Keep a Job Site Safe and Secure
A recent report by Verisk Analytics showed that total reconstruction costs, including materials and retail labor, were up 8.12% from April 2020 to April 2021, in all states. The material with the most significant impact on this rise in cost was lumber at a staggering 84.71% price increase.
With the value of these already desirable materials skyrocketing, thieves may be targeting job sites to steal unsecured materials and equipment – putting Contracting businesses at an increased risk of job site thefts.

Now, more than ever, contractors must be vigilant about material and equipment theft. Selective offers the following strategies and solutions to help deter criminals from stealing from job sites.

Secure Equipment Daily

• Anchor equipment with chains and lower any blades or buckets. 
• Park large machines in a circle, with smaller portable equipment in the middle, creating a barrier to protect the smaller items 
• Store equipment keys in a locked safe on-site, or take off-site
• Install GPS or LoJack devices to help track and recover stolen equipment
• If possible, store equipment in an area monitored by cameras 

​Keep an Equipment Inventory

• Keep a detailed inventory of equipment, including the year, manufacturer, model, serial number, and any unique features of each machine 
• Take photos of machines from multiple angles and keep prints in the inventory catalog
• Develop a procedure for checking materials on and off the job site daily
• Develop a Security Policy with Employees
• Train workers to properly secure the job site
• Reinforce that security is a top priority to deter internal, employee theft
• Make it clear that when equipment is discovered missing, it should be reported as soon as possible

Properly Light and Fence-In Job Sites

• Consider installing light towers to deter theft and vandalism, especially near an office trailer, equipment storage trailer, sheds, and equipment
• If possible, enclose the entire job sit in sturdy fencing with one or two access points
• Have employees park their personal vehicles in designated areas to minimize the thefts of tools and materials

 
National Equipment Registry (NER)
Selective policyholders benefit from our partnership with the industry experts at National Equipment Register (NER), a national database of heavy equipment and owners. NER offers several great services which help law enforcement recover stolen items:

• IRONcheck® – lets users search the nation’s largest database of stolen construction equipment to verify that equipment is not stolen before purchasing
• IRONwatch™ – offers real-time GPS tracking devices to help locate and recover your stolen construction equipment
• HELPtech® – an equipment ownership database that helps users with registered equipment deter theft and increase the chances of recovering stolen equipment

For more information or additional equipment and material theft prevention guidance, contact our team of Safety Management experts at SafetyManagementServices@Selective.com.

Cyber-attacks can impact businesses of all sizes, so every business owner must be conscious of cybersecurity risks. In fact, more than 43% of cyber-attacks are made against small businesses. Fortunately, having the right coverage in place can help you reduce the potential impact of cybercrime on your business.

Below are five questions business owners and nonprofit organizations may have about cyber-attacks. 
 
What types of breaches are possible?
Businesses of all sizes can be impacted by a wide range of cyber-attacks, including ransomware, malware, denial of service and phishing attacks, and much more. In some cases, cyber criminals may steal personal information from your systems, which they can use for identity theft.

How much could cyber attacks cost a business?
Estimates of the financial impact of a cyber-attack can vary greatly. The size, type of business, and industry are major factors in determining the extent of the costs that may be incurred. However, one source has calculated the global average cost of a data breach in 2020 as $3.86 million.  

Do hackers target small businesses?
Criminals often consider small businesses to be easier targets than large companies. This is because most entrepreneurs and smaller companies don’t have the resources – such as full-time information technology personnel – or know-how to protect their sensitive data. As a result, these smaller organizations are more likely to have exploitable vulnerabilities and less surveillance of threats. 

​What can you do to protect yourself?
Cybersecurity is a never-ending war of measures and countermeasures.  There are some things you can do to help protect your business.  For example, the FCC recommends the following 10 Cyber Security Tips for Small Business:  

