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One of the best ways to lower Contractor Insurance costs is by creating safer worksites. Construction sites are filled with hazards – moving vehicles, falling objects, heavy equipment, etc. These are the more noticeable hazards because if an accident occurs, it's immediately apparent. One hazard that may not be as obvious is cold winter weather because the harmful effects of cold weather may not appear immediately. 

Hazards of Working in Cold Weather

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, "Anyone who has to work in a cold environment may be at risk of cold-related illnesses and injuries, or 'cold stress.'" Here are cold-related illnesses and injuries to watch for.

Hypothermia – When exposed to the cold, your body loses heat faster than it can produce. Extended exposure to cold temperatures can result in the loss of your body's stored energy, leading to hypothermia or dangerously low body temperatures. Hypothermia can occur at temperatures above 40 degrees F if you're chilled by sweat or snow.

Frostbite – The Mayo Clinic describes frostbite as "an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues." Body parts particularly prone to frostbite are fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Frostbite can occur when the air temperature is below 32 degrees F.

Trench Foot – When your feet are wet and cold for an extended time, moisture can cause your feet to lose heat, which can slow blood flow and damage tissue. 

3 Tips to Avoid Cold Weather Hazards

Training
Empower your workers to make smart choices by training them on working in cold weather. That training should include the following:

• The hazards of cold weather
• Proper PPE
• Symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot
• How to treat these conditions

Personal Protective Equipment PPE
The right PPE can help protect your workers from the dangers of cold weather and help lower your Contractor Insurance costs. Plus, comfortable and healthy workers are more productive. OSHA does not require that employers provide ordinary clothing used solely for protection from the weather, such as coats, gloves, and hats; however, sometimes, it makes good business sense to do so.

• Heavy-Duty Work Boots – Feet are particularly susceptible to frostbite. Waterproof leather boots with rubber bottoms and a warm lining are typically best when working in cold weather.
• Insulated Gloves – Which gloves are best depends on the type of work you are performing. Typically, the best gloves provide a thin nylon layer against your skin to wick moisture away, a liner for insulation, and a thicker exterior. Water-resistant materials are a must if your hands will be submerged in water or snow.
• Hard Hat Liners – Hard hat liners can help protect your head, neck, and ears when working in cold weather.
• Eye Protection – The sun's glare reflecting off snow can be intense. Polarized safety glasses with anti-fog and foam lining are the best defense against sun glare and the wind.

Clothing Layers
Layering clothing is key to keeping warm and safe in any weather. There are three layers you should consider:

• Base layer – The base layer sits directly against your skin and should wick away moisture and regulate your body temperature. Synthetic, merino wool, or silk materials are good options but avoid cotton.
• Mid Layer – The next layer should provide insulation. Merino wool, micro-fleece, and soft shells are good choices.
• Outer Layer – The outer layer should protect you from wind, rain, and snow. This layer should be breathable and either water-resistant or waterproof. 

Call Us If You Want to Save On Contractor Insurance!

Another step to lowering Contractor insurance costs is calling American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connecting with us online. Our independent agents will compare the cost of your insurance with several insurance companies to ensure that you pay the lowest premium.

When discussing ways to save on Restaurant Insurance, we often focus on safety in the kitchen, but accidents can happen anywhere, including the dining room. This means that all staff members should be well-trained, and effective training includes more than just safety training. Good employees are one of a business’s greatest assets and are crucial to the success of any restaurant. Labor Shortage and High Turnover

Unfortunately, the country – particularly the restaurant industry – faces a severe labor shortage. “Restaurants and diners alike are feeling the pinch from the industry’s labor shortage,” CNBC reports. “The industry is still down 750,000 jobs — roughly 6.1% of its workforce — from pre-pandemic levels as of May [2022].” 

Retaining those employees is just as challenging. “Estimates say that at the start of 2019, employee turnover rates for the food service industry were as high as 75%, meaning restaurants can expect to lose three out of four employees over the course of a year,” EHL Insights reports. “In the quick-service industry, this rate can be as high as 130-150%.” 

