R&R Insurance Blog

It's Madness...we know. There's a lot of talk about whether employers should let employees check their brackets while at work. We did some hunting and found these great tips for business owners and HR managers to rally around the issue. It looks like the winning answer is YES!

Set a Game Plan
While an employer shouldn’t be expected to set up flat panel televisions and hand out remote controls, it can embrace the team spirit the tournament creates. Options can include letting workers:

• Show their colors. Employees might rally around a casual day that allows them to wear the colors of their favorite team.
• Flex some muscle. Workers may appreciate flexible hours that allow them to catch a big game.
• Pool resources. A company-wide pool that allows employees to fill out the brackets for fun — and does not involve cash prizes or an entry fee — could be an ice-breaker, and chatter about last-second victories and upsets offers an opportunity for employee bonding.
• Take a break. An organization that does not allow employees to bring their cell phones, iPads, or other portable electronics into the office may let workers check scores online while on break. Also, make sure the games are on in the lunchroom so workers can do some scoreboard watching during lunch or break time.

Here are some of the highlights of what we found and the links to the full articles:

March Madness at Work: Can it Be a Slam Dunk?

Morale vs. productivity Staffing company OfficeTeam recently surveyed more than 1,000 managers on the effects of the NCAA tournament in their workplaces. Twenty percent of the managers felt office activities related to the tournament improved employee morale at least somewhat. Just four percent viewed them negatively. The majority—75 percent—said March Madness events at work have no effect on morale or productivity.

This year’s survey differs from OfficeTeam’s 2010 survey, in which 41 percent of executives felt office tournament celebrations helped morale while 22 percent thought those activities hurt productivity.

Managers were asked, "Do you feel March Madness (NCAA basketball tournament) activities in the workplace, such as watching games or participating in pools that don't involve money, have a positive or negative impact on employee morale?"

Managers also were asked, "Do you feel March Madness activities in the workplace have a positive or negative impact on employee productivity?"

March Madness: Three Point Plays for HR Victories or Catastrophes at Work:

Wide-ranging research suggests that March Madness participation can actually improve productivity in three ways:

1. Morale: As people come out of the dark corners of their cubes and begin interacting with each other, it creates a happy environment to share creative ideas. And, we all know, happier employees work more productively.
2. Inclusiveness: When employees feel as if they are included in something, they unknowingly create an equalizer that has the power to transcend title and position. So, everyone feels like they belong and have something fun to which they can look forward.
3. Engagement: Employees are not only engaged with each other, but they’re more engaged with their work. The fact is: March Madness brings out the best in most of us.

The most important thing to remember is that people will continue to play brackets ...and will do it at work. It is incumbent upon management and HR to find ways to keep employees engaged and to let them have some fun. But it’s also important to develop guidelines to avoid that possible HR catastrophe.

For more information on HR consulting, employee benefits, employee welfare and well-being, or any risk management concerns, contact a knowledgebroker today.

Late last year, we discussed the OSHA reporting changes for 2015. In addition to reporting, it’s also important to consider and plan for potential site visits when OSHA is contacted. The National Safety Council states that “reacting quickly to the incident with a prescribed procedure and actions can demonstrate your company’s commitment to safety. It also ensures the proper information is collected to fulfill an incident investigation’s ultimate purpose – to prevent future injuries.”

According to an article by Ogletree Deakins, employers are reporting more injuries than expected (particularly with regard to hospitalizations) and OSHA does not have the resources to inspect each incident. Instead, most Area Offices are asking employers to do the following:

• Conduct an incident investigation (Also known as Attachment A, this is a “non-mandatory investigative tool” that employers may complete in lieu of providing an incident investigation report. Employers are instructed to submit the information by a certain date or risk an immediate on-site inspection.)
• Document findings and send corrective actions to the relevant Area Office
• Post a copy of the letter where employees can readily review it
• Fax or email a copy of the signed Certificate of Posting (Also known as Attachment B) to the relevant Area Office

How should employers respond to these communications?

