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Monthly Archives

January 2016

Jan 04
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Early Safety Teaching for Young People

By Workplace Safety
school-1019989_960_720It’s no surprise that younger people can be foolhardy when it comes to how they conduct themselves which can spell trouble for employers. A large percentage of the population hasn’t lived long enough to have that pesky but sometimes useful emotion of fear instilled within them. We’ll never get anywhere as a society if older people never give them a chance though. If you’re an employer, you’ve probably wrestled with this problem time and time again, and while frustrating, you can step up your safety training before they even get on the job to lessen the risks.

Repetition Is Your Friend

It’s not necessarily pandering to repeat the same things over and over again to a young person, it’s just a way to trigger warning bells in their head before a disaster occurs. It has nothing to do with intelligence, it’s just human nature that we only have room in our brains for so much working information at any given time. For example, if they come across a piece of machinery, then they should have been over the proper safety protocol enough times that they don’t even have to think about what to do. It becomes entirely instinctual for them to make that first step. Also, you might think about trying different mediums to get the message across. Some people learn better by reading, others through practical demonstration or visual charts or videos.

Walking Them Through It

Specifics can be helpful here, so set up as many practical demonstrations as possible. Look through all of the ways someone has injured themselves in the past, and ensure that the emphasis is put on these problem areas. In a real emergency, you can’t account for everything, but giving them a sense of caution can be enough to stop them from making a terrible choice. This can help them strike the right balance between paralyzing fear and impetuous actions. Find out how much they already know about worker safety before they even begin their job, and ask them to seek out the potential hazards in every demonstration before you tell them. They may even bring something to your attention that you hadn’t yet considered.

Two Way Communication

You’ll need their input as much as they need yours. If an accident almost occurred, then they should bring this to your attention, so you have the opportunity to address the problem. If they’re developing an injury due to work, you need that information when it starts before the problem is exacerbated with the same activity. Encourage them to talk to you or write you a note, even if they don’t think it’s worth mentioning. You can be the judge, and you can set up your communication in such a way that doesn’t make them feel like they’re wasting your time.
Jan 04
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Preventing Workers Comp Fraud

By Workplace Safety
accident-994009_960_720Unfortunately there are a certain amount of people who are going to scam you. In the case of workers comp, your employees may find doctors or other ‘experts’ who are willing to jump on that train for the money. It’s maddening, but impossible to mitigate against entirely. No matter what kind of business you operate from the cushiest office job to the most hazardous conditions, make sure you understand the basic practices which can help reduce or eliminate the number of incidents you may face.

Use Your Network

This is probably going to be your best way to go about preventing workers comp fraud, but it’s also going to be the hardest one to navigate. As a boss, you have a hard job to do when trying to strike relationships with your employees. You’ve probably seen first-hand how being their friend is definitely not a good strategy. They need to respect you, and if they don’t then you open yourself up to a world of problems. However, since you can’t spend all of the time with your employees, it’s fellow co-workers who can speak up about whether or not they feel that someone isn’t trustworthy. If you ask them directly though, they may not feel comfortable telling you (or feel like they’re being a snitch.) The best way to go about this is to either find a way for people to be truly anonymous when giving out information or creating an environment where truth and morality are the most important values in the work place. Show your workers how much you need them and they’ll be more likely to respond by helping you and the company out. In order for this to work, you’ll need to have sound hiring practices, so don’t skimp on calling references and former employers before hiring someone. You can go the drug testing/video surveillance/lecture route, but it won’t create a healthy environment. People will start their jobs already feeling like criminals, and no one wants that kind of treatment. It will likely just make people resent the company.

Have Strong Policies in Place For Claims

There should be a specific way to handle injury claims should they happen, and it should be made clear that the investigation process will be thorough. Send out the information for people to read or have a meeting about it. If the workers see that it’s important to you, and that you’re ready for whatever may come your way, they may be less likely to even consider fraud because they know you’re on top of it. It also helps you feel prepared if the worst does happen to strike, and can save you from feeling like you’re powerless when unexpected events occur.
Jan 04
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Best Snow Removal Tips for your Property

By Personal Perspective

winter-1088022_960_720Snow removal is one chore every property owner must do. Most towns and municipalities have ordinances that require property owners to keep public walkways clear. Use the best snow removal tips as you remove snow this winter.

