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Nov 30
6
How to Reduce Your Workers Compensation Costs, cut down on your workers compensation costs

How to Reduce Your Workers Compensation Costs

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Take these steps to cut down on your workers compensation costs.

Unfortunately, every type of business and industry is at risk for a workplace accident.  That’s why it’s so important for businesses to have the right workers compensation insurance coverage for their employees.  However, if you’re filing workers comp claims every other week, then your insurance costs can get very expensive very quickly.  Here are some steps you should take to cut down on your workers compensation costs.

Create a Safe Work Environment

Once of the easiest ways to reduce workers comp costs is by creating a safe work space.  Some of the most common workplace injuries are trips, slips, and falls.  So, make sure you address any hazards that might cause these accidents.  For instance, a leaky drinking fountain or some bunched carpeting could increase your employees’ risk of a fall.  Additionally, many workplace accidents occur due to inadequate lighting, so if you see a broken or flickering bulb, make sure you take care of it asap.  Another way to create a safe work environment is by making sure that all equipment is operating properly.  Regularly inspect your employees’ equipment and take note of any issues, no matter how minor.  When it comes to your employees’ safety, it’s always better to be over cautious.

Offer Safety Training

Another way to help reduce your workers compensation costs is by offering safety training courses.  A good safety training program will teach your employees how to safely complete their jobs and how to avoid taking unnecessary risks.  Additionally, your training program should also tell your employees how to handle a workplace accident in case there is an injury in the workplace.  Oftentimes a workplace accident is made worse by improper handling, so teaching your employees how to safely address the situation could also save you on workers comp costs.

Set a Good Example

Finally, a good way to reduce your workers compensation costs is by making sure that you adhere to your own safety standards.  When your employees see that you are following safety protocols, they are much more likely to follow suit.  Additionally, when you commend employees that prioritize workplace safety over speed, then you are emphasizing that a safe workplace is your main concern.  Simply practicing what you preach can reduce the number of workplace accidents and save you money on your workers comp insurance.

These are just a few strategies that you can try to cut down on your workers compensation costs.  Remember, another way to save money is by only paying for the coverage you need.  To discuss your business’s risks, contact the experts at Contractors Insurance Agency.  Our knowledgeable team is ready to work with you to get to comprehensive coverage that fits your budget.

Nov 16
6
Training Tips to Keep Workers Safe from Cold Weather Hazards,prepare your employees for winter hazards

Training Tips to Keep Workers Safe from Cold Weather Hazards

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Try out these training tips to prepare your employees for winter hazards.

While not everyone works outside during the winter, cold weather hazards can affect any workplace.  Rain, ice, snow and other winter storm conditions can pose a danger for commuters, make for dangerous travelling conditions, and cause power outages and damage to the workplace.  If you do work outside during the winter, then the bad weather conditions can cause some very serious health problems.  As winter approaches, make sure your workers are ready.  Try out these training tips to prepare your employees for winter hazards.

1) How to build emergency kits

One of the main things that you should discuss with your employees during training is what to do in the case of a winter weather emergency.  For instance, if weather conditions are particularly intense, then your employees might not be able to leave the workplace.  That’s why it’s important that your employees to keep a storm preparedness kit with them while they’re at work.  Kits should include things like nonperishable food items, water, a change of clothes, blankets, and any medication your employees might need should they be snowed in.

2) Review workplace emergency action plan

Another thing you should review during training is how to respond to various winter weather emergencies.  For instance, you should discuss what to do if there is a medical emergency and an ambulance is delayed due to bad weather.  Other scenarios you should prepare your employees for include: power outages, frozen and damaged pipes, damaged roofs, broken vehicles or equipment, and traffic accidents while on the job.

3) Emphasize dangers of hypothermia

Finally, if our employees work out in the cold, then you should train them to recognize the early signs of hypothermia.  Hypothermia is a condition where an individual’s body temperature drops too low.  In its early stages, hypothermia can cause shivering, lethargy, and mild confusion.  However, if allowed to progress, hypothermia can cause more extreme confusion and inability to do simple movements.  In the most extreme cases, hypothermia can cause the heart rate, breathing, and blood flow to slow and can lead to brain damage and even death.  Teach your employees to recognize the early signs of hypothermia and teach them some warming techniques.  Some techniques include body-to-body contact, employing prewarmed sleeping bags, application of heat packs, and administering warm fluids to drink.

Offering adequate training can prepare your employees for winter hazards, so make sure your workers are ready for anything.  Another way to make sure that your employees stay safe is to make sure you have adequate commercial coverage.  To find the right policies to protect your business and your employees, contact the experts at Contractors Insurance Agency.  Our dedicated team has you covered.

Oct 26
5
What You Need to Know About Electrical Contractors Insurance, what you need to know about electrical contractors insurance

What You Need to Know About Electrical Contractors Insurance

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Whether you are an independent electrician or a contracting company that employs electrical workers, here’s what you need to know about electrical contractors insurance.

