by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Oct 17, 2018 | PRIME Watch, PRIME Watch Feature
News from Angela Tennis, PennPRIME Director of Insurance Services The 2019 renewal is in full swing! For the PennPRIME Workers’ Compensation Trust, all Experience Mods and renewal applications have been sent to your broker, or your entity if you don’t use a broker....
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Oct 17, 2018 | PRIME Watch, PRIME Watch Feature
Terry Carcella, Ligonier Township Manager (center), presents awards to Chief Moravec, Kingston Township (left), and Chief Stump, Springettsbury Township (right). Reaccredited Police Departments Recognized Pennsylvania has its own law enforcement accreditation system,...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Oct 17, 2018 | PRIME Watch, PRIME Watch Feature
By Joy Breach, PennPRIME Loss Control Administrative Assistant Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Aug 24, 2018 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
News from Angela Tennis, PennPRIME Director of Insurance Services The PennPRIME staff is already working hard on the 2019-2020 renewals. We are in the process of providing our members, and their brokers if applicable, with their new Experience Modifier and 2019...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Aug 24, 2018 | Loss Control, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
A host of issues impede the ability of Law Enforcement to provide safety and security to school children. Poverty, crime, addiction, parental indifference stretches the resources of both the Criminal Justice and Educational System. The edHUB provides a promising,...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Jun 8, 2018 | Liability, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
Employment-related claims can have a significant effect on a municipal entity, both financially and in creating public relations issues for leadership. Often, a lawsuit or claim can be eliminated or mitigated early on by consulting with a labor attorney who has a...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Jun 8, 2018 | Past Articles, PRIME Watch, Workers' Compensation
In the eyes of the PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, since PennPRIME members perform similar operations, all members should promote the same safety standards in the State's Accident and Illness Prevention Program (AIPP). AIPP is a requirement of being a group...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Jun 8, 2018 | Liability, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
Amy Farkas, Manager of Harris Township, the fastest growing community in Centre County, stands proud on a stump from a tree that is more than 200 years old, located just down the street from the municipal building. The tree was weakened by emerald ash borers (AKA:...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Apr 9, 2018 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
In late February and early March, respectively, PennPRIME welcomed a new Chairman to the Board of Trustees and a new Director of Insurance Services. What is noteworthy about both appointments is that each role has been filled with familiar faces that bring a...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Apr 9, 2018 | Liability, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
By: Elizabeth Henry, PennPRIME Marketing and Member Services Manager and Ken Porter, Porter & Curtis, LLC. Imagine one of your volunteers getting stung by a bee while volunteering at the “Clean-Up the Park Day.” Imagine that volunteer having an allergic reaction...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Apr 9, 2018 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
PennPRIME welcomes David Pribulka to our Board of Trustees. David is the Manager of Ferguson Township, a dedicated member of both the PennPRIME Trust and the PennPRIME Workers’ Compensation Trust for the past 18 years. The Township is a Home Rule municipality...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Feb 6, 2018 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
We are pleased to welcome Steve Napper, Commissioner of Susquehanna Township, who was voted in to the Board in December. Steve is a Commissioner of Susquehanna Township, which has been a PennPRIME Trust Member for 14 years. Susquehanna is a first-class township in...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Oct 27, 2017 | Past Articles, PRIME Watch, Underwriting
There are coverage and service changes taking effect in 2018 for PennPRIME and we thought we would share some of them with you now. Coverage Changes in the PennPRIME Liability Trust Limited General Liability Coverage for Named Pollutants: Many may not know off hand...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Oct 23, 2017 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
We are pleased to welcome Gregory Wilson to the PennPRIME Board of Trustees. Greg serves as the Assistant Manager for the City of Lock Haven, which was a founding Member of the PennPRIME Trust and one of the initial Members of the PennPRIME Workers' Compensation...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Oct 23, 2017 | Loss Control, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
As an added benefit for our PennPRIME Members, the Pennsylvania Municipal League has provided access to its Member Resources On-Line Training Library. This video library offers current, relevant knowledge and experience regarding the employment law issues municipal...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Sep 28, 2017 | Disaster Recovery, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
You Can Be Prepared. PennPRIME and Agility Recovery Are Here to Help. As leaders in your community, are you prepared for a natural disaster? When your community is looking for help from local government, will you be up and operating or in no better situation than the...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Sep 28, 2017 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
