BIG Insurance News

Spring is Coming!

Katie Boyle — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:58:13 GMT

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, we're starting to think about spring. (Or at least hoping that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether spring arrives on time, we've got you covered with tips to get you ready for the season.

Get Ready for Spring

Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather in Indiana changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (see the full list)

Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition (stay safe doing that!), and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.
Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
Store winter heaters, ensuring that liquid-fuel heaters are completely emptied. These should be stored outside, if possible.

Beat the Wintertime Blues

Well, you can take solace in the fact that spring will be here eventually. In the meantime, here are some quick tips from Johns Hopkins University to avoid the “winter blues” and get through those long weeks of waiting before spring.

Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins that will elevate your mood.
Eat well. High-sugar foods and large amounts of caffeine can feed depression and actually decrease your energy level. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and lean meats can help your immune system.
Go to the light. Bring as much light into your life as possible, by spending time outdoors, opening your shades so your home receives more natural light, or even get help from a “light box.”
Get your rest. Go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning. You’ll have more energy during the day.
Of course, if you have strong feelings of depression, please seek assistance from friends, family or a trusted health-care provider. There are people ready to help, whatever the season.

Contact Us !

If an annual insurance review wasn’t included in your New Year’s resolutions, why not get it done while you’re in the cleaning and organizing mood this spring? Your life changes over the course of a year – sometimes in monumental ways. That means your insurance needs can change, too.

At Brown Insurance we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time utilizing all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just contact us or give us a call at 219-972-6060. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Managing the Cold Chain

Katie Boyle — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:57:48 GMT

Protect your restaurant, your customers, and your reputation

Restaurant and foodservice owners across Indiana know the importance of managing “the cold chain” and how seriously it needs to be followed to prevent food borne illnesses to keep from hurting your reputation and your bottom line. That is why we at Brown Insurance team up with Loss Prevention professionals who are technical experts in cold chain systems. They can help you implement a process which reduces your exposure to those pesky microbes that can “ruin your lunch” – and your lunch crowd.

Refrigeration is the key

Restaurants and food stores across Indiana need to maintain the integrity of perishable goods throughout the entire shipping, storing, cooking and retailing process. From “farm to fork,” the temperature of perishable food must be maintained, and refrigeration is the key. Brown Insurance has resources that can help you make sure you are following the proper temperature controls to keep your food fresh. They can also make sure your coverage is up-to-date for the type of food retail operation you own.

Receiving perishable goods

Trust your distributor, but it’s always best to verify the temperature of the food before accepting delivery. Many refrigerated trucks have a data log for temperature during the trip. Ask to see it – most perishables should be maintained at 41 F or below. Brown Insurance encourages you to know the science behind the food. We can help you obtain the proper training for you and your staff on safe temperature controls for food.

When storing perishables at your restaurant or store

From your walk-in to your reach-in, you need to be sure you have adequate space, temperature controls, and properly working doors and seals on all your food storage equipment. Keep temperature logs or alarms on your equipment as mechanical refrigerators can malfunction and you may not even know it! Whether you lease or own your refrigeration equipment in Indiana, contact us to be sure you have the right policy that covers you and your business should that equipment fail.

“Managing the Cold Chain” tools for restaurants and food services

Brown Insurance has many resources for you and your business. We work with some of the most knowledgeable loss prevention specialists in Indiana. They will work with you and train your staff on how to maintain a healthy and safe food service operation.

For more advice and complete help in protecting your business and your employees, contact Brown Insurance at 219-972-6060 or kmeyer [at] browninsgrp [dot] com today!

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car

Katie Boyle — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:57:31 GMT

Buying a new car is an exciting time - but it can also be stressful. After all, you're trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need.

We can't really help you become a master negotiator when it comes to buying a car. But we can give you some things to consider when you're looking around the lot - and when you're trying to answer the age-old question of "new, or used?"

Now, the new vs. used argument is pretty well documented - with people usually staunchly in one camp or the other - and you probably already know what side you're on. But read on with an open mind, and you might just come to a different decision the next time you’re on the car lot.

