ASI Brokers News

Managing the Cold Chain

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:03:09 GMT

Protect your restaurant, your customers, and your reputation

Restaurant and foodservice owners across California 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 All Spectrum 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 California 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. All Spectrum 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. All Spectrum 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 California, 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

All Spectrum Insurance has many resources for you and your business. We work with some of the most knowledgeable loss prevention specialists in California. 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 All Spectrum Insurance at 408-739-8300 or info [at] asibrokers [dot] com today!

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:19:25 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

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:30:26 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 All Spectrum 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 California. 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.

All Spectrum 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

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:21:12 GMT

Slips and falls are the second leading causes of loss for business in California. 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.

Hiring a Subcontractor in California?

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:29:31 GMT

As many commercial building owners and contractors across California begin remodeling or construction projects, they realize the value in subbing out some of the work to skilled and technical professionals.

But there are risks involved in hiring subcontractors. We do not want you or your business to be held responsible for accidents that are out of your control. We can help you by teaching you about Insurance Requirement Agreements.

Insurance Requirement Agreements

Always have a signed, written construction contract
Just like your customers have a contract with you, you should make sure your business is protected in writing, too. Depending on the nature of the work the subcontractor is performing, you may wish to include additional insurance coverage requirements or limits over what is listed in their Certificate of Insurance. We can make sure your coverage is up-to-date and provide general knowledge and an example of an agreement you could use before you hire a subcontractor.
It’s their responsibility, too
Trust your subcontracts but verify they have insurance, too. We encourage you to have a written contract with your subs but at the very least, you should obtain a copy of their Certificate of Insurance. You can learn more and get schooled on how to read a certificate of insurance when you contact us.
Property owners in California need awareness, too
When you hire a general contractor, tradesman, artisan, or others in California, to build or renovate your property, you potentially expose yourself to lawsuits claiming severe bodily injury or property damage resulting from unsafe work acts. To prevent this exposure, talk to us to learn about how an Insurance Requirement Agreement can help you protect yourself from this type of risk.

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

Tricks of the Trade: Tips on How to Save Money on Your Insurance Policy

Mac Ischanov — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:44:22 GMT

Tricks of the Trade: Tips on How to Save Money on Your Insurance Policy
In today's turbulent economy, consumers across the United States are tightening their purse strings in an attempt to save money. If you are looking for ways to save some cash, it would be a good idea to look at your San Jose & Sunnyvale insurance coverage to see if you can trim some fat.

Saving money on your San Jose & Sunnyvale insurance can be done by first shopping around for rates. One relatively easy way to check insurance rates is to use our risk-free, no obligation online insurance quote service. Considering the fact that we represent a number of different insurance companies, we can tell you which companies have the lowest prices and best policies for the auto, home, business, personal or specialty insurance coverage you need.

Raising your deductibles is something to consider as the higher your deductible is, the more money you can save on your premiums. You also could save on your San Jose & Sunnyvale insurance by purchasing two or more policies from the same insurer because some insurance companies will drop your premium if you purchase more than one policy from them. Finally, ask your insurance agent what you can do to make your home more resistant to natural disasters. Doing things like adding storm shutters or reinforcing your roof can often help you save on home insurance premiums.

We here at All Spectrum Insurance Brokers can help you save money on all of the insurance coverage you need. We consist of a team of experienced insurance brokers who consistently earn the trust of our customers by offering them broad, reliable insurance coverage at reasonable prices. Do not hesitate to contact us via telephone or email to ask us how you can lower all of the different types of San Jose & Sunnyvale insurance coverage you need. We are always prompt to answer the telephone and email inquiries we receive.

Controlling Product Liability Loss

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:28:50 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 All Spectrum 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.

Transportation Issues & California Businesses

Mac Ischanov — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:03:30 GMT

Do Transportation Issues Impact Your California Business?

In the United States there are a number of governmental agencies who have responsibility for our transportation systems on the ground, in our waterways and up in the skies. Each one has their own set of transportation projects or travel safety initiatives. And in many cases, a short drive from point "A" to point "B" can mean using systems regulated and policed by multiple municipalities.

Is transportation an important part of your business? Whether you are a professional cleaner making service calls, a farmer who needs to transport fertilizer or a long-haul trucker, it's important to know where to find transportation news and information that applies to you. A good place to start is the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Yes, it's a large organization, consisting of 13 different agencies, but the USDOT provides a wealth of resources. Here are just a few highlights from the USDOT website.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

With safety as its #1 priority, the NHTSA provides driving, vehicle and equipment safety guidelines and educational programs that are of benefit to everyone, regardless of the reasons for being on the road.

Be sure to check out the Distracted Driving Program, www.distraction.gov, which offers educational tools for employers, schools, parents, law enforcement, and communities.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

FMCSA's primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. This is where you'll learn about new carrier safety rules being proposed by the USDOT and current Rules and Regulations. If you transport hazardous material or cargo, need to track hours of service, or want to learn more about safety compliance, visit this website.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

The FHWA's job is to ensure that America's roads and highways continue to be safe and technologically up-to-date by providing support to States, local and tribal governments for constructing, improving, and preserving our highway systems. Here you'll find information about federally funded projects and initiatives as well as directories to other resources:

Whether your business travel is limited to Sunnyvale or extends through the state of California and beyond, we want you to be prepared. Contact us for answers to your questions about managing risk, loss prevention or workplace safety.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, www.usdot.gov.

Help Me Understand Workers' Compensation Insurance Enough to Feel Good About What I Buy!

Dmitriy Lazarev — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:19:02 GMT

That's the number one request small business owners make when asked what carriers and agents can do to make workers' compensation insurance buying more understandable. Hartford took the request to heart and developed an interactive website to explain workers' compensation in plain English.

In addition to demystifying this often confusing line of business, the site helps small business owners develop a checklist detailing specific work comp questions to discuss with their insurance counselor - you.

Simply follow the link to get your questions answered http://www.thehartford.com/workerscomp/generic.html

OSHA Offers Free Consultations to Small Business

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:31:47 GMT

Did you know the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers small businesses free, workplace safety consultations?

During the OSHA 2010 fiscal year they provided consultations to 26,000 small and medium-sized businesses employing 1.5 million workers.
OSHA’s workplace safety consultations are separate from inspections and do not result in citations or penalties.
Establishing and following workplace safety standards at your business can significantly reduce risk of injuries, prevent losses from production down-time and potentially save you money.

Many business owners have very full schedules and tight budgets. By taking advantage of this free service, businesses are able to conduct a thorough review of safety practices and hazards, without having to hire additional staff. Identification of workplace hazards, compliance advice, plus assistance in creating safety and health practices at work can lead to higher productivity and better morale among your workers.

So how can your business take advantage of this service? Start by visiting OSHA’s On-site Consultation web page where they instruct you to call to get on their schedule.

While visiting the OSHA website be sure to check into all of the other resources available to small business, particularly the Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) which recognizes small businesses for their “exemplary safety and health management system.” Participants in this program have been known to reduce their Workers Compensation premiums.

If your workplace safety consultation raises any questions or concerns about your business insurance, please contact us. We want you and your business to be properly protected from loss.

Additional OSHA Resources

Consultation on the OSHA site in Spanish – En el Sitio de Consulta En Espanol
Compliance Assistance Quick Start – An introduction to Compliance Assistance
OSHA Publications – Most Frequently Requested