Employers Require an Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record

Nina ConnerEnergy

By Tara Crisp for AssuredPartners Employers and insurance carriers often require an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for various reasons related to job requirements, liability and insurance purposes, regulatory compliance, company image, and risk mitigation. Job Requirements: Certain positions involve driving company vehicles or require driving as part of the job. Employers want to ensure that employees have a clean driving history and possess the necessary skills to operate vehicles safely. Liability and Insurance Purposes: Employers have a duty to protect the safety of employees, customers, and the public. By reviewing an applicant’s MVR, they can assess driving behavior, accident history, and traffic violations to determine risk profiles and make informed decisions regarding insurance coverage and liability concerns. Regulatory Compliance: Industries like transportation, …

Distraction-Free Driving: Three Steps to Go!

Nina ConnerAgribusiness

By Gina Ekstam for AssuredPartners Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the United States. One of a company’s greatest risks occurs when an employee is driving a company vehicle or using their personal vehicle for business use. There are so many things that our driving employees can’t control while on the road, but distracted driving is not one of these. On average, a distraction-related, non-fatal-worker-injury vehicle accident costs an employer $100,310. There are three common driving distractions that every employee should avoid and control: Visual – Keep your eyes on the road. Avoid reading or sending texts or emails, adjusting temperature controls, changing the radio, and reaching or looking for items. Manual – Keep your hands on …

Increased Adoption of Automation and Robotics in the Manufacturing Industry

Nina ConnerManufacturing

By Patti Gander for AssuredPartners The manufacturing industry has continued incorporating automation and robotics into its manufacturing processes. Although there are several reasons for this transition, some key driving factors are increased productivity, greater efficiencies, and overall improved quality. Additionally, the manufacturing industry, like many other industries, struggles to find people to fill the job vacancies. As robots become more flexible and collaborative, they are being implemented to work cooperatively and safely with operators. Robots are capable of handling complex tasks and can easily be adapted to changes in production requirements. Robots are even being integrated with other technologies, further enhancing their capabilities and enabling real-time data analysis for optimization. Included in the manufacturing industry’s move towards a greater emphasis …

When Construction Counts – Addressing Subcontractor Challenges

Nina ConnerConstruction

By AP Construction and Surety Team for AssuredPartners Construction is a trillion-dollar industry, but construction can’t happen without subcontractors. With specialized skills, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and roofing, subcontractors allow general contractors to focus on managing the projects while adjusting their workforce to meet project demands. Because subcontractors are a vital part of the construction industry, it’s important to recognize and address their challenges. Macroeconomic challenges, most notably labor shortages and material costs, are having the most significant impact. While the increase in labor costs is significant, finding enough skilled labor is predicted to be the most considerable risk this year. The trillion-dollar infrastructure bill, compounded with the regular flow of projects, means that hundreds of thousands of …

Cultivating Kindness: National Skilled Nursing Care Week

Nina ConnerSenior Living

By AP Senior Living Team for AssuredPartners Each May, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) honors the essential role skilled nursing care centers play in providing quality care to millions of America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. This year’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) theme, held May 14-20, 2023, is Cultivating Kindness. Kindness is a fundamental human value that promotes empathy, compassion, understanding, and respect for others. It has a profound impact on our well-being, and when we show kindness to others, it can significantly impact their well-being too. In nursing, kindness holds immense significance. Kindness lies at the heart of patient-centered care by helping alleviate patients’ fears, anxiety, and distress, fostering a positive healing experience. Kindness builds trust, enhancing communication, encouraging …