Category: Property & Casualty

Near Hit Reporting

In many instances, “near misses” are often taken lightly and sometimes even result in laughs or workplace jokes. An employee stumbles over something in a walkway but does not actually fall. Laughter erupts from nearby employees who observe the scene – something reminiscent of a sitcom television show. This may seem like a harmless or even comical situation; however, consider the same stumble but, this time, the individual falls to the floor and strikes his/her head, resulting in a brain injury. Suddenly no one is laughing.

The use of the words “near miss” may produce a sigh of relief (or even a chuckle) while the words “near hit” can elicit a more serious and thoughtful response. A near hit is when something occurs, but due to chance, circumstance, inches or seconds, no one gets hurt or no damage is incurred. While a loss is avoided, just as much can be learned from a near hit as from an actual occurrence. 

Continue reading

Virginia Workers’ Comp Bill Creates Opportunity New provisions effective July 1

Earlier this year, the Virginia legislature unanimously passed a very productive piece of legislation that will hopefully create new opportunities for contractors who may have previously been excluded from bidding on state work. The legislation, House Bill 1108, was a culmination of years of work by many organizations and various delegates and is a great example of bipartisan cooperation to improve business practices in the state.

The bill amended the Code of Virginia to prohibit the use of the Experience Modification Rating Factor, commonly referred to as an Experience Mod, as a condition of bidding for work. 

Continue reading

People & Culture: Key Components of Successful Risk Management

I recently heard a quote from a Safety Director for a client with nationwide operations in a business where taking risks occurs daily. He said, “People don’t quit jobs … people quit people.” This philosophy has driven a commitment to continuous improvement and investment in people; a commitment that has drastically impacted the company’s risk management strategy.

Just like most companies, this client cannot afford a habit of workplace accidents. Their end-clients operate in one of the most compliance-based industries, and their ability to win opportunities is heavily based on their risk management efforts. The footprint of their operations and the complex, deadline-driven nature of their industry create significant safety challenges. In spite of these challenges, they have developed a remarkably safe organization. How? Their strong leadership and a people-centric culture have been the key. Their management and safety leaders are coaches, not enforcers. 

Continue reading

Emerging Risks in Construction Why contractors should care about professional and cyber liability

As a contractor in today’s operating environment, you need to consider both Professional Liability and Cyber Liability coverage.  The reality is that many risks have emerged in recent years that threaten your bottom line. With the differences in project delivery and design processes, and the introduction of more advanced technology, you need to understand these risks and how they may impact your business. In my experience, these two coverage lines – and potential exposures if not covered – are the most misunderstood and overlooked by many contractors, but both are vital components of your risk management program. 

How confident are you that you understand how you are exposed to professional and/or cyber liability?

Continue reading

OSHA Final Rule Released Introduces new electronic reporting requirements and anti-retaliation provisions

Under the final rule released earlier this month by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), certain employers will be required to electronically submit data from their work-related injury records to OSHA. The final rule also solidifies employee anti-retaliation protections for reporting work-related injuries and illnesses.

Submitting Electronic Data

The final rule requires employers to electronically submit the injury and illness information they are already required to keep under existing OSHA regulations. The ruling applies to employers with:

•  250 or more employees; or

•  20 and 249 employees and are in a high-risk industry

Continue reading