Safety affects insurance premiums | Risk ManagementLeslie Kazmierowski
This column uses fictitious case histories to introduce
important loss-control principles. The details for these case
histories are not meant to represent any particular occurrence. Any
similarities to living people or actual events are purely
coincidental.
Rocket Roofing was a disaster waiting to happen. The company had
40 employees and a $10 million sales volume. Ron, Rocket Roofing's
owner, took over the company from his father about five years ago.
At about the same time, the company's loss ratio started to
increase.
Ron did not encourage safety with his crews. Although he knew
about Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations,
neither he nor his foremen made any effort to comply. Ron's lack of
commitment to safety showed in many areas but most clearly was
reflected in Rocket Roofing's claim experience in all lines of
insurance. For example, during a three-year period, six employees
suffered serious falls, including one that resulted in death.
In addition, two automobile liability claims resulted when
employees driving company vehicles rear-ended a car and struck a
pedestrian. During a routine insurance audit, Ed, a loss-control
representative, found that Rocket Roofing does not order Motor
Vehicle Reports (MVRs) on new hires or...
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