| QUOTABLES
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We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.
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I have not failed 700 times, I have not failed once. I have actually succeeded in proving those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.
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We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.
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You can't learn if you aren't willing to find out what you're doing wrong.
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Seek not to follow in the footsteps of men of old; seek what they sought.
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1- 800-233-2398 |
Sparkler Safety July 4th
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC"), approximately 16% of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of sparkler injuries occurring to young children.
In fact, sparkler
injuries accounted for 1/3 of all firework injuries to children 5 years or younger.
These are injuries that would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young
children can be greatly reduced.
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Sparkles should ALWAYS be used under close adult supervision.
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Always remain standing while using sparklers.
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Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
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Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
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Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe
shoes when using sparklers.
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Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.
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Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
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Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
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Never throw sparklers.
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Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm's length.
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Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.
Sparklers have been a traditional means of celebration for hundreds of years.
Let's teach our children how to use them safely and help prevent needless injuries.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks.
For more details, please visit our website at www.fireworksafety.com |
Did You Know
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A freight train consisting of 100 cars and weighing 12-20 million pounds takes over a mile to stop.
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Due to poisonous smoke, you have less then 2 minutes to escape your house if it catches fire.
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On every continent there is a city called Rome
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About 50% of Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace. This is called propinquity
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people between 5 and 27 years of age.
The names of all the continents end with the letter they start with.
Leonardo da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time. |
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FREE VIDEOS FROM OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a program that provides for free loans of safety videos for business use.
OSHA's criteria for loaning the videos is as follows: (1) only two videos per request; (2) the videos may be copied; (3) videos should only be kept for one week; and (4) videos are shipped by regular mail.
The following link connects to OSHA's Web page for ordering these videos: Free OSHA Videos | |
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To Our Valued Clients
On Behalf of American Management Corporation, Its affiliates and your local Independent Agent we sincerely thank you for your business and for placing your trust in us.
As the provider for your corporate insurance packages our goal is to develop and provide you with beneficial programs and materials to assist you in your safety and loss control endeavors.
This monthly newsletter is a collection of articles from industry associations, local and international news and information promulgated internally that we believe will have a positive impact on your company.
The partnerships forged between you, your agent and AMC are of the utmost importance and we value the trust you've placed in us. |
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It seems as if each and every day I get notices that this company or that company failed to report their claim on time. Late reporting can have devastating affects on the outcome of a claim. What could possibly have been denied, or settled for a little sum of money had it been reported within the first 24 hours of occurrence is now out of control and more likely then not in the hands of an attorney. After just three days of not reporting a claim statistics tell us attorney involvement increases by 50% and medical payments can increase up to 16% with indemnity costs increasing upwards of 38%.
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The Claims Myths
Myth #1 "If I ignore it, then it will go away"
Fact:
It is not going to go away. The customer, employee or whoever is involved in the claim is going to get extremely angry and the longer you ignore it the worse it is going to get. Attorneys are going to get involved and what was before a manageable incident, is now out of control.
Myth #2 "I can deal with this claim better and cheaper then the insurance company"
Fact:
Claims adjusters and insurance companies are experts and are trained to handle the complexities of a claim whether its auto, general liability or workers compensation. They understand what the true costs of the loss should be based on the damage, injury and the jurisdiction in which it occurred. Paying claims yourself and not following proper reporting procedures is going to cost you more in the long run and will eventually get you sued.
Myth #3 "I saw what happened and they weren't really hurt"
Fact:
It doesn't matter whether you believe they were hurt or not. A good attorney and a sympathetic jury can cost you.
Reduce your exposure to expensive claims by implementing these action plans.
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Safety Reduction of the frequency of claims through dedicated safety programs
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Immediate Accident Reporting All claims should be reported to the Carrier within 24 hours.
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Use of Quality Medical Network Providers Good physicians who understand your work are essential to getting your employees back on the job and keeping costs down.
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Return to Work Program Employees who get back on the job quickly are happier, cause less problems and cost less in medical and indemnity payments.
Immediate Reporting
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Immediate claim reporting is vital to cost reduction efforts because same day reporting starts the cost containment process. It may well be THE most important activity that allows all other components to operate successfully.
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Your employees or customers can get to the right medical provider in the shortest time.
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The adjuster will begin the investigation process and determine fault and probable costs.
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When claims are not reported early, meaning the same day as the injury, then the claims process becomes very reactive trying to undo processes that have already begun such as clean-ups, employee treatment plans, salvage opportunities, not to mention the inability to locate witnesses to testify positively on your behalf.
It is very difficult and sometimes leads to litigation to try and change the medical treatment already initiated by a physician.
In addition, late notice means that indemnity benefits are delayed and the employee is without income, frequently triggering litigation and many other problems for you and your employee.
Benefits of Immediate Reporting
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Reduced claims administrative costs
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Reduced medical costs
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Reduced lost-work time
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Reduced litigation
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Reduced indemnity payments
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Increased defensibility
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Increased cooperation of witnesses
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Increased chance of procuring documentation and evidence |
2011 Will Be Here Before You Know It.
Are You Ready?
A July 1, 2011 deadline to implement NFPA 58's requirement to retrofit existing propane tanks is the proverbial 800 pound gorilla in the room and it is staring
propane distributors square in the face. Many of are putting it off and some are trying to ignore it.
The mandate, which requires internal valves be added to tanks that are 4,000 gallons or larger, may seem a long way off. But propane marketers need to start making plans now so that their plants will be in compliance
before the deadline.
Specific requirements
Section 5.7.7.2 of the 2004 edition of NFPA 58
addresses these requirements for the liquid and vapor
openings on propane tanks. Vapor inlet and withdrawal
openings must be fitted with either an internal valve or
a positive shutoff valve located as close to the container
as practical in combination with an excess flow valve
installed in the container. Liquid withdrawal openings shall be equipped with either of the following:
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An internal valve fitted for remote closure and automatic shutoff using thermal actuation where the thermal element is located within 5 feet of the internal valve.
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An emergency shutoff valve installed in the line downstream as close as practical to a positive shutoff valve in combination with an excess flow valve installed in the container.
With liquid inlet openings, there are a number of
options to choose from.
Liquid inlet openings must be equipped with any of the following:
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An internal valve fitted for remote closure and automatic shutoff using thermal (fire) actuation where the thermal element is located within 5 feet of the internal valve.
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An emergency shutoff valve installed in the line
upstream as close as practical to a positive shutoff
valve in combination with an excess flow valve
installed in the container.
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A positive shutoff valve located as close to the container as practical in combination with a backflow check valve designed for the intended application and installed in the container.
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A backflow check valve designed for the intended
application and installed in the line upstream as close
as practical to a positive shutoff valve in combination with an excess-flow valve installed in the container.
Liquid openings were required as of July 1, 2003
to be equipped for remote and thermal closure. New
installations must already meet the requirements for liquid
openings when they are first installed.
Depending on the plant complying with the code,
installation of internal valves on the tank may require the
tank be evacuated-a time-consuming task of removing
all of the propane in the tank and flaring off the remaining
vapor. Most gas equipment suppliers can help determine
the specific needs of your plant.
Considering the possible need to evacuate tanks
before retrofits and the number of tanks which will need
to be put into compliance, it's not too early to begin the
process.
As with all upgrade and retrofit requirements there's a real possibility that contractors and parts may be in short supply as the deadline nears. If you don't think it's a problem ask a petroleum distributor about upgrading his UST's in 1998. Those that waited until the last minute paid more and waited longer.
Also be aware that states will be much less willing to grant extensions since the regulation was adopted so long ago and you have had a long time to comply.
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