Newly or reaccredited PennPRIME Member Police Departments were acknowledged at the Annual Risk Management Conference held September 14-15. Accreditation promotes uniformity within the Department, which establishes a solid foundation for professional policing, creates...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Sep 13, 2017 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 7
Loss Control Standard 8 Click Here to View Sample Letter For Employees Sample Letter to Employees Note: If this letter is modified, it must be approved by PennPRIME prior to sending to employees. Dear [insert name of employee], Because we care about you,...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Sep 13, 2017 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 7
Loss Control Standard 8 Policy Disclaimer: Because it is for guidance purposes only, this policy should be thoroughly reviewed by you and your solicitor or labor counsel to determine the applicability of the policy to your municipal entity and whether modifications to...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Sep 12, 2017 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 7
Loss Control Standard 8 LCS #8 – Cell Phone Use While Driving Requirement: Enforce a written policy prohibiting personal or entity cell phone use while driving on entity business or when driving an entity vehicle. Measure of Compliance: Submit policy to be approved by...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Jul 19, 2017 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
Article written by Ken Porter, CPCU, ARM, AIAF, Porter & Curtis NOTE: Many government entities use insurance brokers and agents to acquire their insurance coverages. Some insurance purchasers are not sure what services they should be receiving from brokers and...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Jul 19, 2017 | Liability, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
Note: When it comes to cyber threats, many of us think it only happens to other people. Why would the “bad guys” even consider our municipal entity? Well, they will and they do! I am sharing with you the story of a Pennsylvania municipality that is a PennPRIME...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Jun 2, 2017 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
We are pleased to welcome Jean Krack, Manager of Phoenixville Borough, who was voted on to the PennPRIME Trust and PennPRIME Workers’ Compensation Trust Boards in May. E. Jean Krack serves as the Manager of Phoenixville Borough, a 14-year member of the PennPRIME...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Apr 18, 2017 | Claims
In the early 2000’s, insurers reported an increase in prescription opioid usage as part of treatment plans for injured workers. Opioids are drugs that act on the nervous system to relieve pain. Continued use and abuse can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Mar 15, 2017 | Loss Control, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
With the goal of reducing vehicle crashes, PennPRIME is implementing the following initiatives to help you navigate your drive to this important destination. The 2017 Measure of Compliance for the Loss Control Standards (LCS) is to have all employees participate in...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Mar 4, 2017 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
PennPRIME is pleased to announce the release of our new website, designed with Members' daily risk management needs in mind. Our goal is to always provide the resources to keep your employees and entity safe. Recognizing that you would like to have some of these tools...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Mar 3, 2017 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
We are pleased to welcome some more new faces to the PennPRIME Board of Trustees to fill vacancies left by trustees that have retired. We appreciate the contributions and service of Mary Ann Nau, Assistant Manager of the City of Warren, and Jim Phillips, Manager of...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Feb 21, 2017 | Loss Control Standards
Loss Control Standards Summary LCS #1 – Commitment to Safety/Risk Management Requirement: Have a written statement of senior management's commitment to risk management and employee safety, approved by your governing body, which is communicated annually to all...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 7
Loss Control Standard 7 Disclaimer: This document is for example only and should not be used as a final product. The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 7
Loss Control Standard 7 Disclaimer: This document is for example only and should not be used as a final product. The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 7
Loss Control Standard 7 Procedure for Obtaining Motor Vehicle Records from PennDOT* (Free for Government Agencies) Go to www.dmv.pa.gov Along the top navigational bar click on “Information Centers” On Information Center page, click on “Business Partner” Along right...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 7
Loss Control Standard 7 Establishing Risk Management Policies While Complying with Collective Bargaining Obligations To effectively manage risk while providing essential services, municipal entities must implement policies that reflect key safety practices. Many of...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 7
Loss Control Standard 7 LCS #7 – Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Review Requirement: Have a written procedure to review MVRs to verify a valid driver’s license, prior to employment and every three years thereafter, for anyone authorized to drive vehicles on entity...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 6
Loss Control Standard 6 Disclaimer: This document is for example only and should not be used as a final product. The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 6
Loss Control Standard 6 Disclaimer: This document is for example only and should not be used as a final product. The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 6
Loss Control Standard 6 Disclaimer: This document is for example only and should not be used as a final product. The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 6
