Risk Factors

Westfield Insurance Launches New Corporate Website

Westfield Insurance recently launched a new corporate website (www.westfieldinsurance.com)  The new website features many changes that are customer focused and will help Westfield reach it's business goals.   

One of my favorite changes to the new corporate website is the ability for customers to easily obtain loss control information.  The new site features a link directly on the home page to the loss control section of the new site.  On the site customers can find a wide range of loss control information, such as

• Website links to helpful safety websites.  The site not only lists various websites but also provides customers with a brief description of the website and how the site can help them. 
• Technical bulletins to assist business owners.  The bulletins address a wide variety of topics and provide a description of various exposures and measures that can be made to reduce the risk of a loss.  Some of the topics addressed include Copper Theft, 'Move Over' Laws, Cell phone use in vehicles. 
• Sample programs and guides are also available.  Some of the current programs include a Driver's Accident Report, a Fire Impairment Checklist, and a Sample Personal Use policy for fleet exposures. 
• Westfield Loss Control staff author risk management articles for Smart Business magazine.  On our loss control website you can find copies of these articles. 
• The Westfield Loss Control department has partnered with Summit Training to provide customers discounts on safety training materials.  You can find more information about this program and the various discounts offered on the loss control website. 
• Risk Control Assesment Tool- This is a risk control tool designed to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of your business.  The tool also provides action steps to help minimize the risk of a loss and loss costs. 

You can visit the site to see the great changes for yourself using the weblink below. 

http://www.westfieldinsurance.com/business/business_losscontrol.jsp

We are always looking for ways to improve our loss control site and are open to suggestions.  Please feel free to give us feedback. 

Fire Prevention Week - Importance of Home Fire Escape Plans

In a continuation of Fire Prevention Week I thought it would be good to review the importance of developing a Fire Escape Plan. 

Fire is one of the leading causes of home deaths, however, being prepared can greatly increase your family's chance of survival.  Developing a Home Fire Escape plan and having regular fire drills is an easy process and should involve the whole family - - especially children.  Below are some simple guidelines for developing a Home Fire Plan. 

1.  Have smoke alarms on every level of your home. Make sure a smoke alarm is inside or near every bedroom. For the best detection and notification protection, install both ionization- and photoelectric-type smoke alarms. Some models provide dual coverage. The type will be printed on the box or package.

2.  Smoke alarms should be tested on a monthly basis. Be sure to push the test button until your hear the alarm. Consider placing a monthly reminder in your family calendar to help you remember. 

3. Make a fire escape plan of your home.  Sketch out a floor plan of your home that includes every room, door (interior and exterior), window, smoke detector, stairway and fire escape in your home.  Make copies of sketch and place in each room until everyone is familiar with the plan.

4. Determine at least two exits from each room (this may include a window) and mark the escapes on your floor plan.  You may need an escape ladder from upstairs windows.  Be sure to inform family members of the location and educate them on proper use of an escape ladder. 

5. Make sure windows and doorways open easily. Make sure stair and doorways are never blocked. Look for things that could slow down your escape. Be sure to fix any problems discovered. If you have security bars on doors and windows, have a “quick-release” latch. This makes it easy to get outside in an emergency. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use the latch.

6. Children and elderly family members will need help escaping a fire. Plan for this. Know who needs help and pick someone to help them. If anyone in the household has a hearing impairment, purchase special smoke alarms that use strobes and/or vibrations to signal a fire.

7. Choose a meeting place in front of your home.  Be sure that each family member is aware and familiar with your meeting place location.  Once your are safely outside, call 911 using a cell phone or neighbor's phone.  DO NOT GO BACK FOR ANY REASON. 

8. Lastly, practice makes perfect. Every second counts during a real fire. Hold family fire drills frequently and at various times until the escape plans become second nature. Once you’ve mastered the escape process, hold a drill when family members are sleeping so you can test each family member’s ability to waken and respond to the smoke alarm.

There are many good websites that offer additional information and resources on Home Fire Escape Planning. 

www.homesafetycouncil.com

www.nfpa.org

www.redcross.org

Fire Prevention Week

October 5 - 11th 2008 is Fire Prevention Week. 

During 2006, fire departments across the United States responded to more than 400,000 home fires - - that's why this year's theme is "Prevent Home Fires." 

While my blog is generally focused on commercial business loss control I feel that is also important to remember that home safety is equally important.  Therefore, this week you can expect to see more blogs related to preventing home fires and the importance of home fire safety and evacuation planning. 

Did you know that the number one cause of home fires is cooking?  Nearly 40% of all home fires originate in the kitchen. Below are some simple tips to help reduce the risk of home kitchen fires.

1. Never leave cooking unattended. This includes stove top, range and counter cooking appliances, such as fryers or electric skillets.  Unattending cooking is the number one cause of home kitchen fires accounting for nearly 30% of all kitchen fires.

2.   Keep fire extinguishers, baking soda and lids on hand at all times and readily accessible.  Should a grease fire start on the stove first try to put out the fire by placing the lid on the pot.  The lid can help reduce the amount of oxygen present and the fire may put itself out.  Grease fires should always be put out with a dry powder substance, such as baking soda.  Fire extinguishers work great for all other kitchen fires.

3. Be sure to turn the handles in toward to the stove top.  Never leave handles pointing out away from the stove top - - it is easier for these handles to be bumped or grabbed by children.  Remember hot liquids burn the same as fire.

4. Keep the cooking surfaces and surrounding areas clean and free of combustible materials.  Large pieces of food debris or other combustible items located near the cooking areas can combust and start a fire. 

Visit the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) website for more information related to Fire prevention week.  www.firepreventionweek.org

Helpful OSHA E-Tools

Often people will hear the term "OSHA" and immediately cringe and moan.  While OSHA does have a reputation for surprise inspections and hefty fines, the organization also has developed great FREE safety tools.  The safety tools are refered to as "eTools" and can be found on the OSHA website at

http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/oshasoft/index.html

" eTools are "stand-alone," interactive, Web-based training tools on occupational safety and health topics. They are highly illustrated and utilize graphical menus. Some also use expert system modules, which enable the user to answer questions, and receive reliable advice on how OSHA regulations apply to their work site. "

The eTools cover a wide variety of topics, such as Construction safety, Eye & Face protection, Evacuation Plans & Procedures, Computer workstations (ergonomics), Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO), Poultry processing, Forklift safety and Silica exposures.  Two of the eTools are also provided in Spanish: Construction Safety and Sewing. 

These eTools are FREE and can be a great tool for any safety professional.  Keep these in mind the next time you are looking for safety related information for a safety meeting or training day.