Ogletree Deakins recommends the best course of action is often to respond the same way an employer would respond to an OSHA complaint letter. The employer’s goal should be to show the incident was investigated and corrective measures were implemented. At the same time, the employer does not want OSHA to be interested enough to inspect the worksite. In addition, employers should be aware of potential civil liability issues.

Rather than using Attachment A, you may also consider submitting a letter briefly describing how you investigated the incident, exactly what happened, and what corrective steps were taken (i.e., retraining or fixes to equipment). The letter may be supplemented with the First Report of Injury (if you are in Wisconsin) or the OSHA 301 form and proof of corrective steps. Employers must recognize that OSHA does not provide assurances that it will not cite an employer on the basis of the information provided.

If you have additional questions or concerns, contact your knowledge broker at R&R Insurance!

With the launch of Apple’s new high-tech watch, many people are placing orders and anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new gadgets in April. While all of the hype is centered on what the watch can do (which seems to be just about everything), it’s important to consider how you’ll protect this pricey new possession as well.

Most homeowner’s policies limit coverage for personal valuables such as jewelry. Unless your property is scheduled, or specifically itemized with a value on your policy, your home deductible will apply to a loss. Many people choose higher deductibles to reduce their premiums. If you’re one of them, it’s possible you may not receive a payment if your deductible is more than the amount of the loss. However, with broadened property coverage a $10,000 watch would cost around $85/year.

Whether you have questions about insuring your new Apple Watch or a piece of fine jewelry, contact our knowledge brokers for more information.

Leading up to the 2015 budget decision regarding the LGPIF, below is a list of common Q&As provided by the LWMMI. Our knowledge brokers have been following the issue closely and understand the business, the coverage forms, and the insurance markets that would replace the LGPIF if needed.

What is the Local Government Property Insurance Fund?
The Fund is established by Chapter 605, Wis. Stat. The purpose of the Fund is to make property insurance available for local government units. The Commissioner of Insurance by law is designated as the Fund’s manager.

Why is the Governor considering discontinuing the Fund?
Based on wording within the proposed State Budget, property insurance is an area that the Governor believes is best handled by the private sector. The Fund’s surplus is currently in a deficit position, so the move is not an attempt by the State to take money from the Fund for use in the General Fund.

Will Fund Coverage Pricing Change?
According to the OCI and ASU, coverage will remain the same. Pricing could change based on each insured’s experience and the experience for all municipalities in the Fund.

When will I know whether the Fund is being changed or discontinued?
The proposal to close the Fund is part of the State Budget Proposal, which is currently being considered by the State Legislature. The process of reviewing, amending, and adopting the budget typically takes until June. We will continue to provide information and updates to you as they become available.

What if I have been contacted by an agent that said I have to get bids?
With access to unlimited markets, working with R&R can save you time and the headache of working with multiple agencies.

Please contact one of our knowledge brokers if you have additional questions. Or, join our webinar on March 23 at 3 p.m. to learn more about “What Happens if the LGPIF Closes.”

When going on a long road trip, your car will suffer some inevitable wear and tear. Before leaving, it's important to prep your car by doing the following:

• Check your tires for air pressure, tread, and general wear down. Tires are the most common cause of vehicle failure. While you can’t do anything about getting a flat tire, you can make sure your tires are safe to drive on. Have your mechanic check to see if your tires need to be balanced or rotated as well.

• Check your brakes. Take note of when the manufacturer recommends getting the brake pads changed. Also have your mechanic check out your brake fluid. If it needs to be changed, be sure to get the brake line flushed, cleaned and filled with new fluid.

• Get your suspension checked out. Shocks and struts can be expensive, but if you need new ones you will definitely feel the difference in your trip!

• The second most popular cause of vehicular failure is the cooling system. Having this inspected and cleaned will not only identify any leaky or weakened hoses, it is also a very inexpensive type of maintenance.