New cars

Ah, that new-car smell. It's a bit of a cliché, but it's one of the things that people love about climbing into a brand-new car. And while they make air fresheners that supposedly give you that same smell for your used car, it just doesn't seem the same, does it? Still, there are other benefits to buying new - and, of course, there are drawbacks as well.

PRO - Choices: When you buy new, you get to choose your color and the exact features you want. From spoilers to sunroofs to leather seats and stereo systems, you can customize your car to best fit you.
PRO - Maintenance: Some manufacturers offer free scheduled maintenance for a set period of time after you buy the car, and you likely won't need a new battery, tires, etc., for several years after your purchase.
PRO - Peace of Mind: Your new car may have a warranty for up to 10 years, and also is covered by "lemon laws" that could allow for a replacement or refund if the car has serious defects.
CON - Cost: Depending on the make and model, buying a new car is almost always more expensive (at least in terms of the purchase price) than a used car.

It's also worth noting that if you purchase a new car in its first model year (meaning it's a new model for the automaker), there won't be many user reviews available, and data on reliability and repairs will be limited. In addition, sometimes newly introduced cars have some kinks that generally are ironed out by the second and third model years. These aren't necessarily serious issues, and the warranty should cover them, but in some instances, you and your car could be headed to the shop more than you'd like.

Used Cars

Don't care about the new-car smell? Looking to save some money on your purchase? Well, a used car might be right for you. There are many advantages to buying used, but you'll want to be a little more careful. After all, it's hard to know exactly how well the previous owner treated the car. But you can limit your risk with a little bit of work.

PRO - Choices: While you won't necessarily get to customize your used car, you likely can find a pretty good fit. There are lots of used cars out there.
PRO - Cost: New cars depreciate quickly after they're purchased. By buying used, you're letting someone else take that financial hit over the first few years of the life of the car.
PRO/CON - Reliability: Buying a used car is less of a gamble than it used to be, particularly with the advent of "certified pre-owned" programs many automakers now offer. However, used cars generally don't carry the same warranties as new cars, even though the original manufacturer's warranty is usually transferable to a second owner.
CON - Maintenance: While a used car theoretically shouldn't need more frequent maintenance than a new car, you'll likely need to replace things like tires, headlights, etc., earlier. And scheduled maintenance probably isn't covered by the automaker.
PRO/CON - History: You'll need to check the car's title history to make sure it hasn't been in a serious accident or salvaged. Ask the dealership to provide this information, usually from Carfax.

Of course, whichever car you purchase, the important thing is that it's a good fit for you. Bear in mind that certain makes and models can result in higher car insurance costs for you, so feel free to check in with us before you buy.

Have fun shopping - and we'll see you on the road!

Preventing Outdoor Slips & Falls at Your Business

Katie Boyle — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:57:11 GMT

Slips, trips, and falls in outdoor environments can be caused by rain, sleet, ice and snow, and particulate soil that cause surfaces to become slippery or produce poor traction. While we cannot control environmental conditions that increase slipperiness of outdoor walkway surfaces, we can certainly reduce the likelihood of falls through improved design of exterior sidewalks, curbs, parking areas, improved lighting, and improved maintenance to increase awareness and eliminate hazards. Here is some information from Brown Insurance that will help you wherever your business is located.

Trip Hazards

A trip occurs when the foot strikes a near-ground obstacle that abruptly arrests the movement of the foot when the body’s center of gravity is in motion. This causes the center of gravity to rapidly move out of the area of the body’s support base (the planted foot), resulting in a fall. A trip most often results in the person falling forward, while a slip most often results in the person falling backward.

Most state, local, and federal codes and standards describe changes in level of 1/4 inch or higher in the course of travel as a trip hazard. These obstacles should be eliminated through facility design or maintenance, if at all possible. However, if elimination is not possible, other options include:

For changes in level 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch (6 mm to 13 mm), bevel the edge with a slope no greater than 1:2.
Slope is the angle of incline usually given as a ration of the rise (or vertical height) to the run (or horizontal length). The larger the run, the more gentle the incline angle.
For level changes greater than 1/2 inch (13 mm), install a ramp with maximum slope 1:12.
A third, but less desirable option, is to make the hazard visually noticeable through appropriate detectable warnings.

