R&R Insurance Blog

Every year when the calendar changes to January, many public sector customers ask questions about requirements of recording injuries and illness that arise in the workplace.

RESOURCES

• DSPS packet for employers with information on the requirements for Injury and Illness reporting
• Recordkeeping flowchart

REMINDERS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR

1. Recording Criteria - Follows the recording criteria as outline CFR 1904
2. Recording Forms – Document use WI Dept of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Form 10710A and 10710, found in the above SBD10710 packet link (contains the same as is found on OSHA Form 300 and 300A)
3. Electronic Submission Requirement – Due March 1
   1. eSLA Customer Portal Login
   2. If not submitted by 3/1, orders from DSPS may be issued and may conduct safety inspection
4. Posting – upon completion electronic submission an email confirmation with printable version for posting

For additional information and tools, check out our Downloads page.

While many are still facing remote employment, it is important to begin and/or continue executing effective virtual meetings. One item employers are struggling with is the interaction component within virtual meetings.

Employees are reporting feeling isolated and neglected. Most of us are social creatures and rely on interaction throughout the day. It is easy to make Zoom presentations very one sided. The manager acknowledges the group, addresses the key points and the meeting concludes. Well, employees may be multi-tasking in the background and not really even paying attention. Content is getting lost in translation. However, there are several virtual meeting considerations in order to successfully engage staff in order to adopt a learning and sharing mentality.

Below are some ways you can open the meeting:

• An ice breaker
• Share a win or polling question
• Play a round of trivia
• Start with a stretch break
• Complete a show and tell by getting a household item

There are plenty of non-traditional openers you could start a meeting with—by not going straight to business employees will begin to feel more inclusive and with any luck reduce the feelings of being neglected and isolated. Other ways to combat Zoom fatigue are by scheduling shorter meetings, having a simple screen layout, walk and talk when acceptable, rotate meeting leaders and create a theme.

This year has been far from normal, so we couldn’t expect the holidays to be anything less. Despite how much we want to return to pre-pandemic times, there are some additional considerations to help protect our physical and emotional health this year.

In terms of COVID, in-person holiday celebrations could pose higher risk levels. So, before committing to a celebration, please consider these risks:

• Where is the location of the gathering? We know that indoor gatherings will increase the risk of contraction and our winter temperatures don’t exactly allow for outdoors.
• Celebrations that are longer in length and have a higher amount of people also could increase exposure risk. It is important to remember, you do not necessarily know where your guests have been or are traveling from, so guests who are taking proper preventative measures would be a smarter choice.
• Lastly, those who have been exposed to COVID, diagnosed, have symptoms, or are at increased risk for illness should avoid in-person gatherings this year. Consider video chatting into the party you can’t physically be at.

Times are strange but your physical health and the health of those around you is much more important than attending a celebration.

Emotional health is equally important during the holidays. It is encouraged to acknowledge your feelings this season and reach out if you feel lonely or isolated. Be realistic about what your holiday celebration will look like this year and understand if other’s feel differently than you.

Stick to a budget. The holidays are much more than gift giving, so don’t try to purchase beyond your means. Take a breather, find time to relax and plan out any grocery shopping or gifting lists you need. Having a clear plan will help avoid panic later. In addition, don’t forget to seek appropriate professional help if you need it.

Don’t dread this COVID holiday season, instead take proper precautions around your physical and emotional health.

Happy holidays!

On December 8, 2020, the United Kingdom became the first Western nation to vaccinate patients against COVID-19. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration concluded in a detailed analysis that the first COVID-19 vaccine being considered for U.S. distribution “met the prescribed success criteria” in a clinical study, paving the way for the agency to green-light distribution as early as this weekend.

While the vaccine will not be available generally for citizens until 2021, employers have begun to raise the question of mandatory vaccination as a work requirement or condition of employment. At present, no law, regulation, or other guidance directly addresses whether employers may require their employees to get a COVID-19 vaccination. The idea is not new; many healthcare workers are currently required to receive certain vaccinations as a condition of their employment.

The EEOC updated its Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace guidance on March 19, 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic advising employers to “follow guidance from the CDC as well as state/local public health authorities.” Notably, the CDC has issued guidance recommending influenza vaccination for critical industries during a pandemic.

It is likely that the EEOC will issue updated guidance to address the issue of COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace in the near future. Additionally, there are currently discussions within State government concerning how to address this issue within the State law context. Until some action is taken, it appears that employers may require employees to receive vaccinations when available, subject to the restrictions identified by the EEOC and OSHA.