• You should definitely be having a mechanic look under the hood of your car before you go on a long road trip. Items to inspect include:
  • Your transmission. This is a serious and expensive part of your car, and can be very time consuming to get fixed. You don’t want to spend your vacation in the waiting room of a mechanic!
  • Check all belts for wear and tear. Failed belts are at best an inconvenience and could stop your entire road trip.
  • The exhaust system should also be checked out. If there are any leaks or holes in the system, it could be putting you and your passengers at risk.

• Finally, you should do any routine maintenance that you may have been putting off. Oil changes, filling the windshield washer fluid, and replacing the windshield wipers are all important aspects of your car that you may need during your trip.

Hopefully this list will help you prepare for your Spring Break extravaganza. Have a safe trip!

Providing a safe working and learning environment is one of many responsibilities schools are tasked with every day. Preventative measures and protocols are important components in a school safety plan and should be thoughtfully prepared and executed. While there are many things to consider to safely protect the school premises and those inside, effective security should include: school and premises access restrictions, trained security personnel and adherence to policies intended to prohibit unauthorized entry.

Consider the following recommendations to protect your employees and students from the potential dangers that can accompany workplace intruders.

Security Personnel To Monitor Entrances

For security purposes, post uniformed security personnel at all regularly used entrances. Security personnel will be responsible for restricting building access and sending all visitors to the office area. Before you hire security personnel, complete a full background check.

If your school budget is restricted, consider tasking staff members to monitor entrances during high traffic times, when students are entering and leaving the building. Ask staff members to monitor for adults and ask them for identification. If they encounter a visitor, they should direct the visitor to the office immediately.

R&R Insurance Best Practice Recommendation: To test your school’s security effectiveness, periodically test how well the security personnel enforce your entry procedures.

Employee Identification Badges

For added safety, you should consider requiring all school employees to wear photo name identification badges at all times. Identification badges will clearly identify permitted individuals so there is no grey area on safe personnel within the school. In addition, this simple step can ensure visitors and students alike will know which qualified personnel to turn to if a problem should arise. Be sure your safety policy includes the retrieval of employee identification badges immediately upon suspension, termination or resignation.

R&R Insurance Best Practice Recommendation: If employees forget their name badges, there should be protocol on how they are able to identify themselves to security personnel and temporary identification should be provided.

Visitor Registration and Identification Badges

Visitors should register at the school office and log in and out using a visitor log. Visitors should be asked to provide photo identification and let the office receptionist know whom they are visiting and the purpose of their visit. It is important to provide visitors with an identification badge that is clearly visible, so staff and students know the visitor is permitted on the premises. Visitor badges should have a date so they cannot be re-used in the future.

If you are having any construction or maintenance work completed at the school, ensure the crew provides you with a personnel roster and that all visitor badges have an appropriate date range.

R&R Insurance Best Practice Recommendation: Consider installing a panic button under the office reception desk so the receptionist can discreetly summon help in threatening situations.

Deliveries and Messengers

In your safety policy, consider including safety procedures for deliveries and messengers. You should require that all deliveries be made in-person at the school office.

If deliveries are intended for specific staff members, the office staff should call the named individual to verify the delivery and ensure the items are expected. Do not allow anyone to leave unexpected or undesired items on school grounds.

R&R Insurance Best Practice Recommendation: In the office, consider having a delivery logbook, where messengers write their name, employer and the date and time of delivery.

Key Control

It is important to establish a key-control system. Consider which employees require a key and what their key should have access to within the school. If a key is lost, consider replacing locks. If an employee is suspended, terminated or resigns, be sure to change keypad combinations and retrieve their key prior to departure.

R&R Insurance Best Practice Recommendation: Be sure that no single key provides unrestricted access to all areas of the building. Consider having a locked and secure master key locker with a copy of all keys used in the building.

Additional Security Measures to Consider:

Secure Parking Areas

If you can, it is a great safety resource to have video-surveillance in school parking lots. At night, parking lot lighting should be bright enough to both deter trespassers and facilitate video monitoring. If video monitoring is not feasible, consider adding a fence around the school premises and have one single entry point to designated parking areas that can be monitored.