Sidewalk

You can use either a shovel or a snow blower to clear your sidewalks. A plastic, metal or electric shovel works great if you have short sidewalks or live in an area that receives less than four inches of snow each year. Otherwise, consider buying a snow blower.

An electric snow blower is virtually maintenance-free. It clears a path that’s 14 to 18 inches wide and is ideal if you receive up to 12 inches of snow annually.

Invest in a gas-powered snow blower if you have a large area to clear or receive up to 40 inches of snow annually. A single-stage snow blower clears a path that’s 18 to 22 inches wide and is fairly easy to handle.

You’ll want a double-staged snow blower if the snowfall exceeds 40 inches a year or you have more than 150 feet of sidewalk to clear. It clears a 24-to-30-inch path, and certain models can handle snow that’s 20 inches deep.

Steps

Packed snow and ice on steps makes them treacherous. Use a shovel or broom to clear them. You can also spread a thin layer of ice melting agent on your steps.

  • Sodium chloride (rock salt) works best when the temperatures are above 25 degrees.
  • Calcium chloride works in below-zero temperatures but can leave a slippery residue on your steps.
  • Calcium magnesium acetate is expensive but is salt-free, biodegradable and less corrosive than salt on concrete.

Roof

You typically don’t have to remove snow from your home’s roof unless you receive a heavy, wet snowfall. Six inches of wet snow weighs the equivalent of 38 inches of dry snow and can cause roof damage. When your home’s interior and closet doors begin to stick or you see drywall or plastic cracks around them, your roof is beginning to buckle under the snow’s weight.

If you can reach the roof with your long-handled snow rake with a telescoping handle and built-in rollers, go ahead and do the job yourself. Otherwise, hire a licensed and insured professional. They own the extension ladders, anchor harnesses and other specialty tools needed to climb onto your roof and remove snow safely.

Proper Technique

Any time you remove snow, dress in layers, bend with your knees and pace yourself.

The next time it snows, use these snow removal tips as you clear your property. In the meantime, make sure your homeowner’s insurance is updated and will cover any snow-related damages or injuries.

Jan 04
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Easy Ways to Track Your Home’s Inventory

By Personal Perspective
house-insurance-419058_960_720If your home would be burglarized, affected by a storm or damaged by a fire, could you list everything you owned? Probably not, and that’s why you need a home inventory. It’s a list that proves the value of your home’s contents and impacts the payout your insurance company makes. Here are several easy ways to track your belongings.

Why do you Need a Home Inventory?

The insurance company needs proof that you actually own the items you’re claiming were lost, damaged or stolen. Your inventory list will also assist the insurance company in determining an accurate replacement value for everything on your claim.

Organize by Category

Some homeowners find that it’s easier to organize their belongings by categories. Furniture, artwork, electronics and jewelry would be possible headings. Under each category, you would list the items you own. With this inventory system, you have a list of your possessions even if you frequently rearrange your rooms.

Organize by Room

You can also track your belongings by room. Start in the kitchen and list the dishes, pans, food items and linens. Continue walking through each room until you have a complete list of everything you own.

Details to Include on Your List

In addition to the list of items you own, add a few details to your inventory so that you can give the insurance company an accurate view of your possessions. You’ll need to estimate the value of each item and include the sales receipt with your inventory list, if applicable. Record serial numbers for electronics and appliances, too. Also, consider taking pictures or a video of the items you own. This way, you have visual proof of the item’s condition at the time it was damaged, lost or stolen.

Schedule Inventory Updates

Because you probably buy and sell stuff regularly, you’ll need to update your home inventory list frequently. Consider making this task a semi-annual event or add it to your monthly schedule if you frequently buy and sell stuff. Then discuss your inventory with your insurance agent. You need to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage in case you must file a claim.

Store Your Inventory List Wisely

It does you no good to store your inventory list where you can’t access it. Make a written copy and keep it in a bank lock box or with a trusted friend. You can also store a digital copy of your inventory on a USB or online in an encrypted file.
By making a home inventory, you simplify the task of filing an insurance claim. Use these easy steps as you perform this essential task.
Jan 04
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What Are Your Options After Your Car is Totaled?

