Tag Archive for: Commercial Property

employer explaining how to promote a safe work environment

how to promote a safe work environment

As an employer, workplace safety should be one of your top priorities. Not only is it legally required, but it’s the right thing to do. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the basics of workplace safety and how you can promote a safe work environment for your employees. 

We’ll also take a look at OSHA’s requirements for workplace safety and how you can ensure that your business is in compliance. By taking the necessary steps to reduce workplace injuries and hazards, employers can help ensure that their business runs smoothly and safely. Additionally, this will also result in immense cost savings for businesses in the long run.

workplace safety policies 

First and foremost, workplace safety should start with your policies. Make sure that you have a clear workplace safety policy in place that outlines the standards and expectations of workplace safety and how they will be enforced. This policy should include topics such as:

  • Workplace hazards
  • Safe work practices
  • Health and safety training 
  • And more

employee awareness

Ensure that your employees understand and follow the workplace safety policies, and that they are regularly reminded about their responsibility to work safely and report any workplace hazards or accidents. You can also provide regular workplace safety training sessions or seminars to ensure that your employees are up-to-date on workplace safety practices.

OSHA

OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a federal agency that sets workplace safety standards. These standards help ensure employers provide safe working conditions for their employees. OSHA also oversees workplace inspections, provides workplace safety training and education, and offers safety incentive programs to encourage employers to prioritize workplace safety.

In order to create a safe workplace for your employees, employers must understand and comply with OSHA requirements. This includes having workplace safety policies in place to:

  • Address common workplace hazards
  • Provide safety training to all new and existing employees
  • Conduct periodic workplace inspections to identify any potential hazards or unsafe conditions

Additionally, employers should look into establishing safety incentive programs. These programs can incentivize employees to practice workplace safety and help create a workplace culture of safety. Employers should also provide frequent workplace safety training so that all employees are well versed in workplace safety policies and procedures.

steps to promote workplace safety

Having workplace safety policies in place and following OSHA requirements are the most basic responsibilities of an employer. Beyond that, there are several ways to promote a safe work environment:

  1. Provide training – Make sure employees have received proper instruction on workplace safety procedures, as well as any other industry-specific hazards they may encounter.
  2. Offer safety gear – Ensure employees have the necessary protective equipment, such as hard hats, goggles, and earplugs.
  3. Perform regular workplace inspections – These can help uncover any potential safety hazards or compliance issues that need to be addressed.
  4. Have a reporting system in place – Employees should feel comfortable reporting workplace accidents or other safety issues.
  5. Develop a workplace safety culture – Encourage employees to share any workplace safety ideas and suggestions.
  6. Offer rewards for exemplary workplace safety performance – This can help motivate employees to take workplace safety seriously and follow safety protocols.
  7. Provide ongoing education – Give employees access to resources that allow them to stay up-to-date on workplace safety and OSHA regulations.
  8. Establish a workplace safety committee – A workplace safety committee can keep everyone informed about workplace safety issues, as well as suggest new initiatives for keeping the workplace safe.
  9. Invest in the latest technology – Investing in the latest workplace safety technology can help prevent workplace accidents and ensure compliance with regulations.
  10. Have an emergency plan in place – Make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or earthquake.

By following these steps and promoting workplace safety, you can ensure that your workplace is safe and in compliance with OSHA’s workplace safety requirements. Doing so will not only protect your employees, but also help to minimize workplace accidents and injuries. 

in summary

By taking proactive steps to promote workplace safety, employers can not only keep their employees safe but also protect their business from potential lawsuits or other legal consequences. Workplace safety is not an option; it’s a requirement. Taking the necessary steps to ensure workplace safety can help employers stay compliant with regulations and create a safe workplace for everyone. 

Learn more by reading our blog about how increasing workplace safety can help reduce insurance costs for your business.

insurance for e-bikes

e-bikes: responsibility and danger

As e-bikes become more popular, the danger to both the rider and those around them also increases. While these bikes can be a great way to get around town, it is important that riders take responsibility for their actions and are aware of the dangers they present.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the dangers associated with e-bikes and what riders can do to stay safe while enjoying this new form of transportation!

what is an e-bike?

An e-bike, or electric bike, is a bicycle equipped with battery power motors to aid with pedaling (either partially or completely depending on the bike).

In the state of California, electric bicycles can be classified according to their top speeds and type of assistance they provide. 

  • Class 1 e-bikes are powered solely through pedal-assistance, with no throttle option and a maximum speed of 20 mph.
  • Class 2 electric bikes feature both pedal-assistance and a throttle, also reaching a top speed of 20 mph.
  • Class 3 e-bikes offer pedal-assistance only, no throttle, but can reach a maximum speed of 28 mph.

e-bike dangers

E-bikes provide an exciting new way to get around town, but they also come with certain increased risks of injury that include: 

Speed 

E-bikes often have powerful electric motors that can propel them at higher speeds, making it easy to lose control if the rider is not careful. Because e-bikes can go faster than traditional bikes, riders may be more likely to suffer from road rash or other injuries if they crash. 

