Help Your Employees Prevent Skin Cancer Exposure

If your staff and volunteers are working outdoors, they are at an extremely high risk for overexposure from the sun. And prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, which accounts for almost half of all cancers diagnosed in the United States every year.

As a result of being exposed to the sun’s rays at high levels and frequency, many workers develop skin cancer sometime in their life. Detrimental effects of sun exposure occur later in life, so many workers do not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against the sun’s dangerous rays during their younger years. If the workers at your organization are doing any of the following, they are putting themselves at high risk for developing skin cancer:

• Not wearing sunscreen
• Not applying sunscreen frequently enough
• Not wearing polarized eye protection
• Incurring frequent sunburn
• Wearing minimal upper body clothing when working in warmer temperatures
• Not fully comprehending the dangers of the sun

As an employer, you can take an active role in helping your employees and volunteers prevent skin cancer.

Sun Protection

Take steps to ensure that your employees are adequately protected from the sun, no matter the weather. To do so, consider providing sunscreen for all your employees at no charge. Store it in multiple locations to further enhance its use.

The Importance of a Sun Protection Policy

In addition to these general safeguards, consider implementing a uniform and sun protection policy at your organization, and maintain strict enforcement. Consider including the following provisions in your policy:

• Uniform shirts must be worn at all times.
• In areas where hardhats are not required, a hat that will protect the face from the sun must be worn when workers are exposed to the sun for more than 20 minutes.
• In working areas where an umbrella, tarp or other form of sun protection is provided, this defense must always be used.
• In areas where eye protection is not already required, sunglasses must always be worn to prevent eye damage.
• Sunscreen must be applied every hour to all exposed areas of the skin.

These safeguards ensure that the upper bodies of your workers (with the exception of necks and lower arms) are adequately protected from the sun at all times. And these safeguards will not only protect against skin exposure to the sun, it may counter the exhaustion and fatigue that many suffer when being outside in warm weather for long periods of time. Following uniform requirements also ensures that the public can quickly and easily identify workers – a great worker injury prevention technique.

Preventing Common Trips and Slips in your Facility

There are many common environmental hazards present at any facility that have the potential to contribute to trips and falls. If employees are injured, you will incur excess workers’ compensation costs and staffing challenges while an injured worker is recovering. However, if identified early on, you can prevent employee injuries and contain claims costs.

Common environmental hazards include:

• Wet and slippery floors
• Uneven surfaces or flooring
• Lifting, especially in confined spaces
• Work areas cluttered or obstructed with excessive objects
• Inadequate lighting

To reduce or prevent trips and slips from environmental hazards, consider the following:

• Repair uneven surfaces and flooring
• Install non-slip surfaces or provide mats in bathroom and shower areas
• Train staff to report and/or clean up spills immediately
• Provide equipment for lifting in confined spaces; eliminate lifting when possible in these areas
• Remove clutter or excess objects from work areas utilized by employees on a regular basis
• Increase lighting in all areas of the facility

Our team of P&C experts is here to help. If you need assistance with establishing a safety program for your staff, please contact us at 631-423-9500 today.

Energy and Equipment Concerns for the Summer Season:

Equipment Breakdown Insurance (formerly known as Boiler and Machinery Insurance)

Summertime brings about a new set of concerns for equipment maintenance and energy costs for many buildings.  Most buildings, even schools, are kept open year round. Since your business depends on equipment to function properly, to keep it going and to maintain a revenue stream, a breakdown could be a potentially devastating financial experience. Learn how to protect your business now.  To minimize energy costs and maintain air conditioning systems, Waldorf Risk Solutions provides a practical guide to avoid the major risks in summer building and vehicle upkeep.

• One of the most common breakdowns in equipment is the A/C unit.  Because it sits idle for so many months, dust and rust can form on the machine and in the vents.  Before the season begins, have a technician inspect the equipment for any problems that may arise.  Getting a technician to visit after a breakdown in their busiest season will be difficult.  Be proactive and preventative!
• Similarly, refrigeration systems are taxed during the summer months.  Maintain inspections and upkeep.  If you know you may need a new system, consider purchasing before the busy season.
• With all the extra utilities used in the summer, the event of a power surge is not out of the question.  This not only could be a major cost to repair the damage to machinery, but may also result in a loss of critical data.  Is your business prepared for both on and off premise damages?

Problems with your business equipment can be risky if you are not properly insured. A standard Property Insurance policy will not cover these types of losses. To combat potential risks, Equipment Breakdown Insurance (formerly known as Boiler and Machinery Insurance) will cover you in the event of a breakdown or damage.  For further information on what equipment should be covered by insurance, call 631-423-9500 for a qualified assessment of your property.

