Volume 22 Issue 6

June 2012


www.pacounties.org

INSURANCE MATTERS
An e-newsletter of the County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania Insurance Programs

 

Owned by Members   Governed by Members   Service to Members
In This Issue
Specialty Lines
Save Your Back
Workplace Violence
Reporting the Good and Bad
Coverage Corner
Quote of the Month
 
Quick Links
 
 
NACoPittsburgh 
Join Our Mailing List
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SAME GREAT INFORMATION

Branding our electronic publications is the most recent step in our continued effort to create a consisent look in the products and services you receive from the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. With each of our electronic newsletters you'll find a similar format but each with its own unique design.
 

Specialty Lines

 

Greetings!  

We are starting the June swoon. The kids are out of school, we anticipate vacations and hot weather and it feels like everything is slowing down just a bit... 

 

It is shocking to think that we are almost halfway through 2012. I'll bet you have already started entering events on your 2013 calendar. This is a good time to take a few minutes to reflect on what you wanted to accomplish this year and how well you have achieved those goals. We are doing our mid-year goal reviews at CCAP, and I can't believe it is time for this!

 

Carl Sandburg said: "Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you." It is easy to be swept into responding to the succession of the things on your "to do" list and then suddenly wake up one day and wonder where the heck time went.

 

My point is, you need to take time to reflect, think, evaluate and plan. I recently heard a motivational speaker talk about setting aside time for this, noting this could be done while doing a mindless task (like mowing the lawn). His message was that your brain needs time away from the routine checklist stuff. It needs time to not only recharge, but also to think about things differently. He explained we have to allow a certain amount of time to do nothing to have things occur to us, to let our minds think.

 

Find a way to do this. Read some good books and challenge yourself. Put some music on and just listen and reflect. Spend some time thinking about what you do in your job and how you do it (as opposed to just doing your job). Let your brain process all this stuff, almost unconsciously, and be ready to see what ideas pop up.

 

Make sure you contact us when you need help with something,

 

 
Dental Discount Program 

By Andrew S. Goldschmidt, NACo

 

After a thorough vetting process that included a formal request for proposals and a successful one-year pilot, the NACo Dental Discount Program is now available to all member counties in 47 states. The program gives counties an opportunity to offer their uninsured residents or employees dental and orthodontics savings. The discount card can save five to 50 percent on dental care and 20 percent on orthodontics.

 

The NACo Dental Discount Program is easy to use. County residents pay an annual or monthly fee for access to participating providers who agree to give services at discounted rates. For individuals, the fee is $59 per year or $6.95 per month. For families, the fee is $69 per year or $8.95 per month.

 

With the dental discount program, a county resident schedules an appointment with a participating dentist or specialist and presents the membership card to receive a discount.

 

"Especially during these tough times, NACo is excited to introduce another substantial membership exclusive service with the NACo Dental Discount Program, which can assist county residents and county employees who do not have dental insurance," said NACo President Lenny Eliason, commissioner, Athens County, Ohio.

 

Important program highlights:

 

  • Everyone is accepted
  • Family membership includes all family members
  • Discounts are available at the time of service
  • Unlimited plan usage, with no administrative forms or waiting
  • Significant savings on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root canals and more
  • Discount dental plans are a great option for individuals or families on tight budgets

 

The plan can complement health insurance plans or work with health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement arrangements. This plan is not insurance.

 

For more information on implementing this new program in your county, go to www.naco.org and click on "Solutions Center" and "Help Your Residents" from the drop-down list. Or call for more information (888) 407-6226 (NACo) and ask for "membership."

