Does your organization close for a week or two during the winter months? Many schools, childcare centers, and community buildings close..

As a childcare provider, keeping kids safe is the most important part of your job. Sometimes it can be easy to overlook smaller things like..

Winter is fast approaching, and in many parts of the country that means that soon the temperatures will drop and everything will be covered..

Childcare providers often require parents to provide sleep items, like swaddles, pacifiers, and sleep sacks, for infants. Companies create..

As the fall colors fade, commercial building owners and facility managers find themselves amid another seasonal transition. While the start..

Opening the hood of a semi-truck is a fundamental task during routine maintenance and troubleshooting. However, the process requires that..

Employers across many different industries need help finding and hiring enough employees. The hiring crunch affects everyone, from..

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. More than ever, businesses are relying on technology and using online platforms for many..

Organizations with swimming pools must be aware of hypoxic blackout which is an emergency that occurs when a swimmer hyperventilates and..

While assessing cybersecurity risks for your organization, have you considered removable media? Removable media, like USB devices, are an..

Heading out to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard is a standard fall tradition for families. Many farm businesses rely on the seasonal..

Many organizations use volunteers in some capacity throughout the year. Whether it’s for a few larger fundraising events or ongoing in..

On highways across the country, tractor trailers carry loads of all kinds of items to different places. Once a truck has arrived at its..

A successful workers’ compensation claim begins with a thorough investigation of the accident or injury. A great investigation requires a..

The new school year is coming up quickly and childcare centers are working on plans to start the year off on a good note. Along with..

When using a fire extinguisher to try and put out a fire, it's important to put your safety first. Check out our infographic below for tips..

Following a recent wedding in Iowa, the bride became suspicious when her husband was sick the day after their event. She also heard from..

If you own any commercial property, you’re likely responsible for keeping the trees on your property in good condition. This may seem like..

Using their truck’s landing gear to pick up and drop off trailers is an important part of a truck driver’s job. This can sometimes be a..

Lifeguards are a critical component of pool safety. During the summer months, lifeguards working outdoors are exposed to conditions that..

Many manufacturing facilities use welding and hot work in their operations. Hot work includes welding, cutting, brazing and soldering, and..

All employees have lives outside of their workplaces that can result in them not getting enough sleep. Children or other family..

The process of entering and exiting the truck cab is a common and essential part of a truck driver’s day. Something that’s done this often..

Organizations that provide summer care for school-aged children often spend a lot of time outdoors, including camps where almost the entire..

A recent news story detailed how a toddler escaped a childcare facility and wandered out onto a busy street. Luckily, a passing driver saw..

Every summer thousands of children who are out of school attend summer day camps. Hosted by many child-focused organizations like YMCAs or..

The past few years have affected professionals in various ways, including how much they engage in their jobs. Engagement among adult..

When we think of food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses, restaurants and grocery stores often come to mind. While food safety is..

Construction projects are picking up again after the winter months and many contractors are looking for new employees in a tight job..

Chances are, as a business owner, you’re aware of many different cybersecurity issues. Ransomware, phishing attacks, and the importance of..

Commercial building owners typically have a schedule and routine for maintaining their building’s sprinkler system and fire extinguishers...

Storm season is fast approaching and unfortunately, severe weather can cause serious property damage for business owners. Once cleanup has..

Under Inland Marine policies there’s a coverage category available for miscellaneous tools and equipment. It’s often used for such things..

In the spring, many youth-serving organizations begin to offer new and additional sports programs for children. Parents are eager to sign..

There are many things to consider when deciding to open a childcare facility. Childcare is in extremely high demand, so it makes sense that..

There are many different occupations where employees work alone. The American Society of Safety Professionals, or ASSP, recommends defining..

There are many steps to starting a business; it can take years for an aspiring business owner to get everything in order to open their..

There are many different challenges when taking care of elderly patients in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Ensuring residents..

Imagine a worst-case scenario for your business, maybe a catastrophic fire or a roof collapse. You’re forced to rebuild, almost from the..

A vital part of a quality childcare environment is child-to-staff ratios. These ratios, or the number of children who can be cared for by..

