Heat Illness Awareness Vital for California's Construction Companies

Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

California faces a critical need to prioritize heat illness awareness among its workforce. The combination of Southern California's recent above-average rainfall and the anticipated heatwave resulting from El Niño has created the possibility of an extremely warm summer. Construction companies must remain vigilant and adaptable, implementing appropriate measures to address these changing weather dynamics and ensuring the safety of their workers. By staying informed about weather forecasts and implementing flexible work schedules and site preparations, companies can effectively navigate these challenging conditions and prioritize the well-being of their employees. By understanding the significance of heat illness awareness, companies can ensure the safety and well-being of their workers while fostering productivity, minimizing downtime, and improving overall project efficiency.

Recognizing the Risks

The construction industry in California is particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and fatalities due to the physically demanding nature of the work and prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are severe conditions that can result in significant health complications. By acknowledging the risks associated with working in high temperatures, construction companies can proactively take measures to mitigate potential hazards.

Cultivating a Culture of Safety

Establishing a culture of safety is crucial for construction companies in California to create an environment where employee well-being is the top priority. Employers should develop comprehensive programs focused on preventing heat-related illnesses. These initiatives should include employee training, hazard assessments, access to shade and water, acclimatization procedures, and adjusted work schedules. Regular safety meetings and open lines of communication should be encouraged to address concerns, share information, and ensure that everyone is aware of the potential risks associated with working in high heat.

Implementing Worksite Modifications

Modifying the worksite environment can reduce the impact of heat-related illnesses. Construction companies should establish shaded rest areas where workers can take breaks, cool down, and hydrate. Access to potable water should be readily available to prevent dehydration, and regular hydration breaks should be scheduled throughout the day. Additionally, adjusting work schedules to avoid the hottest periods, utilizing cooling fans or misting systems, and implementing rotational job assignments can help reduce heat stress and improve worker safety.

Monitoring and Supervision

Supervisors and management play an important role in ensuring heat illness awareness on construction sites. Regular monitoring of weather conditions and temperature provides valuable information for determining appropriate work practices and scheduling. Close supervision enables the early detection of signs of heat-related illness and allows for immediate intervention. Encouraging workers to prioritize their own well-being and empowering them to report any symptoms promptly is equally important.

Heat illness awareness is vital for construction companies operating in California. By prioritizing worker safety and implementing comprehensive programs to prevent heat-related illnesses, employers can safeguard their employees from the risks associated with high temperatures. Moreover, such initiatives enhance productivity, avoid worker’s compensation claims, reduce downtime due to illness or injuries, and improve overall project efficiency. By cultivating a safety culture, providing necessary PPE, implementing worksite modifications, and maintaining close supervision, construction companies can establish a healthy and safe working environment that ensures the well-being of their workers.

Rancho Mesa’s Upcoming Heat Illness Prevention Workshop

Lastly, Rancho Mesa Insurance is hosting our annual  Heat  Illness Prevention workshop on June 2nd at the Mission Valley library from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This workshop will provide valuable insights, best practices, and resources to help construction companies and their employees effectively address and prevent heat-related illnesses. Be sure to join this workshop to stay informed and proactive in ensuring the health and safety of your workforce.

Insurance Benefits of GPS Systems in Commercial Vehicles

Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

For businesses that rely on a fleet of commercial vehicles, insurance costs can be a significant expense. Insurance carriers calculate premiums based on a variety of factors, including the age and condition of the vehicles, driver experience and record, and the frequency and distance of trips. One factor that can positively impact insurance costs is the use of global positioning systems (GPS) in commercial vehicles. Below, we will explore some of the insurance benefits of installing GPS systems in commercial vehicles.

Improved Safety

GPS systems in commercial vehicles can help improve safety by providing real-time tracking of vehicles and drivers. This can help businesses identify and address unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, sudden braking, and hard cornering. By addressing these behaviors, businesses can reduce the risk of accidents and insurance claims which can result in lower insurance premiums.