Weight

E-bikes tend to be heavier than traditional bikes, meaning they have more momentum and require a longer stopping distance. This can be dangerous if the rider is not prepared for sudden stops or has poor visibility of their surroundings. So riders may be more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal injuries if they fall off or are involved in an accident. 

Technology 

Since e-bikes have lithium ion batteries, riders may be at risk of electrical shocks if the batteries are damaged. Like any vehicle, electric bikes can malfunction or be subject to defects. It’s important for all riders of electric bicycles to make sure their bike is regularly serviced and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines in order to ensure their safety. 

To reduce the risk of an accident, riders should pay attention to their speed and make sure to obey the local laws. Additionally riders should always wear a helmet and exercise caution when navigating busy streets or other areas with traffic.

e-bike rules and regulations

Riders also need to be familiar with the laws and regulations regarding e-bikes in their area in order to stay safe on the road. Many states and cities have different laws regarding electric bikes, so it is important that riders know the rules before taking their e-bike out for a ride. Additionally, riders: 

  • should never ride an e-bike if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • must be mindful of the potential dangers posed by other riders on the road 
  • need to be aware that pedestrians, vehicles, and other e-bike riders can all present hazards to the rider 
  • should always be aware of their surroundings and take extra care when overtaking or being overtaken by another rider

It is important to remember that when operating an e-bike, rider responsibility and caution are key. With the right knowledge, riders can enjoy this newer form of transportation while staying safe and responsible!

e-bike laws and regulations in california

In California, e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old, and must wear a helmet when riding an e-bike.

The California Vehicle Code states that e-bikes are not allowed on public roads with speed limits over 25 mph, sidewalks, or bicycle paths—unless the e-bike is classified as low-speed. Additionally, e-bikes must have functioning brakes and lighting systems when used at night.

It is important for e-bike riders to remember their responsibility and the potential danger of riding an e-bike. E-bikes are powerful machines that can accelerate quickly and reach high speeds—which means they require extra caution when traveling in traffic. Riders must obey laws, signs, and signals to ensure the safety of all nearby riders, pedestrians and drivers.

Riders should plan their route ahead of time by following bike routes where possible, and they should always ride defensively. By following safety precautions and e-bike laws and regulations in California, riders can have an enjoyable yet responsible experience on the roads!

safety guidelines for riding an e-bike

Riding an e-bike comes with risks and responsibilities. To ensure that you are safe and responsible on the road, keep these guidelines in mind:

  1. Wear a Helmet – A helmet is essential to protect your head if you were to accidentally fall off your e-bike. Additionally, it is important to make sure your helmet fits properly as an ill-fitting helmet will not provide adequate protection.
  2. Follow Traffic Rules – As with any vehicle, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow traffic rules such as speed limits, stop signs, and red lights.
  3. Don’t Ride Too Fast – Riding too quickly can make it difficult to react quickly in case of an emergency. Make sure you are aware of potential obstacles on the road and ride at a reasonable speed.
  4. Follow Rules for Paths and Trails – If you are riding your e-bike on a path or trail, be sure to follow all posted rules and regulations. Additionally, when passing other riders, make sure to give them plenty of space.
  5. Have the Right Equipment – Make sure that your e-bike is fitted with the proper equipment for riding such as lights and reflectors for visibility. Also, it’s a good idea to inspect all components of your e-bike before each ride to ensure everything is in working condition.
  6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings – When riding, it is important to be aware of potential obstacles such as potholes, rocks, and other objects that may not be visible. Be mindful of traffic around you and the direction in which it is moving.
  7. Dress Appropriately – To ensure your safety while riding an e-bike, it is important to dress appropriately. Consider wearing clothing with reflective strips, brightly colored clothes, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes that provide adequate protection.
  8. Don’t Ride Under the Influence – Riding an e-bike while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and illegal in most places. Avoid riding when impaired for your own safety and for those around you.
  9. Be Aware of the Battery Life – Make sure that your e-bike battery is fully charged before you start riding. Furthermore, be aware of how far you can travel with the current charge and plan accordingly.
  10. Be Aware of Electric Components – Be sure to stay away from any wires or electric components on your e-bike when charging it or making repairs. Never ride with any exposed wires or faulty parts that could create a hazard.

These safety guidelines can help ensure that you are riding your e-bike responsibly and safely. Enjoy your ride!

final thoughts

By following the safety guidelines outlined in this blog post, riders can enjoy all that e-bikes have to offer while staying safe and taking responsibility. E-bikes can be a wonderful way to get around, but riders must take the time to familiarize themselves with the potential dangers they present in order to keep themselves and those around them safe.

In short, it is important for all e-bike riders to always obey traffic laws, plan ahead, and remain aware of their surroundings while on the road. By doing so, they can minimize the risks of accidents and ensure a safe ride for all.

At benchmark, we recommend insuring your e-bike for an extra layer of protection. Reach out to us or read about e-bike insurance coverage on our blog to learn more. 

water leak, flooding a room with a wood floor, a couch and windows.

ensuring your business has appropriate water damage coverage

You might be looking at the title of this article thinking… “Why does my business need water damage coverage?”