Loss Control Standard 6 LCS #6 – Seat Belt Use Requirement: Enforce a written policy requiring seat belt use for all occupants of entity vehicles or other vehicles used on entity business. Measure of Compliance: Annually, submit form verifying continual compliance...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 5
Loss Control Standard 5 Disclaimer: This document is for example only and should not be used as a final product. The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 5
Loss Control Standard 5 VIEW Sample COI Forms Back to Loss Control...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 5
Loss Control Standard 5 VIEW Certificate of Insurance Webinar Back to Loss Control...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 19, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 5
Loss Control Standard 5 LCS #5 – Certificates of Insurance (COI) Requirement: Adopt a written, procedure, incorporating minimum PennPRIME criteria, requiring COIs be obtained from contractors. Maintain a list of contractors and current COIs for each. Best Practice:...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 4
Loss Control Standard 4 Vehicle Accident Investigation Disclaimer: The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is appropriate for your use. PennPRIME recommends that you...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 4
Loss Control Standard 4 Incident Investigation/Corrective Action Form (Liability) Disclaimer: The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is appropriate for your use....
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 4
Loss Control Standard 4 EMPLOYEE ACCIDENT/INCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT Disclaimer: The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is appropriate for your use. PennPRIME...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 4
Loss Control Standard 4 SUPERVISOR INCIDENT REVIEW/CORRECTIVE ACTION REPORT Disclaimer: The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is appropriate for your use....
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 4
Loss Control Standard 4 Sample Policy for Accident/Incident Investigation Procedure (Workers’ Compensation) Disclaimer: This document is for example only and should not be used as a final product. The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 4
Loss Control Standard 4 Benefits of Accident Investigations and Documentation By Brian P. Gabriel, Esq. and Joseph M. Motto, Esq., Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. A persistent concern among municipalities is that written documentation of an accident...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 4
Loss Control Standard 4 LCS #4 – Incident Investigations Requirement: 1. Have a written procedure for conducting claims investigations. 2. Within two weeks of notification by claimant, complete written incident investigations for every Workers’ Compensation and...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 3
Loss Control Standard 3 CLICK HERE for Sample Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Management Checklist Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Guidance Why They Are Important- Safety Data Sheets (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS) are used to identify the hazards associated...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 3
Loss Control Standard 3 CLICK HERE for Sample Fixed and Portable Ladders Inspection Checklist Improve Your Hazard Inspections - Fixed and Portable Ladders Most facilities use ladders on such a frequent basis that it becomes second nature. Unfortunately, if an employee...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 3
Loss Control Standard 3 CLICK HERE for Sample Compressed Gas Cylinder Inspection Checklist Compressed Gas Cylinder Guidance Compressed gases are used in several ways in workshops and garages, but most commonly for welding or forklift fuel. While necessary and useful,...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 3
Loss Control Standard 3 CLICK HERE for Sample Electrical Boxes and Disconnects Inspection Checklist Electrical Boxes and Disconnects Guidance One of the more hazardous types of equipment in any facility is the electrical system. When installed and maintained properly,...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 3
Loss Control Standard 3 CLICK HERE for Sample Power and Extension Cords Inspection Checklist Power Cord and Extension Cord Guidance While cordless power tools are quickly replacing corded tools in the workplace, there are still many situations that require the use of...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 3
Loss Control Standard 3 CLICK HERE for Sample Flammable Liquid Storage Inspection Checklist Flammable Liquid Storage Guidance Most workshops and garages have flammable liquids that are used on a regular basis as part of the operation. While necessary, these liquids...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 3
Loss Control Standard 3 Disclaimer: The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is appropriate for your use. PennPRIME recommends that you review the final product...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 3
Loss Control Standard 3 Sample Procedure for Hazard Inspections Disclaimer: The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is appropriate for your use. PennPRIME recommends...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 3
Loss Control Standard 3 LCS #3 – Hazard Inspections Requirement: 1. Monthly, conduct documented self-inspections at all high risk facilities. Public Works Garage Water Treatment Facility Wastewater Treatment Plant Swimming Pools (when staffed) Ice Rinks (when...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 2
Loss Control Standard 2 LCS #2 – Responsibility for Loss Control Requirement: Designate a management level person with the responsibility and authority to implement Loss Control programs. Measure of Compliance: Annually, submit form verifying continual compliance with...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 1
Loss Control Standard 1 Sample - Statement of Commitment to Safety/Risk Management Disclaimer: The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is appropriate for your use....