Reduced Theft Risk

GPS systems can also help reduce the risk of vehicle theft. If a commercial vehicle is stolen, GPS tracking can help businesses locate the vehicle quickly and notify law enforcement. This can help reduce the risk of property loss and insurance claims related to vehicle theft.

Faster Claims Processing

In the event of an accident or other incidents involving a commercial vehicle, GPS systems can provide valuable data to insurance carriers. This can include information on the location, speed, and direction of travel of the vehicle at the time of the incident. This data can help insurance carriers process claims more quickly and accurately, which can help reduce costs and improve the overall claims experience for businesses.

Lower Insurance Premiums

GPS in vehicles can lower the loss ratio which is a key factor that underwriters use. Furthermore, the disclosure to insurance underwriters that GPS is installed and properly utilized could help insurance brokers negotiate lower premiums based on this added safety feature.

Improved Business Operations

In addition to insurance benefits, GPS systems can also help businesses improve their operations. Real-time tracking and reporting can help businesses optimize their routes, reduce fuel costs, and improve overall efficiency. By improving operations, businesses can reduce costs and improve profitability, which can have a positive impact on insurance costs and premiums.

GPS Systems have a multitude of benefits. These systems can save lives because drivers pay more attention to detail when GPS is on the vehicle. They can lower insurance premiums which can improve the return on investment. Lastly, the ability to track a stolen vehicle is a control that creates major benefits knowing that the cost of vehicles and the time needed to locate a replacement is at an all-time high.

To learn more about how GPS on your commercial vehicles can be implemented as part of your risk management plan, contact me at (619)438-6874 or khoward@ranchomesa.com.

Fleet Management: Driver Behavior Counts

Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

When you give the car keys to your teenager for the first time, you wish you were sitting in the back seat controlling how they drive. Unfortunately, you have very limited control and the consequences of poor driving can be disastrous. It’s time to think of your employee drivers in a similar manner; these principles apply to your company’s fleet management program.

To gain some sense of control, you regularly perform fleet inspections and driver trainings. You also hire and manage according to driving records, which provides a picture of the employee’s past driving history. Though, if you are honest with yourself, you too have driven over the speed limit many, many times before you received your speeding ticket. So, a driving record is not the only way to gauge a driver’s behavior.

If you had an effective and efficient way to impact your driver’s behavior before a ticket or accident occurs, you would feel more confident about managing your fleet.

There are Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that can monitor some of the problem behaviors like speeding; however, the onus is on you (the employer) to analyze the information then act on it. Another problem with this type of system is willful negligence. What happens if you have the data, know of a problem, but don’t act? This could cause a major problem when an accident occurs because you knew of a driver’s poor behavior but did nothing specifically to correct it.

The insurance industry is in a commercial auto claims crisis. The cost of vehicle repairs have increased and whether you employ safe drivers or not the price to insure a vehicle is skyrocketing. Simply, the claims have exceeded the premiums collected and the carriers are trying to recover the loss. So, steering driver behavior is more important than ever for your bottom line.

To the degree you can control auto claims created by your employee drivers, the better your premiums will be. Fewer claims equal lower premiums — simple as that. Claims are caused from poor driving behavior. Improve drivers’ behavior on any given day, and you’ll reduce the number of accidents.

But, how do you do that?  Logistically, you can’t physically ride along with every employee to ensure they are driving safely, and offer real-time corrective guidance when they make mistakes.

As mentioned, there are GPS devises that measure driver behavior and performance. The devices will consolidate the information; but, it is up to the employer to analyze and act on the information.

Ask yourself, do I have enough time to consistently review this information and implement the correct plan of action? Do I have the resources available to manage this process?

If you are unsure and would like to learn about automated ways to track, manage and correct behaviors likes seatbelt usage, speeding, harsh braking, acceleration and corning, join us at our upcoming Fall workshop, “Driver Behavior is What Counts” and learn how to effectively and efficiently improve your fleet management practices and reduce premiums using smart technology.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Sam Clayton at (619)937-0167.