As the pandemic vaccine situation develops and evolves, R&R Insurance will continue to monitor new laws and guidance from federal and state authorities and continue to keep you informed. Employers should weigh the legal exposure and other risks associated with any mandatory vaccination program, and assess whether the alternative of voluntary vaccination may be a better option based on the nature and needs of their businesses. You can read more in the client advisory made available from von Briesen & Roper.

Please visit our COVID-19: Business Recovery Resources webpage for the latest information and quick references on a variety of industries with guidelines and considerations for getting back to full operation.  And visit our R&R Coronavirus Resources webpage for future updates and resources.

Please contact your R&R representative with any questions.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month in hopes to bring awareness to the rise of diabetes and the risks associated with it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes costs the USA $327 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity.

In addition, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has ranked diabetes as the seventh leading cause of death for the states.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 cannot be prevented, but type 2 can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and age increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Employers should consider a few programs in order to monitor employee health regarding diabetes:

1. Make sure your health risk assessment covers a blood glucose section in order to identify those already diagnosed and sets a baseline.
2. Implementing effective nutritional and physical activity programs should be included in wellbeing offerings.
3. Covering diabetes screenings, coaching and management can help employees get the access they need and prevent large costs down the road.
4. Those with diabetes are more likely to contract the flu or pneumonia, so make sure vaccinations are accessible and education is on the forefront.

Overall, taking a step towards encouraging employees to get screened regularly, educating and encouraging a healthy lifestyle can help lower health care costs and show employees you care about their wellbeing.

Do you know your diabetes risk?  Click here to find out.

Effective loss control begins with our experienced knowledge. R&R Insurance offers services to effectively lower the potential risk in your workplace and in your business practices. Our dedicated Resource Team does not believe in a "one size fits all" approach regarding Loss Control services.  We will review your loss experience, safety programs, and management commitment and accountability.  We'll then partner with you and your insurance carrier to provide "High Impact" loss control activities focused on reducing your costs by reducing claims. 

Helping customers design effective loss prevention programs and providing safety consulting services for R&R clients has been John Brengosz’s focus for the last 15 years at R&R Insurance.  John has trained and educated thousands of employees during his career. John is a skilled teacher and presenter during these programs as well.

John carries with him a portfolio of skills and experience that are unmatched. Below is a listing of some recent engagements where John has created value for R&R Insurance clients:

Helping customers design effective loss prevention programs and providing safety consulting services for R&R clients has been Maureen Joy’s focus for the last 11 years at R&R Insurance.  Maureen’s strength is interacting and partnering with R&R clients in the facilities where they work, or these days, providing her loss prevention programs virtually, for our clients.

Maureen has delivered custom training programs and educated thousands of our clients' employees during her career.  As a licensed Occupational Therapist, Maureen is a skilled trainer and experienced presenter using a client-centered, interactive approach.  

Maureen’s combination of loss prevention knowledge, coupled with her medical background and training, makes her a unique resource for R&R Insurance clients. Below is a listing of some recent engagements where Maureen has created value for R&R Insurance clients:

For more information on R&R Professional Services, visit https://www.myknowledgebroker.com/business-insurance/risk-management.

The American Cancer Society states, “1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime”. Breast cancer, like other cancers, occur when cells grow abnormally. It is the most common cancer in women next to skin cancer. It is important to note that even though it is rare, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer too. Any breast lump or noticeable difference should be checked out by a health care professional as some lumps can be benign, but it is important to confirm rather than ignore.

So, when is it appropriate to begin preventive mammogram screenings?

According to the American Cancer Society, women age 40-44 should have the choice to start an annual breast screening. If you have a family history of breast cancer you may want to begin to consider getting screenings. Women age 45-54 should receive a mammogram every year. Women 55 and older can continue a yearly screening or begin to get a screening once every two years. Some signs and symptoms to look out for are swelling, breast pain, discharge, swollen lymph nodes, red scaly skin and nipple retraction.

Take charge of your breast health. You can also perform self-exams in between your mammogram appointments. To perform a self-exam lie down with one arm behind your head, use your opposite hand to check your breast tissue in a circular motion. Feel for changes in your underarm all the way to the middle of your breast bone. In addition, stand in front of a mirror to look for visible changes in shape, size or contour.*

Early detection is key and can help avoid or diminish problems in the future. You should continue to visit your health care provider for annual screenings even if you are healthy.