By Personal Perspective
car-831928_960_720After your car is in an accident or damaged for any reason, your insurance company may total it. You’re already upset, and now you can’t drive your car. What should you do next?

What Does “Totaled” Mean?

Repairing a damaged vehicle could cost more than the vehicle is worth. In this case, your insurance company may not pay for the repairs. Instead, it will declare your vehicle a “total loss”.
To determine whether or not they’ll repair the car, some insurance companies require for damages to exceed 51 percent of the car’s pre-accident value. Other companies set the threshold at 80 percent. Your insurance company will also add the cost of repairs and the cost of a rental car and compare that total to your car’s cash value as they decide if repairs are worthwhile.

What Happens to Your Vehicle After It’s Totaled?

Once your car is totaled, you’ll receive a check for the vehicle’s actual cash value minus the auto insurance deductible you owe. Your vehicle is then transported to a salvage yard where it’s auctioned and typically chopped into parts. Your insurance company keeps any profit made from your vehicle’s salvage.

Can You Keep Your Car?

Maybe you’re completely attached to your car and don’t want to total it. You can insist on keeping the car and then pay for the repairs yourself. The insurance company will subtract the deductible and salvage yard payout from your car’s actual cash value. You need to make sure the insurance company and adjustor know that you want to keep your vehicle as soon as possible, though, because once it’s totaled, you’ll have a tough time retrieving it from salvage. The vehicle must also pass inspection before it can be insured again.

What if You Disagree With the Assigned Value?

The insurance company uses several factors to determine your auto’s value, including its mileage, special equipment and pre-accident condition. If you disagree with that value, you can hire an independent appraiser to perform an inspection of your car and put the results in writing. If you are still unable to come to an agreement about your car’s value, contact your state’s department of insurance. A consumer representative will investigate the case and mediate. If these steps do not work and you still think you deserve more money, pursue arbitration or litigation. Decide first if your vehicle is valuable enough to pursue the cost of legal action.
Getting your vehicle totaled is no fun, but you do have options. Know what they are as you figure out what to do next. Make sure you have adequate auto insurance, too, as you protect yourself and your investment.
Jan 04
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Trauma Insurance Explained

By Personal Perspective
wound-661999_960_720Trauma insurance assists you financially if you’re diagnosed with a critical illness or are in an accident. It’s also known as recovery or critical illness insurance. Learn more about this beneficial insurance option as you plan for your future and protect your family and assets.

What Exactly is Trauma Insurance?

A trauma insurance policy pays you a lump sum of money if you suffer from a specific traumatic event like cancer, stroke, heart attack or accident. You can use the money to pay out-of-pocket treatment costs or cover better treatment than your health insurance offers.

It can also allow you to cut back your hours at work or take a stress-free vacation.
Because you can’t plan for traumatic events, it’s wise to be prepared with trauma insurance. Thanks to this policy, you can focus on recovery. You don’t have to spend time worrying about how the mortgage will get paid or return to work before you’re fully recovered.

Do you Need Trauma Insurance?

While trauma insurance is not essential like auto or homeowners, it can help you manage a challenging time in life. What would happen to you and your family if you were in an accident and couldn’t work? If you were to have a heart attack, could you truly relax and recover or would you return to work right away and put yourself at risk?

How Much Trauma Insurance do you Need?

You choose how much trauma insurance you buy. Several factors can affect your decision. Consider your:
  • Income – How much money do you need to replace your income if you are required or choose to take time off for treatment or recovery?
  • Dependents – Do you have children, grandchildren or aging parents who rely on you for their financial provision?
  • Debts – How much money do you still owe on your mortgage, personal loan or other debts?
  • Assets – Do you have assets like property or a bank account that you can access if necessary?
Your financial advisor or insurance agent can assist you in determining how much coverage you need. He or she will ask you about your monthly living expenses, accessible savings and future plans as you decide together on how much trauma insurance to buy.
Instead of stressing financially or pushing yourself physically, use your trauma insurance to cover your financial responsibilities after an accident or critical illness diagnosis. It can provide the financial peace of mind you need if something terrible ever happens to you. Consider investing in a policy today as you plan for your future and protect your loved ones.
Jan 04
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Six Tips That Could Reduce Your Health Insurance Costs

By Life and Health
doctor-1015624_960_720Thanks to your health insurance policy, you can receive routine checkups, specialist consultations, lifesaving medications and necessary procedures for just a few dollars a month. Your premiums may be rising this year, though, because of increased health insurance policy costs and decreases in your employer’s budget. Instead of dropping your coverage or paying a fortune for health insurance, stay healthy and balance your personal budget in 2016 with six tips.

