ compensation, general liability and employment-practices liability coverage. Remaining holes can be filled with specialty workplace violence coverage.
According to a July report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 564 people per year were killed at work between 2004 and 2008. The threat of an incident remains a significant concern for all types of businesses. To protect yours, discuss ways of mitigating your risk with the insurance professionals at CLG Insurance.

H1N1 Pandemic has Run its Course

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief recently announced that the H1N1 pandemic is over. Director-General Margaret Chan said the world was lucky that the virus did not mutate into a deadlier form and that the vaccine developed remained effective against it.

Although the threat of an H1N1 pandemic that could have resulted in business interruption or other disruptions has now subsided, the H1N1 virus continues to threaten high-risk groups including pregnant women and the elderly. Flu experts say that influenza viruses have notoriously unpredictable behavior and no two pandemics are alike.

With an eye to the future, it is important that every business consider its plan in the case of a business interruption due to pandemics or other catastrophic events.

Mop Away the Stress

When you’re feeling a little stressed and down in the dumps, just 20 minutes of brisk cleaning can help! According to RealAge.com, cleaning can help reduce symptoms of depression and stress levels by up to 20 percent.

Whether it’s vacuuming, dusting, ironing, organizing clutter, washing the floors or cleaning the kitchen, taking care of messes will help you feel more organized and less stressed in your home. When you take control of messes and clutter in your home, you are, in a way, removing clutter from your life.

And if the thought of cleaning the house stresses you out as it is, RealAge reports that any physical activity of 20 minutes or more can have a similar positive effect. Why? When you increase your physical activity, your stress level decreases – and this has a positive impact on your overall mood.

TV...The Death of You?

According to a study reported by Health.com, watching too much television can actually shorten your life.

The study consisted of 8,800 healthy adults. The findings? People who watched more than four hours of television a day were 80 percent more likely to die from heart disease and 46 percent more likely to die from any cause, compared to those who watched less than two hours per day. Furthermore, each additional hour spent in front of the TV increased the risk of dying from heart disease by 18 percent (and the overall risk of death by 11 percent).

Researchers think that the problem is not the act of viewing television, but more the position one sits in while watching it – leading to muscle inactivity.

Get up and get active during commercial breaks!
If you enjoy television, why not put the treadmill in front of it and walk a couple miles? Or, get up and do stretches, push-ups and/or crunches during commercial breaks. Your body will thank you!

Workplace Injury & Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation benefits are a form of insurance that is available to employees who suffer an on-the-job injury or illness. If a physician deems that an employee must take time away from work to recover, then the employee will be reimbursed for lost wages and medical expenses relating to treatment and rehabilitation. The wage reimbursement is typically a percentage of the regular wages earned by the employee.

If you have an on-the-job injury or illness:

1. Notify your supervisor to fill out a report.


2. Seek medical attention to determine your treatment options and the amount of time you must be away from work. Benefits will be paid at a weekly rate specified by the state in which the accident occurred.


3. You may be required to take an Independent Medical Exam conducted by a medical professional other than your treating physician. This is done so insurance carriers and employers can confirm the original diagnosis and treatment plan.


4. Once you, your employer and your treating physician determine that you can get back to a transitional or regular position, normal duties will resume.

Did You Know?
Workman’s compensation (as it was formerly called) was first enacted in Maryland in 1902 to reduce the need for litigation between employees and employers.

Eye Guards: Safe Sight for Sports

Did you know that the majority of childhood eye injuries occur while playing sports? And prescription glasses or sunglasses do not provide adequate protection to your child’s eyes while participating in sports.

It is recommended that you invest in eye guards for your child, and they should fit securely and comfortably. Help find the right eye guards for your child:

• Purchase eye guards at a sports or optical store to be sure they have been tested for sports use.


• Ask your eye care professional to fit your child with prescription eye guards if he or she wears prescription glasses.


• Make sure the lenses are either part of the frame, or if the lenses are separate that they pop outward, away from your child’s face.


• Eye guards may feel uncomfortable for your child at first. Assure your child that this feeling is temporary and will help keep him or her in the game!

Office Ergonomics

The discomfort and pain from slouching at a desk for long periods of time is very common, with one in every three office workers suffering pain at least once a week. If you are working at an ergonomically incorrect workstation and don’t practice proper posture, you can suffer from neck, shoulder, wrist and elbow discomfort.
The key to preventing work-related neck and back injuries is to evaluate your workstation. Make sure it is ergonomically correct and promotes good posture. The following tips can help.

• Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet rest comfortably on the floor. Your knees should be level with your hips, and make sure your seat is not pressing against the back of your knees.


• Keep your spine straight, shoulders back, and abdomen and buttocks pulled in. If your chair doesn’t allow this, consider placing a cushion between the curve of your lower back and the back of the chair.


• Position your monitor 18 to 30 inches from your eyes. The top of your screen should be positioned at eye level or below so you look slightly down at your work.

Employee Wellness Can Benefit Your Bottom Line

Not only is a wellness program beneficial for your employees’ waistlines, researchers now find that wellness initiatives can benefit your company’s bottom line as well. According to Risk and Insurance magazine, U.S. workers are now heavier than ever before. The direct costs of obesity are estimated at $75 billion with an additional $139 billion allocated for indirect costs.

