3 min read

School Risk Management: Monitoring Student Social Networks

By Gibson on Sep 12, 2016 6:30:00 AM

Teenagers spend an average of nine hours each day “consuming” media, including social networking. The internet is a vast place, allowing students to say anything seemingly without consequences. This online activity often carries over into the physical world. In the past ten years, 9 out of 10 students who made online threats carried through with them—often at school.

So wouldn’t it make sense for schools to monitor students’ social media accounts? As with most things these days, the answer may not be as simple as you think. Is it ethical? Is it legal? Is it even effective? Those questions are beyond the scope of this blog. But we can address some foundational questions to further the conversation if your school is considering implementing a monitoring program.

Topics: Risk Management Schools Social Media
2 min read

#DisasterReady: Business Continuity And Your Vendors

By Gibson on Aug 29, 2016 6:30:00 AM

Manufacturers have long been concerned with protecting their businesses from supply chain disruption. But this risk can apply well beyond the manufacturing industry. Business continuity risks exist for any organization working with third-party vendors. Think of all the vendors you work with. Phone, internet, subcontractors, suppliers, etc. If one of them had their own significant business interruption, how would it impact you?

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Construction #DisasterReady
2 min read

Ergonomics: Controlling The Hazards

By Gary Clark on Aug 22, 2016 6:30:00 AM

Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, muscle strains, and other work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as these can be prevented. By implementing ergonomic solutions in the workplace, you can help reduce the number and severity of work-related MSDs.

Topics: Risk Management
3 min read

Commercial Drone Use: Review FAA Rules Before Taking Flight

By Gibson on Aug 17, 2016 6:30:00 AM

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, can be useful and powerful tools for organizations. But this futuristic technology does come with its risks—crashes, injuries, and potentially liability for invasion of privacy. So before you use a drone, consider the risks involved and how to manage them.

Your risk management strategy should include safe operating procedures and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations. In particular, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released new UAS regulations. So when you’re ready to take flight, make sure you’re following these rules!

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management
1 min read

Are You #DisasterReady? [Infographic]

By Gibson on Aug 15, 2016 6:30:00 AM

Disasters can happen to any business at any time. From severe weather and catastrophic events to power outages, gas leaks, and data breaches - disasters are diverse. Is your business prepared to respond?

Topics: Risk Management #DisasterReady
1 min read

Increased OSHA Penalties Take Effect

By Gary Clark on Aug 3, 2016 6:30:00 AM

For the first time since 1990, fines for OSHA violations have increased. The changes are effective as of August 1, 2016.

Topics: Risk Management
3 min read

Cyber Risk Management: Stay Safe From Ransomware

By Gibson on Aug 1, 2016 6:30:00 AM

Ransomware is on the rise. And it is serious threat to businesses. Has your organization taken action to prevent ransomware from attacking?

Ransomware is a type of malware that infects a computer and blocks access to the files until a ransom is paid. It may even threaten permanent destruction of the information unless you pay.

Topics: Risk Management
2 min read

#DisasterReady: Size Matters Not

By Gibson on Jul 27, 2016 6:30:00 AM

When you think of disaster recovery and business continuity planning, do you think about the size of your business and whether or not it’s worth the time to create a comprehensive plan? Let’s answer this question with a question from none other than the great Yoda: “Judge me by my size do you?” If you recall the impetus to this question, Luke Skywalker had just failed at raising his X-Wing from the Dagobah Swamp because it was too big, or so he thought.

Topics: Risk Management #DisasterReady
2 min read

School Risk Management: 9 Classroom Safety Tips

By Gibson on Jul 25, 2016 6:30:00 AM

Students and teachers spend most of their school day in classrooms. And thanks to hardworking and creative teachers, these rooms are transformed into welcoming educational environments. They can bring life to an otherwise bland space with decorations and inspire students with innovative lesson plans.

Topics: Risk Management Schools
1 min read

School Risk Management: A Preliminary Checklist For A Safe & Secure Environment

By Gibson on Jul 11, 2016 6:30:00 AM

A school’s primary function is to educate children. That sounds easy enough, but in practice, it requires a complexity of operations few organizations can match. Schools prepare and serve food, maintain play equipment and athletic facilities, welcome the public to sporting events and shows, provide basic mental and physical health care. And they do all this while caring for children and teenagers.

Topics: Risk Management Schools