So it’s no surprise that many restaurant owners think, “Why bother training staff? They’re just going to leave anyway.” This attitude can be short-sighted because EHL also reports the top reasons why employees leave:

• They feel under-appreciated
• They don’t feel their work is meaningful
• There’s no room for growth
• They disagree with the management style
• They don’t get along with their coworkers
• They’re not empowered 

Experts report that training addresses many issues that cause employees to quit making your restaurant more appealing to recruits and reducing employee turnover. 

Benefits of Training

•  Proper training provides many benefits:
• Increased productivity and performance
• Improved job skills
• Lower employee turnover
• Higher job satisfaction
• A positive company culture
• Improved customer service standards
• Reduced accidents and injuries
• Lower Restaurant Insurance costs

Developing Restaurant Staff Training

The first step to EFFECTIVE training is developing a comprehensive training plan on the basics that starts with the end in mind. SHRM states, “Effective training is training that improves performance, and improved performance helps achieve business objectives. Therefore, effective training requires knowing and understanding the business objectives.” 

1. Assess your needs and develop goals and success metrics. 
2. Determine the type of employee training plan.
3. Keep adult learning principles in mind.
4. Develop learning objectives/outline. 
5. Finalize your training plan. 
6. Design and develop training materials.
7. Implement training.
8. Evaluate training. 
9. Measure success. 
10. Reevaluate as necessary. 

Onboarding training provides the skills new employees need to perform at their best. Ongoing training keeps employees engaged. Basic training should be consistent, so everyone is on the same page, but job-specific training (bartender, waitress, cook, etc.) is also necessary. Cross-training also helps keep a restaurant running smoothly.

So, what should your training consist of? Here are some training topics to consider:

• What is Expected of Them – dress, calling in sick, etc.
• Menu
• Customer Service
• Soft Skills or Emotional Intelligence
• Compliance and Safety
• Technology

Everyone learns differently. “Understanding and adapting to the different learning styles is crucial for anyone involved in any form of instruction, whether that’s teaching in a classroom, parenting, leading a Boy Scout troop or teaching Sunday School,” Cornerstone University reports. “Visual, aural, verbal (reading/writing) and kinesthetic are the most common categories that people use to define learning styles.” Using a variety of training methods can help everyone learn better. The following are some training methods to consider:

• Video
• Digital Platforms
• Employee Handbook
• Shadowing
• Role Playing
• Team-Building Exercises
• Peer-to-Peer
• Menu Tasting
• Demonstrations
  
  

Another way to lower insurance costs is by calling American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connecting with us online. Our experienced agents help you choose the right insurance coverage for your needs. Plus, as independent agents, we will compare the cost of that coverage among competing restaurant insurance companies to ensure that you pay the lowest premium.

Call us today and start saving!

The more accidents you have, the higher your operating and Truck Insurance costs; therefore, it makes sense to avoid accidents whenever possible. Large trucks are bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles and can cause more severe injuries and damage in an accident. In 2020, there were approximately 415,000 accidents involving large trucks, 4,444 were fatal crashes, and 101,000 were injury crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

Many accidents are the result of skidding - when tires lose their grip or traction on the road – and understanding the leading causes of skidding can help drivers minimize the risk of skidding. Skids are typically caused by one of the following:

• Over-Braking – slamming on the brakes, which locks the wheels (the most common cause of skids)
• Over-Steering – turning the steering wheel more sharply than the truck can turn
• Driving Too Fast – Driving too fast based on the road conditions
• Over-Accelerating – Applying too much pedal pressure too quickly

4 Tips to Avoid Skidding in Commercial Trucks

Brake Correctly

It’s no surprise that over-braking is the most common cause of skids. If the car in front of you suddenly stops or something darts in front of you, the first instinct for most people is to slam on the brake pedal. Unfortunately, this can cause one or more of the duals or the steering axle brakes to lock up. If this happens, you can end up skidding or sliding sideways. 

Instead of slamming on the brake, gently ease pressure on the pedal. Once you’ve reduced your speed, feather the brake by applying light pressure and adjusting the pressure level as needed. 

