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  • Are You Aware of Your Mental Health?

    Are You Aware of Your Mental Health?

    Mental health disorders, which include depression, anxiety, stress and other psychological disorders—affect nearly a quarter of all adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Employees afflicted by these conditions could potentially experience the following symptoms:

    • Reduced focus
    • Low productivity
    • Reduced cognitive abilities
    • Poor physical well-being

    The monetary repercussions of poor employee mental health are tangible—costing the U.S. economy nearly $226 billion each year in lost revenue. Fortunately, your business can implement programs to help your employees cope with and manage their issues.

    Mental Health Activities and Programs

    Despite its intangibility, mental health can be managed through programs, activities and treatment. For that reason, you may want to consider these five suggestions to assist your employees and minimize the effects on your business:

    • Develop an employee assistance program (EAP) that offers screening, counseling and referral services for mental health and other issues. Ideally, the EAP would offer customized services based on the needs of your employees by being responsive to acute and emerging stressors in the workplace. Reassure your employees all health information is confidential and sharing this information will not affect their jobs
    • Provide mental health screenings and educate your employees on the symptoms of mental health illnesses and the methods of treatment. Encourage employees to be screened, either through their primary doctors or through your EAP, if they have symptoms
    • Encourage employees to engage in physical activity, both during the workday and at home. Mild exercise can decrease some mental health disorder symptoms, and in some cases, even prevent mild depressive episodes. Consider the following:
      • Organizing a company sports team
      • Scheduling walking meetings
      • Offering gym memberships at a reduced cost
    • Conduct employee surveys and ask about work stressors (such as conflicts with co-workers or managers), job demands (such as time pressure or physical demands), the level of support provided by supervisors, etc. All of these issues can affect employees and can give you a baseline for implementing further training or workplace changes
    • Establish a workplace environment that is supportive of your employees who have mental health disorders by doing the following:
      • Encourage social support among employees, such as an organized support group that meets regularly
      • Educate all employees about mental health to reduce stigmas and confusion
      • Treat people who have mental health problems with respect and dignity. Never label people by their conditions
      • Provide training on problem solving, effective communication and conflict resolution to support employees
      • Create policies citing appropriate standards of conduct. Include conflict resolution and other training initiatives

    (Note: Depression is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. As employees are screened and begin treatment, they may request a workplace accommodation, such as a change in work schedule, the option to telecommute, job modification or modifications to their work environment. You may be obligated to provide such accommodations, if they do not cause undue hardship to your company. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offers more information at www.eeoc.gov.)

    Remember to Breathe

    An employee who suffers from poor mental health costs his or her employer an average of $1,685 each year, according to the American Psychological Association. How a workplace is structured can either help or exacerbate conditions. By developing helpful programs and communicating with your employees, your business should be able to minimize the impact of poor mental health.

  • Become a Physically Active Family

    Become a Physically Active Family

    Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Studies show that kids who are supported by friends and family or surrounded by active people are more likely to be so themselves. Engaging in physical activity as a family can be a fun way to get everyone moving.

    Benefits of Activity

    Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. It can help prevent chronic diseases, control weight, build muscle and decrease the risk of obesity.

    Active Families

    Being active as a family increases opportunities for kids and families to be physically active. Here are some activities you and your family can consider to get started on a path to a healthier lifestyle:

    •Give children toys that encourage physical activity, such as balls, kites and jump ropes
    •Encourage children to join a sports team or try a new physical activity
    •Take the stairs instead of the elevator
    •Facilitate a safe walk to and from school several times a week
    •Walk around the block after a meal
    •Find time to spend together doing a fun activity, like family bike day or swim day
    •Make a new house rule: No sitting still during television commercials
    •Issue a family challenge to commit to physical activity five days a week for six weeks

    Other Ways to Get Active

    Increasing your family’s physical activity is not the only way to help your kids get active. The following are some other ways you can be involved:

    •Limit TV time and keep the television out of your child’s bedroom
    •Talk to your children’s principal or write to your district superintendent to incorporate more physical education in schools
    •Encourage schools to hold recess before lunch to increase physical activity before mealtime
    •Volunteer to help with after-school physical activity programs or sports teams

    Are you interested in helping your family or workplace become more active? Contact us today! Our Corporate Wellness Team would love to help you reach your active goals.

  • How to Set S.M.A.R.T Health Goals

    How to Set S.M.A.R.T Health Goals

    Studies have shown that goals that are either easy or difficult to reach provide more motivation than goals with moderate difficulty levels. The belief that a goal is impossible, however, actually decreases performance as well. Choose S.M.A.R.T. goals.

    Whether it’s quitting smoking, exercising more or making healthier meal choices, setting realistic and specific health goals is your first step.