 

Save Your Back 

By Andrew Smith, Loss Control Specialist

 

No matter what job you do or the industry in which you work, it is likely that some amount of lifting is required. Making the wrong move when you lift an object can cause a painful back injury, and not only when you handle heavy items. Lifting awkward or bulky objects, or lifting from the wrong position, can cause you problems. Overexertion injuries, which most often occur when a load is lifted or otherwise handled, account for 36 percent of the sprain, strain and tear cases in all non-fatal back injuries, requiring more than 100,000 days away from work, according to 2010 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
 

Most counties have a safe lifting program in place, but the number of lifting injuries has not significantly decreased. The National Safety Council (NSC) says that one major reason material handling training is unsuccessful is because behavior modification alone is not an effective means to reduce injury. Instead, jobs must be modified in a way to reduce stress and strain. Once jobs have been modified, conduct regular monitoring and reinforcement of safe work practices to prevent workers from falling back into old habits.

 

Although no one procedure is acceptable for all lifts, there are dos and don'ts from the Council that should be adhered to in all situations. 

 

FINAL WORD

 

Back care must be part of every activity. Lift carefully, practice good posture and use caution at all times. Remember back problems can be caused by accumulated small injuries. Take good care of your back to help prevent painful and disabling injuries.

 

For more information, contact the CCAP Loss Control Services at (800) 895-9039; or email us at:


Gary Nicholson
, Loss Control Services Manager

Maureen McMahon, Loss Control Specialist

Andrew Smith, Loss Control Specialist

Bob Lauzonis, Loss Control Specialist, at

(412) 276-2722

 

Preventing Workplace Violence

By Bob Lauzonis, Loss Control Specialist

 

Workplace violence can happen anywhere, any time. It can come from a co-worker or a stranger. And it isn't limited to physical assault. Workplace violence is any form of threatening or disruptive behavior. It can be as simple as a gesture, such as a raised fist, or as complicated as sabotage.

 

Every year about two million workers in the US experience workplace violence.

 

FREQUENCY OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted a survey to determine the prevalence of workplace violence. Try to guess the percentage of large U.S. employers (with 1,000 or more employees) who experienced an incident of workplace violence within the past year. Is it:

 

A. 25%

B. 13%

C. 52%

D. 39%

 

The answer is C. Of that number, 32 percent of all state government workplaces reported some form of workplace violence, along with 15 percent of local government (counties) workplaces and five percent of private industry establishments. Respondents were also asked if they had implemented any changes to reduce the risk of further incidents. About one in five people said incidents of workplace violence had raised fears and eroded morale. In spite of workplace violence, only 30 percent of US workplaces have formal programs or policies to address the issue. 

  

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

 

Before people explode in violence at work, they may give signals that something is wrong. Here are a few warning signs:

 

  • Social isolation
  • Decrease in personal hygiene
  • Complaints of unfair treatment
  • Excessive lateness or absenteeism
  • Faulty decision-making
  • Blaming others for mistakes
  • Inappropriate comments about revenge, violence or weapons
  • Disrespect for authority
  • Swearing
  • Overreacting to criticism

 

There are precautions workers can take to minimize or prevent violence on the job:

 

  • Don't get drawn into arguments. These can easily escalate into physical fights.
  • Take verbal threats seriously, but don't respond to them.
  • Report all threats to your supervisor or the company's security department.
  • Report all incidents of bullying and sexual harassment.
  • Watch for unauthorized visitors, even those who appear to have business at your place of employment. Crimes have been committed by people posing as employees, contractors and repair persons.
  • Report any suspicious person or vehicle to security personnel.
  • Don't give out information about fellow employees.
  • Keep doors locked before your business opens and after closing time.
  • Always have access to communication devices so you can get help. Speed-dialing numbers should be programmed into phones and emergency numbers should be listed at each phone.
  • Some workplaces have predetermined code words to alert for dangerous customers or visitors. Learn the distress signals used in your workplace.
  • Wear your identification badge, and never lend your key or entry card to anyone. Notify the security office if you lose your keys or pass cards.
  • Trust your instincts.  

 

ADOPT A POLICY OF ZERO TOELERANCE FOR WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

 

Policies are great, but prevention is the key to dealing with this workplace hazard. Many incidents involving violence aren't random; they're often preceeded by warning signs. You can be an essential part of your organization's prevention program by watching out for these 12 warning signs of violence.