Loading Docks

If your school has a loading dock, it is important that the loading dock area is behind locked doors and does not permit access to the inside of the school building. If possible, consider adding video-surveillance. Before any cargo is left on school property, make sure it has been checked and approved by authorized personnel. Be sure to secure dock areas during periods of inactivity.

With the proper preventative measures in place, your school can be prepared to prevent intruders from gaining unauthorized access to your school. If you feel that your school is not adequately prepared, consider the initial steps you can take to improve school safety and reach out to R&R Insurance to obtain additional resources.

Interested in learning how R&R Insurance can improve safety in your school and reduce your costs? Request our free safety resources and case studies or schedule a call with one of our School Group Experts, today. At R&R Insurance, we are committed to helping schools minimize their risks, offering solutions and resources to help build safe environments for staff and students alike.

Across the nation, schools work diligently to provide a safe learning environment for students and a safe workplace for teachers. Prevention is an essential component to classroom safety, and learning to recognize potential dangers in the classroom is often the first step. With the right tools and guidance, teachers can advocate for prevention and promote a culture of safety.

We have outlined below some basic steps that teachers can take to help ensure safety in the classroom, for themselves and their students.

Consider Weapons of Opportunity

In the heat of an argument, many common classroom objects have the potential to become dangerous weapons. Common classroom items such as sharp scissors, heavy rulers, vases, letter openers, and paperweights could pose a safety risk. Consider storing these items out of site, in a drawer or covered shelving unit. Art, science and vocational teachers should also exercise caution with the variety of items in their classrooms. Sharp tools and instruments should always be safely stored and it is important that all classroom tools are accounted for and safety returned at the end of each class.

Avoid Cleaners and Chemicals In the Classroom

While most household cleaners are relatively non-hazardous, extra caution is needed in the classroom, especially in elementary schools. Students should seldom be exposed to cleaning agents and chemicals; moreover, students should never be asked to use hazardous items in the classroom without proper instruction. Schools should provide all cleaning agents and ensure that they are properly labeled with current material safety data sheets (MSDS) as required by federal safety laws. Specialized personnel should be responsible for all cleanups following the school’s outlined safety policy rules.

Use Extension Cords Safely

Extension cords can present many hazards in the classroom. Aside form the obvious tripping hazard they present; improper use of extension cords is the number one cause of fires. Here are few safety recommendations for proper extension cord use:

• Inspect each extension cord carefully before each use and before placing in storage. Ensure that the insulation is in good condition and that the grounding prong has not been damaged. Return any damaged cords to building services for repair or disposal.
• Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis. Extension cords should not be used for long periods in place of adequate outlets.
• In your safety policy, ensure there is a provision about acceptable extension cords. All extension cords should be provided by building services and be of commercial grade. Cords must have a grounding prong plug.
• Never run extension cords under rugs, over ceiling tiles or hang them from nails or staples. This can cause damage to the insulation, making the cord a safety and fire hazard.
• Avoid using excessive power strips that can overload the circuit and create a fire hazard.

With prevention in mind, these simple steps can help you promote safety in your classroom each day. Learn to recognize potential dangers in the classroom and foster a culture of safety by encouraging others to do the same.

Interested in learning how R&R Insurance can improve safety in your school and reduce your costs? Request our free safety resources and case studies or schedule a call with one of our School Group Experts, today. At R&R Insurance, we are committed to helping schools minimize their risks, offering solutions and resources to help build safe environments for staff and students alike.

Each weekday morning there are more than 3.1 million teachers and 49.8 million students rushing into public schools. (National Center for Education Statistics)

With the sheer volume of traffic in and out of schools each morning, revising safety protocols to minimize potential risks, like slips and falls, must be a priority.

You likely strive to continually reinforce your safety policy and communicate the importance of creating a culture of safety and prevention within your school. If you are looking for a way to reduce your costs while maintaining a high standard of safety, you might consider a policy revision. Starting small, consider these seven simple steps you can take in your school to minimize the occurrence of slip and fall accidents.