    Specific Goals

    Setting a very general health goal is counterproductive—if your goal is to lose weight, you are much less likely to achieve it or even stick with it at all, than if your goal is to lose 10 pounds by your next birthday, or by your friend’s upcoming wedding. In addition, saying things like “I want to eat healthier” or “I want to eliminate stress from my life” is far too general.

    Measurable

    Find a way to measure your progress toward your goal. Record your goal and put it in a place where you will see it regularly, such as on the bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator or on your desk at work. Check in with yourself regularly to measure progress toward your goal—if your goal is to consume a certain number of calories per day, keep a journal of calorie intake so you can monitor your progress.

    Attainable

    After setting a goal, plan how you will reach it. If it is a large goal, there may be many steps to complete and phases to go through before you reach your ultimate goal. Going in without a plan will not help you reach that goal—do some research so you know what you need to do and how to do it.

    Realistic

    Don’t set impossible expectations for yourself. It may benefit you to set goals in smaller pieces—when you reach one goal, set another, and eventually you will make it to your long-term goal. Starting with small goals and working up to the larger ones may also help your motivation—the feelings of success you’ll experience as you achieve the smaller goals will give you motivation to push yourself further.

    Timely

    Give yourself a sense of urgency—“I will lose 10 pounds before my friend’s wedding” rather than, “It would be nice to lose 10 pounds.” Setting a date or time frame in which to complete your goal may help you get in the right mindset to actually achieve the goal. Make sure you’re setting realistic time frames, however, so you don’t just write the goal off as impossible.

    Set goals to accomplish what you’ve been meaning to do for years—don’t hold yourself back.

  • Are You Aware Of The OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard Requirements?

    Are You Aware Of The OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard Requirements?

    According to OSHA, the OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica standard for construction requires employers to limit worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica and to take other steps to protect workers.

    The standard provides flexible alternatives, which OSHA expects will be especially useful for small employers. Employers can either use the control methods laid out in Table 1 of the construction standard, or they can measure workers’ exposure to silica and independently decide which dust controls work best to limit exposures to the PEL in their workplaces.

    Regardless of which exposure control method is used, all construction employers covered by the standard are required to:

    • Establish and implement a written exposure control plan that identifies tasks that involve exposure and methods used to protect workers, including procedures to restrict access to work areas where high exposures may occur
    • Designate a competent person to implement the written exposure control plan
    • Restrict housekeeping practices that expose workers to silica where feasible alternatives are available
    • Offer medical exams-including chest X-rays and lung function tests-every three years for workers who are required by the standard to wear a respirator for 30 or more days per year
    • Train workers on work operations that result in silica exposure and ways to limit exposure
    • Keep records of exposure measurements, objective data, and medical exams

    Construction employers must comply with all requirements of the standard by September 23, 2017, except requirements for laboratory evaluation of exposure samples, which begin on June 23, 2018. At Lawley, we construct custom protection solutions so you can focus on building your next project. Our associates’ main priority is to help companies mitigate risk and perform safer.

    For more information on this and other OSHA requirements, talk with our risk management team here.

  • Tax Reform Bill Passed

    Tax Reform Bill Passed

    To download this entire document as a PDF, click here: Tax Reform Bill Passed

    On Dec. 20, 2017, the tax reform bill, called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill is now expected to be signed into law by President Trump.

    This tax reform bill, drafted based on a tax reform plan that was developed in consultation with the Trump administration, will make significant changes to the federal tax code. Specifically, the tax reform bill will have a substantial impact on businesses.

    For example, it:

    • Lowers the corporate tax rate—Beginning in 2018, the bill reduces the corporate tax rate to 21 percent (down from 35 percent) and eliminates the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) in an effort to make American corporations more competitive globally.
    • Creates a new tax deduction for small businesses—The bill establishes a new 20 percent tax deduction for all businesses conducted as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs and S corporations.
    • Allows “expensing” of capital investments—The bill allows businesses to immediately write off (or “expense”) the cost of new investments for at least five years.
    • Repeals or restrict many existing business deductions and credits—Because the bill substantially reduces the tax rate for all businesses, it also eliminates the existing domestic production (Section 199) deduction, and repeals or restricts numerous other special exclusions and deductions (including those for employer provided transportation and commuting benefits). However, the bill explicitly preserves business credits related to research and development and low-income housing, as well as deductions or exclusions for employer provided dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs), education assistance programs and adoption assistance programs.
    • Ends “offshoring” incentives—The bill ends the incentive to offshore jobs and keep foreign profits overseas by exempting them when they are repatriated to the United States. It imposes a one-time, low tax rate on wealth that has already accumulated overseas so there is no tax incentive to keep the money offshore.
    • Repeals the individual mandate tax penalty imposed under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), effective in 2019.

