Risk Management for Businesses

Businesses with the following coverages through North Star Mutual have access to tools and training for prevention and response to common workplace risks:

Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) Risk Management Website: www.wprsolutions.com

• Workplace Risk Solutions offers employers up-to-date information, education, loss prevention and management training on best employment practices. This site provides sexual harassment prevention, discrimination prevention, workplace ethics and other training. Web-based articles provide weekly information on health and wellness, safety, leadership, legal updates, and risk prevention techniques, including downloadable checklists for future use. Model policies and procedures and online human resource functions are available at no cost to registered users.

Cyber Liability Risk Management Website: www.northstarmutual-cyber.com 

• North Star Mutual’s Network Security and Privacy Risk Management Website provides risk management policies, procedures, training, and other tools to help insureds prevent a breach of confidential data. This site also provides information on what to do when a breach occurs. 

Risk Management Tips for Everyday Life

Take a moment to review some tips that can help prevent loss and make your life safer…

By taking a proactive approach to loss control, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of loss occurring. It is important to be educated and aware of some of the most common, but often preventable, dangers present in today’s world. North Star offers discounts for steps taken to reduce risk, such as the “protective devices discount,” on homes and “anti-theft equipment discount” in vehicles. Talk with your agent to find out what other discounts you might qualify for.

Auto Safety Tips

• Practice regular vehicle maintenance. Keeping your car in good condition can help avoid costly services down the road. Plus, regular tune-ups can help prevent accidents caused by blown tires, faulty brakes, etc.

• Drive defensively. Be aware when you are in another driver’s blind spot and use caution while changing lanes. Follow other vehicles at a safe distance, considering speed and visibility.

• Avoid distractions while driving. Children, pets, food, work, etc. can all have an impact on your ability to focus on the road. Keep cell phones and other devices stored while moving.

• Avoid driving while tired, medicated, or under the influence of anything that may impair your judgment. Have your eyes checked to make sure your sight is optimal for driving.

• Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle.

• Be cautious in areas and at times when deer are most active. Often when you see one, there are more around.

• Be aware of workers and obstacles in designated road construction sites. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for undesignated obstacles, such as ice, potholes, and other road conditions, that may affect your ability to drive.

• Install and use child car seats in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and state laws.

• Remember to buckle your seat belt!

Fire Safety Tips

• Install smoke alarms in sleeping areas and surrounding rooms. Test the alarms frequently and replace according to manufacturer recommendations.

• Do not leave the house when cooking or baking, and do not leave the kitchen when frying or broiling. Frequently attend to food being prepared by stove or grill. Keep flammable items away from hot surfaces.

• Do not attempt to put a grease fire out with water. Instead, turn off the burner, cover the fire with a pan lid, or extinguish the fire with baking soda. Call 911 for assistance.

• Candles should be kept on a sturdy surface a foot away from any items that can catch fire. Blow out candles when leaving the room and never leave a child unattended with a lit candle. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

• Use extreme caution with all fuel-burning heat sources such as space heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces. Make sure equipment is installed correctly, has appropriate ventilation, and is properly maintained. Keep a safe distance from hot surfaces and do not leave these items running unattended.

• Make sure Carbon Monoxide detectors are installed around sleeping areas and test them frequently. Be aware when using items that emit fumes and make sure there is proper ventilation or use them outdoors.

• Have electrical work and maintenance done by a professional. Only use plugs that comply with outlet specifications and light bulbs that comply with fixture wattage. Consider using AFCIs and GFCIs where possible; surge protectors are also useful for protecting appliances and electronics.

• Be aware of seasonal fire risks. Some of the most common fires begin because a dry Christmas tree went up in flames or a fryer caught fire while preparing the Thanksgiving turkey.

• Be aware of household items that could be the source of or increase the risk of a fire: faulty electrical cords, 9-volt batteries, clothes dryers, medical oxygen, candles, cigarettes, fuel-burning heat sources, and heat-generating appliances.

• Finally, it is important to have a safety plan in the event of a fire. Remember to call 911! Have an escape plan and meeting place where occupants can safely gather.

Crime Safety Tips

• Lock up! Locking up your house, business, and vehicle is the first step to inhibit theft, vandalism, and burglary. Keep valuables out of sight and use a safe to protect your most important assets and records.

• Use alarms, cameras and anti-theft systems to deter or help catch criminals in the act.

• Have proper lighting surrounding your house or business and park vehicles in a well-lit area.

• Never loan personal property or provide assistance to strangers or people you do not trust.

• Be aware of who to contact and the information needed to report a crime. Take note of any characteristics involving clothes, age, race, stature, and facial features that can help identify suspects. Contact the police to report a crime. Some communities have a neighborhood watch or department of public safety that can also be contacted.

• Be careful about sharing personal information over the phone and online, as it is often the source of identity theft. Cyber-attacks and data breaches are growing more common, so make sure you are aware of where your information is being stored.

• Perform background checks on potential business partners or employees.