 

  1. Overt or veiled threats
  2. Intimidating, belligerent, harassing and other inappropriately aggressive behavior
  3. Frequent conflict with supervisors or co-workers
  4. Bringing a weapon to work
  5. Showing a fascination for weapons and acts of violence
  6. Statements indicating thoughts of suicide
  7. Drug or alcohol abuse
  8. Increased absenteeism
  9. Mood swings
  10. Deteriorating hygiene
  11. Deteriorating job performance
  12. Extreme changes in behavior 

 

Reporting the Bad with the Good
By Bob Lauzonis, Loss Control Specialist
 

Failing to report violence and security threats in your workplace doesn't help anyone. Unless your county and your co-workers know about potential problems, they can't do anything to make your job safer. Your county likely has a zero-tolerance policy on violence. This means no verbal or non-verbal threats or any other form of intimidation or assault. So why would you hesitate to report an incident or potential violence?

 

  • You don't want to get someone else in trouble.
  • You do not trust your own judgment. What if you are wrong?
  • You are afraid of being blamed for the incident.
  • You are afraid of being harassed for causing trouble.
  • You think you won't be taken seriously.
  • You believe violent encounters with clients, the public, or co-workers are just a normal part of your job.

 

Your safety training stresses the importance of reporting all accidents, injuries, close calls and possible hazards. It's just as important to report any incidents or threats of violence. Doing so could prevent something worse from happening and can provide help. You are encouraged to report violence promptly, without fear of reprisal. You are

encouraged to suggest ways to reduce and eliminate risks. Better lighting, enclosed booths for dealing with the public and a worker buddy system are among measures that can improve security at workplaces. Making proper use of security equipment is also part of your job. Don't attempt to bypass safeguards such as guard stations, identification badges, surveillance cameras, metal detectors or turnstiles.

 

Make use of the security tools provided, such as curved mirrors to monitor hallways and concealed areas. If you are issued a two-way radio, keep it with you and make sure it works. Know what to do in an emergency. Do you know how to summon help with a silent alarm? Is there a safe-room/area or an employee-only exit? Get the training you need to deal safely with difficult people. Learn how to defuse a potentially violent situation. In any workplace, it's a good idea to know the danger signs of a potentially violent co-worker. This person might:

 

  • Use intimidation
  • Display a violent outburst, seemingly out of character
  • Talk about weapons
  • Show paranoia
  • Exhibit desperation
  • Have a history of violence
  • Be a loner without a social life

 

Being concerned about security is not the sign of a coward. Alert, responsible employees who report incidents and observations can often avert workplace violence.

 

Slogans and Observances

 

SAFETY SLOGANS

 

  • Safety is a must, carelessness is a bust.
  • Relax safely, but never relax on safety.
  • Careless people get carried away; avoid accidents.
  • To reach the goals that you have in mind, think positive all the time.
  • Accident prevention starts with hazard detection.
  • Positive reinforcement goes a very long way, so tell a worker that they did a good job today.

 

NATIONAL SAFETY, AWARENESS AND WELLNESS OBSERVANCES FOR JUNE

 

  • National Safety Month
  • Fireworks Safety Month
  • Professional Wellness Month
  • National Cancer Survivors Day (June 3)
  • World Blood Donors Day (June 13)
  • National Home Safety Month 

Coverage Corner

Reminders and Pointers about Insurance Coverage and Risk Management 

 

AUTOMOBILE MEDICAL PAYMENTS

 

If an employee is driving their own vehicle on county business and a passenger in the vehicle is injured, the passenger's medical bills would go to the passenger's own auto insurer. If the passenger does not have auto insurance, the bills would go to the employee's own auto coverage.

 

Questions or comments? Contact Karen Cohen, CCAP's Property and Casualty Programs Manager.

 

Quote of the Month
 
Good writing is three percent
talent and 97 percent not being distracted by the internet.
 
- Linda Burkley
 
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Contact Us: John Sallade, Managing Director, CCAP Insurance Programs