Feathering allows air to get in between the brakes and the drum and helps cool the system. It does what anti-locking (ABS) is supposed to do. Unfortunately, exposure to the weather can cause erosion to the ABS, which often means it is not working as it should. 

Feathering is particularly crucial on slippery roads and steep hills. Here’s a video that shows how to feather the brake pedal. 

Use the Jake Brake

“As a big rig is working, the air is forced into the engine cylinders as it enters the intake valve. This causes the air to compress, which converts it into energy that can be distributed. Usually, the pistons take that energy and guide it to the rest of the vehicle to produce power,” Matheson explains. “However, when a Jake Brake is activated, that air is pushed out the exhaust valves instead of being used to power the crankshaft and down-stroke. This results in a drag on the crankshaft, slowing the vehicle without any extra friction on the service brakes.” 

Matheson also states, “Because of how a Jake Brake works, drivers should avoid using them when on slippery road surfaces”; however, many experienced drivers find keeping the Jake Brake switch on the lowest position when driving on slippery road surfaces helpful. 

Keep in mind that some areas have prohibited their use due to the noise Jake Brakes makes. 

Allow Enough Stopping Distance

One way to avoid the need for quick stopping is to allow enough stopping distance. The condition of the road, how fast you’re going, and the weight and height of your haul can all affect how much stopping distance is required. However, trucks will always need more stopping distance than passenger cars. 

For Example, the Utah Department of Transportation (UTDOT) states, “A passenger vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds, traveling under ideal conditions at a speed of 65 miles per hour would take 316 feet to stop (nearly the length of a football field). In comparison, a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing 80,000 pounds traveling under ideal conditions at a speed of 65 miles per hour will take 525 feet to stop (almost the length of two football fields).” 

Mind Your Speed

We understand many truck drivers are under pressure to meet tight deadlines, but safety should always be a priority. The faster you are traveling, the longer it will take to stop your truck, so mind your speed – especially on wet or slippery roads or steep hills or if you are an inexperienced driver. 

Driving at the posted speed limit may not always be safe. Depending on the conditions, going below the speed limit may be wise. ‘In many areas, law enforcement can cite you for speeding if your speed was inappropriate for the road conditions, even if it was lower than the posted speed limit,” DSW states. “It’s better to be safe than sorry and to use your best judgment to determine a safe speed.” 

How to Pay Less for Truck Insurance

Avoiding skids is one way to lower Truck Insurance costs. Another way is to call American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online. Our independent agents will compare the cost of your insurance among competing insurance companies so you will pay less for all of your commercial insurance needs.

Musculoskeletal disorders - one of the fastest growing threats to workplace safety and health – are costing $20 billion a year in Workers' Compensation Insurance costs and an additional $100 billion in lost productivity, employee turnover, and other indirect expenses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2019, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for nearly one-third of all worker injury and illness cases, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Any employee can experience this type of injury, but they are becoming more prevalent with the aging American workforce. A repetitive stress injury (Aka, repetitive strain injury, repetitive motion injury, repetitive use injury, and RSI) is a musculoskeletal disorder. 

The industries most at risk for RSI include the following:

• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Health Care
• Office
• Construction
• Food Preparation
• Transportation

What is a Repetitive Stress injury?

Repetitive stress injuries are defined as painful musculoskeletal disorders "caused by cumulative damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or joints (as of the hand or shoulder) from highly repetitive movements." RSIs commonly affect wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders, fingers, and knees. Any motion or movement can cause an RSI if repeated too often – even typing on a computer. 

• RSIs can lead to several conditions:
• Tendinitis – Inflammation of the tendons
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Excessive pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of a hand
• Muscle strains and low back injuries
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Epicondylitis (Aka Tennis Elbow)
• Trigger Finger – affects tendons that flex the fingers and thumb
• Tenosynovitis – Inflammation to the tendon and the sheath around a tendon

Common causes of RSIs include poor posture, working in the cold, working with a vibrating tool, performing a high-intensity activity for a long time without resting, or holding an awkward position. 

