EPLI (Employment Practices Liability Insurance) Info

EPLI Info for Small Businesses:

·    Statistics confirm an employer is more likely to have an employment  claim than a property or general liability claim.

·   The average amount paid for out-of-court settlement is $40,000.

·    Defense of the average EPLI case, through trial, costs over $45,000.

·    The median compensatory award in EPLI cases is $218,000.

·    67% of all employment cases that litigate, result in a judgement for the plaintiff.

·    10% of awards in cases involving discrimination and wrongful termination are in excess of $1,000,000.

·    Six out of ten employers have faced employee lawsuits within the last five years.

It's said that 41% of all EPLI claims are brought against small employers consisting of 15 to 100 employees.

What do you know about ANSUL Systems?

In our business we insure a lot of restaurants and one of the basic insuring questions is: "What is your ANSUL protection?" 

So "WHAT IS IT"??

• By the way!  ANSUL comes from  ANhydrous SULfur dioside (SO₂).

An ANSUL System is a sophisticated method of extinguishing fires!  There are several types of ANSUL systems and products, which are each for use in a specific location or on a specific type of fire.  Components may be used individually or can be combined for the utmost in fire safety.

FUNCTION
ANSUL fire extinquishers remove one of the three key elements that a fire needs to burn.  These are fuel, oxygen and heat.  A fire extinguisher or an ANSUL system applies an agent that either displaces the oxygen in its surrounding or cools the burning fuel to smother fires effectively.  Carbon dioxide is commonly used and is a smothering material.

SIGNIFICANCE
The most important function of an ANSUL system is to save lives and property from fire and from fire related deaths such as by asphyxiation, which is obtainable when you install the correct system suited to your needs in the home or workplace.

FEATURES
An ANSUL system in its most complete form includes fire and heat detectors with an alarm system. The purpose is to notify occupants to leave the premises before being injured.  IT also includes an automatic release system of the appropriate chemicals to contain and stifle the fire before it causes extensive damage to the property.

TYPES
The simplest type of ANSUL is the portable fire extinguisher, which you manually operate.  These are available for HOME use as well as in small businesses that do not have highly combustible materials.  Companies with combustibles on the premises can use the large piped system that dispenses up to 3,000 lbs. of dry chemical.  This is the recommendation for paint booths, flammable storage areas and tanker decks.  The type F class ANSUL systems are for COMMERCIAL KITCHENS; these systems direct the chemicals at the stoves and fry baskets.  Offices with enclosed areas use the clean agent type so there are no harsh chemical fumes remaining after the fire is extinguished.  On a large scale, ANSUL systems are mounted on firetrucks for firefighters' use in large areas.

CONSIDERATIONS
Be prepared in advance for a fire to take place.  The best method of preparation is in planning and prevention both at home and in the workplace.  In the home, fires occur most of the time in the kitchen, and a portable fire extinguisher that is appropriate for grease fires should be nearby.

Back to School Safety Tips!

School’s in Session Again!!

Pedestrian-vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. Kids are back from summer camp, school is in session again and school buses are plying the streets. That means drivers need to step-up safety around school zones, crosswalks, bus stops and wherever children may be playing outdoors. Here are some back-to-school safe driving tips:

• Be familiar with school zones.

Get in the habit of noticing where school zones and crosswalks are on routes you normally take. Accidents, including pedestrian accidents, are far more likely to occur locally on routes with which drivers are more familiar and comfortable.

Stop for school bus lights.

Always

Obey crossing guards.

School crossing guards are given police training and the same authority as local traffic police in most areas, so disobeying a crossing guard could get you in serious trouble. Plus, driving on major streets where crossing guards and crosswalks are observed is safer than taking "short-cut" side streets where children may be unattended.

Anticipate the worst.

The speed and distance away of oncoming cars is more difficult for young children to judge. Always slow down and prepare to brake in anticipation that a small child might run in front of your vehicle.

Be careful around parked vehicles.

Be particularly careful in areas with parked vehicles on the side of the road. Children waiting to cross may be especially difficult to see behind parked sport-utility vehicles.

Avoid using cell phones when driving.

Cell phones are a known distraction. Never use hand-held cell phones while driving, and never use hands-free cell phones while driving in school zones or areas with children. The same goes for activities that distract the driver, such as changing CDs, looking at notes and reading maps.

Avoid reversing.

Try to avoid reversing your vehicle in areas with children. It’s more difficult to see short children and attend to your car’s blind spots while reversing.

Don't speed.

Remember that the speed limit in most school zones during school times or when children are present is 25 miles per hour or lower. Driving during bad weather, or in areas with limited visibility, will require an even lower speed. Your visibility to pedestrians, your ability to see them and your stopping distance can all be greatly impaired by weather or road conditions, so follow common sense and slow down. stop for school buses with flashing red lights. It’s the law! Drivers approaching the bus must come to a full stop for the duration that the red lights are on. Some school buses also have flashing yellow lights, meaning drivers may proceed with extreme caution. Bus drivers often engage the flashing yellow lights before the flashing red lights, signaling that they are about to stop.