1. Train employees in security principles. Establish basic security practices and policies for employees, such as requiring strong passwords, and establish appropriate Internet use guidelines that detail penalties for violating company cybersecurity policies. Establish rules of behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data. ​
2. Protect information, computers, and networks from cyber attacks. Keep clean machines: having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Set antivirus software to run a scan after each update. Install other key software updates as soon as they are available. 
3. Provide firewall security for your Internet connection. A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network. Make sure the operating system's firewall is enabled or install free firewall software available online. If employees work from home, ensure that their home system(s) are protected by a firewall. 
4. Create a mobile device action plan. Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access the corporate network. Require users to password-protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps to prevent criminals from stealing information while the phone is on public networks. Be sure to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen equipment. 
5. Make backup copies of important business data and information. Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly and store the copies either offsite or in the cloud. 
6. Control physical access to your computers and create user accounts for each employee. Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and require strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel. 
7. Secure your Wi-Fi networks. If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace, make sure it is secure, encrypted, and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router, so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router. 
8. Employ best practices on payment cards. Work with banks or processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. You may also have additional security obligations pursuant to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs and don't use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet. 
9. Limit employee access to data and information, limit authority to install software. Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission. 
10. Passwords and authentication. Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords every three months. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multi-factor authentication for your account. 

Autumn is in the air and this means it's time for property owners to start preparing for the upcoming cold weather.

To prevent harsh winter weather from affecting your property, residential or commercial, preparation is key. Here are some pointers to keep your property running as smooth as ice this winter.

Inspect Your Roof
Summer heat and storms can put a lot of  strain on your  roof. Once cold weather sets in, small roofing issues can lead to bigger problems. To avoid structural damage, as well as mold and mildew growth, begin your winter preparations with a roof inspection.  
 
When inspecting your roof look for signs of water and moisture damage such as water stains and bubbles. Pay special attention to seams around roof-mounted equipment like skylights since they can crack and let in moisture.

Have Your Heating Tuned and Cleaned 
As the demand for heating repair increases in the winter, so does the cost of servicing these systems. Having your HVAC system inspected and cleaned during the fall can prevent system failures when you rely on it most during cold weather and also lower your utility bills.

Check Your Ductwork
While you're having your heating system checked is a good time to have your ductwork cleaned. Dirty ductwork can lead to poor air quality, health issues, and drive up utility bills by making your system work harder.
​
Examine the Pipe Work and Foundation
If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, it is important to inspect your pipework and foundation. Cracks in the foundation allow water and cold air to enter, causing  damage and increased heating costs. Improperly protected pipes can lead to freezing and major damage. Check the weather stripping around windows and door to keep cold air out and heating costs down.

Stock Up Ahead of Time
Fall is an excellent time to plan for safety concerns. Review your fire safety plan and prepare for possible electrical outages. Property owners can reduce the risks associated with snowfall by keeping salt or sand on hand and having proper snow removal equipment and procedures. 

Your workforce is the foundation of your business. Every business owner should know that regardless of market demand for your products or the value propositions of your services, neither will be worth much without the full support and effort of your employees. While the onus is on your employees to fulfill their job responsibilities, it’s up to you as an employer to provide a positive work environment in which they can do so.

It's vital that you make concerted efforts toward promoting employee morale. As online job board Monster points out on its blog, summer is a prominent season for worker turnover especially among seasonal hires (in sectors like retail, hospitality and dining). But in a more general sense, late spring and early summer bring pleasant weather and a sense of new beginnings, and dissatisfied workers could take that as a chance to find a new opportunity and leave your company. Let's look at some ways you can boost employee morale (and, in the process, combat burnout and turnover):

Celebrate achievements with enthusiasm
Just about everyone wants to be appreciated for their good work. But this requires more than a pat on the back or the periodic office pizza party. About Leaders magazine recommended employing more creative and interactive methods, such as creating awards for achievements given out in a workplace ceremony or published in a company newsletter or blog. Awards might include prizes such as gift cards or extra time off. 

Promote work-life balance
To help ensure employee engagement and mitigate the likelihood of burnout, employees and employers must value the importance of a work-life balance. 

Financial industry publication Forbes recommended managers and owners recognize milestones in employees' personal lives , including birthdays, children's graduations and so on. Staffers who believe their supervisors care for them as human beings and not merely as “assets’ likely will work harder and maintain a more positive approach to their tasks.

Company leaders can encourage outside-the-box innovation, be it work-related or not. If a worker has a project idea that goes outside their usual purview but could help the business, let him or her pursue it. Or if they play a sport or have an artistic pursuit in their spare time, encourage fellow employees to support it, whether that means cheering them on in a marathon or going to one of their band's gigs.