Employers are responsible for $45 billion in medical expenses and excessive absenteeism costs as well. This is on top of workers’ compensation costs, which are typically significantly higher for obese workers than healthy weight individuals.

To assist your employees in getting healthy and consequently reducing their risk of workplace injury or illness consider implementing the following:

• Biometric screenings


• Health coaching


• Telephone and Internet-based health advisor


• Disease management programs with guidance from licensed professionals


• Mental health counseling and benefits


• Educational safety and health seminars


• Offer incentives to employees who reach health-related goals


• Offer monthly safety tips
  

Are We There Yet?

If you’re planning a family vacation, you’re most likely focused on finding accommodations and someone to bring in your mail. But it is important to keep your children in mind; some get anxious about leaving home, even if it’s with family. If your child is uneasy about leaving home, consider these tips:

• If your children are old enough, ask them to help you plan the vacation. They will be pleased they helped and feel excited when their portion of the trip arrives.


• Get your children books, pictures, or brochures about where you are headed if it is an unfamiliar location. Explain why you chose this site and what types of things you plan to do upon arrival.


• Ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep the night before a trip. It will lessen the stress of the morning rush.


• If you are going on a long road trip, keep your children busy. Bring food, games, books, etc. to keep their minds off the length of the car ride.


• Let your children bring something familiar from home, such as a blanket, stuffed animal, or picture of their friends or pet.


• On the trip, don’t force your children to endure adult-oriented activities such as formal dinners, long museum visits or plays in languages they don’t understand. Stick with trips to the zoo, beach, park or souvenir shop.


• Pack extra food made especially for kids, such as juice boxes, fruit snacks and granola bars. Your children may be picky in certain restaurants.


• If you will be away from home for an extended period of time, allow your children to call their friends or the person who is pet-sitting so that they can hear a familiar voice and find out what is going on back in their world. 

Dangers of Driving Drowsy

We all know that driving while sleepy isn’t smart, but just how dangerous is it? Studies show that driving while sleep deprived can be just as hazardous as driving while intoxicated. Both result in a decrease in alertness, impairing your reaction time. Keep these tips in mind and make it safely to your destination:

• Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m. if possible.


• Pull over and stop if you feel sleepy. Even a 20-minute nap can make a difference in your alertness.


• Caffeine may keep you alert, but it is only a temporary solution.


• Avoid making long drives after you’ve lost sleep.


• Above all, call for a ride if you’re too sleepy to drive!

Occupational Fraud and Theft On The Rise

A recent report by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners revealed the breadth and scope as well as emerging trends in occupational fraud across the globe. From Ponzi schemes to data breaches and falsified expense reports, fraud poses a serious threat across all industries. Following is a sampling of the study’s findings.

• It is estimated that the typical organization loses 5 percent of its annual revenue to fraud.


• Small organizations are disproportionately affected by occupational fraud; they often lack the anti-fraud controls of their larger counterparts.


• Surprise audits can be useful in both uncovering fraud and deterring it by creating a perception of detection. Organizations generally rely on audits too much; in fact, external audits were the control mechanism most widely used by fraud victims in the survey.


• Frauds lasted a median of 18 months before detection.


• Executive-level frauds, partially because of their extended detection time, proved to be three times as costly as those committed by managers and nine times those committed by employees.


• Ninety percent of fraud cases were a form of asset misappropriation, with a median loss of $135,000. Rare, but with a median loss of more than $4 million, are financial statement fraud schemes.

Taking steps to prevent occupational fraud through employee education and the institution of fraud reporting mechanisms could save your company serious loss.

Safe Biking Tips

If it's been a while since you last rode your bicycle, and you're going to do it now, here are a few reminders to keep you safe.

Get your bicycle checked and serviced: If your bike has been sitting in the garage all winter, there’s a good chance that it could use a tune-up. Visit a local bike shop and have them check it for you. Many bike shops offer spring servicing specials and can get your brakes, gears and tires in good working condition before you take your first ride.

Visit your doctor: If you haven’t ridden your bike in a few years, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to make sure your health status hasn’t changed and that biking is still a safe form of exercise for you. In most cases your doctor will be supportive, but he/she may have some helpful tips.

Be prepared: If you don’t already have a helmet, now is the time to get one. It can save your life in accident, and there are many styles to fit your individual biking needs. Make sure you’re wearing proper clothing for riding, bring water and dress for the weather.

Practice safety: Before heading off on longer rides, consider riding around in a local park or empty parking lot. This will help you regain your confidence on your bike and consider safe riding techniques. Practice skills like checking for cars, making safe turns, using hand signals, changing gears and stopping suddenly. You will be a safer biker when riding among cars and pedestrians.

Know the rules of the road: There are many ways to avoid having an accident on your bike. When biking remember to:

- Ride with the flow of traffic
- Do not ride on the sidewalk
- Plan your routes to stay on trails, paved road shoulders and bike lanes
- Wear reflective gear
- Check behind and alongside you for turning traffic
- Look for cars turning left across your path
- Watch for gravel, trash or anything that may cause you to fall

Grill the Safe Way!