Typically, you’ll find a sauna or two in any fitness center or YMCA-type organization. Located in the locker rooms or on the pool deck,..

One challenge facing every contractor is keeping track of tools and equipment. With many jobsites, different types and brands of equipment,..

Imagine what would happen if your organization had to shut down for an extended period due to property damage from a fire. Luckily, with..

As a small business owner, you’ve done your due diligence regarding cybersecurity at your organization. You’ve updated your devices and..

During these colder months, many parts of the country are buried in snow and ice. Even in warmer regions, this time of year can bring lots..

Most bigger businesses and organizations have large human resources departments and utilize many resources to ensure they have best..

Is your pool divided into zones of protection? This term refers to different areas of the pool assigned to a lifeguard. Zones make it..

A new survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety identified the groups of drivers most likely to be distracted while behind the..

The new year is fast approaching; before we know it the holidays will be over, and it’ll be January. For fitness centers, athletic clubs,..

The colder winter months bring unique challenges to contractors trying to continue their construction projects. Snow, wind, and ice can..

Winter is fast approaching and that means additional winter preparation for property managers. Winter brings about a host of new potential..

In the last couple of decades, workplace conduct standards have changed for the better. Employees have the protection of federal and state..

Inflation has certainly become a buzzword as of late, and specifically within the insurance industry. If you’ve purchased anything during..

In addition to requiring all lifeguards to be trained and certified, an important part of a safe pool environment is requiring lifeguards..

Stories and videos of children being abused in childcare facilities show up in the news almost every day. Many facilities are monitored by..

Employees who work in residential care, assisted living facilities, hospitals, or clinics are at an increased risk of needlestick injuries...

Besides a good insurance policy, an effective way to reduce exposure to loss or financial uncertainty is contractual risk transfer...

Did you know that most hard hats worn today are using technology from the 1960s? Hard hats are essential equipment for many types of..

Any employee who handles or uses hazardous substances, like industrial cleaners, pool chemicals, and more, needs proper training on how to..

At the height of the pandemic, many offices shut down and sent workers home to work remotely. In the years that followed, businesses slowly..

When thinking about essential lifeguard equipment, a rescue tube, first aid supplies, and whistle may come to mind. But another very..

When the weather turns cooler after the hot summer, many organizations plan fall festivals to celebrate the season. These events often..

Stories about cyber security and companies getting hacked are a constant in the news cycle. Both small and large businesses are at risk of..

A law passed earlier this summer attempts to keep young infants safer while sleeping. The law bans the sale and manufacturing of different..

The later summer and early fall months can be busy for property managers. Many units have new residents moving in and other unit leases are..

Summer vacations are a tradition for many families. With a little preparation, you can make your summer drive safer for you and other..

Running a fitness center, YMCA, YWCA, or similar type of facility can be quite a challenge. With multiple areas, such as weight rooms,..

We know distracted driving is dangerous and unfortunately all too common. Everyone has an obligation to do their best to minimize..

During the summer months there are many outdoor special events, such as concerts, festivals, fairs, and parades, just to name a few. It..

Warm summer weather results in many road construction projects that can’t be completed during colder weather. For commercial drivers, this..

Gait belts are critical pieces of equipment in many residential and medical facilities. A gait belt is a device that’s used to prevent..

Last month, in Tennessee, a one-year-old died after being left in a vehicle at his daycare center for more than six hours. A staff member..

Summer break will be here soon and typically this means an influx of school-aged children in childcare programs. It also means a lot more..

When considering regulatory agencies that impact the food industry, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) might not be..

Forklifts are common in many manufacturing, construction, and warehousing businesses. They are an essential tool for moving heavy items;..

YMCAs, YWCAs, and other community organizations provide invaluable services to their communities. These facilities are often a main..

There’s no disputing that the world of work has changed. In the face of a lingering global pandemic, employee engagement has declined from..

Businesses that provide sports and leisure activities can be found in most communities. These businesses include amusement centers, sports..

Spring is here and that means the construction season is in full swing. After pandemic-related delays, this season is shaping up to be very..

You’re part of a group organizing a summer festival. Throughout many meetings your group decides on musical entertainment, food trucks, and..

