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Specialty Lines
Here at CCAP we are preparing for 2016. Most of our insurance boards have met for the last time in 2015, and you will see summaries below of the actions they have taken for the coming year. We are also planning our once-every-four-year welcome training for newly elected commissioners, a two day add-on to the CCAP Fall Conference. As part of that training I get to do an introduction to county risk management, and we get a chance to meet and start to build relationships with the people who will be responsible for county government for the next four years.
It is also a bittersweet time, as many CCAP members are ending their service to counties, many because they have chosen to retire and some who have had that mantle thrust upon them. They all deserve our thanks for stepping up and serving the public.
We will be actively visiting counties in 2016 to bring everyone up to date about their involvement in CCAP's insurance programs. As you begin work with your new boards, or start another term with the current board, make sure you let me know when you think a visit would be productive. We know that risk management and insurance, the sexiest topics of county government, are not always the first area of interest for commissioners. But they are very important, and if done poorly can be very expensive. We are happy to visit and will be in touch to set up meetings, but don't feel you have to wait for us.
We are also going to be looking for some new members of our insurance boards, to replace those who have retired. Those with financial, insurance, risk management or personnel experience would be good additions to the insurance boards. Let us know if someone in your county, including a newly elected official, is someone we should consider.
Make sure you contact us when you need help with something,
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PCoRP Loss Prevention Funding Continued, Dividend to be Announced!
The PCoRP Board of Directors met on September 11, 2015, at CCAP. In addition to reviews of legal matters, claims, underwriting, risk management training and risk control updates, the board met with the PCoRP financial auditors to review the 2014-15 financial audit. The audit results were: Assets at the end of the year were $49,024,701. Income for the year was $9,840,364 and expenses were $9,683,387 leaving net operating income of $156,977. Non-operating income (mainly investment returns) was $2,532,896 leaving earnings for the year of $2,689,873. The Fund Balance at year end was $34,983,566. The Board also reviewed some questions regarding the PCoRP Loss Prevention Grants, agreeing the grants should not be used to cover items which were prior budget items for the member (ongoing expenses), and should not be used to purchase weapons. For the 2016-17 policy year the Board allocated $15,000 per member from surplus to continue funding the Loss Prevention Grants. The Board also agreed to distribute another dividend to the members, which will be announced at the November 22 PCoRP Delegates Dinner. Recommended language and costs for liability coverage for drones was approved. Members will be provided a choice of a $1 million, $2 million or $3 million limit, for a cost of $1,500, $1,750 or $2,000. Coverage will include requirements for compliance with FAA rules and regulations, which also includes the permitted uses of the drone and operator qualifications and certifications. Any questions about the PCoRP Board meeting, or PCoRP, can be directed to John Sallade at CCAP.
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PComp Board Plans for 2016
The PComp Board of Directors met on September 25, 2015, at the CCAP office.
The Board adopted underwriting policies for new business applications, limiting acceptance to no more than 90 days prior to renewal, and no later than 30 days before the January 1 renewal. The Board also agreed that should a non-incumbent producer approach PComp to provide a quote to a county, staff will contact the county prior to working with the producer to obtain the county's approval to work with the producer.
The Board adopted the budget for 2016 and approved experience modifications for the members for the coming policy year.
The Board adopted proposed rates for 2016 which will provide a decrease in rates, subject to approval by the Department of Labor & Industry. The Board also reviewed claims, legal, underwriting, risk management training and risk control reports from staff.
Any questions about the PComp Board meeting, or PComp, can be directed to John Sallade at CCAP.
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UC Rates to Decrease 6.2% for 2016!
Rates for members of the CCAP Unemployment Compensation Trust will decrease by an average of 6.2 percent for 2016, based on action taken by the Trustees at their October 9 meeting.
The Trustees met at the CCAP office and reviewed financial, claims, legal, EAP services and administrative issues. The Trustees also adopted the 2016 budget.
The Trust will continue to adjust its rates to comply with changes being implemented by the state regarding the taxable wage amount. For 2016 the taxable wage amount will increase to $9,500 from the 2015 amount of $9,250.
Any questions about the Trustees meeting, or the UC Trust, can be directed to Julia Jackson at CCAP.
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A Guide to Portable Fire Extinguishers
By Keith Wentz, Risk Management and Underwriting Manager You know fire extinguishers are important and understand their basic function, but are you aware if your organization has extinguishers? If so, what types are installed, where they are located and do you know how to properly use and maintain them? Portable fire extinguishers can be extremely effective in combating small fires within the workplace. However, not all extinguishers are the same. There are different classes for different types of fires. Proper selection and placement of extinguishers is extremely important. It's also essential that once installed, the units are carefully inspected and maintained and all employees are trained on proper use.
Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers:
Class A
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Identified by a green triangle containing the letter "A."
Used for wood, paper, cloth, cardboard and most ordinary combustibles.
Contains water.
| Class B
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Identified by a red square containing the letter "B."
Used for flammable liquids, such as oil, solvents, greases and gases.
Contains dry chemicals, carbon dioxide or halogenated agents to smother the fire with foam.
| Class C
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Identified by a blue circle containing the letter "C."