Grilling is a great way to enjoy the summer weather and bring the family together. But grills can be dangerous, and are responsible for approximately 2,900 structural fires and 5,000 outdoor fires on residential properties every year. To keep you and your family safe, keep these grilling tips in mind at your next cookout.

• Do not allow children or pets to play near the grilling area until the grill is completely cooled and you have a chance to put it away in its designated spot.


• Place the grill at least three feet away from other objects, including your house, trees and outdoor seating.


• Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure it is not leaking and is working properly before using a gas grill.


• Use starter fluid for grills that use charcoal only. Do not use starter fluid for gas grills.


• If you suspect that your gas grill is leaking, turn off the gas and repair the leak before lighting the grill again.


• Never use a match or any flame to check for leaks.


• Do not bring your grill into an unventilated or enclosed space such as your garage. This is a major fire hazard and also a carbon monoxide hazard.


• Use proper grilling utensils to remove and flip foods from the grill to prevent burn injuries. These cooking utensils have longer handles to minimize the need to place your hands too close to the hot surface of the grill.


• Scrub your grill after every use with a wire brush. This will prevent bits of leftover food from dropping through the grate and creating carcinogen-filled smoke.

The Importance of Terrorism Insurance

The risk of terrorism remains a serious concern for global companies. Despite signs that there has been progress worldwide in curbing major terrorism attacks, networks still exist, and the United States remains a target, of which we are reminded by recent attacks in New York’s Times Square and on a Detroit-bound flight on Christmas day 2009. Securing adequate financial protection against the catastrophic loss associated with terrorist events is of crucial importance for every company.

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) of 2002, which created a federal terrorism insurance backstop, has been extended twice and is now set to expire at the end of 2014. However, terrorism remains a serious risk, especially in metropolitan areas, and according to a recent report by global broker Marsh, companies of all sizes and across all industries continued to purchase terrorism coverage in 2009.

How You Dress For Work Can Affect Your Career

Are you a fashion offender and don't care if you are? You may want to take a careful look at yourself before you leave for work. What you wear can determine your chances for job advancement.

According to an online survey of over 7,000 people on Monster.com, visible undergarments and tank tops are the worst items to wear in the workplace when the weather is warm. In another poll by CareerBuilder.com, over 1,100 employers agreed that employees who dress more professionally tend to be promoted more often.

CareerBuilder.com also reported that over 33 percent of employers have sent their workers home because of inappropriate clothing such as flip-flops, mini-skirts and jeans.

Confused about what is deemed acceptable? For casual workplaces, stick with casual button-down shirts, khaki pants, knitted shirts made out of breathable fabrics, and/or long skirts. If you are not sure about a certain item, err on the side of caution and choose something else.

No matter what the temperature is outside, dress appropriately for the work environment. You can put on that tank top and shorts the minute you get home!

Traveling With A Pet

The summer or holiday season often means traveling to places far away to see loved ones. If you plan on bringing your pet(s) along, ensure you have all your bases covered to make the trip as pleasant as possible:

• Before the trip, make a checklist of all the things your pet typically needs (such as a water bowl, medication or a favorite toy). Then use the checklist as you are packing for the getaway.


• Also before you leave, look up the nearest emergency centers along the route you are traveling, as well as at your final destination.


• Purchase a pet carrier that is large enough for your pet to stretch out and sleep. Label it with your name and contact information in several areas using permanent marker and waterproof labels.


• If traveling a long distance via car, bring cleaning materials and plastic bags in case he/she gets sick. It might be wise to avoid feeding your pet a full meal until you arrive at your destination (if it is a one-day trip.)


• Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise before boarding a plane or getting in the car for a long trip. Also make sure to stop the car frequently to allow for bathroom breaks.
  

Pack a Healthy Lunch!

Everyone needs a healthy lunch. Many diseases can can be prevented just by eating the right foods. If you have children, you have the additional responsibility of making sure they eat nutritious meals and develop healthy food habits for the future. This means paying more attention to what your child eats for lunch on a daily basis. Sure, those prepackaged treats are convenient, but are you paying attention to their nutritional content?

So, what to put in your child’s lunch? Try the following options:

• Mini boxes of raisins


• Baby carrots


• Cheese cubes or sticks


• Leftovers from dinner


• Yogurt


• Celery and peanut butter


• Use pita bread instead of regular sliced bread for a sandwich


• Deviled eggs


• Cherry tomatoes


• Bagels (look for whole grain or whole wheat)


• Cereal bars (make sure to check the sugar content)

No time to prepare lunches in the morning? Try doing it the night before!

School cafeterias are also getting progressively healthier, which is great news for your kids! According to the School Nutrition Association, 99 percent of school districts now offer fat-free or low fat-milk, 98.8 percent offer fresh fruits and vegetables, and 96.3 percent have whole grain items on the menu.

Many schools offer their lunch menus ahead of time in the newspaper or online. Before you send your child to school with money in hand for lunch, check out the menu for the day and ensure it is the best choice.

These guidelines need not apply to just your child’s lunch! Use these same principles when making your own lunch for work as well. For more information on current events related to school nutrition, visit www.schoolnutrition.org.

Starting a Summer League or Camp? You Need Amateur Sports Insurance.