 

Tech Insurance Terms to Know

All companies own valuable intangible assets, such as sensitive data, software and intellectual property.  A General Liability policy does not always cover the loss of this intangible data. General liability provides protection in the event of bodily injury or property damage. Technology insurance coverage is designed to protect against the significant risk of economic loss related to intellectual property, network liability, and network and cyber property security.

Specialized technology insurance is relatively new and the terminology is still evolving as more claims are handled and new exposures are discovered. As a result, the terminology can be confusing and hard to understand. The following terms are some of the most common you will need to know to best understand your technology insurance protections:

Cyber liability – A cyber liability policy protects against damage from cyber-attacks, data breaches and other basic risks that result from using electronic communications and data storage. They often cover the cost of recreating damaged or lost data or systems, but do not include the costs that stem from the loss or damage, including legal expenses and data notification costs. Sometimes the term cyber liability is used broadly to describe technology related risks and technology specific insurance in general.

Technology E&O – Technology errors & omissions (E&O) coverage protects against claims by a client that they suffered a loss due to mistakes by your company. These mistakes must be due to error or oversight in a product such as a software program or web service.

 Specialized technology insurance is an important part of your company’s risk management strategy to account for the unique exposures of your business.

Data breach notification laws – These state laws dictate the requirements for notification if an organization were to suffer a data breach that compromised personal data, such as social security numbers and financial and health information. Each state law varies on the time period that individuals need to be notified of the breach and what situations are exempt from the requirement.

Cyber property – The intangible property your company owns. This can include websites, data and networks. These intangible assets can all be damaged. To protect your cyber property you may need to broaden the property enhancements on your existing policy. Also, check if you have any coverage that would protect if your company or an employee caused damage to another organization’s cyber property.

Media and intellectual property liability – All content on the Internet is considered to be published, meaning it is subject to copyrights and infringement. Negative content about a person or company can be considered libelous. Take caution when publishing or posting anything to websites, forums or social networking sites.

The exposures and threats of data breaches will continue to grow as technology does. Waldorf Risk Solutions can help you keep your business protected against these specialized risks.

Potential Risk Factors When Considering Church Insurance

Churches and other places of religious study and worship have a variety of exposures not limited to worship services. Some provide rental hall operations of their facilities. Others sponsor sports and athletic teams, events, and programs. There may be extensive youth programs, from meetings to special events and education. In some cases, there may be a school exposure for preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and/or secondary school. Services may be provided for the disabled, handicapped, destitute, or emotionally and mentally impaired, such as a food pantry, Meals on Wheels, job or credit counseling. Drug, alcohol, and substance abuse services and counseling may be provided.

Types of Exposures to Churches:

Property exposure comes from the fact that the building is often unoccupied the majority of time. This leads to a high potential for small fires quickly getting out of control.  It also can encourage vandalism or break-ins. On-premises cooking may be an exposure and, if so, the fire hazards and controls need to be checked and evaluated. Many churches have installed sound systems that are attractive to thieves, as are computers and other office equipment, video devices, and musical instruments. Some churches, particularly older ones, have ornate woodwork, built-in pipe organs, or stained glass windows that may be expensive to replace in the event of a loss. Smoke alarms and burglary alarms are recommended due to the long hours of no occupancy.

Gold, silver and other valuable items may be part of the church adornments. If such, a fine arts policy should be considered because of the limitation in most policies regarding theft of such items.

A schedule of regular daily visits to the premises can be very helpful in preventing vandalism and break-ins, and possibly catch a small fire.

 Theft of property by an employee or money and securities are an area to be conscious of. The employee dishonesty coverage should be extended to include volunteers. All collections should be counted by two individuals. Deposits and disbursements should be carried out by two separate persons. Annual audits should be conducted. Deposits should be made on a regular basis. No money should be kept on premises and its important to make certain that coverage extends to both on and off premises.

Premises liability exposure is a prime concern due to the large number of visitors to the premises. Facilities must be neat, orderly, and well maintained. All public and life safety standards must be met. All operations should be reviewed to ensure that adequate supervision is in place. There should be an accountability of action to the necessary committees. All individuals who work with children should be subject to background checks and monitored. Any group trips must provide enough leadership to have “two deep” leadership.

Automobile liability exposure is a major concern and has a high potential for loss or injury if any transportation of members, students, faculty, clergy, or visitors is performed. This risk must be carefully evaluated as churches often operate on a shoestring budget and may purchase older buses or vans for transporting groups. It is critical that these vehicles be maintained on a regular basis with all service documented. Drivers must be trained in the proper handling of these larger vehicles. MVRs must be ordered regularly on all drivers. Any drivers who are transporting others in their own vehicles on church-related activities must have adequate insurance and understand that their insurance could be called upon in the event of an accident.