Repetitive stress injuries occur over time. Symptoms include pain, tingling, throbbing, numbness, stiffness, weakness, swelling, and sensitivity to cold or heat. Employees who experience any of these symptoms should not ignore them, which can lead to more severe RSI injuries. 

Treatment of RSIs depends on the severity of the symptoms and what is causing them. Typically, the best treatment is to reduce or modify the activity that caused the injury. 

10 Tips to Prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries

1. Provide ergonomic training that includes the principles and applications of ergonomics; proper use of equipment, tools, and machine controls; good work practices, including proper lifting techniques; recognition of RSI symptoms; the importance of reporting RSIs before they become more serious; etc.
   
   
2. Provide appropriate ergonomic tools, such as chairs that support the back, headsets for long phone calls, and adjustable desks and computer monitors.
   
   
3. Establish a culture of safety
   
   
4. Limit repetitive motions and exposure to vibration
   
   
5. Maintain good posture
   
   
6. Avoid prolonged sitting at a desk or computer
   
   
7. Adjust your workstation
   
   
8. Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks
   
   
9. Stretch throughout the day
   
   
10. Use tools correctly

Lower Your Workers' Compensation Insurance Costs the Easy Way!

Most states – including Pennsylvania – require that all employers carry Workers' Compensation Insurance for all employees; however, there are many ways to lower the cost of WC insurance. Preventing repetitive stress injuries is just one way. Working with the independent agents at American Insuring Group – who offer cost-effective worker's compensation insurance from various competing insurance companies – is another way, and it's easy!

Call us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

To help you lower Contractors Insurance costs, we share many blogs and tips about keeping workers safe because fewer accidents translate to lower costs. We all know that construction sites – with large pieces of machinery, power tools, moving vehicles, and heavy objects - can be hazardous places. After all, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that the construction industry experienced the most workplace deaths in 2020.

Typically, construction site accidents do involve workers; however, your workers don’t work in a bubble. Worksite hazards can also affect the public; therefore, construction safety must go beyond protecting workers.

You also need to consider the safety of the public to ensure your work activities don’t put them in harm’s way. The public – pedestrians and drivers - can be particularly susceptible to worksite injuries because, unlike your employees, they probably have not received safety training. Therefore, they may not recognize hazards common to construction sites.

Assess the Site

Every project occurs in a different environment, which makes potential hazards to the public unique to each worksite. Therefore, the first step to protecting the public is to assess potential risks at each worksite and determine how your work could impact the public. This assessment should occur before work begins and periodically throughout the project, as potential hazards can change.

This assessment should help you determine worksite boundaries. It should be crystal clear where public space ends and construction zones begin. Unfortunately, many accidents occur when adults or children - unaware of the dangers construction sites may pose - inadvertently wander into construction zones.

Setting Boundaries

The NSC states “the entire project perimeter and specific hazards within the project site” should be fenced and gated, and “multiple warning signs on the fence instructing the public that this is a construction site” should be installed.

To determine the proper fencing for a particular project, you should consider the following:

• How busy the area is. How many cars and pedestrians will pass by your worksite?
• The type of construction.
• Location of site and proximity to other buildings
• Existing boundaries

5 Most Common Construction Site Hazards to the Public

Once the boundaries are clearly marked, the next step is to look at what type of hazards your worksite may pose to the public and take measures to keep the public safe. Here are the five most common construction site hazards to look for and tips to avoid them:

1. Falling Objects – Construct sidewalk sheds around the walkways where appropriate and install netting or use toe boards on scaffolds so falling objects are caught before hitting anyone. 
   
   
2. Falling into holes, trenches, and other openings - These openings should be covered and barricaded with warning signs posted.
   
   
3. Being struck by moving vehicles - During construction, nearby traffic patterns may change. If the new route is not clearly marked, drivers or pedestrians can end up in the path of construction vehicles. Therefore, erecting barricades and using signage is imperative. If the area receives heavy traffic – especially during rush hour – a flag person should help direct vehicles. Pedestrians are even more vulnerable to moving vehicles; therefore, if sidewalks are rerouted, they must have a clearly identified alternate route that is ADA-accessible. Adequate lighting can also help eliminate accidents.
   
