We’re heading into tornado season, which means employees need to be prepared on the protocols in case one hits near your business. Already, a serious tornado damaged 70 buildings in March in the Vernon area, in mid-Michigan. So it’s not too early to start emergency preparedness in the event one hits near you. Seeking shelter… Continue reading
From Retailers Insurance Company One of the most common workplace accidents involves ladder-related injuries. In the United States, over 500,000 people experience ladder-related injuries each year at work or home, and more than 300 people die from such injuries. In retail, a fall typically involves an employee who’s using a portable ladder, such as step… Continue reading
MIOSHA is suspending enforcement of the requirement for employers to electronically submit information from the Form 300 “Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses,” and the Form 301 “Injury and Illness Incident Report” to OSHA. The suspension is based on OSHA’s rescission of the federal rules requiring electronic submission of the Forms 300 and 301. In… Continue reading
When temperatures fall, office workers bring out the portable space heaters to keep warm. As an employer, you should make employees aware that that portable electric space heaters can present a “major workplace safety hazard,” according to Electrical Safety Foundation International. “Fires can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed… Continue reading
Now that winter is upon us, ask yourself: As an employer, am I being proactive enough when it comes to preventing slip and fall injuries? Obviously those types of injuries go up with the advent of ice, sleet and snow. Here are other reasons to be concerned: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Michigan… Continue reading
If you are involved in trimming or pruning trees, whether at work or at home, understand the hazards and how to stay safe. Breaking tree trunks can be a hazard to workers in the tree or on the ground. Protect yourself by inspecting each tree’s condition before beginning work. Look for rot, which can occur… Continue reading
Retailers Insurance Company has upped its Financial Stability Rating (FSR) from “A Prime Exceptional” to “A Prime Unsurpassed” by Demotech, Inc. Retailers Insurance Company (RIC) reached this level due to its “unsurpassed financial stability related to maintaining positive surplus as regards policyholders, liquidity of invested assets, an acceptable level of financial leverage, reasonable loss and… Continue reading
If you have cleaning responsibilities at work, follow safe work practices. To protect workers from the hazards of cleaning products, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have produced a bulletin titled Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals, at www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3512.pdf. The document addresses several subjects, including safe work… Continue reading
Retailers Insurance Company is a Michigan-based insurer established by Michigan Retailers Association. Currently, Retailers Insurance provides workers’ compensation insurance and group dental insurance to Michigan businesses of all types and sizes. Retailers Insurance believes safe, healthy employees are key to a successful business. These tips are designed to help. Drowsy driving doubles risk New research… Continue reading
Looking back at four decades of experience in Michigan’s insurance industry, Patty Zaskowski discusses the past 11+ years with special enthusiasm. With good reason. Zaskowski, director of underwriting for Retailers Insurance Company, was there at the beginning, going to work for Michigan Retailers Association in September 2005 to help the organization convert its more than… Continue reading