Professional liability and counseling exposures can be a concern. All individuals should counsel only within their area of expertise and licensure.

Workers compensation exposure varies by state. In many jurisdictions Clergy can be excluded.  A proper evaluation of the benefits by contemplating this should be exercised.  Volunteers are a great concern in a church environment and in some cases can be added to a worker’s compensation policy.  Understanding the options to transfer your unwanted risk will help in the continuation of the Churches ministries and protect you from financial loss.

Churches and other religious organizations may take on a variety of ministries. These are unique and require separate review. Consider the ministry and then review the narrative that would fit that operation.

If you aren’t sure exactly what should and/or is being covered by your insurance company, Waldorf Risk Solutions can provide you with a comprehensive checklist at your request.  Please call 631-423-9500 for more information.

A Parent’s Guide to Summer Camp

As the school days wane, a lot of parents have been preparing to send their children to summer camp for the first time.  While the time apart is meant to be a fun learning experience, it can be very stressful, as well.  In a new era of constant communication, not knowing what your child is up to can cause anxiety.  Being ready for all types of instances is the best preparation before your child leaves for the summer.  Waldorf Risk Solutions has been insuring summer camps for years, and can offer a few pieces of advice for worried parents.

The first major hurdle to overcome in a sleep away camp is homesickness/separation anxiety.  It is perfectly normal for a parent to be anxious about their child being away from home, as much as your child may miss you.  Most camps have a policy of limited communication to cut down on cases of homesick children.  If cell phones are not permitted, don’t try to sneak them to your child.  Don’t become harassing or demanding of the staff.  Trust that the camp will know when an emergency occurs.  If need be, set up a protocol with the camp beforehand to alleviate any fears.

On the flip side, trust your child; you know him/her best.  Is this really a case of wanting to be home, or is it something more serious?  Recently, a lawsuit was brought against a Texas camp for negligence when a young boy was sexually abused by his counselor and the camp did not respond to a call from the parents for an investigation.  The camp claimed the boy was homesick, and discouraged parental interaction.  The counselor is currently serving a nine year prison sentence for sexual misconduct with a minor.

Of course there are also the everyday concerns and worries.  Medical situations, understanding rules and regulations, bullies, making sure they are eating…camp is like school, but you’re not there to intervene.  Talk with your child to bring up any problems that may arise.  Let them know this is an important step in the development of their independence, but they are still expected to follow the rules.  Your trust in them will ensure a safer experience while they are away.  The more confident you feel in their safety, the more you can enjoy their time away!

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Save for the Future While Paying Your Medical Expenses Now!

Statistically, the majority of Americans spend less than $500 per year on health care. This means that most people have extra funds available for investing in the future, and an HSA is a great way to accomplish both. By opening an HSA, you can place money into the account to go towards qualified medical expenses. The money that you do not use remains in the account and continues to grow through tax-free interest.

Some things you should ask yourself if you are considering an HSA are:

How do I manage an HSA?

Since you are the account holder or HSA beneficiary, you manage your own account. You may choose when to use your HSA dollars for eligible expenses, such as deductibles and coinsurance. These plans must be coupled with a high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).

What expenses are eligible for reimbursement with an HSA?

HSA dollars may be used for qualified medical expenses incurred by the account holder and dependents. According to IRS Section 213(d), “[an] expense has to be primarily for the prevention and alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness.” In addition, COBRA premiums; health insurance premiums in conjunction with unemployment benefits; qualified long-term care premiums; and health insurance premiums paid by those over age 65 (other than for a Medicare supplemental policy) may be paid with HSA dollars.

What happens if HSA funds run out?

If your HSA dollars run out, you will be responsible for eligible medical expenses that fall within the coverage gap.

Can HSA dollars be used for non-eligible expenses?

Money withdrawn from an HSA to reimburse for non-eligible medical expenses is considered taxable income and is subject to a 20 percent tax penalty, unless you are over 65, disabled or upon the death of the account holder.

When can HSA dollars be used?

HSA dollars can be used immediately following your account activation and once contributions have been made.

When can you contribute to an HSA account?

You, your employer and others can contribute to an HSA account through payroll deductions or in the form of a lump sum deposit. You may contribute as often as you like, provided that you do not exceed the annual contribution limits.

How do you pay your physician or network for services with HSA dollars?

You may request that the network provider submit your claim to your health plan. Once the medical claim has been processed, out-of-pocket expenses will be billed to you (if any). At that time, you can use your HSA debit card or check to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses; or you can write a personal check and request reimbursement from your HSA at a later date.

What happens to HSA dollars at the end of the year?

The money remains in the account and continues to earn interest to pay for health care costs in the following year.

Call Waldorf Risk Solutions if you would like any further information on an HSA.  631-423-9500.