Sidewalks, Curbs, and Parking Lots

A business owner may not be responsible for injuries resulting from a fall on a public sidewalk located outside his or her property. However, some courts may impose liability for injuries on a sidewalk used exclusively by customers coming to and from the business. Consult with your legal counsel if you have questions on liability.

A parking lot owner, however, can be responsible for maintaining the parking lot in a manner such that it is reasonably safe for people using it. This includes:

Filling and patching cracks and holes.
Repairing and eliminating raised areas due to tree roots, settling, cold weather (fronts heaves), and ordinary wear and tear.
Reducing surface water by directing roof drainage away from sidewalks and parking areas.
Clearing sidewalks/parking areas of snow/ice before employees and guests arrive.
Centering and securing parking stoppers.
Painting or staining parking stoppers near entrances Safety Yellow to improve visibility.

Curb Ramps and Handicap Ramps

State, local, and national codes specify guidelines/requirements for curb ramps and handicap ramp design. For example, ramp slopes 1:15 minimum to 1:12 maximum with “slip-resistant” surfaces is often cited. There are no specific guidelines as to what “slip-resistant” means, but some codes specify grooving or other alterations of the curb ramp to improve slip-resistance. Check with your state and local codes for requirements on ramp slip-resistance guidelines. Handicap ramps and curbs are colored “Safety Yellow” (see sections on Color, Contrast, and Visible Warnings).

Entrances

Entrances represent unique slip and fall issues, so selecting the right matting system is very important. For outdoor walkways at entrances exposed to the elements, consider installing a canopy to reduce snow, ice, and water from being tracked into the building.

Color, Contrast, and Visible Warnings

Recent U.S. Access Board Research recommends Safety Yellow as the preferred color for persons having very low vision. Yellow or Yellow-orange warning surfaces are preferred over black warning surfaces. Safety Yellow, therefore, is a color standardized for use as a warning in the pedestrian/highway environment.

Ice, Snow, Water

Slips and falls from snow, rain, and ice are common in areas of Indiana. Falls can be caused by inadvertent accumulation of ice and snow due to misapplication. Misapplication can be caused by selecting less efficient deicing chemical(s) and friction additives (sand), and inadequately managing application schedules. Effective ice removal often occurs during the day with full sun. But, full sun will melt adjacent snow or ice, placing water on the de-iced walking surface. This will dilute the solution and tend to refreeze at night. With dropping temperatures, ice can re-form with falls occurring first thing in the morning.

The following are guidelines for managing slips and falls from snow, ice, and water:

Plow, shovel, and use deicing, salting, or ice melting chemicals to remove ice and snow.
Pre-apply deicing chemicals before a storm, followed by snow/ice removal during and after the storm. Use plenty of deicing materials, as using “barely enough” will leave patches of ice.
Check the surface regularly. For parking areas, this can be time consuming, but it is well worth the effort.
Aim for evaporation. If the water can drain (e.g. drains aren’t blocked) and there is full sun, or even reasonable wind, the water (even ice) will evaporate. A dry pavement is a clear indication there is no ice.
Use a friction additive. Sand is the most popular because it’s cheap. Use a lot of it. Make certain that anyone walking on the surface has a lot of traction. You can clean up the mess once the bad weather is over.
Check and treat surfaces every morning, especially around snow piles where melting may have created new problem areas. Reevaluate during the day and re-treat as needed.
Remember that a clean-looking surface is only “safe” if it’s dry. A wet surface can contain ice, and can also turn to ice in the shade or overnight.
Hold facility managers, custodians, grounds maintenance staff, and contracted snow removal personnel responsible for snow and ice removal.
Train those responsible in procedures for safely maintaining walkway surfaces, including the location of equipment and supplies.

Outdoor Lighting

Inadequate lighting may also lead to accidents involving falls in parking lots, trips over curbing, falls on a step or stairs from a parking lot to a store, and trips and falls due to holes, cracks, and uneven surfaces.

Brown Insurance can provide you with safety training tools, literature or posters for your business. Contact us and ask us all your questions about what commercial insurance is right for your business.