Plan employee events
Community service is one of many events a company can consider when participating in employee events to organize. That’s because charitable efforts can provide a lot of good. You help an organization that does positive work in your community and, on a broader level, you motivate your employees to promote a greater good. Whether it's a regional chapter of the American Cancer Society or a children's writing and tutoring program, your community is bound to have a nonprofit worth assisting.

Finally, don't forget to have fun, too. Whether your workers want to compete at bowling, go paintballing or simply have a ballroom-style party, the possibilities are endless.

​Hailstorms are more common than the average person might think. In fact, almost 9 million claims for hail losses occurred within 14 years in the United States, costing more than $54 billion. 

Hail is a unique form of precipitation from the atmosphere. When it occurs, its violent impact with the earth’s surface is alarming. This is so because when water freezes in the upper regions of thunderstorm clouds, it transforms drops into hailstones. These round or jagged frozen beads of water can cause serious damage to your property.

You may not be able to prevent hail, but you can do your part to prepare for it. Here are some ways you can prepare for a hailstorm in order to mitigate damages:

Install the Proper Roofing Materials
Whether a home or business, roofs are the most vulnerable parts of a building when it comes to hail. Having the necessary materials for your roof is key to minimize hail damage.  When you are repairing or replacing your home’s roof, have a qualified roofer install materials that have been tested for impact resistance.

Materials that fall into these categories consist of:

• Asphalt Shingles – lightweight, cost-efficient and simple installation
• Metal – long life and lightweight
• Slate – strong and will last the longest
• Tile – heavyweight and solid, yet can be insecure without sealed material beneath it

Hail can cause two kinds of roof damages, functional or cosmetic. Functional damage is if the actual performance of the roof is affected, in which case, it should be remedied as soon as possible. Cosmetic damage is if the appearance is impacted, yet the roof still functions effectively.

For commercial buildings, there is usually costly HVAC (heating ventilation and air-conditioning) equipment on a rooftop. Damage to these appliances can cause power outages and result in a loss of business hours, which can be more detrimental than the cost of repairing or replacing the equipment itself. Some key equipment to think about are:

• Roof-mounted units
• Cooling towers
• Upright/vertical heat exchangers
• Air-cooled chiller

The best way to protect this equipment is by using hail guards, which shield outdoor equipment components without compromising performance. Hail guards have an aluminum frame with woven mesh that screws into an interior framing structure to hold in place. In terms of other types of protection hail guards provide, some can be UV protected or rot and corrosion resistant as well.
 
It is wise not to underestimate hailstorms, as they can spawn out of a thunderstorm anywhere on the map. If your home or business is not prepared, hail can have a devastating impact. Be sure to stay inside away from skylights and windows the next time a hailstorm comes your way.

Winter weather can be a risk to the continuity of business operations. Small business owners should be ensuring that their assets and operations are protected against the elements of the winter and flood season.

A strong handle on risk management can help to maintain stability:

1. Deter threats to the physical workspace
The biggest risks typically are frozen pipes and flooding during winter months.

• Cost Helper, a website that aggregates statistics related to repairs and maintenance, states that a burst pipe can cost in excess of $3,800 if it is located in a wall or the building's foundation, while subsequent water damage can run up to $70,000.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that the average small business flood claim is about $85,000. 

Make sure pipes are insulated and carefully monitored, and that your building is protected against floods. As always, a flood insurance policy is critical to ensuring your business is covered should a major event take place this winter. 

2. Mind the building's exterior
Another major risk ─especially for smaller retailers ─ is the prospect of icy sidewalks and parking lots that cause slips and injuries to your employees or customers. If someone falls due to hazardous conditions on the sidewalks and parking lots around your business, you can be held liable for taking care of their medical bills.

The New York Times explained that some cities will penalize companies even if no one does fall. In New York City, the newspaper points out, the sanitation department handed out 10,000 tickets last winter to those who did not clear up sidewalks in front of their buildings, with fines ranging between $100 and $350. Make sure these pathways are clear and safe at all times. 

3. Have a contingency plan for operations
Small businesses might already have a telecommuting policy in place to best serve the demands of the modern workforce, but wintertime needs to be a point of focus for this policy.  Companies should also have a plan in case a major winter storm or other event makes travel to and from the physical workplace unsafe for employees. If you do not have a remote work or telecommuting policy in place and reside in one of the nation's northern regions, your company might miss several days of worker productivity. This is especially true for companies outside the retail sector.

