California Insurance News

Avoid Slips and Falls at Your Workplace

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:58:45 GMT

Slips and falls are the second leading causes of loss for business in California. And they can be prevented with a few maintenance and cleaning procedures. Most slips and falls are caused by the floor surface being too slippery from either moisture or from lack of friction due to built up debris in the surface. We want you, your employees and customers to be safe at your business – so keep these helpful tips in mind:

Check Your Floor Friction

Clean floors are safe floors
Most falls are caused by slipperiness related to dirt, grease or debris on the floors or by using inappropriate cleaning solutions that make the floor slippery – that’s why we encourage you to train your employees on the proper way to clean and maintain floor surfaces. You can learn more and get employee training materials on this safety topic when you contact us.
Oh, those darn shoes!
Just as the friction resistance of the floor surface plays a role in slips and falls, so too does the tread and condition of footwear. You can remind your employees to have appropriate shoes for the surface of your workplace, but we know you can’t control what shoes most people wear so it’s still best to focus your attention on the condition and maintenance of the floor.
Make sure you are protected by your policy
Make sure your property and liability exposures are covered. We can make sure your business’s coverage is up-to-date and appropriate for your industry.

To learn more about floor surface types and levels of slip resistance, contact us and ask for loss prevention training tools.

OSHA Offers Free Consultations to Small Business

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:58:00 GMT

Did you know the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers small businesses free, workplace safety consultations?

During the OSHA 2010 fiscal year they provided consultations to 26,000 small and medium-sized businesses employing 1.5 million workers.
OSHA’s workplace safety consultations are separate from inspections and do not result in citations or penalties.
Establishing and following workplace safety standards at your business can significantly reduce risk of injuries, prevent losses from production down-time and potentially save you money.

Many business owners have very full schedules and tight budgets. By taking advantage of this free service, businesses are able to conduct a thorough review of safety practices and hazards, without having to hire additional staff. Identification of workplace hazards, compliance advice, plus assistance in creating safety and health practices at work can lead to higher productivity and better morale among your workers.

So how can your business take advantage of this service? Start by visiting OSHA’s On-site Consultation web page where they instruct you to call to get on their schedule.

While visiting the OSHA website be sure to check into all of the other resources available to small business, particularly the Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) which recognizes small businesses for their “exemplary safety and health management system.” Participants in this program have been known to reduce their Workers Compensation premiums.

If your workplace safety consultation raises any questions or concerns about your business insurance, please contact us. We want you and your business to be properly protected from loss.

Additional OSHA Resources

Consultation on the OSHA site in Spanish – En el Sitio de Consulta En Espanol
Compliance Assistance Quick Start – An introduction to Compliance Assistance
OSHA Publications – Most Frequently Requested

Is Your Home Energy Efficient?

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:38:00 GMT

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues here in California, and they’re not only annoying – they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.

Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.

Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Steve C. Luth Insurance, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.

Do a home-energy audit

Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.

Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver – the area should be completely filled with insulation.
Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.
Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.

The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.