Avoid Slips and Falls at Your Workplace

Katie Boyle — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:03:29 GMT

Slips and falls are the second leading causes of loss for business in Indiana. And they can be prevented with a few maintenance and cleaning procedures. Most slips and falls are caused by the floor surface being too slippery from either moisture or from lack of friction due to built up debris in the surface. We want you, your employees and customers to be safe at your business – so keep these helpful tips in mind:

Check Your Floor Friction

Clean floors are safe floors
Most falls are caused by slipperiness related to dirt, grease or debris on the floors or by using inappropriate cleaning solutions that make the floor slippery – that’s why we encourage you to train your employees on the proper way to clean and maintain floor surfaces. You can learn more and get employee training materials on this safety topic when you contact us.
Oh, those darn shoes!
Just as the friction resistance of the floor surface plays a role in slips and falls, so too does the tread and condition of footwear. You can remind your employees to have appropriate shoes for the surface of your workplace, but we know you can’t control what shoes most people wear so it’s still best to focus your attention on the condition and maintenance of the floor.
Make sure you are protected by your policy
Make sure your property and liability exposures are covered. We can make sure your business’s coverage is up-to-date and appropriate for your industry.

To learn more about floor surface types and levels of slip resistance, contact us and ask for loss prevention training tools.

Understanding Identity Theft

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:36:33 GMT

Your identity belongs to you. Here are some suggestions from Brown Insurance to help you protect it.

One smart and effective way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you'll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly, whether you live in Indiana or elsewhere.

Start with Good Habits

Print out a copy of this page and store it in a convenient place
Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place
Shred papers with personal information
Reduce your credit card accounts, and only carry the cards you need
Write checks with a permanent pen, and mail from a secure place
Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely

Watch Your Accounts Closely

Review balances and transactions often by phone or online
Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate
Take advantage of free credit reports and watch for unusual activity
Sign up with Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch services which will report directly to you for a fee

Fill Out the FTC Affidavit Quickly

The FTC Theft Affidavit supplies proof that you didn't authorize any accounts opened or debts run up by the identity thief
New accounts need this FTC affidavit form to investigate the fraud and process your claim
Call your existing accounts for instructions on disputing unauthorized charges as other forms may be needed
Keep originals of the affidavit, as well as all supporting materials such as driver's license or police report. Send copies only.
Send quickly - many creditors request that you send the affidavit within two weeks

Keep This Information Handy:

Federal Trade Commission:
1-877-438-4338
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.ftc.gov

Social Security Administration
Fraud Line: 1-800-269-0271

Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

Experian: 1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Transunion: 1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com

Identity Theft Plan of Action

Call your credit card companies immediately. Explain what happened, and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
Call and report to the police. Make several copies of the police report.
Complete a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Theft Affidavit and FTC report (see contact information above to request these forms).
Call your bank. They can place an alert on your Driver's License number and Social Security Number, and freeze your account.
Call fraud units of credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

Take the time to educate yourself on identity theft, and please don't hesitate to seek the help of professionals when needed. For more information, contact us today.

Controlling Product Liability Loss

Katie Boyle — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:33:25 GMT

When a company adopts certain management and operating principles, it can minimize or even eliminate products liability losses. Working these principles into your organization requires a systematic, coordinated loss control plan. At Brown Insurance, we recommend that you consider these three components when developing your plan.

A corporate policy on product safety
A product safety coordinator or committee with clearly fixed responsibilities
Specific loss control measures

Corporate Policy

An official corporate policy regarding product safety is essential to demonstrate top management's commitment. The written policy should explain the company's objectives (e.g., to design, manufacture, and sell products that are reliable and meet applicable regulations and standards). It should also indicate who in the organization is responsible for product safety, and how the program will be implemented and monitored.

Product Safety Coordinator or Committee

In the complex field of products liability, every department plays a vital role. Fixing responsibility is the only way to achieve the desired result. The size of the company will determine whether one individual can be designated as the product safety coordinator or a product safety committee should be formed. For smaller companies, it may be possible to have one person responsible for product safety along with his or her regular job duties. Larger organizations may need a fulltime coordinator or a formal committee to ensure products liability control.