Everyone knows that electricity is dangerous and that’s why it’s so important that electricians or businesses that employ electricians have the right coverage to protect them.  Thinking about getting coverage for yourself or your electricians?  Here’s what you need to know about electrical contractors insurance.

What is covered by electrical contractors insurance?

Electrical contractor’s insurance provides protection against the risks associated with the electrical business.  Generally, electrician insurance includes three main components: property damage coverage, general liability, and workers compensation.  Property damage coverage protects any space that you rent or own.  Additionally, you can add an endorsement that protects your tools and equipment.  General liability protects you if your work actions cause injury or property damage to a third party.  Finally, workers compensation will cover your employees if they are injured or get sick on the job.

What are some other insurance options for electricians?

If your electrical workers need additional coverage, there are other coverage options available.  For instance, adding equipment breakdown insurance will protect your business if you experience mechanical issues that set you back.  Another coverage option you might want to consider is business income insurance.  This type of insurance will protect your income if there are disruptions that halt work.  These are just a few of the many customizable coverage options that you should consider to keep your electricians safe.  Contact your insurance provider to discuss your specific risks and your various coverage options.

Electricians are constantly at risk for work dangers and other professional hazards.  So, make sure they have the coverage they need to stay safe.  After learning what you need to know about electrical contractors insurance, make sure you have the right insurance team to get your business the coverage you need.  Contact Contractors Insurance Agency to get you and your business the coverage it needs.

Oct 12
5
Why You Should Invest in Workplace Health and Safety Training, employees need workplace health and safety training

Why You Should Invest in Workplace Health and Safety Training

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These reasons should convince you that your employees need workplace health and safety training. 

Many small business owners think that safety training is a drain on company time and resources.  However, a workplace accident can happen at any time and can be a costly disruption to your business’s operations.  One way to prevent a costly workplace accident is to have a good employee training program.  Still not convinced?  Here are more reasons why your employees need workplace health and safety training.

1) Risk is everywhere

Unfortunately, all businesses have some risk of an accident.  Even if you are not in a dangerous line of work , your employees still face some level of risk.  Even an office worker could slip in a puddle and break his arm.  A good workplace safety training program would inform your employees about the potential threats they face and teach them how to minimize their risks.

2) Safety training creates positive work environments

Another reason to invest in workplace health and safety raining is that it can create a more positive work environment.  Offering a safety program shows your employees that you are invested in them and that you genuinely care about their wellbeing.  When businesses invest in their employees, their employees work harder and stay dedicated to the company longer.  So, offering employee safety training will not only keep your employees safe, but it might increase your business’s productivity as well.

3) It can help you avoid a worker’s compensation claim or lawsuit

Safety training can help reduce the number of workplace accidents; this in turn, will reduce the number of worker’s compensation insurance claims.  Additionally, employee safety training can also help you minimize your risk for a lawsuit filed by an employee who is injured on the job.  Also, by offering a good training program to your employees, you will have a better legal defense if an injured employee ever tries to sue you for negligence.

Hopefully these reasons why your employees need workplace health and safety training have convinced you that offering training is a worthwhile investment.  Another good investment?  Having the right insurance to keep you, your employees, and your business safe.  To find the coverage your business needs, contact the experts at Contractors Insurance Agency.  Our dedicated team has you covered.

Sep 28
6
Tips to Reduce Your Fall Risk

5 Most Common Workers Compensation Claims

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Unfortunately, accidents can happen at any time and with no warning.  Here are ways to avoid being injured at work.

1) Overexertion

Overexertion often occurs when an employee tries to lift or pull something too heavy for them.  As a result, the employee can suffer a pulled muscle or a dislocated joint.  These injuries are most common in occupations requiring physical labor, such as construction and law enforcement.

2) Falling

Injuries sustained by falling include hand and wrist fractures and bruised shoulders.  Security guards, store clerks, and groundkeepers are workers most at risk for falls.

3) Getting Struck by an Object

Construction workers, office workers, and retail workers commonly have these types of accidents when something falls or is dropped.

4) Vehicular Accidents

Plainly put, these are injuries that workers sustain while they are behind the wheel.  Truck drivers, police officers, and travelling representatives are most at risk.

5) Machinery Accidents

These types of accidents can be devastating both physically and financially, therefore, it is vital that employers mandate employee safety training and ensure that machinery is operating properly.  Individuals in the factory manufacturing and construction industries are most at risk for these injuries.

Sadly, workplace accidents happen all the time and workers compensation claims are an ordinary occurrence for many businesses.  Protect your business and your employees by being aware of common workplace injuries. Make sure to invest in an insurance policy that best suits your needs.  Contact the professionals at Contractors Insurance Agency to make sure you are getting the coverage you and your business deserves.

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