R&R Insurance Blog

We have seen an uptick in requests from business owners to add GPS tracking units to their fleet.  GPS tracking systems improve the odds of vehicle recovery from theft, encourages safe driving, and promote regularly scheduled vehicle maintenance.

But can they save money on insurance?  Yes.  Insurance companies are always assessing risks, so businesses with better driver records and a well maintained fleet could see decreases in their commercial auto insurance.  As an independent insurance agency, we have access to a variety of insurance companies which offer cost assistance.  For your individual situation, additional savings may apply - talk to your KnowledgeBroker about a custom savings plan for your organization.

Thinking of adding GPS trackers to your fleet?

We queried several clients and developed the list below.  While it is nowhere all-inclusive, it is a great place to start your search of looking for a GPS fleet provider.

• AT&T Fleet Complete (note: must change telephone carrier to AT&T and you have the option of hard wiring the unit into the truck, known as AT&T Asset Tracker, or accessing via the employee’s cell phone…but the cell phone option allows the employee to turn it off) https://att.fleetcomplete.com/
• Azuga https://www.azuga.com/
• Carmine https://carmine.io/
• Fleetdaddy https://www.fleetdaddy.com/
• Fleetup https://fleetup.com/
• Geotab https://www.geotab.com/
• JJ Keller https://www.jjkeller.com/
• Kinesis https://www.kinesisfleet.com/us/
• Omnitracs https://www.omnitracs.com/
• Peoplenet (by Trimble) 715.919.2851 https://mobility.trimble.com/
• Samsara https://www.samsara.com/
• Smartlogix (skybiz) 571.388.4570 or 877.275.9248 http://support.smartlogixinc.com/
• Spireon https://carmine.io/
• Telectrac navman https://drive.teletracnavman.com/
• Telematics563.4026 http://www.telematicsgps.com/
• Verizon connect https://www.verizonconnect.com/

Additional Fleet Safety Resources

• Fleet Safety (non-DOT) [on-demand webinar]
• Negligent Entrustment of a Vehicle [article]
• Electronic Logging Devices Mandate - Implementation and Requirements [article]
• Fleet Safety - Can you sustain a $24M verdict? [article]

Have questions if GPS trackers can help your business?  We can help: safety@rrins.com.

As one can imagine, the construction industry has some of the riskiest jobs in America. Construction workers face a wide range of hazards at work everyday from falling debris to machinery mishaps and everything in between. Below, is a countdown of the top five most dangerous construction practices.

#5: Working with Power Tools. Although power tools are used in most construction jobs, sometimes the greatest risk exposure occurs during tasks that have become second nature to the worker. Over time, because of the frequency and repetitiveness, employees are likely to overlook the safety precautions and form sloppy usage habits. For instance, did you know that OSHA gets reports of 37,000 emergency room visits a year, just from nail guns?

#4:  Heavy Equipment Operators. Many worksites in construction have large machinery on site. To avoid dangers, equipment operators need to be heavily trained in proper usage of the machinery. Site planners should be aware of the surroundings and be careful not to bring equipment into an area where it’s not suitable. Also, to avoid failure, machinery should be carefully inspected on a regular schedule.

#3: Sewer and Duct Construction. While working in confined spaces, it is important that proper ventilation is secured before sending any crew into a tight space. Furthermore, in the case of an accident, emergency escape routes should be in place if possible. If not, only the most trained individuals and properly maintained tools can help reduce the risk of suffocation or getting trapped.

#2: Demolition Jobs. Jobs in demolition rank high on this list because it is the most unpredictable job in construction. It is hard to calculate how gravity and other factors will affect a piece of falling material. However, many of the risks of demolition actually can be avoided with proper planning. Electrocution, for instance, is a common demolition injury that safety measures could prevent.

#1: High-Rise Construction. Working at heights is the #1 most dangerous construction job. Fall accidents make up 40% of construction-related deaths, and countless more injuries. The higher the building, the higher the risk. Other inherent risks include harsh weather – especially during the Wisconsin winter months, fire, and high winds. The type of work being done up in the air also influences the amount of risk. Concrete work and lifting with cranes rank among the most dangerous.

Risk awareness promotes safety and can help prevent injury or death on the jobsite. Partnering with the right agent provides you and your employees with the proper safety information and guidance to minimize construction hazards.

Questions regarding your safety program? Contact safety@rrins.com

Information provided by Insured Solutions Inc.