Organizing or sponsoring amateur sports leagues or camps can be a rewarding way to promote physical fitness in both youth and adults. As you prepare for these activities, remember that as the coach or administrator, you are faced with the risk of injury or personal loss. It is your responsibility to provide coverage for all participants, staff and facilities of the insured group for all activities that include participation in scheduled or supervised events, practice sessions and travel.

Amid the many challenges associated with organizing a league or camp, building a risk management plan and navigating the complicated web of insurance options might seem overwhelming. Your insurance professional or industry specialist can help you understand the specific risks associated with the activity you will be controlling and ensure that you purchase the right amount of coverage, which might include:

• Accident medical coverage, which applies to medical expenses incurred as a result of an injury sustained while participating in the insured activity. This coverage is typically written on an excess basis over other collectible medical insurance.


• Workers’ compensation insurance may apply to injuries sustained by staff members, depending on state laws.


• Liability coverage protects coaches, volunteers, officers, directors, teams, associations or leagues against claims of bodily injury, property damage, advertising and personal injury, plus the litigation costs to defend against such claims. Legal liability to participants generally responds to suits made against you by a participant involved in an athletic or sports-related activity that you control, promote or sponsor.


• Equipment floater policies can insure the transportation of league equipment or even portable concession stands.
  

How Employers Can Control Health Care Costs

>Employer-sponsored health care costs are expected to continue growing. Here are several strategies you may use to control your health care costs.

1. Conduct a dependent eligibility audit to weed out ineligible dependents. Begin with an amnesty period to allow employees to voluntarily remove ineligible dependents without penalty.
   
2. If you have retirees on your health plan, make sure your claims administrator is correctly integrating with Medicare.


3. Audit your claims administrator to ensure that all claims eligible for stop-loss reimbursement have been accurately reported to your excess risk carrier.


4. If self-insured, negotiate changes in your ASO fees to reflect probable changes in your company’s wages and salaries next year.


5. Consider offering a Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP). This often comes in the form of a high-deductible health plan paired with a health savings account (HSA).


6. Examine your prescription drug plan and consider adding alternate drug plans, such as a CDHP option. Or, if you have a three-tier Rx plan, redesign the tiers to encourage lower-cost generics. Consider adding a fourth tier for pricey “lifestyle” drugs.


7. Analyze carrier data to identify common chronic diseases or conditions within your company, and implement a disease management program.


8. Routinely educate employees on smart consumerism strategies, the importance of preventive care, and the availability of low-cost medical or prescription options in your area.


9. Raise your employee deductibles, copayments and/or out-of-pocket maximums. This will encourage employees to think twice about their health care expenditures, plus will save you money.


10. Increase your use of health and wellness incentives. Offer incentives for behaviors such as taking a health risk assessment or participating in a smoking cessation, weight management or fitness program. Incentives may include gift cards, cash or discounted premiums.

Dealing With Workplace Bullying

Bullying may have been tolerated on the grade school playground but should have been left behind when playing hopscotch and four-square became juvenile. Unfortunately, workplace bullying is a dilemma that many people still face as grown adults.
Bullies use words and actions to intimidate others through humiliation and taunting. While at work, no one deserves to be uncomfortable, especially when simply trying to do good work.

Here are some useful suggestions for resolving problems with a workplace bully:

• Confront the bully in a professional manner if you are not being physically threatened. While doing so, do not yell; simply explain that the behavior is unwanted.


• Do not try to rally others on your side. Instead, handle the problem without causing unnecessary conflict.


• Do not allow the bully to intimidate you or make you feel bad about yourself.


• Do your job as well as you can and try not to let him/her affect your performance.


• Keep the contact that you have with other staff members consistent. Do not allow the bully to isolate you.

If you cannot resolve the situation on your own, seek out assistance from the Human Resources department or a supervisor. After all, if people are wasting time bullying others, they are not doing their jobs!

Cutting Corners May Be Dangerous

If you are in the habit of taking safety shortcuts at work, it’s time to break it! Exposing yourself and others to the dangers associated with taking shortcuts can be deadly. Even if the task will only take a few minutes, or you’ve done it many times before, it’s not worth risking your health and safety by taking a shortcut.

The safe way may not be the shortest, but safety procedures are in place for a reason. And ignoring them could result in disaster. The following rules are some of your best safety tools.

• Do not take an unsafe entrance or exit into a jobsite or work area; it may pose unseen hazards.


• Never remove or tamper with a machine safeguard.


• Wear the proper personal protective equipment.


• Use the right tools for the job, such as scaffolds for work in high areas or the appropriate power tool.


• Can’t reach something overhead? Get a ladder!


• Moving an awkward load? The buddy system will help save your back!


• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when moving a load.


• Always maintain a safety-first attitude and alert your supervisor if you witness unsafe practices.

Take a minute to think about the consequences of taking a shortcut. Remember, the fastest way to do something isn’t always the safest.

