R&R Insurance Blog

With all the complex contracts that general contractors have, it was something as simple as field training that determined liability in a recent $1 million injury settlement. The Kenosha-based construction company had all the right risk-transfer controls in place. The risk-transfer part of the contract worked perfectly. It's the lack of training in the field - proper construction of scafolding - that utlimately determined fault.

This goes to show that not only do contractors need to concentrate heavily on contractual risk transfer, they also need to make job-site safety, creating a safe work environment, and proper training a #1 priority as well.

Qualifying subcontractors and certificate review are two of the many ways we help contractors understand their insurance exposures. At R&R Insurance Services, our experience and solid reputation in the construction industry are what our general and sub contractors rely on for understanding the insurance exposures and their contractual risk transfer options. We also assist with every level of training to create a culture of safety for all aspects of their business.

R&R is one of the top writers of construction insurance programs in the State of Wisconsin. For more information on contractual risk transfer, job site safety, workers compensation or creating a culture of safety, please contact knowledgebroker Jamie Vanderveldt.

Safety and chemical storage deficiencies are widespread in American schools. In the wake of recent stories about students across the country becoming injured in laboratory incidents, Milwaukee teachers are taking steps to ensure safety regulations are exceeded, colleagues are kept informed and students are safe.

Many regulations are put into place and resources, checklists and tools available for laboratory science teachers through Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Laboratory safety has been at the forefront in many industries but slower to be put into practice in the school setting. The video below shows how Menomonee Fall’s Chemistry Teacher, Amanda Gilman, is taking steps to protect the students and faculty at their school.

Teachers have a responsibility to lead by example and enforce all safety rules and practices. The need to educate students in the sciences, especially chemistry, presents challenges to educators that include safety concerns for students and faculty. Here are 5 critical factors all laboratory science teachers need to take seriously:

1. Take care of the lab & equipment.

How often are you conducting inspections of safety and first aid equipment? Be sure it aligns with what your administration requires. Record dates of when inspections are performed and include your initials on inspection tags. If you find a hazardous or potentially hazardous condition, notify administration and follow through on the status. This is a given, but defective equipment should never be used.

2. Keep good records & maintain chemicals.

It is important to update the chemical inventory at least annually and provide a copy of the list to local emergency responders (fire dept. etc). Consider the following when performing an inventory inspection:

• Chemicals should not be stored with food or drink
• Keep chemicals in their original containers
• Make sure everything is labeled
• Be sure to dispose of chemicals properly. Check labels and always follow instructions
• Keep records of all staff safety trainings and any laboratory incidents that may occur

3. Know safety & emergency procedures.

Educate students on the location and use of all safety and emergency equipment prior to laboratory activity. Provide students with safety procedure instructions to follow in the event of an emergency / accident. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in a designated location. Additionally, know the location of and how to use cut-off switches & valves for water, gas and electricity in the laboratory. Practice safety and evacuation drills on a regular basis.

4. Prep for laboratory activities.

Before conducting lab activities, evaluate the educational value vs. the potential risk. Have a strong understanding of the hazards of the materials and equipment being used. Conduct a thorough inspection of all equipment before any activity. Provide instructions to students before performing any work in the lab and follow up with lesson plan notes with details of any occurrences that took place during the experiment.

5. Model good laboratory conduct.

Being a good role model in the laboratory is key to providing an important example for students to follow while preparing for and conducting experiments. Be sure all students wear the necessary protective safety equipment and enforce all safety rules, at all times. Equally as important, never leave students unsupervised or allow unauthorized visitors to enter the lab.

Milwaukee-area middle school and high school science teachers are taking a stand against the upsurge in serious laboratory incidents that have occurred across the country in recent years due to experiments using highly explosive materials. In partnership with R&R Insurance based in Waukesha, area teachers have created a toolkit and on-demand webinar that will help educate other teachers and faculty on safety regulations and practices in schools, classrooms and laboratories.

The toolkit consists of some of the tips mentioned in this post:

• chemical storage and utilization checklists
• disposal tips
• a guide to hazardous experimentation and avoiding accidents,
• video & webinar trainings
• and risk management resources and tools

What steps are you taking to ensure the safety of students and faculty in your school and laboratory?

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.

In early January 2014, two New York high school students suffered severe burns from a plume of fire that shot across their high school chemistry lab during an experiment called "The Rainbow Experiment". The dangers of highly explosive materials in high school science labs and this unfortunate recent event is a perfect segway to highlight the efforts of Amanda Gilman, Chemistry Teacher at Menomonee Falls High School in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and Chemical Hygiene Officer for the district.