Source: BreastCancer.org

*The self-examination content is not intended for medical advice and should be used for informational purpose only. Please seek and establish proper medical attention for exact methodology.

This is your friendly reminder that flu season is right around the corner! If you are an employer, consider scheduling a flu shot clinic for your employees before dates fill up. If you are an employee, consider visiting a pharmacy or clinic covered by your medical plan or ask HR if an event will be held at your workplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those 6 months of age and older should receive the vaccine annually.

There are many myths when it comes to the flu shot, such as those listed below:

• Getting the flu doesn’t make you that sick
• The flu vaccine itself will make you sick
• The pain of the shot isn’t worth it
• If you received the vaccine last year, you don’t need another one
• The flu vaccine isn’t safe

Given the chain of events that have already occurred this year, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. The flu can still lead to serious illness which will keep you out of work. Side effects of the shot are generally short-term and mild.

In addition, flu vaccines are monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the Drug Administration. The vaccine has been around for many years and since your body’s immunity declines throughout the year - you should get the vaccine each flu shot season.

If despite the vaccination, you still are sick with the flu please seek virtual medical care if possible, take antiviral drugs if prescribed, and stay home! Continue to avoid contact with those who are sick, wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth area.

Lastly, remember the benefits of staying active, eating well and what getting good quality sleep can do for your body and mind.

It’s no secret, the average age that adult children continue to rely on their parents for financial support has fluctuated greatly over the years. College has become astronomically expensive, apartments and cost of living are on the rise, and the burden of becoming financially independent forces many adult children to remain dependent on their parents well into their late 20’s and early 30’s. These complex living situations can expose coverage gaps with many personal insurance policies including Auto, Homeowners and Umbrella.

Personal Auto Policy

Exposure on the family’s Personal Auto Policy can be dependent on many factors; where the adult child lives, who a car is titled and registered to, and who is listed on the policy as a Driver, Named Insured, and Additional Named Insured.

On most traditional Personal Auto Policies, the definition of who has coverage includes "Family Members". Family members are typically limited to a “person related to you by blood, marriage or adoption who is a resident of your household”. When a specific vehicle is titled to and insured by the parents alone, but in possession of a child who is no longer a resident of the parents household, this can create a gap in coverage. If a vehicle is co-titled between the parent and child, or titled solely to the child, a gap in coverage can exist if the child isn’t properly listed as a Named Insured or Additional Insured on the parent’s policy. A gap in coverage can also exist if the child isn’t listed properly on a personal auto policy and is injured as a pedestrian or a passenger in another vehicle with inadequate insurance limits.

Homeowners Policy

Exposure on a family’s Homeowners policy can include the adult child’s personal contents and personal liability. Coverage can be dependent on where the adult child lives, their age, and their status as a part-time or full-time student. Contents can include clothing, furniture, electronics, sports equipment, and other personal belongings.

Most traditional Homeowners policies list the definition of an “insured” as “residents of your household who are your relative”, but typically extend coverage to addresses away from the primary home for “a student enrolled in school full-time, as defined by the individual school, and is under the age of…” Different companies have different age limits, but typically you can expect the limit to be somewhere between 24 and 29. This can present coverage gaps on personal contents and personal liability as many adult children are attending college and remaining dependent on their parents well into their 30’s. Part-time students living away from home can be exposed to the same coverage gaps. Additionally, most Homeowners policies have smaller defined limits for “personal contents away from the primary residence” creating a need for a separate Renters policy to adequately cover the adult child’s personal contents.

It is also becoming increasingly common for parents to provide a residence for their adult children, including renting them an apartment or purchasing them a home or condo. The parents may fund the purchase but the adult child is most typically the primary resident and coverage may not extend from the parents primary Homeowners policy. In many cases the adult child is the only name listed on the lease or deed which requires them to carry the primary insurance coverage.

Umbrella Policy

When coverage gaps exists on either Auto or Homeowners policies, these gaps can also translate to the family’s Umbrella policy on large losses creating a massive financial impact on both parents and the adult child. Even if the adult child currently has limited income or assets, courts have the ability to garnish future wages creating a long-lasting impact on the adult child’s financial future.

It is extremely important to understand coverage limitations and exclusions and discuss your unique family situations with a qualified Personal Insurance Consultant at R&R. We can explain coverage limitations, identify gaps, and present solutions to ensure that your all members of the family are properly protected. In many cases it is imperative that an adult child obtain their own Personal Auto Policy, Renters Policy, or Homeowners policy, and we can assist in finding the most affordable coverage to meet their needs.

