Covering the Basics: Easy Ways to Increase Safety Readiness
By Mike Drew, The Reschini Group
At your mother’s knee, you learned the basics. Look both ways before crossing the street. Hold the railing when using the stairs. Leaves of three, let them be. These simple instructions kept you safe – or safer than you would have been otherwise, at least.
The same principle holds true in the business world. The simple things still count. The basics still keep you and the people and property for whom you are responsible, safe. Things like:
- Smoke alarms – Are they installed at critical locations throughout your property? Do they work? Are they tested regularly? Do the batteries get changed twice a year (a good reminder is to do this when switching the clocks)?
- Carbon monoxide detectors – Do you have these easy-to-use detectors installed, to guard against this silent killer? See the smoke alarm questions for guidance here, as well.
- Sprinklers – When was the last time these were checked for proper operation and installation? If not present, do they need to be, based on your local fire code requirements?
- Exits – Are these clearly marked? Do the signs illuminate properly? Is there a clear path for people to get out? These questions apply to both offices and converted residential structures that serve as places of business today.
- Training – Do you regularly offer information and encourage dialogue about safety practices at your place of business? When was the last time you held a safety or fire drill? Do your people know where to gather in case of an emergency evacuation?
These are just a few of the basics to keep in mind when assessing the safety readiness of your business. None of them are difficult. All of them can spell the difference between safety and tragedy. Contact The Reschini Group for more information on effective safety policies and practices.
Copyright 2017 The Reschini Group The Reschini Group provides these updates for information only, and does not provide legal advice. To make decisions regarding insurance matters, please consult directly with a licensed insurance professional or firm.
Focus on Safety: The Value of a Safety Culture
Periodically, The Reschini Group will focus on a particular topic related to Risk Management or Employee Benefits issues. This month, we focus on safety. Read on, and be sure to check out the resources available through the links.
By Mike Drew, The Reschini GroupThe insurance industry runs on a recognition of risk, how to protect yourself from it, minimize it, and recover from any negative effects stemming from it.A key to managing risk effectively for organizations and individuals can be found in establishing and strengthening a true, workable, functioning and ever-deepening safety culture. The Reschini Group is especially qualified to help your business in this essential area.We do this through a variety of safety-related resources for customers to access, including:
- Video of a special safety webinar (click to receive a password to view)
- Links to multiple industry-generated articles about safety
- An in-house resource of safety consultants to serve as an extension of your risk management efforts, offering tangible and effective support, such as:
- ISNetWorld, Avetta, and other contractor management tool experience to help keep you working.
- Help you to stay informed and in compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
- Audits of commercial vehicle practices and CDL drivers, within the context of DOT regulations, to minimize risks.
- Communication and support during the incident resolution process, including root-cause investigations, return to work assistance and corrective actions trainings.
- Training programs in OSHA compliance, first aid and CPR, aerial work platforms, and more.
- Creating customized safety programs.
- Conducting third-party on-site audits
What’s more, The Reschini Group provides professional consultation as a part of your dedicated service plan. That means you have access to safety services and resources from our local professionals at no additional fee. This feature, combined with all of the offerings listed here, puts our dedication to your safety culture a cut above most other providers. It’s that important.The professionals at The Reschini Group can offer guidance related to all things safety. Contact Mike Drew or Chris Kuhar at 724-349-1300 to set up a time to talk.
More About SafetyRead: Easy Money: Establishing a Workplace Safety CommitteeGet: Our Introduction to Safety brochureWatch: Our webinar “Building a Safety Culture” (password is safety)
Copyright 2017 The Reschini GroupThe Reschini Group provides these updates for information only, and does not provide legal advice. To make decisions regarding insurance matters, please consult directly with a licensed insurance professional or firm.
Easy Money
Establishing A Workplace Safety Committee
By Mike Drew, The Reschini Group
“Click here for a free vase,” the florist’s website declares.
“Refer a friend and get a free month’s rental,” advertises the storage shed provider.
“Buy one-get one free,” the supermarket tells its customers.
Found money. Available money. Easy money, in all instances.
The same holds true for oil and gas companies – any company, actually – that establish a
workplace safety committee. When this simple step gets taken, it yields a 5% discount on Workers Compensation coverage.For such a straightforward decision, the savings can be significant. Few businesses today can afford to pass on any available savings. A 5% discount means dollars saved that can be used elsewhere, as needs determine.Establishing a new workplace safety committee can be done quickly and easily. The same can be said for companies who had once had a committee in place, and who want to reinstitute and reconstitute one now.These committees are a proven and effective way to promote safe practices in the workplace. They can increase awareness, boost enthusiasm, and provide employee ownership of safety and health while reducing accidents. The creation of a workplace safety committee, and its ongoing performance, represents a win-win for both employers and employees.The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, in its Workplace Safety Committee Technical Assistance Manual, validated this when it stated, “Effective workplace safety committees are a proven tool in reducing workplace injuries and illnesses, as well as producing significant savings for employees.”The Reschini Group and its Safety Consultants, trained at the Safety Sciences Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, stands apart from other insurance brokers and providers by offering advice and counsel to all clients on establishing workplace safety committees. Contact us to learn more.The 5% discount on Workers Compensation coverage would be reason enough. Easy money, yours for the taking. But the greater – and much more meaningful – savings can be realized in ensuring a higher standard of safety and health for all employees.
Copyright 2016 The Reschini GroupThe Reschini Group provides these updates for information only. To make decisions regarding insurance matters, please consult directly with a licensed insurance professional or firm.