Amanda's procedures in the classroom, inventory control, and safety precautions have been recognized as some of the best safety precautions used in schools today. Her unique inventory control methods help keep students and faculty safe. In this quick interview, Amanda discusses some of the techniques she uses in her chemistry lab, as well as the knowledge she gains through R&R Insurance - the provider of insurance for the Menomonee Falls School District and dozens of other schools throughout Wisconsin.

R&R offers an online tool to manage all information for MSDS (SDS) - Material Safety Data Sheet (Safety Data Sheet). Schools and businesses looking for an easy-to-use, online resource for the management of chemicals in their facilities should contact a knowledgebroker.

For more information about R&R's Risk Management Center and the extensive online risk management tools we offer through this portal, contact knowledgebroker Andy Scherwinski.

More on the traumatic science experiment that severely burned 2 high school students in New York on January 2, 2014.

Additional Science Lab Resources:
The Laboratory Safety Institute
Lab Safety Guide: 40 Suggestions Poster

Here are five examples of deadly incidents that were caused by dust, and ways businesses can eliminate the risk of a dust explosion happening in their facility.

1. In February 1999, a deadly fire and explosion occurred in a foundry in Massachusetts killing 3 and injuring 9. A fire initiated in a shell molding machine from an unknown source and then extended into the ventilation system ducts by feeding on heavy deposits of phenol formaldehyde resin dust. A small primary deflagration occurred within the ductwork, dislodging dust that had settled on the exterior of the ducts. The ensuing dust cloud provided fuel for a secondary explosion which was powerful enough to lift the roof and cause wall failures.
2. In January 2003, devastating fires and explosions destroyed a North Carolina pharmaceutical plant that manufactured rubber drug-delivery components. Six employees were killed and 38 people injured. An accumulation of a combustible polyethylene dust above the suspended ceilings fueled the explosion. The CSB was unable to determine what ignited the initial fire or how the dust was dispersed to create the explosive cloud in the hidden ceiling space.
3. In February 2003, a Kentucky acoustics insulation manufacturing plant was the site of a dust explosion killing 7 and injuring 37 employees. The likely ignition scenario was a small fire extending from an unattended oven which ignited a dust cloud created by nearby line cleaning. This was followed by a deadly cascade of dust explosions throughout the plant.
4. In October 2003, an Indiana plant where aluminum auto wheels were machined experienced an incident which killed one and injured one employee. Aluminum dust was involved in a primary explosion near a chip melting furnace, followed by a secondary blast in dust collection equipment.
5. February 10, 2008 a deadly explosion ripped through a sugar refinery blast killing at least 6 workers and sent 62 to the hospital. “As far as we know it was a sugar dust explosion,” authorities said the day after the explosion. The blast occurred in a storage silo where refined sugar is stored until it is packaged. Sugar dust is combustible. Static electricity sparks from metal tools, or a cigarette can ignite explosions.

Elements Needed for a Dust Fire (the familiar "Fire Triangle"):

1. Combustible dust (fuel);
2. Ignition source (heat);
3. Oxygen in air (oxidizer);
4. Dispersion of dust particles in sufficient quantity and concentration;
5. Confinement of the dust cloud

There are several ways these explosions can take place. Two primary scenarios are:

1. A dust cloud (diffused fuel) is ignited within a confined or semi-confined vessel, area, or building, and burns very rapidly or explodes. The safety of employees is threatened by the ensuing fires, additional explosions, flying debris, and collapsing building components.
2. An initial explosion in an area were fugitive dust has accumulated may shake loose more accumulated dust, or damage a containment system (such as a duct, vessel, or collector). As a result, if ignited, the additional dust dispersed into the air may cause one or more secondary explosions. These can be far more destructive than a primary explosion due to the increased quantity and concentration of dispersed combustible dust.

What action can employers take to reduce their exposure?

If one of the elements of the explosion pentagon is missing, a catastrophic explosion can not occur. Two of the elements in the explosion pentagon are difficult to eliminate: oxygen (within air), and confinement of the dust cloud (within processes or buildings). However, the other three elements of the pentagon can be controlled to a significant extent.

OSHA Fact Sheet on Combustible Dust Explosions

Who is responsible for the cost of an accident when there is a multi-car pile-up?
Normally, when a car hits the vehicle ahead of them, the car behind would be held liable. The automatic assumption is that the car travelling behind must stay a safe braking distance behind the car in front.