   
4. Scaffolding – To avoid the public being hit by scaffolding, ensure that there is enough room when erecting scaffolding and that it is properly constructed and maintained.
   
   
5. Materials – Materials that are stacked or stored outside the worksite perimeter can cause tripping hazards. Hazardous or flammable materials can also cause injuries. Therefore, keeping materials within the worksite perimeter and hazardous materials stored in approved storage lockers is best.

Don’t Overpay For Contractor Insurance!

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, accidents occur, which is why Contractor Insurance is vital to protect your business. At American Insuring Group, we perform an in-depth review of your business. Then, we compare the costs and types of liability insurance among several competing carriers, providing you with multiple quotes and our recommendation on the best choice for your business.

So start saving today on your Contractor Insurance costs by calling us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Restaurant Insurance is designed to help protect you as an owner, your business, and your employees in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, such as an employee injury, lawsuit, kitchen fire, etc. But have you thought about how you would protect your business, employees, and family if something were to happen to you and you were no longer able to run the business?

Most small businesses – including restaurants - rely on their owner (or another key person) to keep the business running. If that person is disabled or dies, there could be severe consequences to the business, employees, and the owner's family. Here is how the right insurance can help prevent that from happening.

Personal Life Insurance

Personal life Insurance for business owners is particularly important since you may not have employee benefits such as group life insurance, a retirement account, etc. Personal life insurance for business owners helps your family survive financially if something happens to you. It covers costs such as income replacement, credit card debt, college tuition for your children, mortgage, etc.

When determining how much coverage you need, don't forget to consider any loans you took out to start or grow your business, especially if you used personal property – such as your home – as collateral. Those loan payments don't go away if you die; they become your family's responsibility.

The types of personal life insurance available are term life insurance, universal life insurance, or whole life insurance.

Term Life Insurance is the most popular type of policy. Rates are usually guaranteed for a certain period of years (i.e., for a term). People typically purchase term insurance as a way of obtaining cheap life insurance coverage for their families in case they pass away unexpectedly.

Whole Life Insurance provides coverage for your entire life. This form of life insurance generally has a guaranteed premium for life that does not increase as you age. Whole life insurance is more expensive than term life insurance, but unlike term life insurance, it builds cash value through dividends and interest.

Universal Life Insurance is a hybrid of term life insurance and whole life insurance. Typically, premiums stay level, and dividends or interest are earned on the cash value in the policy. This type of life insurance policy is usually suited for someone who wants a level premium for life but is willing to give up certain guarantees to achieve a lower insurance cost.

Buy-Sell Agreement and Life Insurance for Co-Owners

A buy-sell agreement (aka buyout agreement) is defined as "a legally binding agreement between co-owners of a business that governs the situation if a co-owner dies or is otherwise forced to leave the business or chooses to leave the business." It's often thought of as a pre-nuptial agreement between business partners or shareholders. Most business-succession specialists and financial planners recommend adding life insurance (earmarked as money to pay for a buyout) to simplify the process.

Key Person Insurance

Entrepreneur defines Key Person Insurance as "Life insurance on a key employee, partner or proprietor on whom the continued successful operation of a business depends. The business is the beneficiary under the policy." Key people are individuals who are crucial to your business – the people whose "absence would sink the company."

This type of life insurance can help cover expenses such as business loans, the cost of replacing you (or the key person), severance for employees if the business is forced to close, and buying back the key person's shares in the company.

How to Find Affordable Insurance

The right insurance will protect all of your stakeholders - your business, employees, customers, partners, etc. – and your family if the unthinkable happens. Still, you don't want to pay more than necessary for that protection. Fortunately, American Insuring Group provides quality restaurant insurance at affordable prices. Our independent agents shop the market to find you the best insurance to meet your needs at a great price.

