By Chris Richmond
for May 2022 WorkBoat Magazine
Chris Richmond, AAI, CMIP
A busy ship repair facility we work with recently had a follow up visit from their USL&H insurance carrier. Loss control had visited the client previously and this visit was designed to accomplish three goals: It was a chance for key players to meet in person; facility personnel could provide an update on previously noted deficiencies and the loss control manager could view the yard during the not so kind New England winter.
As you know, the premium for USL&H is based on jobs performed as well as payroll. Generally the more employees a company has the more premium the company will pay. Loss history is also a factor: The more paid claims a company incurs the higher the premium will be. It is in everyone’s best interest − from the employee staying safe to the shipyard paying the premium to the insurance company paying the claims − to keep claims to a minimum. This is where loss control comes in.
The visit made clear where safety improvements had been made and where they still needed to be made. Among the deficiencies observed were missing safety guards on machinery, chaffed power cords and cluttered walkways. A key area of improvement to the yard was the installation of metal grating on gangways to the ships for better grip and to help minimize slips in the winter months.
A follow up report was provided to the client’s safety manager with a request for written verification of completion of the safety recommendations within 45 days. An offer to provide safety trainings on site was extended. These visits can be fine-tuned to the client’s specific needs. They are no cost and are a great opportunity to remind employees of their stake in the workplace safety. Management can use a training to echo the message that safety keeps claims down, which keeps premiums down, all of which can help make the company more profitable.
A visit from a loss control manager is something to look forward to − not to regret. Input and involvement from your insurance company can help keep your premiums down. If you haven’t had a loss control site visit recently, reach out and request one. It’s free expert advice, designed to help to improve safety and save you money in the long run. What’s not to like?