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards, Loss Control Standards 1
Loss Control Standard 1 LCS #1 – Commitment to Safety/Risk Management Requirement: Have a written statement of senior management support for employee Safety and Risk Management, approved by your governing body. Post statement in a public location and annually...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 14, 2016 | Loss Control Standards
Loss Control Standards Summary Commitment to Loss Control yields the benefits of reducing the frequency of claims, decreasing the severity of accidents, and ultimately lowering contribution costs for our Members. In order for your entity to take advantage of all of...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 6, 2016 | General Interest, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
PennPRIME is pleased to welcome some new faces to the Board of Trustees to fill vacancies left by trustees that have moved on to new positions outside of the PennPRIME community. We appreciate the contributions and service of Paul Cornell, former Manager of Swatara...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Dec 6, 2016 | Liability, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
Disclaimer: This document is for example only and should not be used as a final product. The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is appropriate for your use....
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 30, 2016 | May 2011 Issue, Past Articles, Workers' Compensation
Workers’ Compensation Claims Management STEP TWO: RETURNING THE INJURED WORKER TO LIGHT DUTY WHILE COMPLYING WITH THE ADA AND THE FMLA By Patrick J. Harvey, Esquire, Ballard Spahr LLP This Article is Part Two of a three part series on how to manage workers’...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 30, 2016 | January 2012 Issue, Past Articles, Workers' Compensation
Importance Of A Panel Physicians List One way to control the cost of your Workers’ Compensation contribution is by implementing a list of designated providers for your employees. The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act gives employers the right to establish a list...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | August 2011 Issue, Past Articles, Workers' Compensation
Workers’ Compensation Claims Management By Patrick J. Harvey, Esquire, Ballard Spahr LLP Too many municipal employers fail to globally resolve employment issues when settling workers’ compensation claims. All municipal employers seeking to settle a...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | January 2013 Issue, Law Enforcement, Past Articles
Video, Photos and Electronic Evidence – Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy By David J. MacMain, Esq., Lamb McErlane P.C. Over the past 10 years, video, photograph and electronic evidence has become more available and widespread, and its use and retention becomes more...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Law Enforcement, November 2013 Issue, Past Articles
The Importance of Paperwork – How Exciting! By David J. MacMain Esq., The MacMain Law Group The bane of a police officer’s existence is report writing and documenting everything he or she does in the course of an incident, arrest or shift. Report writing is not...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Law Enforcement, November 2011 Issue, Past Articles
Taking Steps to Make Foot Pursuits Safer: An Historical Perspective, Policies and Tips By Alex Payne and Mark Filburn, Law Enforcement Specialists, Kentucky League of Cities Insurance Services Several years ago, the Kentucky League of Cities Insurance Services (KLCIS)...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | January 2011 Issue, Law Enforcement, Past Articles
Policing Outside of the Box By David E. Mitchell, Esq., Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. A township receives a request from a neighboring municipality for police assistance relating to flash flooding. Is the township obligated to respond? Is it...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | January 2014 Issue, Law Enforcement, Past Articles
Operating A Police Cruiser Can Be Risky Business By David MacMain, Esq.,The MacMain Law Group, LLC Over the 20 plus years that I have been defending police agencies in litigation, I have handled hundreds of cases including numerous shootings, claims arising from SWAT...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | January 2012 Issue, Law Enforcement, Past Articles
Exceeding Speed Limit Without Activating Lights And Siren Is Deemed Negligent By Brian P. Gabriel, Esq., Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. Section 3105 of the Vehicle Code grants certain privileges to the operator “of an emergency vehicle, when...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Law Enforcement, May 2013 Issue, Past Articles