Make sure that you have a reliable method to communicate with all staff members efficiently when a storm is in the forecast. Allowing workers to work from home can allow operations to continue on regardless of weather conditions at the office. 

Be safe when dealing with winter weather. Selective and your independent insurance agent understand the risks your business faces no matter the season. Learn more about how you can Be Uniquely Insured by contacting your agent today.

There's one decision  that every business owner ─ regardless of the type of business they own ─ needs to make each year: how much flood insurance should be purchased based on the potential that their business will be damaged by a flood.

If history is any guide, thousands of business owners stand to be impacted  by flooding every year. Beyond the physical damage a flood can do to a building, a flood can also ruin inventory, contents and important documents located in the building during the time of a loss.

Experiencing a flood doesn't have to mean the end of your business ─ being well-prepared and understanding your flood risk can help lessen the impact. ​

Coastal Cities Still in the Crosshairs
Though there isn't a single state that's not at risk for flooding, the potential for flooding along the eastern and southern coast lines is on the rise due to increasing water levels.  Cities like  Miami, New Orleans, New York and Tampa each face an increased risk in the coming years for a flood that could cost some local economies $15 billion or more.

“We see it all the time, business owners that understand their exposure to flooding and purchase flood insurance are better prepared if a flood were to happen.  If a business should experience a flood loss, we find that those with flood insurance are able to recover quicker and open their doors once again,” commented Cassie Masone, Vice President of Flood Operations at Selective.
​
FEMA Zip Code Tool
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a web-based tool that allows business owners to determine their risk for flooding. These results can help business owners determine the proper amount of coverage to purchase.

Another way to determine your area’s flooding potential is by staying informed. Advances in climate sciences and meteorological forecasts have enabled experts to more accurately predict the chances for flooding when a storm approaches. Ideal sources include local weather stations, the American Red Cross, the National Hurricane Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Selective is able to provide flood insurance  for your business though the government's National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP business owner's policy can provide building coverage up to $500,000 and contents coverage up to $500,000.  For more information on the flood insurance coverage that's right for you and your business, speak with a Selective agent today.

Each year, more than 50,000 accidents occur in parking lots and garage structures according to the National Safety Council. These accidents are responsible for over 60,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths, primarily the result of careless driving. According to a 2016 NSC Poll, two out of every three people are less than attentive when driving in a parking lot.

“People have their heads down, they’re on their phones whether they’re behind the wheel or whether they are pedestrians,”  said National Safety Council president, Deborah Hersman, noting that even for people driving at low speeds in a parking lot, doing so while distracted is dangerous.
​
Business owners may potentially be held legally liable if an accident occurs on a company-owned parking lot. Whether the person is exiting or entering a vehicle, walking or driving, their safety is your concern. Matters become even more complicated if that person should happen to be an employee, as it's considered by OSHA to be a reportable incident.
In an effort to reduce the risk of an avoidable accident happening in your parking lot, here are three helpful things to keep in mind:

Safe parking lots begin with good designs that can accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians safely. According to the National Safety Council, parking areas should be fully enclosed by either a curb or fence. Entrances and exits should be clearly marked and, when possible, oriented so that they encourage right turns both in an out of the lot.

Parking areas should have sufficient lighting and proper lane markings. This means solid or dashed yellow lines to denote traffic flowing in opposite directions and white dashed lines to signify more than one lane traveling in the same direction.

If possible, sidewalks and walkways should be installed to help channel foot traffic. Pedestrians are most at risk in an accident and, according to the NSC, least likely to be paying attention.

Parking lots have limited visibility due to parked vehicles and multiple turns encountered in them. Every location is different, but the slower speed limit the better; 5 to 10 mph is sufficient in most parking areas. In some areas, local authorities will be happy to enforce laws on your property, but depending on your location, they may require your permission.

Speed limits should be posted in clear view and strictly enforced either by the local authorities writing citations, company disciplinary actions or both. Speeding should be considered a major safety violation and handled as such.

Signs that enforce important rules can make all the difference in a parking lot. People must be reminded to keep off electronic devices, stay buckled-in, look out for pedestrian traffic and be aware of other appropriate warnings to avoid a problematic situation.