Defective products can cause serious injuries and property damage. Some product liability lawsuits settle for billions of dollars. No..

As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate, and managing hazardous waste just might be one of those obligations. You need to..

Our phones are with us wherever we go; most of us would be lost without them. While smartphones can pose hazards to drivers by being a..

One of the many long-lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic has been employees working in places other than office buildings. In the..

West Bend’s Workers’ Compensation Claims department is dedicated to helping our policyholders reduce rising medical and disability costs...

Business owners want to keep their buildings and equipment safe from damage. Extra precautions are often taken for crime and incidental..

Many organizations are hiring a lot of new employees this year. Growth after a pandemic slump and increased demand for goods and services..

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for adult bedrails after reports of three deaths. Bedrails are often used..

Imagine this scenario: A water fountain at a local fitness center starts slowly leaking. Staff members don’t notice or just simply walk..

In many places throughout the country, winter brings snow and ice. Even in areas that don’t get much snow, cold winter temperatures bring..

Everyone probably recognizes the Underwriters Laboratory or UL symbol. It appears on many products, from Christmas lights to fire doors,..

Two recent episodes of our Safety Bytes podcast highlight some important issues that are often overlooked in many workplaces. Episode 108,..

Dust is an inevitable part of the woodworking process. While messy and frustrating at times, did you know that dust can also be very..

A safe work environment for you and your employees is crucial in running a business. Let’s start with the basics. Knowing the hazards in a..

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there’s a new structure fire every 63 seconds. Many commercial buildings are..

During the cold weather months alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, space heaters, and wood stoves are used in many ways to..

If your work environment is noisy, it’s very important to protect your employees’ hearing. Even a moderate amount of noise over a long..

Your customers may be the heart of your business, but your employees are its soul. Gone are the days when a generous salary and robust..

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common causes of workers’ compensation injuries across all industries. The resulting claims..

Indoor and outdoor pools are often the most popular areas of a YMCA and other community organizations. With lap swimming, children’s swim..

A recent iPhone software update made headline news because it patched a very serious security flaw. It was discovered hackers could..

Safety meetings and staff training sessions are critical for teaching employees important skills they need to stay safe on the job. Safety..

As a business owner, it’s important to realize the cost of building materials and trends in the construction industry to properly assess..

Organizations regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) are required to maintain driver qualification (DQ) files for all their..

A wide variety of organizations deal with hazardous chemicals. From a YMCA handling pool chemicals to an auto body shop utilizing spray..

Employees who drive for a living encounter a few unique issues in their work environment, America’s roadways. Anyone who’s been on a long..

We spend so much time cooking meals on our stoves that it can be easy to forget the temperatures are high enough to quickly start a fire...

Two recently released recalls include equipment manufactured by STIHL and Guardian. Anyone using these pieces of equipment should stop..

Inflatable jumping pillows are popular attractions for kids at campgrounds and summer camps. Installed in the ground with turf or sand..

Driving a truck for a living can take a toll on a person’s health. Based on a survey of commercial truck drivers, they were twice as likely..

A broken arm from falling off monkey bars. A laceration requiring stitches from a broken bottle. A concussion from being knocked over by a..

Ransomware attacks have made headline news this year. An attack against a large US pipeline created gasoline shortages all along the east..

Nothing says summer like a fresh burger cooked on the grill. However, grills can pose a large fire risk, especially for apartment..

A key component of worker safety is ergonomics, defined as “an applied science of designing and arranging things people use so the people..

Did you know there’s a simple maintenance plan you can implement to prevent expensive and potentially dangerous problems with your..

The summer months are upon us, and along with blue skies and sunshine, summer also brings severe weather. Tornados, severe thunderstorms,..

Childcare providers have a lot of different tasks to juggle every day. Caring for children, planning activities and field trips, and..

Drivers who transport clients or patients for organizations like assisted living facilities, childcare centers, or adult day care centers..

A youth sports organization hires a driver to transport children from the facility to different locations in the city for games. The routes..

Restaurant and other kitchen workers face a challenging work environment. Standing for long periods of time, lifting heavy pots and food..