Is your organization taking advantage of the numerous ways to save money on health insurance? Are you looking to reduce your insurance premiums?

While there are numerous benefits to implementing and maintaining a robust wellness program, reducing the number of employees who smoke is an important piece of the wellness puzzle. Proactively providing smoking cessation programs will have a direct impact on your health insurance premiums. In addition, smokers commonly have longer recoveries from surgery and often need repeat surgeries which causes work comp claims to skyrocket on individual surgical claims.

The Charolotte Observer recently published an article with examples of doctors refusing to operate on those who smoke. According to research, one study found that smokers who got joint replacement surgery had an 80 percent higher chance than nonsmokers of needing repeat surgery because of complications from infection.

Click here to read the full article.

Are you looking to revamp or jumpstart a wellness program at your organization? Contact me to learn more about the resources R&R has available to assist.

Wearable devices are becoming increasingly common in the workplace. While certain organizations have been using these tracking devices to promote healthy habits among their employers, the discussion surrounding identifying potential injuries and reducing the frequency of workers comp claims is growing.

Business Insurance recently released an article describing the benefits of using wearable devices to promote safety in the workplace. From tracking vital signs and simplifying processes, to facilitating communication and promoting safety, these devices are being used to mitigate occupational injuries and deaths.

"This is something that is emerging and is real, and insurers are seeing there will potential benefits," the article states. "Sources expect to see a widespread adoption of wearable devices in the next two years."

To learn more about how to mitigate your risk and reduce the frequency of work comp claims, contact Bill Katzfey.

According to the AAA Foundation, distracted driving causes about 8,000 accidents every single day! And the CDC reports that more than 15 people are killed and 1,200 injured every day in those accidents. Corporate fleets are not immune from those numbers. You expect your employees to multi-task all the time, but never expect that while they are behind the wheel.

There are three main types of distraction:

1. Visual – taking your eyes off the road (i.e.: looking at a map or for a landmark or address if the driver is not sure where they are going before the trip)
2. Manual - taking your hands off the wheel (i.e. reaching for the radio or two way radio while driving)
3. Cognitive - taking your mind off what you are doing (paying more attention to work situations or the next job site)

Fleet drivers should have one goal and one goal only; operating their vehicle safely and efficiently from point A to point B.

While driving, there should be no other tasks, no other distractions, nothing is more important. R&R Insurance offers Distracted Driving window clings to remind your drivers and others on the road to stop the distraction. Wisconsin businesses, if you would like a sample of our Distracted Driving window clings, use our convenient order form and we will send you a sample - or a few - depending on your needs.

Fleet Safety Essentials – It’s About The Driver!

Top 9 Driving While Texting Infographics

For more information about fleet safety and property casualty insurance, contact knowledgebroker Bill Katzfey.

Experts predict that by the year 2020, 25% of the US workforce will be 55 years or older. Couple this statistic with the fact that most people are working past the traditional retirement age of 65 and organizations need to pay special attention to this sector of the workforce.

On average, older workers are injured less frequently than younger workers. However when older workers are injured, it will be more severe and have a longer recovery time. Physical reasons why aging employees are at higher risk of injury:

• Muscle strength: we lose about 4% of muscle strength each decade after age 25-30 - thus making older bodies more prone to slips and falls
• Hearing and vision loss: as we age, hearing and vision diminish making aging employees less aware of their surroundings and more apt to injury

How do organizations help prevent injuries for their aging workforce?

1. Wellness programs to aid injury prevention: help prevent strains, sprains, and falls by improving flexibility, strength, and balance. Great examples is starting a flex and stretch program, cover part of a gym membership, or hold exercise classes like yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi.
2. Slip-and-fall injury prevention: ensure a safe working environment by maintaining parking lots and sidewalks; encourage employees to wear appropriate footwear for wet or slippery conditions; use handrails
3. Ensure employees can meet the physical requirements of the job: consider a post-offer, pre-employment physical for new employees - be sure the physician covers medical history as it may reveal something not seen during the physical (the cost of the test would pay for itself when preventing a back or shoulder claim!)
4. Ergonomics enhancement: ask employees for suggestions on how their job can be tweaked to avoid fatigue or soreness; consider job rotation for repetitive tasks (also promotes cross-training!)

Older workers are knowledgeable, experienced, and provide an abundance of value to any company. Keeping them happy and healthy will positively affect the entire organization. For more information on how healthy employees can affect your bottom line, ask Bill Katzfey about WellCompForLife.