    However, the tax reform bill does not affect the following tax provisions:

    • Tax treatment of employer-sponsored health plans; and
    • The ACA’s Cadillac tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage.
      Lawley will continue to monitor the tax reform process for any future updates.
  • Fire Risks – Is Your Home About to Go Up in Flames?

    Fire Risks – Is Your Home About to Go Up in Flames?

    It is a family’s worst nightmare — losing their home to a fire. And, unfortunately, because of space heaters, lit Christmas trees, and heated blankets, the holiday and winter season is the time when most house fires occur. Use these simple tips to keep your fire risks low and to educate your family on year-round safety.

    House Fire Risks Tips

    1. Stay Clean in the Kitchen – Cooking equipment is the leading cause of all house fires according to the National Fire Protection Association. Anything you can cook with (microwave, stove top, oven, etc.) can cause a fire. Most people think it takes a gas leak to start a fire, but a small spark from a frayed cord on a microwave can also be a huge fire risk. Take the time to clean your kitchen and while doing so, observe the wear and tear on all of your appliances. Make sure the grease is cleared from your stove tops and ovens. Install a fire extinguisher in the corner of the kitchen in case of emergencies and teach everyone in your family how to use it. Lastly, never leave the kitchen while food is cooking. You always want to observe everything, monitoring and detecting all fire risks as they happen.
    2. Clean Out the Lint Trap – Dryers are another common fire risk within many homes. Dryers themselves are usually safe, but the lint that builds up within the lint trap is extremely flammable. This, mixed with the heating element of the dryer, creates a huge fire risk. The best thing to do is to have anyone doing laundry in the home clean out the lint trap after every load of laundry dried. This will prevent buildup and decrease your risk of a dryer fire.
    3. Unplug Space Heaters & Give Them Room – Space heaters can keep rooms feeling warm and cozy. However, they are also a fire risk. Leaving space heaters on unattended should never happen; they should always be monitored. Additionally, loose flammable fabric should never touch or be near a space heater. This can cause immediate risk of a fire.
    4. Never Overuse Electric Strips – These days, everything needs to be plugged in. However, overcrowding outlets, extension cords, and electric strips is a BIG no no when it comes to fire risk. Additionally, cords should always be checked for any fraying or exposed wires to clear them for use. Remember to unplug and turn off electronics whenever they are not in use. Being cognizant of these electrical fire hazards can greatly diminish your risk of a fire at your home.

    In general, it is important to make a list of hazards in your household that can contribute to the risk of a fire. Every season, go over devices, appliances or conditions in the home that can create fire risk to alleviate them. Education and safety training is also important, so make sure to involve all members of your family.

  • Hazardous Toys of 2017 and How to Stay Safe

    Hazardous Toys of 2017 and How to Stay Safe

    Nobody ever thinks they are buying hazardous toys for the holidays. But what if you were?

    If you are shopping for children this holiday season, you may want to do some research before making those toy purchases. The World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H) has put out their most recent report about 2017’s most hazardous toys. To see the list of the toys, click here.

    Here are some quick tips to generally avoid buying hazardous toys:

    1. Try Not to Buy Online – W.A.T.C.H. reports that consumers will be spending 51% of their holiday shopping budget on online purchases. If toys are part of those purchases, buyers should be extra cautious. Make sure to read reviews about the toys from reliable sources. Look at where the toys are made. Make sure the toy you are buying does not have small parts that can cause choking or areas that can create an electric shock. With limited information on internet-based stores, toy descriptions may be misleading or missing critical details. Always purchase toys in store if possible.
    2. Check the Packaging – Not only can toys be hazardous, but the packaging that the toys come in can be equally as dangerous. Inspect the package to make sure it is secure before wrapping it and check to ensure sharp edges are covered to prevent cuts while opening. Do not let children open toys themselves, instead, offer your assistance and help open all packaging properly.
    3. Read the Instructions and the Warnings – Some toys look safe in appearance, but once the instructions are read about using them, more dangers can arise. Toys that need batteries are hazardous because they can cause burns. Toys that have string or rope can cause strangulation. All instructions should be read by adults and children before playing with new toys is allowed. Make sure to inform your children of the dangers new toys can cause if they are not careful.
    4. Always Be Observant – With young children, especially, it is very important to keep an eye on them while playing with new devices. They may not remember all of the safety precautions they were warned about. Additionally, young children are creative and inventive and they might begin doing things with hazardous toys that they are not supposed to do. Keeping watch over young children with new toys should be top priority over the holidays.