So give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

A seat belt safety program is a must if you want to keep your drivers safe and your Commercial Truck Insurance costs in check. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that "transportation incidents were the number one cause of on-the-job deaths with 2,460 fatalities out of a total of 5,703 fatal occupational injuries recorded." And "The average cost to a company for each property damage only truck crash is $11,020 (in 2003 dollars); per injury truck crash it is $174,367; and per fatal truck crash, it is $3,469,962. The average cost for all truck crashes per truck crash is $62,613."

Why are Seatbelt Safety Programs Vital to Business success?

First of all, it is the law, and failure to wear a seatbelt can result in state or federal penalties to drivers and employers. Plus, if a driver refuses to wear their seatbelt and receives traffic tickets for it, it could substantially increase your insurance costs or cause your insurance company to cancel your policy.

The FMCSA reports that safety belts, especially lap/shoulder belts, are effective in reducing injuries and fatalities and the cost of operating large trucks:

• More than 1 in 3 truck drivers who died in crashes in 2012 were not wearing seat belts (CDC).
• Buckling up could have prevented up to 40% of these deaths (CDC)
• Of the 168 drivers who died as a result of being ejected from their trucks in 2007, almost 75 percent of them were not wearing safety belts (FMCSA)
• 51% of truck-occupant-fatalities in large trucks involve rollovers. In a rollover, a truck driver is 80% less likely to die when wearing a safety belt (FMCSA)

And yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2013, one in six drivers of large trucks didn't wear seat belts.

Why Are Seat Belts Effective?

Here are some of the reasons seat bests are effective, according to the FMCSA:

• Seat belts spread the stress and impact forces of a crash along the stronger and broader areas of the body, such as the hips and shoulders, thereby limiting injuries.
• Seat belts hold you in place while the vehicle absorbs the crash's impact and decelerates.

• In a crash, a seat belt keeps the driver in place behind the steering wheel and in control of the vehicle, thereby avoiding or reducing the consequences of an accident.
• Seat belts can keep you from being knocked unconscious, improving your chances of escape. In less than 5% of fatal large truck crashes, fire or submersion occurs.

Tips for Creating a Seat Belt Safety Program

The FMCSA suggests the following tips to create a seat belt program:

1. Lead by example.
2. Assign a program coordinator from each department to lead the effort.
3. Allow employees to take an active role in safety decisions.
4. Develop a seat belt training program.
5. Evaluate your seat belt program.
6. Promote your successes.

Training should include information about safety requirements (federal, state, and company-wide), the high cost of truck accidents, how and why seat belts are effective, and how to ensure proper seat belt fit and maintenance.

Lower Your Truck Insurance Costs the Easy Way!

Another way to lower Truck Insurance costs is to call one of the Truck Insurance experts at American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

We provide quality Truck Insurance at affordable prices by comparing policies among competing insurance companies and finding the right one to meet your needs!

To lower Workers’ Compensation Insurance costs for your business, you may want to consider a wellness program. Wellness programs offer many benefits and aren’t just for big companies. Statistics show that 58% of small to medium-sized businesses (3-199 employees) provide wellness programs. The return on investment (ROI) for employee wellness programs is $6 for every $1 spent.

What is a Wellness Program?

SHRM states, “Wellness programs are provided to employees as a preventive measure to help avoid illness while improving and maintaining the general health of the employees. This can be accomplished through education, communication, and a supportive work environment.”

Wellness programs may address physical health, mental health, substance abuse, or chronic pain. They may or may not include incentives - such as health insurance premium discounts, contributions to health savings accounts, cash or gift cards, etc. - to participate in the program. SHRM cautions, “Employers should make sure their wellness incentives are designed, so they do not inadvertently lead to unhealthy behaviors. For example, a per-pound weight loss incentive with no limits may encourage unhealthy weight loss practices. Or an incentive for attending a fitness center that expires after one year may result in employees ending their regimens.”

Wellness programs may include one or more of the following:

• Nutrition education
• Diabetes management programs
• Weight-loss programs
• Preventative health screening
• Health risk assessments
• smoking cessation programs
• Stress management programs
• Gym memberships
• Worksite exercise programs and activities
• Vaccination clinics
• Health fairs
• Wellness publications
• 24-hour nurse hotline
• CPR or first-aid training
• Massage therapy services
• Financial wellness
• Recreational programs, such as company-sponsored sports teams

What are the Benefits of a Wellness Program?

