Quick Links 

By Dave Harman, Claims Manger

PCoRP's members learned on November 20 of a $1.5 million dividend distribution based on the pool's financial position. Over the past five years PCoRP's finances have steadily improved, and the pool now has surplus in excess of the surplus goals set by the board of directors. Each member's share of the $1.5 million was determined by their total contributions to the PCoRP Loss Fund over the last five complete policy years, less their incurred claims during that time (capped at $100,000 per claim). Checks were sent to members in early December 2011. While the board hopes to be able to return excess surplus in future years, there is no guarantee funds will be available and members are strongly urged not to budget for an annual dividend.

The board also created a new Loss Prevention Grant Program for members to obtain matching grants for safety projects. The details of this new grant program will be announced in February after the board finalizes the program at their January meeting. The board set aside $500,000 in funding for the grant program.

The board also announced an increase in the risk manager credit, effective with the June 1, 2012 renewal, to 5% for full time risk managers and 2% for part time. This credit is applied to the member's Loss Fund Contribution. The credit was 2% for full time and 1% for part time risk managers.

The dividend, grant program and risk manager credit increases were announced at the annual member meeting held during the CCAP Fall Conference.

Questions about these matters should be directed to John Sallade at CCAP.

From USCommunities.org

The EPA estimates that commercial buildings and industrial facilities account for 45 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. By EPA estimates, as much as 30 percent of the energy used to power these facilities is wasted.

Not exactly sustainable, is it?

Finding ways to adopt sustainable business practices to reduce skyrocketing energy costs and address climate change concerns can seem overwhelming - especially for local governments. Many businesses and local governments across the country are moving quickly to adopt sustainable practices. Others, however, are hesitating, perhaps overwhelmed by the prospect of going green.

Bold moves can make a big difference. When U.S. Communities furniture supplier Haworth, Inc. recently renovated its headquarters in Holland, Michigan, they made a substantial investment to "green" their facility. By adding a 45,000 square foot green roof, and a three-story, 35,000 square foot glass atrium, and designing interior spaces to flex and reconfigure as necessary, Haworth was able to substantially increase its headquarters while holding energy usage steady.

But Haworth also took a number of smaller steps to reduce its environmental footprint - and you can, too.

Here are some quick and simple practices anyone can employ to operate more sustainably:

Power down during non-work hours. Unless yours is a 24/7 operation, there are usually several hours each day (not to mention weekends) when computers, printers, copiers and other office equipment sit idle. Encourage everyone to shut down the machines at the end of the workday - running them in "sleep" mode still wastes energy - and you will make a major, measurable contribution to energy efficiency.

Use compact fluorescent bulbs wherever possible. They may cost a little bit more, but they last thousands of hours longer and consume far less energy than conventional bulbs.

Recycle. Office paper, newspapers, magazines, bottles and cans - all are easy to recycle. Just make it simple: Place paper recycling bins near printers and copiers, and bottle and can recycling bins in kitchens and other common areas. You can even make it fun. Throw a pizza party with the cash collected from returning for deposit bottles and cans.

Ban the bottle. BYO cup and mug. Most bottled water today is over-hyped tap water sold in a container that ends up as landfill or litter. Why not cut out the middleman and self-serve at the sink? If your local water supply doesn't quite suit, order a water cooler service - just eliminate those too tiny throwaway paper cups.

Think before you print. Do you really need a hard copy of that document? Why not print on both sides and use half the paper? Stop waste before it starts. If you must print, recycle it when you're done.

There are countless simple acts of sustainability that are easy to initiate - like minimizing lighting after regular business hours, carpooling to work or off-site meetings (better yet: teleconferencing) and using non-toxic cleaning products. Whether they contribute to energy efficiency, waste reduction or improved air quality, they all make a difference.

The secret is just to get started. Today.

At quitting time, the company parking lot can resemble a NASCAR racetrack or the infamous demolition derby at the Big Butler Fair in Butler County, PA. It almost seems that the first driver through the exit will win the trophy!