    Of course, some toys are going to end up in your children’s hands this holiday season. However, it is up to you to make sure you do thorough research while purchasing toys, invest time in monitoring play time, and teach your children to be careful with new toys. This way your holidays can be full of cheer and happiness and not hazardous toys!

  • Model Language for Employee Materials

    Model Language for Employee Materials

    To download the document, click here: Model Language for Employe Materials

  • Lawley Named “Best Place to Work” by Business Insurance

    Lawley Named “Best Place to Work” by Business Insurance

    Lawley ranked at number four on national list recognizing employers for creating an outstanding workplace culture

    Buffalo, N.Y. (Dec. 12, 2017) – Lawley – for the second year in a row – has been named in Business Insurance’s annual Best Place to Work in Insurance list. The company was honored in the medium-sized category (250-999 employees). The award recognizes employers for their outstanding performance in establishing workplaces where employees can thrive, enjoy their work and help their companies grow.

    Lawley, a family-oriented company, has built its culture around an internal wellness program focused on both physical and mental health benefits. The company offers a number of perks to employees, including:

    • Annual Employee Appreciation Week
    • On-site biometric screenings and complimentary yoga classes
    • College scholarship programs and paid trainings/certifications
    • Summer hours

    “We pride ourselves on investing in our most valuable asset – our people. Our success as a company is due to our ability to offer remarkable service and build relationships, which starts with treating our employees well,” said Bill Lawley, Jr., managing partner at Lawley. “We make it a top-priority to provide the resources, culture and environment to ensure time spent at work is rewarding, educational and fun.”

    Lawley is deeply committed to the communities they serve. Social responsibility is a priority and has direct, positive impact on those communities. Lawley employees spend a significant time throughout the year giving back locally.

    In addition to being named a Best Place to Work by Business Insurance, Lawley has been recognized as a   Top Work Place by the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and named to Buffalo Business First’s Best Place to Work list for more than eight years.

    “Being named to Business Insurance’s list of the Best Places to Work in Insurance for 2017 demonstrates that Lawley has built a culture in which employees are supported and engaged, which benefits their customers and the employers’ financial performance,” says Business Insurance Publisher Peter Oxner.

    Best Places to Work in Insurance is an annual feature presented by Business Insurance and Best Companies Group that lists the agents, brokers, insurance companies and other providers with the highest levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. Harrisburg, Pa.-based Best Companies Group identifies the leading employers in the insurance industry by conducting a free two-part assessment of each company. The first part is a questionnaire completed by the employer about company policies, practices and demographics. The second part is a confidential employee survey on engagement and satisfaction.

    The program divides employers into the categories of small, 25-249 employees; medium, 250-999 employees; and large, 1,000 or more employees. This year’s report features 75 companies of various sizes, from 25 employees to more than 4,000.

    The ranking and profiles of the winning companies were published in Business Insurance magazine and online at BusinessInsurance.com.

    About Lawley
    Lawley is a privately-owned, independent regional insurance firm specializing in property, casualty and personal insurance, employee benefits and risk management consulting and ranked among the 100 Largest Insurance Brokers in the U.S., according to Business Insurance magazine.

    For over 60 years, Lawley’s team of more than 375 associates have developed customized property, casualty, surety and benefits insurance programs for businesses and municipalities of all sizes along with personalized protection for individuals and their families. Lawley is recognized as one of the Best Places to Work nationally by Business Insurance and Buffalo Business First along with recognition as a Top Workplaces by the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

    Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Lawley has branch offices across New York in Amherst, Batavia, Fredonia, Melville, Purchase and Rochester along with Darien, Connecticut and Florham Park, New Jersey. To find out more, visit lawleyinsurance.com.

  • Risk Management Visits Result in Less Injuries on the Worksite

    Risk Management Visits Result in Less Injuries on the Worksite

    If there’s one thing that everyone wants on a construction site, it is increased safety for the crew.

    A new study done by the Journal of Safety Research looked at 1360 construction industry workers’ compensation insurance policyholders to investigate the correlation between the number of visits by a loss prevention professional and lost-time injuries.

    What they found: There is a significant reduction in risk of lost-time injuries after just a SINGLE visit by a loss prevention professional. The reduction of risk continues with two or three visits. Decreasing the risk of an accident is something that all construction sites should strive for. This study proves that by simply providing safety education through the consultation of a risk/loss professional, work sites become safer, injuries and accidents become less frequent, and the cost of workers’ compensation premiums will not skyrocket.

    At Lawley, we know that education and safety training is key for a lower risk work zone, especially for our construction clients. Please think about working with our Lawley Construction Insurance and Bonds Risk Management team to reduce the risk of accidents at your work site. Our loss prevention professionals will do their best to work with your employees and site managers to expose risks and increase safety education. We want to be a valuable partner to your organization, so let us know how we can help you today.