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How to Handle Workers’ Compensation Claims

Despite how successful your Lodge’s risk management program is, Lodge employees can still get injured at your Lodge.

Workers’ Compensation insurance provides coverage for “on-the-job” injuries, including medical expenses and lost wages. This coverage applies regardless of fault and is written to follow individual state laws. Some states require this coverage, while others highly encourage it.

Because workers’ compensation claims are different from case to case, there is often confusion surrounding how to handle a claim.

When to Report an Injury

Report lag, or the number of calendar days between when an injury occurs and when it is reported to the insurance carrier, is a major issue in workers’ compensation claims. Measure your Lodge’s report lag, and make adjustments, if possible.

Generally, the shorter the length of report lag, the better. Timely claim reporting […]

July 17th, 2019|

Does your Lodge Follow These Ladder Safety Tips?

Whether your members are in the midst of spring cleaning, hanging pictures or inspecting the Lodge’s roof, ladder safety is important to acknowledge.

According to the American Ladder Institute (ALI), more than 100 people die every year in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling injuries. Help ensure your members’ safety by sharing these ladder safety tips:

Basic Ladder Safety Tips

Before stepping onto a ladder, read the safety information labels and ensure it is in good condition. Never use ladders if they are missing parts or sway. Also inspect the Duty Rating of the ladder. It must be greater than the total weight of the climber, tools, supplies and other objects placed upon the ladder.

Once the ladder has been properly inspected:

  • Check the weather. Do not use ladders in high winds or […]
May 2nd, 2019|

Snow Shoveling Safety

According to the National Safety Council, shoveling snow is responsible for thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths each year.

While shoveling may not seem more strenuous than running on a treadmill, it actually raises your blood pressure and heart rate more than other types of exercise. Shoveling also uses your arms, which is more taxing than work that requires your legs.

Because this overt exercise is rare for citizens over 55, they are more at risk for lower back and Cardiac-related injuries.

Shoveling Safety Tips

To prevent Lodge members from shoveling-related injuries, share these tips:

  • Warm up your muscles before shoveling by doing some light movements and bending.
  • Wear layers and remove them as you get warm.
  • Choose an ergonomically designed shovel to help reduce the amount of […]
March 1st, 2019|

Preparing your Lodge for a Power Outage

 Whether your Lodge loses power for one day or one week, it is important to prepare your Lodge for a power outage. Whether caused by ice, snow or thunderstorms, a power outage may cause food spoilage, prevent the use of medical devices and disrupt water and communications.

How to Prepare in Advance

  • Always have an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, emergency contact information and more. Also consider how those supplies change if members are stuck at the Lodge.
  • Consider purchasing a generator to power essential equipment like Lodge fridges and freezers. Ensure multiple Lodge member should know how to safely operate it.
  • Make a disaster plan, including how to respond in the event of an outage and members will be notified of delays.
  • Ensure your Lodge has […]
February 14th, 2019|

Tips to Avoid Common Winter Weather Claims

The official start of winter on December 21st is a good reminder to prepare your Lodge for winter weather. Depending where your Lodge is located, this means different preparations. If you live further south in the United States where snow is infrequent, consider stocking up on ice melt to be prepared in the event of freezing rain. If you are located somewhere that receives several feet of snow per year, arrange snow removal.

No matter where your Lodge is located, preparation to prevent common winter weather claims like slips and trips is important.

Avoid Common Winter Weather Claims—Slips and Trips

Unsurprisingly, ice is one of the most common causes of winter weather claims. Whether your Lodge sees ice once or once a week during the winter season, it is critical to take […]

December 28th, 2018|

Natural Disaster Preparation for your Lodge

With the New Year, many are reflecting on 2018. Unfortunately, 2018 saw many natural disasters in the United States. From hurricanes to wild fires, many homeowners and business owners were required to clean up and rebuild.

As 2019 begins, it can be beneficial to reflect and reevaluate the measures your Lodge has in place, should something similar occur where you reside. Take the time to evaluate your Lodge’s natural disaster preparation plan because a few simple steps can help you make the best of a terrible situation:

How to Prepare your Lodge

Your buildings are likely your Lodge’s biggest assets, and can also be the most costly to repair. With these tips, your Lodge will be better prepared and protected.

  • Risk Assessment – Start by evaluating the natural disasters that your Lodge […]
December 28th, 2018|

Examine Your Lodge’s Folding Chairs to Prevent Collapse

A surprising number of claims come from an unexpected source: metal folding chairs. Collapsing chairs are dangerous and often collapse during normal use. Many injuries can occur from a chair collapse, including:

  • Heavy bruising
  • Smashed fingers
  • Broken arms and wrists
  • Fractured pelvises
  • Severe lacerations
  • Concussions

Injuries associated with deteriorating folding chairs may require corrective surgeries, hospitalization and significant recovery times. They are extremely expensive to both the injured and your Lodge, as medical expenses alone can easily top tens of thousands of dollars.

Evaluate Folding Chairs to Prevent Collapse

To avoid an injury and costly claim, perform a thorough and in-depth safety review of all chairs—whether they are folding or standard design. Questions to ask when determining if a chair should be retired:

  • When was the chair purchased? If it’s over 10 […]
December 28th, 2018|

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

With the holiday season fully upon us, many Lodges are ready to decorate. During this joyous season, it is important to consider holiday decorating safety. Whether your Lodge decorates a small Charlie Brown tree or goes full Chevy Chase, keep your Lodge’s property and members safe with these tips:

Indoor Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

  • If your Lodge purchases a live tree, check for freshness as a fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Because heated rooms dry live trees, fill the tree stand with water each day.
  • If your Lodge has an artificial tree, ensure it has a fire resistant label. If not, consider purchasing one that does.
  • Artificial or real, be sure to place your tree at least 3 feet away from all […]
December 5th, 2018|

10 Maintenance Items for your Fall To-Do List

No matter where you are in the country, the transition to a new season is a good excuse to complete building and property maintenance. Even if you live in a more tropical climate and your gutters do not fill with leaves, fall is a good time to add these 10 maintenance to-dos to your Lodge’s list.

10 Maintenance Items

Seasonal Lodge work is a good way to keep larger repairs from piling up. Tackle these 10 jobs this fall.

  1. Clean your gutters—Even if they’re not filled with leaves, it is likely they have accumulated some debris since they were last cleaned. If your roof gutters are high, consider hiring the job done.
  2. Get your furnace serviced—Replace the furnace filter and hire a pro to inspect the entire system. Regular furnace servicing […]
September 4th, 2018|

The Importance of Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

Leaders make daily decisions that impact the success of their Lodge. As a leader, these members are expected to accept the same guidelines and duties that the heads of major corporations follow: the duties of diligence, loyalty and care.

Despite training and having the best interests of the Lodge at heart, mistakes can happen. When errors occur, members, other Lodge employees and even outsiders may question the decisions of your Lodge’s leaders.

Costly claims can follow board members’ choices, especially if a decision leads to a financial burden on the Lodge. These claims of mismanagement or breach of fiduciary duties can threaten the personal assets of your Lodge as well as your directors, officers and trustees.

Directors and Officers Liability protects your board members and their personal assets are protected. D & […]

July 16th, 2018|