As a business owner, you’ve spent a good amount of time developing protocols to keep your customers’ data safe. Strong passwords, security..

Since 1983 April has been designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting an important issue for our country. This is a great time..

As a manager or owner of a business, it’s important to consider your employees’ mental health. “How are you doing?” is a very simple..

Many people in the Midwest remember when the roof of the Metrodome, football stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, collapsed in 2016. The..

Imagine this scenario, you’re in the middle of your workday, managing the operations at a small organization. One of your employees comes..

Distracted driving is without a doubt one of the most challenging problems facing companies that employ drivers for any reason. Most of the..

During a walkthrough of a brand-new, large community center, one of our loss control reps noticed something about the gym. The entire..

One of the most critical safety measures for any organization that does commercial cooking is making sure the hood and duct system covering..

We experienced many changes in 2020, among them the ability to get much more delivered to our homes. Many restaurants and bars shifted..

Have you ever wondered how a safety committee could benefit your organization? Or maybe, you have a safety committee already established..

For small businesses, the cold winter months can present serious challenges to keeping their doors open. For businesses operating in parts..

It’s a new year and many childcare centers are enrolling new children, developing new routines, and often transporting many children to and..

While ringing in 2021 certainly looked different than any other year, people are still making new goals and resolutions. Many of these new..

It’s the end of 2020, and by now many of us have been working from home for most of the year. Who knew in January what a crazy year this..

Many childcare centers close for a week or two around the holidays, giving staff and children a much-needed break to spend time with their..

Winter is here. If snow and ice haven’t started accumulating at your organization, they’ll certainly make an appearance sometime in the..

Any business owner knows that cybersecurity is crucial for keeping company and customer data safe. You don’t have to look far for news..

Most companies focus much of their efforts on preventing employee injuries by developing a strong safety culture. This is very important,..

It should come as no surprise that some of our most frequent auto claims here at West Bend are claims for damage caused by backing..

With many schools utilizing virtual instruction this year, kids are spending more time than ever online. Many organizations like YMCAs and..

If an employee is injured at work and cannot return to his/her own job right away, sometimes the employee can do another job or part of..

When children go back to school, they often spend a lot of time on school busses. In addition to transportation to and from school, youth..

Many people think that if someone is drowning, it will be extremely obvious. Lots of splashing, screaming for help, and arm waving. But..

A post from Katrina Luetkebuenger, a West Bend Loss Control Representative: There are many risks to consider with winter driving. I didn’t..

NOTE: We also have information onDeveloping an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)for emergencies other than aquatics.

Companies with large fleets of vehicles, from large semi-trucks to smaller vans, are always looking for ways to make their fleets safer...

We spend all winter looking forward to long, sunny days. Then finally summer arrives, bringing some beautiful weather. But summer also can..

A West Bend loss control representative was asked by the aquatics director for one of our customers if we had a policy on the maximum age..

West Bend's claims adjusters handle an unbelievable number of slip and fall injuries for our customers each winter. And this isn't..

An ex-Boy Scout camp director andYMCA water safety instructor accusedof filming and distributing child pornography entered a guilty plea..

In 2015 at a summer camp in North Carolina, a12-year-old girl fell more than 40 feetto her death when a tether attaching her to the..

A storycame to lightabout abuse in youth sports. A young figure skater accused an older skater of abuse. The abuser’s coaches and others..

A large concert stage collapsed under the pressure of 70mph winds at the Indiana State Fair a few years ago. Reports have indicated that at..

A talented swimmeron the Dartmouth College swim team was exercising in a Florida YMCA pool while on vacation with his family. After a..

Take a kid to a party with a bounce house and chances are you won’t see them for long. Most kids are thrilled to jump and flip in these..

One of our loss control experts was at a YMCA pool and a swimmer was up on a starting block getting ready to jump into the pool. Suddenly..

Maintaining staff-to-child ratios is a very important part of a high-quality childcare environment. In fact, the number of children allowed..

Atragedy at a preschool in New York City made headlines across the country. A three-year-old with a known dairy allergy was fed a grilled..