Regardless of which structure you adopt, you should:

Initiate procedures that support company policy and objectives
Develop product safety training programs
Learn and communicate changes in codes, regulations and standards
Coordinate product safety hazard analysis
Participate in organizations developing improved product standards
Communicate with the insurance carrier's loss prevention and claims departments
Coordinate accident and product failure investigations and take corrective actions for customers
Maintain loss data including accident reports and warranty claims
Alert management to potential product recalls
Audit and evaluate the effectiveness of the products program
Report progress to management
Recommend corrective action

If you appoint a committee to handle product safety, some of the departments that should be represented on the committee are engineering, quality control, manufacturing, legal, safety, service, marketing/advertising and purchasing (including buyers if you are a retailer). Committee responsibilities may include:

Conducting program activities
Monitoring product performance
Submitting patent applications
Designing labeling and warnings
Processing warranty claims
Documenting product design
Documenting product modification
Reviewing product literature and advertising
Monitoring quality control
Reviewing and responding to accident reports

Loss Control Measures

Products liability loss control involves four important measures:

Identifying the exposures
Guarding against the accident
Warning against the hazard
Defending against claims

Identify the Exposures

Take a good look at each of your products to identify possible ways that they could cause or contribute to accidents or injuries. This evaluation should consider the entire life cycle of the product, from design through disposal. It should also include the environment in which the product will be used and foreseeably misused. Consider intended product users and unintended users, who may also be exposed to potential hazards.

Guard Against the Accident

Understand and apply safety principles concerning product design and manufacturing. Once the hazards are determined, install adequate protective devices. We strongly recommend that the complete physical protection package, such as guards, protective accessories or devices, etc., be included in the product price rather than being listed as options. If they are offered as options, the customers should sign off on their decision not to purchase them. Keep those records for defense. The purchase of quality components and the establishment of high quality manufacturing standards are essential to meeting performance requirements.

As technological safety advances are made, offer consumers retrofit packages to upgrade older product models. Again document these offers and the customer's decisions.

Identify critical pats of the product and indicate their rated capacities clearly, prominently and permanently. Professionalism in all product sales, engineering and field services becomes increasingly important. Sometimes, even the most thoroughly designed controls can fail and a product with serious hazards can be distributed. This situation may require a recall, and your program should include procedures for identifying and tracing specific parts or products. Without actually recalling a specific product, test the recall program to verify its effectiveness.

When dealing with a retail or wholesale situation, develop a system to ensure that recalled products taken off the shelves are not inadvertently put back out for sale by uninformed sales staff or merchandisers. Instruct the lead salespeople and department managers to ask customers if the products being returned for exchange or refund have been involved in accidents or near accidents.

Warn Against the Hazard

The controls in this area are based on clear, accurate and complete product literature and proper packaging and labeling. Advertising and public relations releases should reflect sound accident prevention measures. "Warning" and "Caution" labels and pictorial symbols will help, along with a complete instruction manual for each product.

When packaging and shipping hazardous products, it is essential that the carrier, warehouser, distributor and consumer know what they are handling and how to use it in a safe manner.

Defend Against Claims

Even the best laid plans for prevention may not eliminate all accidents and claims. The key to successful defense is advance planning. You should work closely with your legal counsel and insurance company. Consider the following:

An established policy for record preservation
A set policy explaining how to handle customer complaints and claims
Prompt reporting and thorough investigation of accidents and complaints
A claims philosophy established in advance with the insurance company
Legal review of product literature, contracts, disclaimers, warranties, etc.

By following these important steps, you can take your company a long way toward preventing and solving products liability problems.

For more advice and complete help in protecting your business, your employees and customers, contact us today.

Saving Money on Classic Car Insurance in Indiana

Katie Boyle — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:00:39 GMT

How much you pay for insurance depends on many factors. Following the suggestions below may help you lower the cost of your classic car or collector vehicle insurance in Indiana.