Breaks for Nursing Mothers Now Law

Among its many components, the recently passed health care reform bill included a provision that modifies the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to require employers to provide reasonable break time and a private place for female employees to express milk after giving birth. There are five requirements that employers must abide by:

1. Employers must provide reasonable break time for nursing mothers.


2. A private place other than a bathroom must be provided for the breaks.


3. Compensation during the breaks is not required.


4. Small employers need not comply if doing so would present an “undue hardship.”


5. State laws that provide greater protection to nursing mothers still apply.

The section of the law with this provision took effect on March 23, 2010, so employers must immediately take action to comply with this law (except those in a state that already mandates breaks for nursing mothers). Employers should:

• Identify one or more private locations for nursing mothers.


• Review and modify relevant policies and procedures, including break policies, breast-feeding policies and employee handbooks.


• Communicate with managers supervisors about the changes.

Combat Heavy Equipment Theft With Proper Policy

In many parts of the country, spring and summer months mean more than just warm weather – they also mean construction season. As temperatures begin to rise, so do occurrences of heavy equipment theft.

Businesses engaged in construction, road maintenance and agriculture are all subject to loss because of stolen equipment. Heavy equipment used in these industries is vulnerable because it is valuable, cases are hard to investigate, it is difficult to recover, easy to steal and relatively easy to re-sell after theft.

To prevent equipment theft, be sure to register all your company’s machines on the National Equipment Register, which provides a large database of equipment ownership and theft reports in addition to providing theft prevention advice and reference materials.

Also, be sure your insurance policies are current and that your most valuable equipment is covered.

Most commonly stolen equipment include:
- Tractors
- Skid steer loaders
- Backhoe loaders
- Excavators
- Dozers

Group Health Insurance Rates Are Still Climbing

A survey released recently by the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers reveals that group health insurance rates are increasing on a wide scale for 2011 renewals.

• For small accounts (50 or fewer employees), 86 percent saw increases and half of those increased 11 to 20 percent.


• 58 percent of medium-sized accounts (51-500 employees) are seeing increases of 6 to 15 percent.


• Of large group accounts (501 or more employees) 51 percent saw rate increases of 6 to 15 percent.

Employers of all sizes are looking at plan design changes in response to the rate increases, including strategies to shift more cost to employees and implementing consumer-driven plans.

New Regulations for Grandfathered Health Plans

The recent health care reform law provides that certain “grandfathered” plans are exempt from some of the new requirements under the law. Recently, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury issued regulations to clarify which plans could retain grandfathered status.

Making significant changes to reduce benefits or increase costs will cause a plan to lose its grandfathered status, including the following changes:

• Significantly cutting or reducing benefits - such as no longer covering care for certain diseases


• Significantly raising co-payment charges - cannot raise more than $5, adjusted annually for medical inflation


• Raising co-insurance percentages


• Significantly raising deductibles - can only increase by a percentage equal to medical inflation plus 15 percentage points – based on recent inflation rates, about 19-20 percent annual increases would be allowed


• Significantly reducing employer contributions - cannot decrease these contributions by more than 5 percentage points


• Adding or tightening an annual limit on what the insurer pays - plans without an annual limit cannot add one, and plans with a limit cannot decrease it


• Changing insurance companies switching insurers removes grandfathered status

Combustible Dust Hazards: Educate yourself and your employees

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Labor (DOL) statistics, more than 130 workers have been killed and 780 injured in combustible dust explosions in the last 30 years. In 2008, a dust explosion killed 14 workers in a Georgia sugar factory, which resulted in more than $8 million in fines from OSHA.

Combustible dust is a particularly dangerous hazard because it can be hard to see and comes from many different sources. Recent fatalities have drawn attention to the issue, and OSHA is currently conducting stakeholder meetings to discuss implementing strict regulations pertaining to combustible dust. In addition, OSHA put in place a combustible dust national emphasis program following the sugar factory catastrophe.

Since OSHA has its gaze set on combustible dust, now is a good time to learn whether your business is at risk and what actions you can take to prevent accidents and costly fines.

In short, combustible dusts are solids that are ground into extremely fine particles, suspended in air and easily ignite under certain conditions. Explosions can be exceptionally powerful because in some workplaces, and without proper housekeeping procedures, combustible dust can be suspended over vast areas of the workplace. Solids ground into slightly larger particles, such as chips, chunks and flakes, are also at risk of combustion when they become suspended.

Another reason combustible dust is particularly hazardous is because it is present in a vast number of workplaces. The most common types of combustible dust include:

• Metals, particularly aluminum and magnesium
• Wood
• Plastic and rubber
• Coal
• Biosolids
• Other organic dust like sugar, flour, paper and soap
• Certain textile materials

Businesses in the following industries have the greatest need to be aware of combustible dust hazards and develop safety and awareness plans:

• Agriculture
• Food products
• Chemicals
• Textiles
• Forest and furniture products
• Metal processing
• Tire/rubber manufacturing
• Paper products manufacturing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Wastewater treatment
• Recycling operations
• Coal handling/processing

Any number of things can ignite a cloud of combustible dust, including electrostatic discharge, friction, equipment arcing, hot surfaces and fire. The wide range of ignition sources illustrates the need to engage in good housekeeping practices because many of the sources are uncontrollable. Post-explosion, it is often impossible to pinpoint a source. In these cases, the explosions are often attributed to static electricity.