Multi-car crashes are a different story. They can be complex because it’s often very difficult to establish “who did what” – unlike a single vehicle accident, or a one-car crash. Law enforcement will take details of each and every car, position, driver and weather conditions. Common questions law enforcement will consider are:

• Whose negligent actions set off the chain reaction?
• Were other drivers speeding or driving too close?

The police report will usually cite which car is at fault as it examines and explains how the accident occurred. Most often it is one car that started the chain reaction in a multi-car pile-up; however, it is possible for two or more cars to share the blame for a multi-car accident. The amount of blame or “fault” will be determined by either the police officer who writes the report or by the insurance adjusters, negotiating for an optimum solution. For example, one driver may be deemed to be 80% at fault, while another driver takes the remaining 20% of the blame. It is possible for several people to share in the fault, or even everyone involved sharing some of the responsibility. The more details, cars and people that are part of the scenario, the more complicated the determination of fault becomes. See in this video how the chain reaction just keeps happening - taken on Sunday, December 8, 2013 in Milwaukee.

What kind of insurance coverage do I need if I'm involved in a multi-car accident?
While it can be extremely difficult to determine “fault” during the investigation of a multi-vehicle accident, here is what we do know:

1. The damage to the vehicles involved in multi-car accidents is often more extensive than a one or two-car accident. Vehicles are often hit in different areas, sometimes over and over.
2. There is an increased likelihood of bodily injury because, again, the vehicles are often hit over and over again. Both drivers and passengers are statistically injured more severely in multi-car accidents.
3. If you are found at fault for a multi-car accident, for any percentage of the blame, you could be sued by other injured parties.

Carrying adequate liability coverage can shield you from most or all of this, especially when it's coupled with an umbrella policy. Additionally, liability insurance pays your legal defense costs should an injured party sue you.

What should I do to protect myself if I’m involved in a multi-car crash?

1. Most importantly, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. Make sure everyone else in your vehicle has their seatbelt fastened as well, until law enforcement or EMTs give you the OK to exit. Keep in mind that there are still thousands of pounds of metal and glass moving toward you, and you could still be hit a second or third time. This video shows how dangerous standing outside your car can be.
2. Put your hazard flashing lights on.
3. After law enforcement has secured the scene, and if you are in a position to collect your thoughts, it would be wise to take a few minutes to record your observations on the incident. With large incidents, ensuring that your involvement is thoroughly detailed will be important when claim time comes.
4. Once you've been in an accident, notify your insurance carrier or agent immediately.

Knowing what you now know about multi-car accidents, reviewing the liability limits on your auto policy and having the discussion with your independent insurance agent about an umbrella policy is the next step to making sure you are safe and protected should any multi-car accident happen to you. Contact a knowledgebroker for more details about liability coverages, umbrella policies, or for Wisconsin residents to get a quote on their auto and home insurance.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured and their families from Sunday's extensive, weather-related, multi-car pile-ups that occurred all over the metro Milwaukee area. Be safe out there!

Black ice, or clear ice, is a thin coating of glazed ice on a surface. While it's not truly black, it is virtually transparent allowing the roadways to be seen through it and can cause havoc for unsuspecting drivers. There are some things you can do to combat this invisible killer:

Check the Temperature Gage

Temps between 32 degrees and 36 degrees Fahrenheit, high humidity, and icy rain contribute to ice-making conditions.

How to Keep Control in a Skid

Point the front wheels to where you want the car to travel.

Hit the Brake

If your car has ABS (anti-lock braking system), hold down the brake pedal and keep the car straight unless you need to steer to avoid traffic, in which case move your hands to the 9 and 3 o'clock positions on the wheel, and steer smoothly while continuing to press on the brake.

Gain Control when Front Wheels Slip

If your front wheels slip while you're turning, resist the instinct to brake and over-compensate & ease off the accelerator and the steering angle to allow the wheels to roll freely.

Wisconsin residents, the best thing you can do when roads are icy is to avoid driving all together if you can. Wisconsin residents, please contact us for more ways we can help keep you protected.

You can be a fuel-efficient driver and avoid heavy breaking & accelerating but if you want to try to make it even further between gas fill-ups, you may need to invest in some automotive maintenance.

Improve fuel efficiency with these five easy fixes:

• Close your gas gap - Make sure it's clicked and you could save yourself green dollars - if the cap isn't tightened the fuel can evaporate.
• Routine maintenance - Keeping your car running efficiently and adjusting your driving behavior are the best ways to keep more money in your pocket.
• Properly Inflate your Tires - Underinflated tires put more stress on your vehicle, making it work harder and burn more gas.
• Replace clogged air filters- This can boost gas mileage by as much as 14 percent on o
• lder vehicles.