1. Entry Carpets To Reduce Moisture

As teachers and students travel into the school their shoes bring the outdoors in, be it snow, rain, dirt or muck. During wet or wintery months, it is important that your school entryways have carpets that extend at least six feet to ensure shoes are losing accumulated moisture. This simple measure will keep moisture contained to one manageable area and minimize the slip and fall risk throughout adjacent hallways and classrooms.

2. Outdoor Maintenance Schedule

Establishing a schedule to regularly maintain outdoor walkways, sidewalks and doorways is one way to minimize risk. Coordinating regular intervals for shoveling and salting, and for moisture and debris removal is an easy method to prevent slips and falls.

3. Outdoor Hazard Inspection

It is important to inspect your outdoor school property regularly and keep an eye out for potential hazards. For example, take a few minutes to identify pavement cracks or heaving and if you are unable to repair them right away, spray paint these hazards a bright color to ensure safety for all school visitors.

4. Indoor Maintenance

Whether it is a spill in the art room or a mess in the cafeteria, always ensure that your custodial staff is prepared. Consider the following recommendations:

• Establish communication protocols to alert custodial staff of a hazard so they can arrive quickly on the scene.
• Provide custodial staff with the necessary equipment and barricades to keep teachers and students away from known hazards.
• Ensure custodial staff has ample cleaning and hazard removal supplies on hand.

5. Indoor Hazard Inspection

Much like outdoor inspection, you should consider doing indoor safety inspections regularly, too. Educate all staff members on problems they should look for and solutions to help them prevent accidents. Simple things include identifying extension cords hazards and bundling cords out of traffic areas, and looking out for areas where moisture tends to accumulate, increasing the risk for slips and falls.

6. Storage and Hanging Policies

As a school, you are taught to think first and foremost about the safety and well being of your students. It is however, just as important to consider the safety of your staff members. Classroom storage is an important consideration because improper storage methods can lead to injury and falls. Consider implementing a policy on proper classroom storage and hanging and educate your teaching staff on the do’s and don’ts of storage.

7. Proper Footwear

While it might be difficult to advocate for proper footwear at school to fashion savvy staff and students, but it is a must. Designer shoes are not made for walking in inclement weather and will not bode well for personal safety. Encourage your students and staff to wear sensible, weather-safe shoes into the building and to change their shoes once they are safety indoors. Consider offering your staff members a shoe storage bag to carry their fashionable shoes to and from school and to use as a storage bag for their sensible shoes during the day.

What other simple safety solutions would you recommend to prevent slips and falls? Does your school have best practices?

At R&R Insurance, we are committed to helping schools minimize their risk, offering solutions and resources to help build safe environments for staff and students alike.

Interested in learning how R&R Insurance can improve safety in your school and reduce your costs? Request our free safety resources and case studies or schedule a call with one of our School Group Experts, today.

Whether you popped the question on Valentine's Day or perhaps gave your sweetheart a special piece of jewelry this year,  it's important to make sure that the gift you are gave (or received) is protected.

Here are a few simple steps to make sure you're documenting and protecting your jewelry:

1. Have it appraised and continue to do so every few years.
2. Keep your receipt and store the appraisal with your home inventory.
3. Take a picture of it up close, keep this with the receipt and appraisal.

Most homeowners policies limit coverage for personal valuables such as jewelry. Therefore, if your item is not listed on a "schedule" or "rider", you could fall far short of replacement value if your item is lost or stolen.

Below is a great resource for finding an appraiser:
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)

Wisconsin residents interested in a free homeowners policy review, contact a KnowledgeBroker.

"With spending on unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) projected to top $89 billion in the next ten years and an estimated 7,500 active drones to be in use for commercial purposes by 2018", this technology will present significant economic growth opportunities along with many uncharted challenges. As corporations such as Amazon and Disney jockey for the use of drones in the commercial marketplace, this is a pervasive topic in pop culture and consumers are gaining an increased understanding drones’ of their risks and rewards.

