April 4, 2019
March 15, 2019
With a national opioid crisis that defies holistic solutions, the legalization of medicinal marijuana in more than 30 states and recreational marijuana in 10 states, increases in deadly overdoses in the workplace, changing state laws, confusion over OSHA’s anti-retaliatory drug testing rule, and concerns about medical privacy, no employer should think they are immune to the problem. In fact, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), 15.6% of American workers live with a substance disorder and The Hartford reports that 64% of HR professionals are ill-prepared to help a worker with an opioid addiction. These factors, coupled with a tight labor market and low unemployment, have led some employers to soften zero-tolerance policies for jobs where safety is not critical and there is a low risk of injury or error. The decision to relax zero-tolerance policies requires buy-in from company leadership and supervisors as well as serious evaluation of the consequences. Although the legalization of marijuana exponentially increases the complexity […]
November 19, 2018
November 13, 2018
Preliminary list of top ten OSHA violations includes eye and face protection for first time While the preliminary list of the Top 10 violations for Fiscal Year 2018 (Oct. 1, 2017 – Sept. 30, 2018) remains largely unchanged from 2017, there is a newcomer in tenth place. Eye and face protection surpassed electrical – wiring methods, which dropped off the top ten. Also, fall protection – training requirements, which was a newcomer last FY moved up from #9 to #8. Topping the list for the fifth year in a row is fall protection, a general requirements standard, which saw a 19.7% increase in citations from the previous FY. There was a significant increase – 25.4% – in citations related to ladders and a 30.1% increase in citations for violations of fall protection – training requirements. Overall, there was a 10.5% increase in the total number of violations. Here is the list compared with the FY 2017 figures: 1.Fall Protection – […]
October 25, 2018
February 13, 2018
February 12, 2018
1. Brief description of your operations Lemonweir Valley Telephone Company was established in 1907 with the purpose of bringing telephone service to residents, farmers and various businesses in the rural areas of Juneau County, Wisconsin. The company was originally named New Lisbon Mutual Telephone company. The name was changed in 1931 to Lemonweir Valley Telephone Company. It is a stockholder owned company with many of the stockholders’ families having owned stock for multiple generations. Today there are more then 200 shareholders. As the company has grown over the years, Lemonweir Valley Telephone and LVT Corp (a subsidiary of Lemonweir Valley Telephone Company) created a DBA named Lynxx Networks. This name reflects both the local fiber network connecting its residential and business customers and the external statewide network provided by the Wisconsin Independent Network also known as WIN. Lynxx Networks provides voice, internet and television services. Its ILEC area is covered by a state of the art fiber optic network. As […]
December 15, 2017
Christmas is just around the corner and some of us still haven’t put up Christmas lights. For some of the single-story houses, a step ladder can do the job, but for others, an extension ladder is needed. Ladders use can be an everyday occurrence on a job site and we wanted to take this time to go over some things to remember when using extension ladders, along with care and maintenance. Using the Ladder When selecting an extension ladder, know that the top of it must extend at least 3 feet above the roof eave. Ensure that you are not setting up an extension ladder upside down with the fly section at the bottom and the base section at the top, rung locks engaged. When the extension ladder has been used as a single ladder, ensure that all guides or brackets are properly assembled and engaged before you use it. Never make an extension adjustment when someone is standing […]
December 8, 2017
Using Communications Operations to Fight Cyber Crime For those of you that have been following my newsletter in recent months, this issue (December) represents the wrap up of my 3-part series on cyber security in small business, with an emphasis on our core specialty, the independent communications industry. To recap briefly, last October we talked about the basics of cyber security for your business, the many ways you can evaluate the cyber risks that may threaten your operations as well as timely security tips. In November we looked at putting together an anti-ransomware plan, steps you can take towards better small business cyber security and a few simple ways to up your cyber protection game. Point in fact, I have published a couple of these subjects before but I chose to re-print some of them in this 3 part series for added emphasis. In this last segment of the series, we examine ways that small communications operations can fight cyber- […]
June 14, 2017
June 1, 2017
FMLA and Workers’ Compensation – Common Questions Answered The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state workers’ compensation laws may both cover an employee who suffers a serious health condition while on the job. The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued revised regulations that implement the FMLA. Though the interplay between the FMLA and workers’ compensation leaves was addressed within those regulations, a number of DOL letter rulings have also clarified the interaction of these laws. Does FMLA leave run concurrently with a workers’ compensation absence? The employee’s FMLA leave entitlement may run concurrently with a workers’ compensation absence when the injury is one that meets the criteria for a “serious health condition.” Thus, an employee could receive workers’ compensation benefits to replace lost wages, while at the same time having health benefits maintained under the FMLA. However, if appropriate, the employer must be sure to designate this leave as FMLA-qualifying leave and must give notice of the […]