Before you buy
If you’re thinking of buying a classic car or antique automobile, check with us to inquire what it will cost to insure. Usually expensive vehicles cost more to repair, maintain and insure.
Insure with one company
The more policies you have with one insurance company, whether it’s for your cars or home, the more substantial savings you may receive. Call us to find out what you might save.
Increase your deductible
Raising the amount you pay out-of-pocket for losses can help you save more on your policy.
Safety saves
A clean driving record can potentially lower your insurance rates.
Manage your account online
Not only will managing your payments online save you time and hassle, but your payment will be made automatically. Think: worry free.
- Have your monthly premium deducted from your checking account (paperless).
- Pay your entire insurance premium in full by check or credit card.

Find out if your insurance company accepts online payments.

Check with us to find out more about your classic car insurance options.

And ask us about additional coverage options for vehicles (auto and RV) on your auto policy – including rental, roadside assistance, new vehicle replacement and more. Have greater protection and peace of mind knowing that you are better prepared for the unexpected.

To find out more, contact us for will with your specific Indiana classic car insurance needs.

More Than a Tarp to Keep Your Boat Covered

Katie Boyle — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:45:31 GMT

Whether you own a Jet Ski, a small ski boat, fishing boat, or a 26 foot cruiser, knowing that you’re covered by the right insurance should give you the peace of mind to relax and enjoy every minute on the water.

What We Insure

We represent insurance companies that insure a full range of recreational boats including:

Bass boats
Fish and ski
Cabin cuisers
Sailboats
Pontoons
Jet boats
Ski boats
Runabouts
Jon boats
Personal watercraft

Why Insure Your Boat or Personal Watercraft?

In tough economic times some boaters are tempted to let their insurance coverages lapse. Should you ever need to use your watercraft insurance, however, it is one of the best investments you could make. Here are some things to consider:

If you’re in an accident or your watercraft is stolen, it costs money, often a lot, to fix or replace it.
If you or any passengers are hurt in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
If your watercraft is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you’re worth.
If you are injured by an uninsured boater, uninsured watercraft coverage will provide coverage for you.

Your Watercraft Insurance Coverage Options

Your watercraft needs protection on the water, and on land, with coverage for you, your guests, and your boat. Thinking of buying a boat? Check with us to see what it will cost to insure it in Indiana.

Get Started

Contact us for help identifying the best combination of coverage, value, and price for you. And we can help make sure your insurance continually meets your changing needs.

Ask Us

Here are a few things to discuss when we talk:

Is my boat or watercraft covered for year-round use?
Can I get discounts for things such as taking safety classes, having multiple policies, and diesel power?
Do I have coverage if I need to have my boat towed in an emergency?

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us or request a boat insurance quote online

Summer Means More Teens in the Workplace

Katie Boyle — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:59:15 GMT

Business news often reports that it’s difficult for teenagers to find work here in Indiana but nonetheless, as summer approaches thousands of teenagers will enter the workforce, many for the first time.

This is an important first-step for teenagers who enter into these jobs each with their own set of expectations. Oftentimes those expectations are related solely to the money they’ll earn and what it can buy, not as their first life-lesson in developing a work ethic they will carry with them into adulthood. They are also inexperienced, most likely lacking in emotional or physical maturity, and don’t always recognize the differences between “right and wrong” in the workplace.

When working with teenagers, business owners, or their managers, find themselves filling the role of teacher, mentor and boss.

It’s very important that business owners have a clear understanding of state labor laws and safety issues that apply to underage workers.

Managers or other staff that may be in a position to supervise teens must also understand all applicable rules or regulations that apply to their role.

Lastly, underage workers need to understand their level of responsibility for their job, their own safety, and the safety of their co-workers.

Brown Insurance believe that by developing strong, clear policies for employment at your business, you can reduce your risk for potential losses due to employer/employee misunderstandings, accidents on the job and failure to report infractions.

One way to educate your managers and supervisors, as well as provide important worker information to your teenaged employees, is by taking advantage of resources available to you by the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration and the Indiana labor department.

Here are links to a few of the free resources available to you.

Directory of State Labor Divisions; or go to www.dol.gov and search for “State Labor Offices.”
Visit the Young Workers page at the Department of Labor website to find resources for parents, teen workers, business owners and educators.
Will your teen workers be driving? Don’t miss the Distracted Driving program.

Whatever your insurance needs, be they personal or business, we want to be your #1 choice. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a complete insurance evaluation.