Alternative Duty / Light Duty - A Return to Work Program that Should be Made a Policy

Friday, October 31st, 2008 | Claims Questions | No Comments

We here at Safety Engineering Consultants strive to help our insured’s hold down their workers compensation cost and one way to do that is to work with our insured’s to get the injured employee back to work as soon as possible either at full duty or when appropriate in an alternative or light duty position.

Returning injured employees back to work in an alternative duty / light duty position should be made a policy. It is extremely important to have a program in place for employees that are injured on the job. Offering the employee an alternative duty / light duty position within three days of the doctor releasing the employee will demonstrate the employer’s commitment to return to work and modified duty. The program reduces the exposure on the Workers’ Comp Claim in terms of wages. It allows the wage benefits to be terminated. It allows them to get off the couch and out of the house and back to a normal routine. Alternative duty / light duty will help provide critical control over the employee’s physical activities, as well as it will reduce their total time away from work. It can also help insure the employee is not out performing other work or doing outside activities

It also sends a message to the employee that the employer cares about them and wants them to come back to work and keeps them connected with the work place.

Supervisors should have alternative duty / light duty job descriptions prepared ahead of time to eliminate delays in returning the employee to work.

Clayton Cabron
Senior Claims Specialist
Safety Engineering Consultants
615.826.4274
ccabron@sectn.com

Reputation

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments

What do you think of when you hear the word “reputation?” My dad used to say the only thing you really possess in life is your good name, and you should never give a reason for someone else to take it from you. Having a good name in the business world is as important as your personal reputation.

We, the employees of Next Generation Underwriters, strive for that good name and reputation. We do this by putting the needs of our clients first. Our many years of experience give us a clear understanding of the challenges and risk management needs of a public entity. We provide sound underwriting, excellent coverage and service, prompt claims payment, and valuable loss control training.

Working together with our public entity partners, the Tennessee Risk Management Trust has declared a dividend to its members for the last two years. This is a sign of efficiency and hard work on both sides. Our members have demonstrated loyalty to our program and a commitment to improving loss ratios through their loss control efforts. The TRUST has demonstrated loyalty to its clients and giving back when their efforts allow.

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary the word “reputation” means the following: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general; recognition by other people of some characteristics or ability; a place in public esteem or regard: good name.

When you think of Next Generation Underwriters, we want you to think of our professionals who use their unique knowledge and expertise to meet your needs with caring and integrity. We consider it a privilege for the opportunity to serve you and the citizens you represent.

Let us put our good name and reputation to work for you.

Jackie Richards, AU, CPIW, CPCU
Customer Service Representative
Next Generation Underwriters
111 Hazel Path
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 822-5454
jrichards@nguins.com

Next Generation Underwriters to attended TMEPA E & O Meeting in Murfreesboro

Friday, October 24th, 2008 | Where we will be | No Comments

The Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association with have its annual E & O Meeting in Murfreesboro on November 12-14. The Conference will take place at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Conference Center Blvd.

John Evans and Kirk Smith with be in attendance representing Next Generation Underwriters Inc.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com

Region 4 Raises the Bar for Quarterly meetings

Friday, October 24th, 2008 | Where we will be | No Comments

Vickie Houston of Crab Orchard Utility District and Region 4 Leader had set a date of October 23rd for their fall meeting at Sunset Marina on Dale Hollow Lake. With the weather holding up and the tree’s beginning to change, the timing couldn’t have been better. As members gathered on the marina service dock, the 74 foot Houseboat was being loaded with breakfast pastries and coffee. Around 60 members enjoyed a morning cruise of taking pictures and fellowship while enjoying a hot cup of coffee sponsored by Cannon Industrial Products.

As the houseboat returned to the dock around noon, the Staff at Sunset Marina had prepared a Gourmet meal that members enjoyed. This lunch was outstanding and the service was great. However, the day was not over. While some members left after lunch, others stayed for the afternoon cruise and deserts. With an afternoon trip of around 10 miles downstream, we returned to Sunset Marina around 4 o’clock.

Thanks to Sunset Marina and their staff for the hospitality and a special ‘Thank You’ to Vickie Houston for putting this event together for the members of Region 4.

For more information about Sunset Marina and the services they provide, just go to www.sunsetmarina.com.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com

Great turnout for the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts annual Cookout in Murfreesboro.

Friday, October 24th, 2008 | Where we will be | No Comments

The annual TAUD Cookout was held on October 21st at the offices of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts in Murfreesboro. Jason Griffin of Gresham Smith and Partners served as Chairman of this year’s event and stated, this is an excellent way for the Associate Members of TAUD to show their appreciation to the staff and Board of Directors for all the hard work they do. The staff and members enjoyed Steaks and Chicken grilled on the cooker from Consolidated Utility District of Murfreesboro. The turnout was tremendous and the fellowship was great. Thanks to all the Associate Members who made this event special.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com

School Playground Maintenance

Friday, October 24th, 2008 | School Safety | No Comments

Every year, about 200,000 children are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for playground equipment-related injuries. An estimated 148,000 of these injuries involve public playground equipment. About 15 children die each year as a result of playground equipment-related incidents. Most of the deaths are due to falls or strangulation.The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers playground safety tips from its Handbook for Public Playground Safety. Follow link below to PDF file:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/325.pdf

For purposes of space I will only address maintenance. Playgrounds must be inspected on a regularly scheduled basis. The conditions as listed below should be taken seriously and immediately corrected or the equipment closed for use until corrected:

• Hardware that is loose or worn, or that has protrusions or projections
• Exposed equipment footings
• Scattered debris, litter, rocks, or tree roots
• Rust and chipped paint on metal components specifically cracks as seen below
• Splinters, large cracks, and decayed wood components
• Deterioration and corrosion on structural components that connect to the ground
• Missing or damaged equipment components, such as handholds, guardrails, swing seats.

The following pictures display a failure in workmanship and highlight items that should be inspected for.

If these type of swings are present ensure you maintence inspections to include inspection of welded joints.

Chris Stites
Senior Loss Control Consultant
Safety Engineering Consultants
615.826.4274
cstites@sectn.com 

A little bit about the author: Chris Stites is a Senior Loss Control consultant for Safety Engineering Consultants contracted for Next Generation Underwrites (NGU, John Evans) and Tennessee Risk Management Trust (TNRMT) for public entities.

Tennessee Association of Utility Districts Region 1

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 | Where we will be | No Comments

The fall meeting for Region 1 in upper East Tennessee met at the Farmhouse Garden and Galleries in Unicoi, Tennessee. Sponsored by McGill Associates, the turnout was overwhelming with around 75 attendees on hand for the program from the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts.

Region 1 Leader Fred Hicks introduced Mike Burnette of HD Supply as he gave a introduction and program on the Micro-Blaster equipment for small blasting. Next on the program was Brian Boyd of the National Weather Service office in East Tennessee. Brian brought the house down with his humor on forecasting long range weather and discussed the drought conditions we are all experiencing. Brian talked about his long hours of service but as he stated ‘he’s not bitter’ he just loves his work. Everyone enjoyed Brian’s presentation.

Then members heard a short presentation from Bill Biles of TOSHA. Bill discussed the recent incident in Harrogate and Mosheim. After the program the members enjoyed a good ole fashioned bar-b-que plate from Farmhouse Garden and Galleries.

Thanks to Fred Hicks Region 1 Leader and Gary McGill of McGill Associates for the great informative program and hospitality.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com