While businesses often spend significant amounts of money on workers’ compensation insurance, the ins and outs of how work comp works can..

Too often here at West Bend we receive frightening near-drowning claims. These claims can result in serious injury and many times the..

Once warm weather finally hits, families and children head to pools and lakes to cool down. Swimming is a standard summer activity but many..

One of our loss control representatives was asked about including children with disabilities in camp activities. This organization had..

A news story about a child at a pumpkin farm caught our attention here at West Bend.The child suffered a medical emergency and passed out...

Fall sports are ramping up as the weather cools down. Football and lacrosse seasons are starting; even some baseball and softball teams are..

There are many stories in the news about abuse at childcare facilities.Unfortunately, a story from Texas stands out as especially..

At ahigh school swim meetin Michigan, Xavier Staubs had just finished the last leg of a relay race. He noticed one of his rivals, Kamrin..

A childcare provider inColorado was sentencedto 10 years in prison after an infant died in her care. She had put the child down for a nap..

A recent claim caught the attention of one of our loss control reps. A child in a drop-in daycare facility went into the bathroom to get..

An employee at an aquatics centerwas arrested after a camerawas found in the changing area for lifeguards at the facility. Upon further..

Arecord-breaking verdictwas recently handed down in an Illinoiscivil lawsuit involving the drowning death ofsix-year-old Michal Duda. A..

Imagine a scenario that could happen at any community organization. A fire caused by an old electrical panelstarts in a maintenance room...

A devastating tragedy has prompted a community in Pennsylvania to act to keep children safer while in childcare facilities. In August 2019,..

Imagine an elderly member came into your organization with an advanced directive stating that in the event of an emergency, they don't want..

One of our loss control experts reported an interesting situation at a facility with a swimming pool. After taking photos of their children..

One of our loss control experts received a question that many YMCAs and larger fitness facilities face. Employees at this YMCA noticed some..

As a childcare provider, field trips were both my worst nightmare and one of my favorite activities. The stress and anxiety of planning and..

A client walks into a community organization with a large dog. The dog doesn’t have a vest or badge identifying it as a service animal and..

If you are a lifeguard supervisor or manager, this probably sounds familiar. You supervise a group of lifeguards; some stay with you all..

Step ladders are one of the most commonly-used pieces of equipment in many businesses. Check any supply or maintenance closet and you’ll..

Employee safety is a top priority. Improper disposal of materials, narrow aisles, and poor lighting are all things that can play a factor..

One of the last things you want as a business owner is for your employees to get hurt. Often, workplace accidents can be avoided by..

Your business is important to us so, we provide coverages tailored its unique needs. Learn how some of these coverages come into play in..

An in-home care coordinator was leaving an apartment complex following an appointment with a client. While descending the front steps, the..

Does your warehouse struggle with inventory upkeep? Or, have there been times when product has been misplaced due to lack of organization?..

Workplace safety is top of mind for employers. Keeping employees safe and preventing workers’ compensation injuries that affect your bottom..

No employers want to see their employees suffer a traumatic injury while on the job. Let’s take a look at this real-life work comp claim..

Workplace accidents happen, but many may be avoided by implementing preventive safety measures. We’re sharing this real-life, large loss..

A claims department functions because of loss to property, an accident, or an injury due to legal liability, misfortune, negligence, or..

Many essential employees are working hard to keep grocery stores, delivery services, and takeout food services available to the public...

A major concern of any retail business is accidents in the parking lot. The accidents can be vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-building/..

It’s very important that your store has a sound policy in place to keep aisles clear and dry.

According to OSHA, since 1980, almost 150 workers have been killed and more than 850 injured due to combustible dust explosions.

According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), on average, prescription drug costs make up 13-14% of an overall..

Our business program was designed to help tailor your insurance coverage to the unique needs of your business. Equipment Breakdown coverage..

You provide a valuable service for your customers that requires a large investment in your machinery, your employees, and your office..

As a manager or business owner, it’s horrible to watch an employee suffer a workers’ compensation injury. Sharing real-life claims like..

Manufacturers Errors & Omissions coverage extends the basic General Liability policy to provide payment when you (as the insured) must..