Work Comp Wednesday - Florida Workers' Compensation Rates Will Decrease June 1, 2018

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has approved a decrease of 1.8% for Florida workers’ compensation rates effective June 1, 2018.  The rate decrease applies to new business written on or after June 1st and to existing policies renewing on or after June 1st.  The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) filed a rate decrease with OIR as a result of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which became law in December 2017 and which NCCI says will increase profits to insurance companies.  The rate decrease is intended to offset this increase.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                   Serving Florida since 1964

LOSS PREVENTION - How to Burglar-Proof a Business

How to Burglar-Proof a Business

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Burglars and business don’t mix well. Business owners and managers have enough to worry about. Burglar-proofing their business shouldn’t be a priority, but it is. And once robbed doesn’t preclude a second or even third break-in by the same bad guy(s). Once familiar with your business layout and contents, thieves figure out how to beat whatever you’ve done (usually little) to deter them and they know you’ve replaced the items they stole and likely fenced, so why not conduct their repeat, profitable performance.  Only one in six burglaries results in an arrest, so statistics prove many thieves are roaming the streets looking for their next victim. Facing the facts, especially for small businesses, is ‘street-wise.’ Check your business premises and see if you’re already following these anti-theft procedures.

Lock Down Securely

Using pin-cylinder locks gives great protection since these are difficult to pick. The deadbolt-type lock is your best lock defense, either with a key or a knob to set it. Thieves are frustrated with double-cylinder deadlocks that must be opened by a key from either side, since getting out of the building is just as difficult as getting in.

Good Key Sense

Some or maybe all of your employees need keys. But have a list, plus code the keys so only employees know which locks they open. Having different keys for exterior entrances and interior rooms so one key doesn’t fit all locks is a deterrent, as well.

Alarms, Noisy or Silent

Silent alarms to notify a central station are recognized as the best protection and the best way to catch thieves. Silent sensing devices also offer good protection. But even cheaper building-siren alarms do reduce the time to steal since most burglars will quickly grab and run, cutting down on losses.

Light Up the Night

Bright lighting inside and outside is usually inexpensive and often effective. Flood doors and windows with light, either motion-sensitive or constantly on. Have every entrance point, including small windows and large vents, flooded with light to discourage even highly motivated burglars. Mercury and metallic vapor lamps serve well since they are almost unbreakable.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                   Serving Florida since 1964

Protect yourself from carbon monoxide—at home and work

Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of people in the U.S. die from carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning—and the invisible, odorless gas sickens thousands more. 

The numbers seem even more tragic when you consider that most of these deaths and illnesses are preventable. Here are tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to help protect yourself and your loved ones at home and work. 

At home 

1. Make sure you have CO alarms—and that they work. You should have a CO alarm on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Test them and replace batteries regularly, too. The alarms themselves should be replaced every five years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Get your chimney and furnace checked. A chimney or furnace that isn't functioning properly can lead to CO buildup inside your home. Have a professional examination and/or service before you begin using them.
3. Be careful with generators and grills. Neither should ever be used inside your home or in an enclosed space, such as a garage—even semi-enclosed spaces like porches can be risky, too. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from the house when in operation.

At work 
In general, the same precautions for homes apply here, but there are a few additional considerations for the workplace, particularly one where gas-powered machinery is used:

1. Be mindful of ventilation. Every year, workers are poisoned by CO while using fuel-burning equipment in areas that don't have adequate ventilation.
2. Try using different tools indoors. Consider electric tools or ones powered by compressed air, and if possible, avoid using forklifts, pressure washers and other gas-powered equipment. Ensure machinery and tools are maintained properly, too.
3. Report unsafe conditions or issues. If you see something that might cause CO buildup, or you suspect CO poisoning in you or a co-worker, get people out of the area and report the problem to your employer immediately.

Whether you're at home or work, always be on the lookout for symptoms of CO exposure: They include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. If you suspect an issue, leave the area as soon as possible and call 911—because when it comes to CO, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                   Serving Florida since 1964