Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Lockout and Safety

As many of us know, the NFL recently locked out officials, replacing them with hard working, yet under-qualified replacements.

People who pay attention have been complaining since the beginning of the preseason that the replacements are sub-par, but most of the viewing public couldn't tell a dramatic difference.

Then, this happened...



















On the last play of the game, the Packers intercepted a Hail Mary pass, but it was ruled a touchdown for the Seahawks.

That call decided the game, and an outcry for the NFL to get their regular officials back in the game quickly followed.

Is this the way it is in your business with your broker and risk manager?   Often times, employers go about their day-to-day business, and figure their safety initiatives are good enough and their insurance broker is doing a good job.  Our experience tells us a closer look should be taken and it should be a high priority for your business.

Many business owners do not have the time or experience to pay close enough attention to the many mistakes being made every day by their current brokers.  What is the process used in your injury management program?  My guess is there is no process in place. 

Until something big happens like a huge additional premium at audit, an unexpected spike in your experience mod (which is coming), or an improperly handled injury that escalated and is now effecting your renewal premium.  Rates are expected to increase this year with the changes in health care and the ever increasing costs of medical care and indemnity costs due to an aging workforce.

And WHEN you get tackled by the news, will it be too late? What will you do?

Do you want to wait around until something goes horribly wrong or would you rather be able to look at the replays of the mistakes that are being made so you can choose the right broker before something catastrophic happens?

Replacing under performing brokers is what we live for, and they are making it easy for us right now.  The market is tightening, rates are increasing in almost every state and the biggest changes in 20 years are coming to the NCCI experience mod starting January 1 in many states.

If your broker visits you 90 days before your renewal, updates your exposures and searches the market for better pricing you better start looking elsewhere for a new broker now.  Earning money for doing nothing is simply no longer acceptable. 

Contact our brokers and risk manager at EasternMichigan Agencies and Three Sixty Safety™ for your first Safety Impact Study™ and find out just what you have been missing.