Poor or inadequate ventilation can also be a problem in facilities susceptible to combustible dust. Take the following measures to ensure your system is up to par.
• Make sure dust collectors, ductwork and other containers are equipped with the popular explosion prevention and mitigation controls.
• Make sure ventilation is sufficient for the size of the room or space it serves.
• Have design information on dust collection systems readily available to prove compliance and good faith efforts if necessary.
• Listen to all warning signs or alerts that equipment may not be functioning properly.
• Eliminate all ignition sources from areas of high susceptibility.
• Find out whether electrical equipment in the area is specially designed for use in a hazardous location.

OSHA has the authority to issue citations for several violations as they relate to combustible dusts that expand far beyond proper housekeeping. Reference the list below to ensure you have all your bases covered in case of an inspection.

• General duty clause violations
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) violations
• Process safety management (PSM) violations
• Electrical violations
• Hazard communication violations
• Powered industrial truck violations
• Welding, cutting and brazing violations
• Warning sign violations
• Egress violations
• Fire protection violations

Click here to access OSHA’s safety and health topic section on combustible dust, and contact CLG with any further questions or concerns

"Short-cuts" can be unsafe

Which of the following “hurry up” facts have you caught yourself doing?

• Skipped wearing safety glasses because the job should only take a few minutes.


• Used the wrong ladder because the proper one was too far away.


• Reached “just a little bit further” on the ladder so you did not have to get down and move it.


• Took a short cut between machinery or stockpiles of materials.


• Used a wrench instead of a hammer because your hammer was in your toolbox on the other side of the room.

Do any of these sound familiar? When hurrying on the job, you do not end up speeding up the work you are trying to complete – you are actually just speeding up your chance of having an accident! The list of risks are endless when you put safety on the backburner to get things done faster.

Practice safety ⎯ don’t learn it through accidents.

Summer Safety Tips: Protect yourself, your family and your employees

The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer months. People who work or stay outside during the day are susceptible to heat stroke, heat exhaustion and sun poisoning when they are exposed to excessive amounts of sun. To beat the heat:

• Drink plenty of water before you get thirsty.


• Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, such as items made of cotton.


• Eat smaller meals before work activity.


• Ask your doctor if the heat will aggravate your body because of any medications you are taking, and take the proper precautions.


• Be aware that equipment such as respirators or work suits can increase heat stress.


• Don’t forget to use sunblock of at least 15 SPF, which blocks out 92 percent of harmful UV rays. 

Do You Know the Warning Signs Of Dehydration?

You can lose up to 10 cups of water a day by sweating, breathing and eliminating waste. This is potentially harmful to your body since water and electrolytes are essential for proper body functions. To combat heat-related illnesses, re-hydrate immediately when you experience one or more of these symptoms:

• Excessive thirst


• Sleepiness or fatigue


• Dry mouth


• Muscle weakness


• Headache


• Dizziness or lightheadedness


• In warm weather, skip the soda or coffee, which contain caffeine, and go straight for H2O!

Stay Alert for Cargo Theft

Studies show that supply chain protection is one area that businesses usually forget about until they experience a physical loss.

International and cross-country transport is a large part of today’s business world. It is not only how companies move their product to consumers, but also how they get raw materials to conduct their day-to-day business.

For every item created, packed and shipped, there is likely a criminal who would steal it. It is a crime that the FBI estimates costs the United States upwards of $15-30 billion each year and affects every company’s bottom line. Prevent cargo theft of materials to minimize your risk and save you both time and money in these tough economic conditions. Use these tips:

• Be alert, especially if you see unknown vehicles parked outside your facility or following a company truck.


• Respond immediately to any suspicious activity.


• Manage your inventory carefully – know what and how much is entering and leaving your facility.


• Carefully screen and train employees.


• Know your supply chain and your carriers, and whether the cargo is incoming or outgoing.


• Use basic safety practices, such as locks and alarms on all trucks.

In addition to physically protecting your cargo make sure you also have the appropriate insurance coverage.

Uncertainty in Energy Supply Could Spur Risks for Businesses

In the coming months, companies will face several risks as they are confronted with complex choices regarding energy supplies, and it is not only due to the severity of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a report by Lloyd of London and U.K. think tank Chatham house.

Supply chains in almost all industries are reliant on potentially vulnerable energy sources. The need to find new sources of energy could pose risks for the shipping industry as fuel prices increase and shipping routes become less easily navigable. Also, future weather-related events related to climate change could both cause an increase in shipping accidents and disrupt existing energy or water supplies, prompting political, economic and security risks.

Further, increased regulation on carbon emissions is likely. Companies that haven’t already considered the effect carbon policies could have on their operations must find ways to cost-effectively manage their carbon output and ready themselves for whatever changes future legislation may bring.

The Impact of Health Care Reform on Workers’ Compensation

Although occupational medicine was not a direct target of federal health care reform and is therefore left to the states, the passage of federal reform will certainly have a variety of consequences, both explicit and subtle, on workers’ compensation insurance over the next several years. While experts can only speculate whether these changes will ultimately be positive or negative regarding workers’ compensation for employers, there are several reasonable arguments that suggest a bit of both.