June 1, 2017
Fiduciary Liability Insurance What is Fiduciary Liability Insurance? Fiduciary Liability Insurance pays, on behalf of the insured, legal liability arising from claims for alleged failure to prudently act within the meaning of the Pension Reform Act of 1974. “Insured” is variously defined as a trust or employee benefit plan, any trustee, officer or employee of the trust or employee benefit plan, employer who is sole sponsor of a plan and any other individual or organization designated as a fiduciary. Group life and medical expense plans, as well as pension and retirement plans, are within the scope of the law. Two other types of coverage are related to fiduciary liability insurance. • Fidelity bonds are required by law (ERISA bonding). This is a form of insurance for dishonesty situations. When dishonest administrators or trustees have financially harmed an employee benefit plan, these bonds may be used, but only for the benefit of the plan and the plan’s beneficiaries. This bonding insurance […]
May 4, 2017
As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate — everything from accounting, marketing, and sales to product development, inventory, and hiring. With all of this to manage day to day, details like liability insurance could slip through the cracks, leaving your business financially vulnerable. The hard truth is that nearly anyone your business interacts with — vendors, clients, or visitors — can make claims against you. These claims could cripple your operation if you don’t have the right insurance protection. What General Liability Insurance Covers General liability (GL) coverage can be offered as a stand-alone policy or as part of a business owner’s policy. The policy safeguards your business’s finances and reputation should a customer or other third party take legal action against you or your employees. Types of claims covered by a GL policy: Bodily injury: A third party is injured at your place of business or as a result of work performed away from […]
April 13, 2017
UNICO Group, a 2016 “Top Performing Agency” national award recipient, headquartered in Lincoln NE, is pleased to announce that they have acquired Union Agency, Inc. an insurance and risk management company affiliated with Union Bank & Trust (UBT).
April 4, 2017
Founded in 1927, the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association of more than 42,000 of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 470 companies in 71 countries. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct, and outstanding client service. Top of the Table and Court of the Table are MDRT’s top membership levels comprised of the world’s most successful life insurance and financial service professionals. Achieving membership in MDRT is a career milestone. LeaAnn M. Moore* has qualified for MDRT’s Top of the Table for her sixth consecutive year and has been a part of Court of the Table since her first year of membership seven years ago. Stephen D. Andersen* is a 45-year Qualifying and Life member of MDRT with 11 Top of the Table and 8 Court of the Table qualifications.Tony J. Ojeda* has eight years on Court of the Table while being […]
April 1, 2017
You’ve all probably heard the old adage “April showers bring May flowers.” In the construction world, April showers bring additional hazards. This time of year, people who work outdoors may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as severe storms. Severe storms include thunderstorms, lightning, hail, flooding and even tornadoes. Proper planning is a key component in keeping your employees and property safe. Preparing in advance will keep your workers safe so they know what to do when the weather takes a turn and puts them in harm’s way. OSHA recommends that worker have an awareness of the unique hazards brought on by violent storms. Thunderstorms and lightning occur most on hot, humid days. During a thunderstorm, you should avoid tall, isolated objects – which may attract lightning strikes – and let professionals handle fallen electrical wires. Be careful if there are strong winds, which can knock over trees and utility poles and send objects flying. Tornados can occur at any […]
March 14, 2017
As winter slowly dissipates and the onset of spring is upon us, you and your employees are returning to work for another busy season. Your company is constantly changing to stay relevant in this competitive marketplace and one of those changes is hiring additional help for the volume of work you are expecting. In the weeks prior to your busy season it is the perfect time to hold a “Safety Kickoff” event. At this kickoff, bring everyone together to go over your company’s mission statement, culture and share your goals and expectations for the upcoming season. With your seasonal employees being off the past few months, the thought of safety and safe practices may have been pushed to the back of their minds. They may have forgotten about some of your important policies and procedures, so this event allows you to reeducate and train your employees, as well as share any new rules or regulations. Retraining your employees at the […]
February 24, 2017
It is February already and I think I can see a hint of Spring just over the horizon. I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to get there. I am tired of cold, wind, rain and snow and I am willing to bet that you are too. As we head towards that ultimate destination, here are a couple of things to think about regarding your risk management activities. You may want to take this relatively “quiet time” to think ahead and get ready for the busy plant construction season that includes the use of contractors as they can bring a substantial amount of liability and extra costs to you. They must be “good” contractors that you have vetted completely (before hire) or else the possibility exists that they will bring you more trouble than you planned on. See my data sheet elsewhere in this issue for the full details on selecting a contractor. You will be glad you […]