Defining Drones

So, what is a drone, exactly? According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a drone is “a device used or intended to be used for flight in the air that has no onboard pilot” and includes associated on-the-ground equipment. These unmanned aircraft are typically controlled remotely by an individual on the ground or self-navigate using pre-programmed flight plans. Increasingly, many drones operate via camera which enables them to fly without remote control or GPS data altogether.

Rules and Regulations

The United States government is notorious for its slow and tedious reaction to defining or loosening controls on private sector regulations. The case for drones in commercial use is no different. “In 2012, US Congress passed legislation that directed the FAA to develop a plan for integrating unmanned aircraft systems into U.S. Airspace by September 30th, 2015. According to a federal audit, however, it is unlikely this deadline will be reached.

In the meantime, the legality of modern drone use hinges on antiquated guidelines published by the FAA in 1981, originally intended for hobbyist model aircraft. The 1981 report dictates that unmanned aircraft be operated no higher than 400 feet above ground, away from populated areas, and no closer to an airport than three miles.

With the 1981 guidelines so blatantly open to interpretation, the FAA further defined their position on the issue in February 2014, stating “[y]ou may not fly a UAS for commercial purposes by claiming that you’re operating according to the Model Aircraft guidelines…Commercial operations are only authorized on a case-by-case basis. A commercial flight requires a certified aircraft, a licensed pilot and operating approval.” To date, the FAA has approved commercial drone use for only a small a handful of corporations.

Opportunities Drones Present

One significant benefit insurance industry professionals and consumers could see from the use of drones is in the inspection of premises after a loss. Using a drone to collect visual data rather than a claims adjuster could help decrease wait times for claim assessment, increase accuracy of loss analysis, and expedite the pay-out of said losses. Recently, the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) filed for permission to use drone aircraft to assess damage at disaster sites. Undoubtedly, many insurance carriers will follow suit as the FAA advances the regulatory process.

Additional economic opportunities include:

• Decrease in workers’ compensation claims as drones are sent in to investigate dangerous/unstable situations instead of humans
• Increased revnue within the private sector as the rate of product delivery, data collection surge

Hazards Drones Pose

At present, the highest use of (illegal) commercial drones is occurring among farmers, who are employing this technology to survey crops and aid in crop spraying/dusting. As efficient as this method might be, using drones to apply fertilizers and pesticides to crops could potentially result in cross contamination of an adjacent farmer’s crops or pollution of a waterway. A claim resulting from a loss occurring under these circumstances would not be covered under most all current liability or pollution policies.

Additional risks include:

• Invasion of privacy – capture of unlawful images (personal injury exposure)
• Hijacking – possible in cases of theft of goods (which drone may be carrying) and terrorism (cyber liability exposure)
• Threat to electrical grid as drones could interfere with power lines (property damage)

Coverage for Drones Under Commercial Insurance

Because the commercial general liability, property, and inland marine all have explicit aircraft exclusions for bodily injury or property damage losses arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of aircraft, currently no carriers partnering with R&R Insurance offer adequate coverage for drones . However, this is expected to change when the U.S. Government more clearly defines their use in the private sector. As we become more familiar with the legal standing of drones, insurance carriers and brokers will adapt to placing this risk.

In the future, some areas of coverage may include:

• First—party marine or hull insurance to cover the drone itself and its accompanying parts
• ISO is in the process of formulating new endorsements for the CGL and umbrella/excess liability policies to cover commercial drone exposures. A target release date for these endorsements has been set for June of 2015.
• An increase in carriers offering aircraft coverage specifically tailored to cover drones on their own policy

As technology continually evolves and the landscape of industry changes, R&R Insurance is uniquely positioned to navigate these shifts. The strong bonds our agency has built with various carriers in the industry allow us to be at the forefront of offering our insureds this coverage as it rolls out. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding drones and commercial insurance coverage, please contact one of our knowledgeable licensed agents!