There are so many little things that make a workplace not only function, but blossom. There are those people, often unsung, who step up and assume adult responsibility to ensure life is good in the office. They make the first pot of coffee in the morning, replace the paper in the copier when it runs out, periodically clean out the refrigerator in the break room, help clean off the snow and ice on the sidewalk and generally clean up after themselves in the manner of a responsible adult.

We don't talk about these people enough. We probably have not had to train them to do these things, but someone did. If it was not at home, it was in another workplace. Maybe someone in your workplace did it by modelling positive behavior. You might have done it yourself, as they noticed what you do and realized it was the right thing to do.

I truly believe these kind of little things are the border trim to what becomes a beautifully painted office suite. If we are doing these things to help each other, to make our workplace better for everyone who works there, I am sure that attitude translates to the customer service we provide to our clients.

Serving others often comes to the forefront during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Too often the busyness of work and life erode that service emphasis throughout the year. So this January, let's keep it going. Right now local charities are wondering where all those November and December volunteers have gone. Coworkers are wondering where the holiday cheer went, and when someone will take down the holiday decorations. This January, let's keep the little things going. It will help get through the cold, gray days of January and February. It will make our workplace warmer.

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

                              John Sallade 

As part of the administration of CCAP's Tax Collector Bond Program, which provides the required surety bond coverage for tax collectors in 52 counties, we provided a detailed update to all counties about the new Act. The memo was emailed to all counties in November, 2014. For a copy, click here.

2nd, 2A, 3rd and 4th Class Counties Representative

Ed DiMattio, Erie County Council Member

Al Ambrosini, Fayette County Commissioner

5th Class Counties Representative

No nominations.

6th Class Counties Representatives (two

positions)

Patty Evanko, Indiana County Commissioner

Kirt Morris, Bedford County Commissioner

7th & 8th Class Counties Representative

Dee Robinson, Union County Chief Clerk

At Large Representative (two positions)

Jean Zore, Elk County Chief Clerk

Ed DiMattio, Erie County Council Member

Otis Riden, Mifflin County Commissioner

Since there were no nominations for 5^th Class County Representative, the position becomes an At Large Representative, which is why there are two At Large positions up for election.

Since there was no competition for the 6^th Class and 7^th and 8^th Class positions, Patty Evanko, Kirt Morris and Dee Robinson were reelected.

Ballots to determine the 2nd, 2A, 3rd and 4th Class Counties Representative and the At Large Representatives were emailed to all PComp counties in early December, and results will be announced in the February issue of Insurance Matters.

Most employees know that shoveling snow and breaking up ice can be exhausting, but they may not be aware of the extent of their risks.

Cold Weather Hazard Statistics

Encourage employees to take the hazards of heavy work in cold weather seriously:

• Snow shoveling causes an average of nearly 100 deaths and 11,500 emergency department visits each year in the United States.
• The most frequently injured area of the body is the lower back (34%).
• Heart problems make up 7% of the injuries-but 100% of the deaths.
• The most common cause of injuries was acute musculoskeletal exertion (54%).
• Slips or falls (20%) are the second most common cause of injuries.

Snow Shoveling Safety guidelines

Shoveling snow is an extremely strenuous activity, especially if there's a lot of snow or if the snow is wet and heavy. Some recommendations are:

• Use ice melt, salt, or sand to decrease the hazard of icy surfaces-and the stress of clearing them.
• Snow shoveling may cause a quick increase in an employee's heart rate and blood pressure.
• Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds extra strain on the body.
• Employees should check with their doctors to see if they should be able to do at least moderate shoveling.
• Pick the right shovel. A smaller blade will require an employee to lift less snow, putting less strain on their body.
• Plastic shovels weigh less than metal shovels, and snow is not as likely to stick to them. These factors add less weight to the load. Spray the blade with a lubricant to keep snow from sticking.
• Pick up smaller loads of snow. It's best to shove by sections. If you are experiencing snowfall levels of 12" or higher, take it easy and shovel two inches off at a time.
• Try to clear snow early and often and take frequent breaks. Begin shoveling when a light covering of snow is on the ground.
• Push snow rather than lift it when possible, especially when the snow is heavy. 

For assistance or more information regarding Ice and Snow Removal Tips, contact the CCAP's Loss Control department at (800) 895-9039; or email us at:

Maureen McMahon, CPS, ARM-P, Loss Control Specialist
Andrew Smith, Loss Control Specialist

Dennis Cutler, CHSM, Loss Control Specialist

Gary Nicholson, CHSP, Loss Control Services Manager