Well, contrary to popular belief, water damage is one of the leading insurance losses, and can greatly impact your business. In fact, water damage is the second most common insurance claim for businesses. 

This considered, it’s important to take the proper steps to mitigate the high risk of water damage by having the proper insurance coverage.

does my insurance include water damage coverage? 

It’s important to have the right kind of business insurance for your commercial property. You want a policy that includes commercial water damage coverage.

The types of water damage claims covered by some commercial property insurance plans include:

  • Pipe breakage
  • Groundwater, and
  • Backed-up sewer lines

However, many policies exclude coverage for external flooding and mold-related damage.

For some insurance plans, you can purchase additional protection to your property policy to gain more coverage. There are also other types of insurance policies—for example, commercial flood protection or business interruption insurance—that can help safeguard your business from loss of income if your business has to close due to flooding or water damage.

what qualifies as water damage?

Commercial water damage is the destruction that a water-related issue can cause to your commercial property.

Damage can range from a corroded pipe bursting, a defective or improperly installed fitting can leak, and failed heating systems. All of these damages can result in major non-weather-related water disasters.

Common kinds of commercial water damage can come from many sources on the property. Always monitor your building to be aware of the areas where water damage can occur so you can be prepared if it does.

monitor your building

Pay careful attention to these parts of your property:

  • Roofs require maintenance to prevent damage from the elements
  • Pipes can easily leak or get damaged from extremely cold temperatures or old age
  • HVAC system can also leak or break due to a lack of maintenance or overuse

why is water damage not included in my property insurance?

Commercial property insurance commonly covers the loss of or damage to a property owned by a business. The damage that is covered includes:

  • Fire
  • Wind
  • Lightning
  • Explosions
  • Theft, and
  • Vandalism

However, most commercial property insurance does not include water damage. That’s why it’s important to know what your policies cover. Flood insurance is actually covered under a separate policy and can be purchased separately.

reach out to benchmark commercial insurance

Water damage is typically affected by the weather or a natural disaster that can create damage to your property—even with preventative measures, you can’t always control what happens.

Having a proper disaster plan, a building with adequate drainage systems, and regular maintenance and inspection schedules will help prevent damage and accidents.

Having a water damage insurance policy provides you coverage to help with the financial liability costs due to water damage. To find out more about water damage insurance and property insurance reach out to us or read on about why water damage is a top insurance loss.

man at desk with insurance building blocks

why is your commercial property premium increasing?

‘Why is my commercial property premium increasing?’ As a property owner, this is likely a question that you’ve had top of mind lately. There are many factors driving rates up right now.

Let’s discuss the reasons why your commercial premiums might be increasing, as well as what you can do to counteract these surges.

factors that are driving up commercial property premiums

What factors are driving rates?

the global pandemic and subsequent economic uncertainty

Pretty self-explanatory—and expected!

increase in natural catastrophes that occur

From rising global temperatures to cyclones, hurricanes, tornados, and tropical storms, there has been an increase in not only the frequency of natural catastrophes but also the severity of those events.

increased costs 

Second, you have to address the cost to rebuild after such a catastrophe. In most cases, the cost to rebuild often exceeds tens of billions of dollars depending on the damage done.

In addition to this, the cost to rebuild right now is sky high due to:

  • Price inflation of materials
  • Labor shortages, and
  • Supply chain issues

Companies at high risk of natural catastrophes (i.e. tornadoes, hurricanes, hailstorms, and wildfires) are seeing the highest rate increases, as well as non-renewals and difficulty securing coverage. In fact, in wildfire areas of California and wind zones of Florida, rates have increased by over 20%.

what can commercial property owners do to reduce premiums?

When it comes to battling increased commercial premiums, risk mitigation is your golden ticket.

Property owners who have been working hard to mitigate risk and decrease claims are likely to receive more favorable terms and conditions—and possibly lower rates.

So what steps can you take as a property owner to mitigate your risk and therefore lower commercial premiums?

review your policies (before they expire!)

Did you know that, according to research, commercial properties were undervalued for underwriting purposes by more than 30% in November 2021 policies annually?

The solution to undervaluation? We recommend more frequent, in-depth property risk appraisals, that take the following into account:

  • Extreme weather events
  • Potential supply chain hurdles
  • Inflation trends

take control of your insurance narrative

Don’t leave your insurance narrative to underwriters. Instead, partner with your insurance broker and/or risk representative(s) to reduce risks wherever possible.

Property owners might consider taking a look at the elements below to create the most favorable underwriting profile, which then leads to the most favorable terms, conditions, and pricing:

  • Take inventory of assets
  • Identify current exposures and cost drivers
  • Tailor contracts to the current environment
  • Revisit existing risk management techniques
  • Highlight business continuity plans and loss control measures in place
  • Build a company culture focused on safety
  • Manage claims efficiently
  • Be weather-ready

Remember, underwriters are more critical of property (now more than ever!). You should anticipate them to ask in-depth questions about what you’re doing to control your risk for employees, tenants, and visitors.

As a property owner, it’s important to ensure your property is adequately protected against water damage. (Trust us, it’s no joke!) Read on to learn ​​why water damage is a top insurance loss.

infographic of why your commercial property premium is increasing