Obligatory insurance could mean that chronic diseases will be better controlled, decreasing the severity of work-related claims. Further, employees with insurance generally file fewer workers’ compensation claims, possibly implying that the reform will also decrease the total number of claims.

On the other hand, the increased volume of employees requiring treatment could lead to decreased availability of care, delays in workers’ compensation-related treatments and less willingness by providers to participate in occupational medical networks.

Other provisions of health care reform could affect workers’ compensation. The sizeable adjustments in Medicare reimbursement levels may pressure providers to shift costs – possibly signifying higher costs per claim as the changes begin to take their toll. The absence of the pre-existing care exclusion means less incentive for employees to claim that certain conditions are work-related, but greater demand on employers for workplace and job accommodations, a source of new exposures.

Whatever the ultimate impact of the reform, each employer will need to stay alert and work with an insurance professional to capture advantages and navigate legislation.

The Importance of Risk Management

A survey conducted last month by Travelers found that nearly 44 percent of small firms operate with no business continuity strategy to protect them in case of a disaster. Almost two-thirds revealed that they had not even spoken to their insurance agents about contingency planning. Small business owners preferred to focus on sales and marketing opportunities, the survey found, many spending less than 10 percent of their time on risk management.

Why is this worrisome? First, small businesses are more vulnerable to disaster because they lack the risk managers of larger firms and often gather information from a variety of sources.

Second, the expectations of the market have changed. Whereas 10 years ago a small company could reasonably expect to stay in business if it suffered a disaster and closed for a week or even a month, today such a closure could become permanent. By the time a business gets up and running after a disaster, the customers may no longer be there.

Third, small businesses are often dependent on their community as opposed to larger firms, which can often transfer their operations to a different location should they become unable to operate in a specific area. Even smaller losses can significantly affect revenue and put a small business’s future on the line.

What can a small business do today to protect itself from these sizable risks? Speaking with your insurance professional about creating a business continuity plan, which helps keep your business running smoothly even in the event of a disaster, is a good start.

Having a solid understand of the hazards your business faces, ranging from the risk of natural disasters to that of lawsuits, allows you to make educated decisions about preventing and dealing with those risks. Insurance professionals are a key resource for this information and guidance.

Beware of the Silent Killer: CO is on the Loose!

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas, whose dangers can strike without warning. Though it is non-irritating, exposure to CO is deadly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 200 people die and several thousand seek treatment for CO poisoning each year.

CO is produced when gas furnaces, ranges and water heaters are not installed properly, which allow high levels to escape into the air. Individuals who work with gasoline-powered tools and generators may also be exposed to dangerous levels of CO.

While using this type of equipment at work:
• Use machines outdoors only
• Opt for tools powered by electricity or compressed air instead of gas, when possible
• Make sure there is three to four feet of clear space on all sides of the machine you are using

In addition to these precautions, you should also look out for CO poisoning symptoms, which often mask themselves as the flu or food poisoning. Despite this, if you feel dizzy, drowsy, nauseated, have tightness across the chest or vomit while working with gas-powered tools, you should be concerned. If you're at work, notify your supervisor, get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention, if necessary.

Employee Count Down... Claims Count Up!

According to a recent study by data integration company OCI, fewer employees do not always translate to fewer medical claims and lower costs. In fact, the large-scale staff reduction across most companies in the wake of the economic crisis caused a spike in the number of high-risk, high-cost claims for many affected businesses.

Downsizing and turning to a younger workforce to save on salary costs and medical claims seems to be the norm, but it is not necessarily the right solution for every business. In addition to the OCI study, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has also found that making cuts in staff causes a spike in claims from remaining employees.

This phenomenon may occur in part because remaining workers must take on more duties to complete their work in addition to the responsibilities formerly belonging to others, leading to increased stress. It also could be because remaining workers feel more pressure to perform well for fear of being laid off, pushing themselves to unsafe limits.

However, both OCI and NCCI suggest that one of the biggest reasons for this inverse relationship is that remaining workers have been suffering injuries, often times long-term, and are afraid of missing the opportunity to file a claim if they get laid off.

To combat this issue, work closely with CLG Insurance to develop programs that will help mitigate costs and eliminate risks in the workplace that may result from staff deduction.

What to do in the event of an auto accident

Auto accidents are unexpected and even the most careful drivers can be involved in one. One of the easiest ways to save on auto insurance costs is by being informed yourself and training your employees how to properly engage in claim filing procedures and respond correctly to an incident. Use these simple auto insurance tips to to save money when you are involved in an accident or when you file a property claim.

• Stay as calm as possible.
• Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
• If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move the vehicle to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
• Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
• Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
• Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately.
• Don't sign any document unless it is for the police or your insurance company.
• Don’t assume an accident is harmless if there is not much visible damage. Always gather the necessary information from the other driver, let a professional mechanic assess the damage and allow insurance companies to determine who was at fault.
• Document the scene of the accident carefully and accurately, including photographs or hand-drawn diagrams when a camera is unavailable.
• Do not apologize to the other driver, as this translates into you admitting fault. This will place the liability on you and could lead to higher premiums.
• For property claims, do not try to fix the damage yourself unless not doing so will cause more damage. Wait until your insurance company assesses the situation to get an accurate cost estimate.
• Be sure to document all of your company’s property, including electronic equipment, furniture and anything else that would require replacement in the event of catastrophic damage. In the event of a claim, this makes it easier to support your claim.

