Tag Archives: risk management

Key Considerations for Handicap Ramps & Minimizing Parking Lot Accidents

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This entry is part 17 of 17 in the series Slips, Trips & Falls

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has requirements to make public areas accessible to people using wheelchairs, walkers and motorized scooters through the use of ramps. Without ADA approved handicap ramps people with disabilities would have an increased risk of falling from a wheelchair or scooter or tripping while using a walker when going over an elevated curb. In addition, restricting access in public areas under federal law could be construed as a form of discrimination against such individuals. Therefore, handicap ramps must be installed in accordance with ADA standards. 

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Trash Talk 101

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Taking out the trash can be dangerous. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. And the numbers prove it.               

Recent large losses among Society Insurance policyholders include the following claims:

  • Shoulder injury: $121,000
  • Shoulder injury (again): $117,628
  • Back injury: $62,550
  • Back strain: $17,347

What is especially interesting is that these claims have one thing in common. They all involve taking out the trash.

So, what can be done to reduce the danger and make trash removal safer? Start by controlling the hazards associated with these three simple areas: (more…)

Protecting Employees from Robbery and Assault

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Each year, nearly two million American workers report that they have been victims of some form of workplace violence, including robbery and assault crimes. This is according to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). There are several factors that may increase the risk of violence for workers in a variety of occupations. These factors include: (more…)

Basic Cooking Equipment Maintenance Requirements

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This entry is part 1 of 15 in the series Fire Prevention

Your cooking equipment is probably the most important thing inside your restaurant. One unexpected failure could ruin a busy dinner service. Even worse, a kitchen fire could put you out of service for days, or even weeks.

To keep your equipment – and your business – operational, the following five points are often the most critical routine maintenance requirements in the kitchen. The best practices listed below are the requirements of Society Insurance and are based on our company’s loss history and expertise in the restaurant markets that we serve. These best practices closely reflect the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and may be more or less stringent than the NFPA standards.  (more…)

Dealing with Intoxicated Patrons

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Have you ever had a customer slurring their speech and asking for yet another drink? Perhaps a customer drinking and showing off, while being loud or obnoxious inside of your business? How about someone drinking excessive amounts of alcohol within a short period of time?

All these can be signs of intoxication. As a bar or restaurant owner, it may seem as though intoxicated customers just come with the line of business you are in. However, it’s how you deal with these intoxicated customers that can make all the difference.

Learn more about the Bar & Tavern Insurance we offer.

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2017 Year in Review: Top 5 Webinars for Small Businesses

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Our risk management team is committed to identifying dangers that could result in financial loss or injury – and providing thoughtful solutions to keep your workplace safe and profitable. In 2017, Society’s risk control experts conducted webinars to share their insight and safety resources. (more…)

Turn Down the Risk of Occupational Hearing Loss

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While heavy tools create a variety of physical risks for contractors, manufacturers and auto repair workers, one of the threats is harder to detect: hearing loss.

Though it may not seem serious, hearing loss is one of the most common workplace illnesses in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates approximately 22 million American workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels at their job each year, and account for about 14% of reported occupational illnesses each year.

Exposure to high-volume environments comes at a price. Hearing loss jeopardizes communication and alertness in the workplace and can plague workers the rest of their lives. And the price tag? (more…)

24 Tips for Delivery Driver Safety

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When you think about the most dangerous jobs, a non-CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) service or delivery driver does not usually come to mind. However, every year thousands of workers are injured or killed while performing a delivery. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 100,000 injuries and 300,000 accidents involving delivery vehicles in 2012 and Time magazine ranked it number eight on its list of the 10 Most Dangerous Jobs in 2014.

Delivery driver dangers include vehicle accidents, injuries while performing the delivery such as back injuries and slips, trips and falls, or crime. Both employers and employees can take important steps to help reduce these hazards. (more…)

Hazard Warning for Roasting Coffee

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Roasting coffee beans has been linked to a severe health hazard known as bronchiolitis obliterans, sometimes referred to as obstructive lung disease or popcorn lung.

A Bit of History

This condition came to prominence decades ago (more…)

Checking Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) on Delivery Employees

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What is an MVR, what is it used for, and who should be checked? A motor vehicle record (MVR) is a historical driving record that can be used to determine business risk associated with current and potential drivers. MVRs may include: (more…)