To lessen your chances of being involved in a parking lot collision, think about these safety ideas:

• Circle your vehicle before you get into it. Look for any obstacles that you might strike as you start to move, such as another vehicle, a pedestrian or something on the pavement. Even a lunch bag with a glass container might be enough to puncture your tire. Also, check to make sure your vehicle is fit to drive. Be sure tires are inflated properly and windows and lights are free from obstruction.
• Before starting your vehicle's engine, make sure your parking brake is applied. During winter months, warm the inside of your vehicle while you remove any ice or snow accumulation from the windshields and windows. DO NOT drive with just a "peep hole" cleared on the windshield.
• Take your time backing out of your parking spot. Check the rear view and side view mirrors. Look over both shoulders to assure there is nothing in your vehicle's path. Even better yet, park where you do not have to back out. In some instances, it may be safer to back into a parking spot so that you can drive forward when you depart.
• Always practice defensive driving techniques, especially in a parking lot. Look out for the other person, because he or she may not be looking out for you. Stay alert to changing conditions around you. Take your time and give yourself lots of room to maneuver around other cars.
• Observe all traffic signs in the parking lot such as "Yield," "Stop" or "Slow." These signs are posted for your safety.
• Use your turn signals to communicate your intentions to other drivers. Courtesy and good driving habits are just as important in the parking lot as they are on the expressway.
• BUCKLE UP! Never move your car even a few feet without fastening your safety belt and harness. Make it a habit to fasten the safety belt before you put the car in gear.
• When conditions such as rain, snow storms, or darkness make it difficult to see, use extra caution as you walk to your vehicle and as you drive out of the parking lot.
• Falls are a common accident in parking areas. Wear non-slip footwear when conditions are wet or icy. Watch where you are going and be alert for obstacles such as curbs and broken pavement. If you are carrying items, make sure you can see over the load. Check your footing before you step out of your vehicle.
• If you park in an unsecured parking garage or underground parking area, have your car keys in your hands as you approach the vehicle. Arrange to walk with a co-worker to your cars for better personal security.
• Stay alert in parking areas. Watch out for anyone who might mean trouble for you.

Parking lot safety is just good common sense. As children, we were taught to look both ways and to watch where we're going. Now that we are adults, we should remember what our parents taught us. It could help us avoid a parking lot demolition derby.

Coverage Corner 

Reminders and Pointers about Insurance Coverage and Risk Management 

By Karen Cohen, Property and Casualty Programs Manager

Builders' Risk Coverage

When planning a construction project, check with your insurance producer as to how the Builders' Risk coverage should be structured. The construction contract should say who secures the coverage. If you are to secure the coverage, you may have an option of including it under your current property policy. If your current property coverage will not extend to builder's risk exposures, you need to secure a separate policy.
  

CCAP Insurance Programs
 PO Box 60769, Harrisburg, PA 17106-0769
Phone (800) 895-9039 - FAX (717) 526-1020
Claims Fax (888) 692-2368

 Click here to go the Insurance Section of the CCAP Website.

email: jsallade@pacounties.org 

Insurance Matters is published monthly by CCAP's Insurance Programs for the use of members of CCAP's UC Trust, PCoRP, PComp, PIMCC, COMCARE, COMCARE PRO, PELICAN, Health Alliance and other insurance programs, and insurance producers of these members.

Advice contained in this publication is not legal advice and members are encouraged to seek the opinion of their solicitor.

The information provided in this publication is not intended to take the place of professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with competent legal, financial, or other appropriate professionals. Statements of facts and opinions expressed in this publication, by authors other than Association staff and officers, are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent an opinion or philosophy of the officers, members and staff of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP). No endorsement of advertised products or services is implied by CCAP unless those products or services are expressly endorsed, or are owned or managed by the Association programs, or our affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced, modified, distributed, or displayed in part or in whole, by any means, without advance written permission of CCAP. Please direct your requests to John Sallade, Managing Director, CCAP Insurance Programs, jsallade@pacounties.org

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