Author, Rory Anderson, Partner, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
There are a few different reasons for a carrier to schedule a loss control visit. Sometimes, a carrier may want to perform a loss control visit before they quote your insurance. However, for the purpose of this article, I’d like to focus on the loss control service offering provided directly from your current insurance carrier.
From the perspective of a tree care business owner, uncertainty, skepticism, and hesitation are often the most common initial reactions to an insurance carrier loss control visit. However, these visits should not be seen as a negative process. Instead, they present an opportunity for tree care business owners to enhance safety protocols, reduce risks, and ultimately improve their insurability.
Loss control specialists have dedicated their careers to understanding risk and safety, and are committed to make the workplace safer. By engaging with the loss control specialist and reviewing their recommendations as constructive guidance, tree care companies can make valuable changes that not only improve their risk profile, but also potentially lower insurance premiums.
To get the most out of a loss control visit:
Set clear objectives. Establish goals and determine what you would like to accomplish. Communicate your objectives of the visit with your team members and the loss control representative. It is a good idea to engage your key employees and involve your team. Your safety officer, fleet manager, and crew leaders should be present. This will encourage participation and help cultivate a culture of safety.
Share information. Have your safety programs, training records, maintenance records, and any other safety information ready to share. Discuss any safety incentive programs and/or initiatives set forth by management.
Maintain an open mind and practice humility. Welcome feedback and approach the visit with a positive attitude. View the loss control specialist as a partner and be open to recommendations.
Conduct a walkthrough and jobsite visit. Tour your facility and visit a jobsite, unannounced. It is best to drop in on your crews without them knowing you will be there. This will provide real insight into your operations, accountability, and identify gaps in safety compliance.
Document recommendations. Most of the time, your loss control representative will generate and send to you a report for your records. However, if that is not the case, make sure to record key points and suggestions.
Create an action plan and prioritize changes. After the visit, review the recommendations with your team and prioritize the changes and completion of your plan within a certain timeframe.
Build a relationship. Stay in touch after the initial visit and maintain communication with the loss control representative to discuss ongoing safety improvements and updates.
Maximizing a loss control visit strengthens your business by improving safety, reducing insurance costs, and maintaining a long-term relationship with your carrier partner. It is easy to view loss control visits as a chore or another task to check off the to-do list, but doing so overlooks the valuable insights the loss control representative can offer. Instead, try to view it as a partnership so you can leverage the representative’s knowledge to improve workplace practices and create a safer and more efficient operation.
To discuss how your tree care company can make the most of a loss control visit, contact me at (619) 486-6437 or randerson@ranchomesa.com.