1. Review Your Benefits

Does your current health insurance policy include vision, dental or prescription medicine coverage that you rarely use? Dropping these options could reduce your health insurance costs.

2. Shop for Private Health Insurance

Instead of automatically accepting your employer’s coverage with higher monthly premiums or fewer benefits, shop around. Private health insurance could be a more affordable option for you.

3. Increase Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Put your good health to good use and elect to pay lower monthly premiums in favor of higher out-of-pocket expenses. Yes, your deductible and copays will increase, but you could save money in the long run.

4. Consider Joining Your Spouse’s Policy

If your spouse or partner has employer-sponsored health insurance, discuss the costs of joining his or her policy. You could save money by switching to family coverage instead of carrying individual policies.
You should also check out your options after qualifying events occur in your life. In those cases, you may be able to switch your health insurance coverage and save money. Those events include:
  • Marriage
  • Child Birth or Adoption
  • Legal Separation or Divorce
  • Death of Spouse or a Dependent

5. Rethink Insurance Options When You’re Laid Off

January is a typical month for downsizing. If you lose your job, you could be eligible for Cobra (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). You continue to pay your health insurance premiums plus a two percent administrative fee, and your insurance does not lapse.
The costs of COBRA can be expensive, though, especially when you aren’t receiving a paycheck. You have 60 days to decide if you want your COBRA benefits or not, so start researching private options as you make the best financial decision for you.

6. Get and Stay Healthy

Little things like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and quitting smoking can reduce your health care costs since you’ll see the doctor less often. Additionally, your employer may offer wellness incentives for healthy living that can reduce your premium costs. Even if they aren’t offered, you will save money when you get and stay healthy.
This January, take time to review your health insurance. With these six tips, you can save money, be healthy and stay on budget in 2016.
Jan 04
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Get the Most From Your Life insurance Policy

By Life and Health
financial-equalization-1027282_960_720Your life insurance policy provides financial peace of mind to your family after you’re gone. While it’s an important part of your estate planning, the premiums can be expensive. Maximize your policy with these tips.

1. Buy When You’re Young

Young people enjoy the best life insurance premium rates because of their age and good health. Instead of waiting until you’re married or have kids, buy a policy when you graduate high school and lock in low rates.
You can also purchase a whole life insurance policy. It comes with a steady premium and provides coverage for the rest of your life, no matter what happens with your life circumstances or health.

2. Buy a Term Policy

This type of life insurance covers you for a set number of years. It’s the life insurance most people choose when they are the primary caregiver for someone, including an aging parent or young children. While it pays nothing if you do not die before the term expires, it’s an affordable option and gives you the peace of mind you need.

3. Quit Smoking

Life insurance premiums are significantly higher for smokers than for non-smokers. That’s because smoking causes a variety of health problems, lowers life expectancy and increases the probability that the insurance company will need to pay your life insurance claim.

Kick the habit and be smoke-free for 12 months to get cheaper life insurance rates. If you had a life insurance policy as a smoker, contact your insurance company to get the discount you deserve for your hard work.

4. Cover Only What you Need

Most financial advisors recommend that life insurance policies provide at least 10 times your annual income. This amount can pay off the mortgage and cover outstanding debts, final expenses, schooling and daily living expenses. You may not need this much coverage, though. Maybe your mortgage is paid off or you don’t have children.
Take time to calculate exactly how much life insurance you need. Then buy a policy for that amount. You’ll end up eliminating unnecessary coverage while still having enough to meet your family’s needs.

5. Buy Separate Policies

If you purchased a joint policy for you and your spouse, consider switching to separate policies. This way, you can adjust your payout to match different earnings. The premiums could be cheaper, too.
Purchasing life insurance is one investment you definitely want to make. Be sure you’re getting the most out of your policy when you follow these tips. Discuss your needs with your insurance agent, too, as you give yourself and your family peace of mind.