Used for energized electrical equipment, such as electrical boxes, panels, transformers, etc.
Contains dry chemicals, carbon dioxide or halogenated agents to smother the fire with powder.
| Class D
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Identified by a yellow five-pointed star containing the letter "D."
Used for combustible metals.
Contains dry powder agent (specific to the combustible metal involved). | Class K
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Identified by the letter "K."
Used for fats, grease and oils in commercial kitchens.
Contains wet chemicals (potassium acetate). |
Placement and Maintenance:
Select and position portable fire extinguishers based on the potential type and size of fire that can occur. Make sure size and spacing is in accordance with industry standards.
Mount fire extinguisher units on brackets or in wall cabinets with the carrying handle placed three and a half to five feet above the floor. Position larger units at lower heights with the carrying handle about three feet from the floor.
Make sure your organization has a program that addresses the maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers. Each month, this program should ensure that:
- Extinguishers are in their assigned location, clearly visible and not blocked or hidden by objects that would interfere with access.
- Name plates with operating instructions are legible and facing out ward.
- Pressure gauges indicate that the equipment is fully charged (in the green zone).
- Pins and tamper seals are intact.
- Equipment is in good condition with no physical damage, corrosion or leaks.
- If the powder in dry powder extinguishers becomes packed, it can be loosened by gently rocking the extinguisher from top to bottom.
Employee Training:
Make sure employees know and follow all fire safety rules:
- Communicate your organization's employee evacuation plan and conduct periodic fire drills.
- Provide specific guidelines for using portable fire extinguishers.
- Identify the location of all fire extinguishers within your facility and train employees on extinguisher parts and operation. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher training.
However, as a general rule, the four-step "PASS" process can be used for operation:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly to discharge the material.
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
Stress that safety is paramount. If there is an instance where life is threatened, instruct employees to immediately leave the facility.
When selecting a portable fire extinguisher, make sure it carries the label of an independent, nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).
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New U.S. Communities Contracts
HVAC Contract with Trane:
The U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance, a program endorsed by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), has announced that Trane has been awarded the contract to provide HVAC Products, Installation, Services and Related Products and Services for U.S. Communities. To learn more about this exclusive contract click here. Electronic Ballot Solutions with Democracy Live:
U.S. Communities announced the launch of a new contract for electronic ballot solutions with Democracy Live. Democracy Live's innovative technology makes it possible for voters with disabilities, voters in the military, and Americans living abroad to access their local ballot materials online. Democracy Live strives to ensure its tools are cost effective and create efficiencies that improve the delivery and processing of ballots. Learn more by attending a free one-hour webinar, offered by U.S. Communities.
- November 17 at 11:00 am EST
- November 19 at 1:00 pm EST
PENNSYLVANIA COMPLIANCE: Pennsylvania law allows an absentee application and an absentee ballot to be sent electronically. Although it is not permitted to cast the ballot electronically, it should be noted that Democracy Live has technology available that can conform to accommodate Pennsylvania regulation. As of today it is not currently legal in any state to allow voters to cast ballots online.
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We've got Email
We are p leased to announce that we've created a general email address dedicated to supporting you, our members. We know it's not easy to keep track of the job functions of each staff member in the Insurance Department. When you are not sure who handles the matter you need assistance with, w e encourage you to send an email to insurance@pacounties.org and we will deliver that email to the appropriate staff person. Let's be honest email, is a preferred method of communicating for most of us, and we want to make your experience easy. Please add our email to your address book and directories: insurance@pacounties.org.Thank you for helping us serve you better. We look forward to responding to your emails. |
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Fall Workshops Coming to a Close!
By Linda Rosito, Risk Management Training Director The fall workshop season is coming to a close, but there are still two great training opportunities left. On November 5, 2015, we are offering our Prison Personnel Workshop at the Nittany Lion Inn, State College and on November 18, 2015, we are offering our County Risk Managers Council in western PA. The spring workshop season is around the corner and we are now in the planning process. If you have suggestions of topics, please feel free to contact Linda Rosito. Our goal with these workshops is to offer you the trainings on topics that you want and need. The spring edition of the Glimpse will be coming out in late February. If you do not already receive the training catalog but would like too, click here to send us email. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Linda Rosito, Risk Management Training Director at (800) 895-9039 x 3328. Thank you for your continued support of the CCAP Insurance Programs trainings! |
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Upcoming Events
COMCARE Board Meeting
November 17, 2015, 11 a.m. - 3p.m.
CCAP Office - Harrisburg
County Risk Managers Council
November 18, 2015, 10 a.m. - 3p.m. |
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HOT TOPIC
Notaries who Work for the County
Here's an interesting question we have received recently. Many counties have one or more staff members who are notaries. This makes sense, and it helps get paperwork done for the public and for the county. Some of those notaries have asked us if they need to buy their own E & O (Errors and Omissions) insurance.
If your county is a member of PCoRP, PCoRP would cover the notary for the work they do for the county. The notary would still need to buy their own bond, as required by law, but if they do not do any personal work and only notarize for the county, the PCoRP liability coverage would respond to a county related claim.
For more information, contact Karen Cohen at CCAP.
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| Quote of the Month
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
- Thomas A. Edison
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