Dogged by Claims By Gary M. Scoulos, Esquire, Meyer Darragh Buckler Bebenek & Eck, P.L.L.C. Humans long ago recognized that canines had the capacity to be more than loyal and lovable pets. Dogs could be trained to work. For centuries, dogs have been...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Loss Control, May 2013 Issue, Past Articles
What Public Entities Can Learn from Super Storm Sandy By Mark Norton, Senior Continuity Planner, Agility Recovery In Hindsight: Sandy was a storm of record proportions. It will go down in history as one of the strongest hurricanes ever to make landfall in the United...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | August 2013 Issue, Loss Control, Past Articles
By John P. Rock, John P. Rock Inc., The Safe Driving Guy As a veteran state police accident investigator, I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say, “Trooper, it happened so fast!,” or “I can’t believe this happened to me,” but most of all, “Only a...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | January 2010 Issue, Loss Control, Past Articles
Adapted with permission from the VML Insurance Programs. Can we talk about Spring? But it’s still only January…So true, but now is actually a good time to review your playgrounds as Spring is just around the corner. By doing a thorough review now and making necessary...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Loss Control, November 2013 Issue, Past Articles
Snowplowing Guidelines on Hours of Service By Joseph M. Boslet, PE, CPCU, CSP, ARM, ALCM, APA, VP Safety Management Services, Inservco The subject of snowplowing has generated discussions all over the board, leaving most people scratching their heads on really what to...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Loss Control, November 2014 Issue, Past Articles
Safety Brief: Snow Removal Reprinted with permission by the Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Authority (AMLJIA) Every year people die of heart attacks while shoveling heavy snow, lose fingers in snow blower accidents, and fall from icy roofs. Snow removal can...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Loss Control, November 2014 Issue, Past Articles
Safety is a Value: An Elected Official's Perspective By Joe Gierlach, Chairman, Board of Supervisors/Director of Public Works, Neshannock Township Neshannock Township is a second class township in Lawrence County run by three elected supervisors, with a workforce of...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Loss Control, May 2014 Issue, Past Articles
Stopping Distances and Your Vehicle By John P. Rock, the Safe Driving Guy After this past winter, we all know that it is different trying to stop your vehicle on dry roads as compared to a wet road or snowy road. When you look at the actual figures of the stopping...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | January 2010 Issue, Loss Control, Past Articles
Personnel Policy Shield: Protecting Your Entity from Employment Liability by Vicki L. Beatty, Esq.,Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. There are few more thankless tasks than writing or rewriting your municipality’s personnel handbook. This...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Loss Control, May 2014 Issue, Past Articles
Park and Playground Safety Tips By Sharrod Parker, PennPRIME Claims Coordinator During the winter months, we tend to forget the magnitude of time people spend outdoors. As the weather warms and our citizens' outdoor activities increase, so do the hazards related to...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Loss Control, May 2014 Issue, Past Articles
Just What is Risk Management? Part I in a Series This article was prepared by and used with the permission of the Michigan Municipal League and adapted by Bob Anspach, Director of Insurance Services, PennPRIME Trust. Dispelling The Myth Many times, managers believe...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | August 2014 Issue, Loss Control, Past Articles
Just What Is Risk Management: Part II This article was prepared by and used with the permission of the Michigan Municipal League and edited by PennPRIME. RISK CONTROL TECHNIQUES Once you have identified your risk exposures, the next step is to choose the technique, or...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Loss Control, May 2012 Issue, Past Articles
Safety Tips for Tree Trimming and Chainsaw Operations Adapted with permission from the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool Most chainsaw injuries occur because operators come into contact with the blade by failing to follow recommended operating...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | January 2013 Issue, Loss Control, Past Articles