 

Jan 04
Love0

Life Insurance Policy Lingo

By Life and Health
dictionary-390055_960_720Try to read your life insurance policy, and you probably barely make it through the first page. Those policies usually include dozens of words that are difficult to understand. Learn the lingo as you make sense of your life insurance policy and ensure you’re adequately covered.

Beneficiary – the person who receives the proceeds of a life insurance policy after the insured dies; primary, secondary and tertiary beneficiaries refers to the order in which beneficiaries receive the payout

Medical Examination – the exam required before the insurance company can issue a policy, it’s usually conducted in-home by a licensed paramedical professional

Mortgage Protection – the policyholder’s mortgage will be paid upon his or her death

Nearest Age – insurance companies use a person’s nearest age when determining premium costs, someone who’s 27 years and five months old would be claimed as a 27-year-old on the policy

Non-Medical Term Policy – no medical exam is necessary, the insurance company will ask applicants a few questions about their age and past physical health before making a decision on coverage

Preferred Risk – the applicant’s physical health, occupation and other characteristics indicate that he or she will live longer than other people of the same age

Premium – the payment someone makes to pay for their life insurance policy

Rider – an add-on to the policy that expands or waives a coverage or condition of the policy, typical riders include Accelerated Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Accidental Death Benefit, Disability Income, and Other Insured

Smoker Ratings – assigned to applicants based on whether or not they have smoked in the past 12 months, affects the policy premium

Standard Risk – the applicant is entitled to insurance coverage without extra ratings or any special restrictions

Sub-Standard Risk – the applicant has a physical condition, personal or family history of illness or disease, risky occupation or other dangerous habit that could shorten his or her longevity

Term Life Insurance – protects the insured for a set term and expires when that term ends

Underwriter – the company that receives the premiums and accepts responsibility for the life insurance policy contract, the company employee who approves or denies claims or the agent who sells policies

Whole Life Insurance- provides coverage until the policyholder dies rather than for a set term, also provides tax-deferred accrual of cash

Now that you know life insurance lingo, you’re able to understand your life insurance policy. Make time to review your policy at least once a year, too, to ensure you have adequate coverage that’s right for your needs.
Jan 04
Love0

Health Insurance Options When You’re Laid Off

By Life and Health

coins-948603_960_720

When you’re laid off from work, you typically lose your benefits package. Instead of putting off essential treatment or facing financial hardship because of your medical bills, consider several options that assist you in keeping important medical coverage when you’re laid off.

 

Sign up for COBRA

If you quality for COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), you’ll receive a letter from your employer. You have 60 days to enroll, and it’s effective for up to 18 months. With COBRA, you keep the same coverage as you had when you were employed, but you’ll pay the full premium and possibly a two percent administrative fee.

Join Your Spouse or Partner’s Health Insurance Plan

If your spouse or partner has health insurance through his or her job, ask if you can be added to that policy. Many companies offer an enrollment grace period for laid-off spouses or partners, but you’ll need to apply within 30 days of your layoff.

Buy Short-Term Health Insurance Coverage

Also known as gap or temporary insurance, short-term health insurance lasts for six months to one year. These plans typically cover emergency care or medication you need for an acute medical condition, not routine care or treatment for pre-existing conditions. You also may be unable to renew your coverage, but it’s an option if you’re healthy, expect to find another job soon or can buy regular health insurance when the short-term coverage ends.

 

Investigate Private Health Insurance

A variety of companies offer private health insurance. You can enroll online or in-person at a local insurance agent’s office. Be sure to compare several packages to get the one that fits your needs and budget.

Check with the organizations you belong to, too. Professional, trade, college and religious groups may provide discounted health insurance for members.

 

Apply for Affordable Care Act Coverage

Since you no longer have health coverage from your employer, you can apply for Affordable Care Act coverage from the federal government. Based on your income, you could receive health insurance at a reduced cost. The application is available at healthcare.gov.

Pursue Low-Cost or Free Options

Because your income may have dropped after your lay off, check into programs that offer low-cost or free health insurance. You can apply for medical assistance through the Department of Public Welfare, and CHIP may cover your kids. Free neighborhood clinics also provide treatment at no cost to you.

Even though you are laid off from your job, you can still have health insurance coverage. Research your options. Additionally, take care of your health as you reduce the risk of illness or injury. For additional assistance, contact your insurance agent.

 

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