Below are real-world examples of situations where coverage gaps may exist:

• Your adult child is not properly listed on a Personal Auto Policy and they borrow a friend's vehicle to run to the store. On the way, they hit a pedestrian crossing the road. Your child was unaware that the friend had no insurance on the vehicle and has no liability coverage for the injuries to the pedestrian.
• Your adult child is not properly listed on a Personal Auto Policy and rents a truck to move some furniture. They choose not to buy the insurance offered by the rental company. Again, there’s no coverage for property damage to the rented truck or bodily injury to others if there’s an accident.
• Your adult child is not properly listed on a Personal Auto Policy and is hit by an uninsured motorist while crossing the street. There are no medical payments or uninsured motorist's coverage for their own injuries.
• Your adult child is not properly covered on your Homeowners policy and has a fire at their rented apartment. There is no coverage for damage to their personal contents or liability for damage caused to other units in the building.
• Your adult child is not properly covered on your Homeowners policy and badly injures another golfer on the golf course. Since they have no liability coverage, there is no coverage for injuries to the other party.

As a homeowner, you are more connected than ever – your phone, computer, network, security system, even household appliances and equipment. These connections have enhanced our everyday lives, but they’ve also opened homeowners up to a wide new range of Cyber Attacks, Extortion, Fraud, and Data Breach. Adding Cyber Insurance to your Homeowners policy can help mitigate the risk created by the modern dependency on data.

Some of the most common Cyber Claims include:

• Cyber Attacks – A targeted attack or unauthorized access or use of a computer or connected home device, including viruses and malware
• Cyber Extortion – A demand for compensation based on a credible threat to disable, damage, or deny access to your devices, systems, or data, including an offer to restore functionality in exchange for payment
• Fraud – Unauthorized use of personal information including credit cards, checks, or account numbers. This can include accepting counterfeit currency or falling victim to criminal deception.
• Data Breach – The theft, loss, release, or publication of personally identifiable information in your care, custody, or control.

Cyber Insurance Endorsements can include the following coverages:

• Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement and Recovery Assistance
• Data Recovery and System Restoration
• Credit Card Fraud, Forgery, Cyber Crime
• Cyber Extortion and Cyber Bullying
• Breach Notification Costs
• Cyber Protection Legal Expense and Damages Reimbursement

If you haven’t discussed your individual Cyber Risk, an experienced Personal Lines Insurance Consultant from R&R can explain the various coverage options and limits that are available to you. We can help design a plan to meet your individual needs.

4 Real-World Claims Examples

1. Cyber Attack An insured opened a file in an email he received that contained a virus. The virus affected their computer, requiring the need to hire an expert to reformat the hard drive, reinstall the operating system, and restore data from a backup.
   Paid Loss after Deductible: $1,200
   
   
2. Cyber Extortion An insured received a ransom email on their computer after they noticed that all files were locked. The email demanded a payment of $2,000 to obtain the decryption key. If the insured failed to pay within three days, the price would go up to $3,000. After that, the decryption key would be destroyed and any chance of accessing the files would be lost forever. After consulting with an expert and approval by the insurance company, the insured decided to pay the ransom.
   Paid Loss after Deductible: $1,500
   
   
3. Fraud An insured received an email that appeared to be from a grandson, stating that he had been in a car accident and was in trouble. He was facing criminal charges and needed payment for a lawyer. 20 minutes later the insured received another email from someone identifying himself as his grandson’s lawyer, including an accident report and the costs to cover the damage. According to the email, the injured individual agreed to accept $5,000 to cover costs. The grandfather was told that the victim would sign a release as soon as that amount was wired and the insured’s grandson would walk away with a clean record. The money was sent as instructed. The next morning, the insured called his grandson and learned that none of this actually happened; he had been defrauded.
   Paid Loss after Deductible: $4,500
   
   
4. Data Breach An insured volunteers at her children’s school and one of her responsibilities is to keep the teachers aware of students’ birthdays and lunch account balances. The lunch account information contains credit card numbers and other personally identifiable information. She keeps track of all this information on a spreadsheet stored on her personal tablet. She does not secure the tablet with a password so the critical data is unencrypted. While on a field trip, she lost the tablet. After consulting with her lawyer, the insured learns that she must notify people that their personally identifiable information was compromised.
   Paid Loss after Deductible: $4,200