Employees spend a substantial amount of time at work, and unfortunately, workplaces often lead to ill health. For example, desk jobs can lead to inactivity and weight gain, and work stress has been shown to cause many health issues. So, it’s no surprise that wellness programs provide many benefits for employers and employees alike:

• Reduction in healthcare costs. In 2019, 72% of employers implementing a wellness program saw reduced healthcare costs.
• Reduction in absenteeism (14-19%).

• Increased productivity. 84% of employers reported higher productivity and performance from their employees due to wellness plans in 2019.

• Reduced injuries.
• Reduced Workers’ Compensation and disability-related costs.
• Increased employee morale. More than 80% of employees who work for an employer engaged in their wellness enjoy their work. On the other hand, of those whose employers aren’t engaged in their wellness, only about 40% say they enjoy work.
• Attract and retain employees. Research shows that 87% of employees consider if an employer offers any type of wellness program when choosing an employer. In addition, 85% of employees who work for an employer engaged in their wellness say they intend to stay at their jobs. On the other hand, of those whose employers aren’t engaged in their wellness, only 58% say they plan on staying with their current employer.

*Statistics from Zippia.

How is a Wellness Program Established and Designed?

SHRM suggests the following steps to establish and design a wellness program:

1. Conduct assessments
2. Obtain management support
3. Establish a wellness committee
4. Develop goals and objectives
5. Establish a budget
6. Design wellness program components
7. Select wellness program incentives or rewards
8. Communicate the wellness plan
9. Evaluate the success of the program

Easy Workers’ Comp Insurance Savings

The independent agents at American Insuring Group will work hard to get you the best price on quality insurance to protect your employees and your business.

Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

Workplace accidents are a significant cause of higher Contractor Insurance costs, so it stands to reason that reducing the number of workplace accidents (and subsequent injuries) will help lower your Contractor Insurance costs. One way to reduce the number of injuries is with Toolbox Talks – informal group discussions that focus on a specific safety topic. 

Since back injuries are a significant concern in the construction industry, a toolbox talk that focuses on safe lifting can be helpful. "Back injuries account for almost 20% of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses with days away from work in construction," according to the Center for Construction Research and Training. "Work-related back injuries and illnesses are caused mainly by repeated lifting of materials, sudden movements, whole body vibration, lifting and twisting at the same time, or bending over for long periods of time." 

And these injuries are costly. The Center reports, "Among all reported injuries in the construction industry, low-back claims are the most frequent and make up the largest proportion of claims costs and days away from work. The prevalence of back injuries among construction workers is probably even higher than the BLS numbers indicate since many injuries are underreported in the construction industry." While you can't eliminate back injuries, you can substantially reduce them with a Toolbox Talk that focuses on safe lifting. 

Two Types of Controls to Prevent Lifting Injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified two types of controls for preventing lifting injuries – administrative and engineering. Engineering controls involve designing workstations to minimize lifting hazards. Examples of this type of control include positioning a work table to avoid long or awkward reaches, using a device to move heavy objects, and redesigning tools. 

Administrative controls include properly training workers, which is what a Toolbox Talk should focus on. 

Proper Lifting Technique

Grainger offers the following steps for safe lifting:

1. Stand close to the load with your feet spread shoulder-width apart. One foot should be slightly in front of the other for balance.
2. Squat down, bending at the knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.
3. Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift.
4. Slowly begin straightening your legs, lifting slowly. Never twist your body during this step.
5. Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to the body as possible. If the load's center of gravity moves away from your body, there is a dramatic increase in stress to the back's lumbar region. 

If you need to set the object below waist level, use the same procedures in reverse order. 