Print this out and keep in your vehicle's glove compartment and give copies of it to your employees to refer to in case of an accident.

Drive safely.

Take Control of Workplace Stress

Job stress is a very common health complaint, ranking above financial troubles and family problems, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Many experience stress due to heavy workloads, pressure to perform, excessive travel and conflicts with co-workers.

Though some daily stress is common, excessive stress can contribute to insomnia, anxiety, depression, short temper, headache, and stomach and back problems. These symptoms can eventually lead to more serious problems, so try the following tips to help keep your workplace stress under control:

• Set realistic deadlines and plan ahead
• Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Think things through before you act
• Keep the end goal in mind
• Search for alternative ways of doing things, which may save you time
• Use all available resources to assist you
• Take periodic breaks to clear your head and de-stress
• Debrief from the day: talk about how you’re feeling and possible stress-relieving techniques with someone close to you

DID YOU KNOW?
A belly laugh is actually a good stress reliever! It stops the flow of stress hormones triggered by your “fight or flight” response.

There's No "I" in Team

You’ve probably already heard the familiar phrase “there’s no ‘I’ in team,” perhaps back in grade school. Well, this lesson does not stop at age 10—it is just as important to work as a team in a workplace setting as it was back then.

It is even more crucial to act as a united front when it concerns workplace safety. A staff that pulls together can safely accomplish whatever they set out to do. To be a team player:

 Ask for assistance. By seeking help from others, you are reducing the risk of accidents by not trying to do something on your own.
 Identify potential problem areas with your co-workers and discuss them with your supervisor. You and your co-workers may be able to better identify safety hazards in your daily tasks.
 Look out for other co-workers at all times and they will do the same for you.
 Analyze near-accidents carefully so similar incidents do not occur in the future.
 Share your concerns and suggestions with coworkers and your supervisor, and encourage others to do the same.

Whether it is aimed at workplace safety or just getting the job done, teamwork is what makes companies successful, competent and safe.

Contractors Face More Stringent Safe-Lead Work Practices

In 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released stricter regulations for those performing work on buildings with lead-based paint. All parts of the final rule officially went into effect April 22, 2010.

The rule, called the Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, was developed to prevent lead poisoning among employees, supervisors and building inhabitants.

Those affected by the regulations are paid renovators working in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. This includes:
- Renovation contractors
- Maintenance workers in multi-family housing
- Painters and other specialty trades

While the EPA has been slowly rolling out this program since its inception in 2008, the final step in implementation requires that all renovations in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities be completed by a certified renovation firm that uses workers with accredited training and that follows all work practices of the final rule.

To ensure compliance with EPA regulations, contractors, property managers and maintenance personnel should consult this handbook.

Navigate the Liabilities of Job Interviewing

In a turbulent economy, it is important for employers to take every precaution to avoid costly lawsuits down the road. Some experts say that cases against employers on the rise and that nearly three out of five companies will be sued by an employee at some time. The hiring process opens up liabilities that require careful planning, training and attention to avoid.

The most important assurance for employers against claims made by potential employees is employment practices liability insurance. This type of coverage protects against discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and other employment-related claims.

Just as important as purchasing coverage to protect your company is asking the right kinds of questions during the interview process. While it is important to screen employees to find the right fit for your business, certain questions could expose the company to unforeseen costs and potential liabilities.

As a rule of thumb, train your staff to stay away from questions that directly relate to any of the common employment practices liability suits. Anything that could lead to discrimination accusations should be off limits.

Remember that warning candidates that their answers will not be used against them or telling them they do not have to answer does not count as proper liability coverage. Below are some examples of questions that you should avoid to protect your company’s bottom line in the long run:

- Are you planning on having children/are you pregnant?
- Have you ever been arrested?
- Have you ever declared bankruptcy?
- What is your ethnic background?

Motor Carriers Gain Access to Complete Driver Records Pre-Hire

In mid-May, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the launch of the new Pre-Employment Screening Program for commercial motor carriers.

The new program will allow commercial motor carrier companies to access all records related to a driver’s past inspections and crash records electronically. This includes performance data, compliance reviews, inspection reviews, enforcement data, state-reported crashes and motor carrier census data. It will allow carriers to view these records as part of the hiring process, therefore leading to more informed hiring choices and making the roads safer for all drivers.

This FMCSA program gives employers access to the past five years of driver crash data and three years of inspection data across all 50 states and regardless of the carrier’s jurisdiction. Data will be updated on a monthly basis and is populated by the agency’s Motor Carrier Management Information System.

Carriers will be required to pay a $100 subscription fee for the service annually in addition to $10 for each requested driver history. Smaller carriers may qualify for price discounts. Individual drivers will also be able to access their own records under the program for a $10 fee.

For more information about the initiative and for a list of frequently asked questions, access the official FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening program website at www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Our first blog post.

Hello everyone. We are very excited to launch our blog here. Our goal is to provide helpful and informative posts that meet the needs of our customers as well as anyone interested in insurance products and services.

We look forward to your comments and feedback.