By James F. Wainwright, The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company Introduction Often we see indications that something isn’t quite right – and these may be referred to as red flags. While conducting jurisdictional boiler examinations, Hartford Steam...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Liability, November 2011 Issue, Past Articles
Take Notice Of A Tort Claim Defense By David MacMain, Esq. and David Gomez, Esq. of Lamb McErlane, P.C. Using an under-utilized approach to resolving litigation prior to trial may provide an opportunity for municipalities to prevent questionable lawsuits and...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | August 2014 Issue, Liability, Past Articles
Top 12 Things to Include in Parade Safety Plans Reprinted with permission from ICMA Counties and municipalities are responsible for ensuring public safety at the many parades, festivals and special activities that may take place in their communities. To ensure these...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Liability, May 2013 Issue, Past Articles
The Price of Politics: Evidence of Retaliation Against One Employee Permits Jury Trial for Multiple Promotion Candidates By Brian P. Gabriel, Esquire, Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. As campaigns for the next election cycle heat up, the Third...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | August 2012 Issue, Liability, Past Articles
By Julie A. Aquino, Esq., Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. Most employers know that certain questions cannot be asked during a job interview because the subject of the question is not a lawful consideration in a hiring decision. For example, an...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | August 2014 Issue, Liability, Past Articles
By Charles Starnes, Esquire, The MacMain Law Group, LLC. Municipal officials should view social media as both a powerful tool and potential source of major headaches and litigation. Social media usage is now ubiquitous, having grown into the single largest activity...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Liability, May 2012 Issue, Past Articles
Think Twice Before You Hit Send: Rules for Sending and Receiving Email By Julie A. Aquino, Esq., Campell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. Long ago, a person wanting to have a casual business discussion would pick up the telephone and “reach out and touch...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Liability, November 2012 Issue, Past Articles
By Brian P. Gabriel, Esq., Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. There are eight exceptions to governmental immunity afforded to municipalities under state law. Which exception exposes you to the most liability? The answer is not a close call. The...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 29, 2016 | Liability, Past Articles, PRIME Watch
Disclaimer: This document is for example only and should not be used as a final product. The specific needs, practices, form of government and other operational procedures of your governmental entity may impact whether this example is appropriate for your use....
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 28, 2016 | Disaster Recovery, Past Articles
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 25, 2016 | January 2014 Issue, Liability, Past Articles
Data Security & Personal Information: Trending Continues Towards Greater Regulation By Paul N. Lalley, Esq. and Melanie B. Seigel, Esq.,Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. With the proliferation of businesses (and government) accessing and storing...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 25, 2016 | Liability, November 2013 issue, Past Articles
Can We Relax Now? The Commonwealth Court’s Decision in Lee v. Beaver County Gives Some Relief to Municipal Contractual Risk Management Practices (But Don’t Get Too Comfortable) By Paul N. Lalley Esq., Campbell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. Those who...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 25, 2016 | Liability, May 2010 Issue, Past Articles
How Public Officials Can Avoid E-Mail and Texting Liability Landmines By Patrick J. Harvey, Esq., Ballard Spahr LLP A disconnect too often occurs when public officials send e-mails and text messages. This disconnect involves public officials erroneously...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 14, 2016 | Claims
This topic has been on the news often lately. Many states, including Pennsylvania, have passed some form of law that allows the use of marijuana/cannabis for medicinal purposes. Colorado has taken it one step further and legalized recreational marijuana sales by...
by PennPRIME Insurance Trust | Nov 1, 2016 | Past Articles
Risk Management and Training Safety Officers: A New Strategy for Reducing Injuries By Robert Boe and Randy Means; reprinted with permission fromLaw and Order, January 2014 Law enforcement leaders breathe a sigh of relief after certain training sessions and say, “I am...