Additional Lifting Tips

• Take your time
• Lift smoothly, avoiding jerky movements
• Stretch before lifting heavy objects
• Store heavy materials at waist height when possible
• Have heavy materials delivered as close to the final destination as possible
• Before lifting, determine the best place to grip the material
• Ensure your intended path is free of clutter and slipping hazards
• Use carts, forklifts, or dollies when appropriate
• Ask for help from another worker 

NOTE: "Back belts are not recognized by OSHA as effective engineering controls to prevent back injury. While they may be accepted by individual workers because they feel as if they provide additional support, the effectiveness of back belts in the prevention of low back injuries has not been proven in the work environment." 

Save More on Contractor Insurance!

Another way to save on Contractor Insurance is to work with one of the experienced agents at American Insuring Group, who specializes in Contractor Insurance. We can ensure you have the best coverage for your specific needs. And as independent agents, we will compare the cost of that coverage with several insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premium for solid coverage.

So call us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online to start saving on Contractor Insurance costs today!

Restaurant Insurance can be complicated; however, the right insurance can protect you, your restaurant, and your employees. You don't want any gaps in coverage, but you also don't want to pay more than you need. Unfortunately, seven common restaurant insurance myths often cause one or both of these to happen. 

7 Common Restaurant Insurance Myths

MYTH 1: A general liability policy or umbrella policy will cover me.

FACT: General liability insurance helps protect your business "premises" from exposure (risk), such as trip and fall hazards. However, it does not protect your business if you serve too much alcohol and an injury occurs, an employee gets hurt, or your catering van is totaled. 

Commercial Umbrella Insurance offers additional coverage on liability claims on your existing insurance policies. If a claim exceeds your policy's limit, it provides a buffer or safety net. It does not provide primary liability coverage. It only goes into effect when a claim exceeds the policy's limits. 

MYTH 2: I'll be paying for coverage I don't need.

FACT: Restaurant Insurance should not be one-size-fits-all because every restaurant is unique. American Insuring Group specializes in Restaurant Insurance, so we know what questions to ask you to ensure that your risks are covered without having the insurance coverage you don't need. 

MYTH 3: I don't need Workers' Compensation Insurance.

FACT: Most states, including PA, require employers to carry WC for their employees. The PA Department of Labor & Industry states, "Workers' compensation coverage is mandatory for most employers under Pennsylvania law. Employers who do not have workers' compensation coverage may be subject to lawsuits by employees and to criminal prosecution by the commonwealth." This includes both full and part-time employees, even if they are family members. There are very few exceptions.

MYTH 4: You can skip commercial auto insurance.

FACT: This is true only if you or your employees NEVER use a vehicle for business. However, your personal auto insurance will probably not cover injuries or damage if a vehicle (owned by the business, you, or someone else) is being used for business purposes.

MYTH 5: Only big restaurant chains get sued.

FACT: According to the Zebra, 36% to 53% of small businesses are sued annually, and the average liability suit costs at least $54,000. Furthermore, SCORE reports, "The financial hits of litigation can be far more damaging to small businesses than to large ones, which often staff in-house legal counsel and devote a portion of their budget to legal defense."

MYTH 6: Small restaurants are safe from cyber-attacks.

FACT: Forbes reports that 43% of cyber-attacks are targeted at small businesses. "If you're still in denial about the chances of your small business becoming a victim, 61% of all SMBs [small to medium-sized businesses] have reported at least one cyber-attack during the previous year," Forbes states. "Despite the staggering numbers, 91% of small businesses haven't purchased cyber liability insurance. This truly reflects how unaware and unprepared small business owners are to deal with security breaches." 

MYTH 7: Restaurant insurance is too expensive.

FACT: The right insurance policy protects your business, provides peace of mind, and can be extremely affordable. Without insurance, one significant accident or lawsuit could put your restaurant out of business, making insurance a smart investment. 

How to Lower Restaurant Insurance Costs

Understanding Restaurant Insurance is the best way to ensure you have the right insurance without gaps or paying for coverage you don't need. As Restaurant Insurance specialists, the American Insuring Group can help. Plus, as independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage among many insurance companies to help you get the right coverage at a great price!

So give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online to start saving on Restaurant Insurance today.