In parking areas that may be confusing, arrows should denote proper traffic flow patterns. Standard roadway signage, such as stop and yield signs, should also be used. Not all people choose to drive cars. Your parking lot should have a clearly marked zone reserved for bicycles and motorcycles. When possible, this area should be close to the entryway to minimize the time these smaller vehicles are exposed to heavier cars and trucks. Signage should be posted making it clear that all modes of transportation are expected follow the rules of the road.

Other signs that prove useful for pedestrians are those that warn of possible slip, trip and fall hazards. This is especially important during inclement weather conditions.

All signs should be simple and use familiar verbiage or symbols. One symbol or no more than two words is best. 

​As a business owner, you carry many responsibilities including the safety of the people on your property. With so many accidents occurring in parking areas each year, the likelihood that one will occur on your site is fairly high.

By taking these proper steps to minimize the risks faced in your parking area, you are not only protecting your employees and visitors, you are protecting your bottom line.

Distracted walking is becoming a major safety concern. In 2017, almost 6,000 pedestrians were killed. 
 
Causes of Distracted Walking
Interestingly, the rise in distracted walking accidents has occurred at the same time the US experienced an increase in smartphone usage. Millennials between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely to engage in common distracted walking behaviors. What might be surprising, though, is that evidence indicates women ages 55 and older are the most likely to suffer serious injuries.
 
While one may suspect that smartphone use contributes to this trend, it is by no means the only cause of inattentiveness while walking.  Other possible causes of distracted walking may include personal problems, deadline focus, or complacency.

Common Risks Associated With Distracted Walking
Common injuries pedestrians risk when they engage in distracted walking include:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractured or broken bones
- Cuts
- Bruises 
​
Many people believe themselves to be the exception when it comes to distracted walking. However, a study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that 75 percent of respondents said that "other people" walk around distracted, while only 29 percent admitted to being guilty themselves. Moreover, only 46 percent of these considered their behavior "dangerous."

There is scientific evidence suggesting that no one can truly multitask and people can only give their full mental attention to one thing at a time. Trying to keep track of more than one activity or thought process leaves you switching focus constantly and your brain playing catch-up.

Preventing Distracted Walking Accidents at Work
As a manager or employer, it is your duty to stress these points to your employees. Consider expressing that no deadline or production goal is worth risking injury and that, no matter how often they perform a task, there are still risks involved. It could also help to exercise extra caution at times when they know they are not functioning at their best, whether it be due to factors such as lack of sleep, illness, or stress.

Depending on the work environment, you may want to establish a limited or no cell phone policy. This measure is especially appropriate in settings like construction sites where heavy equipment, open trenches, trip hazards and a multitude of other life-threatening hazards abound. Limiting cell phone use to break times and in designated safe zones could prevent an unnecessary injury or avoid a life-threatening accident.

Those who walk around distracted pose a very real threat to themselves and those around them. There is little you can do as an employer to combat this trend on the street. However, you can raise your employees' awareness of the issue, establish reasonable rules and help them protect themselves and your business from the risks involved while on the job.

Is your business considering adding a new piece of equipment? Contemplating an investment in new equipment could help you to save money and speed up or streamline processes. Remember, prior to investing in new equipment, take the time to speak with your accountant to understand if your investment can also lessen your tax burden.

After acquiring new business equipment, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Ensure Proper Training
No two pieces of workplace equipment are equal, and how you use them in your business will differ. Before you start moving forward, be sure you and your team are properly educated to help avoid incidents, errors, broken parts or a shorter-than-average equipment lifespan. This means taking time to review usage tips, review guidelines for storage and make sure maintenance is up-to-date. If you purchased heavy equipment, pre and post operation safety inspections can help minimize the risk.

When you use best practices in caring for your investment, you should be able to expect many years of safe and productive use – rather than more expenses or a reduced life.

Employ Best Practices for Use, Storage and Management
Knowing how to use, store and manage your new equipment is important.  Be sure to follow all printed instructions about where to store equipment, including temperature guidelines to prevent rust, mold or mildew, and how to clean and treat any applicable parts to prevent damage.

No matter why you make a purchase, you want your employees to be safe, your risk to be low and your investments to last.

Verify Insurance Coverage
It's always exciting to acquire in new business equipment, but don't start unboxing anything before speaking to your insurance agent to ensure your insurance coverage provides appropriate protection if anything goes wrong.