With many schools utilizing virtual instruction this year, kids are spending more time than ever online. Many organizations like YMCAs..

If an employee is injured at work and cannot return to his/her own job right away, sometimes the employee can do another job or part of..

When children go back to school, they often spend a lot of time on school busses. In addition to transportation to and from school,..

Now more than ever people are buying and using hand sanitizer in order to keep themselves healthy. While washing hands with soap and..

Many people think that if someone is drowning, it will be extremely obvious. Lots of splashing, screaming for help, and arm waving. But..

A post from Katrina Luetkebuenger, a West Bend Loss Control Representative: There are many risks to consider with winter driving. I..

NOTE: We also have information on Developing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for emergencies other than aquatics.

Companies with large fleets of vehicles, from large semi-trucks to smaller vans, are always looking for ways to make their fleets safer...

We spend all winter looking forward to long, sunny days. Then finally summer arrives, bringing some beautiful weather. But summer also..

A West Bend loss control representative was asked by the aquatics director for one of our customers if we had a policy on the maximum..

West Bend's claims adjusters handle an unbelievable number of slip and fall injuries for our customers each winter. And this isn't..

An ex-Boy Scout camp director and YMCA water safety instructor accused of filming and distributing child pornography entered a guilty..

In 2015 at a summer camp in North Carolina, a 12-year-old girl fell more than 40 feet to her death when a tether attaching her to the..

As businesses re-open and operate on a limited basis, they may choose to take the precautionary measure of using a no-contact..

A story came to light about abuse in youth sports. A young figure skater accused an older skater of abuse. The abuser’s coaches and..

It's no secret; 15 passenger vans can be extremely dangerous. A high center of gravity and poor weight distribution make these vehicles..

A large concert stage collapsed under the pressure of 70mph winds at the Indiana State Fair a few years ago. Reports have indicated that..

A talented swimmer on the Dartmouth College swim team was exercising in a Florida YMCA pool while on vacation with his family.  After a..

Take a kid to a party with a bounce house and chances are you won’t see them for long. Most kids are thrilled to jump and flip in these..

One of our loss control experts was at a YMCA pool and a swimmer was up on a starting block getting ready to jump into the pool...

Maintaining staff-to-child ratios is a very important part of a high-quality childcare environment. In fact, the number of children..

A tragedy at a preschool in New York City made headlines across the country. A three-year-old with a known dairy allergy was fed a..

While businesses often spend significant amounts of money on workers’ compensation insurance, the ins and outs of how work comp works..

Too often here at West Bend we receive frightening near-drowning claims. These claims can result in serious injury and many times the..

A story about abuse in child care centers pops up just about every day. And these stories span the country; from New York City (where a ..

Once warm weather finally hits, families and children head to pools and lakes to cool down. Swimming is a standard summer activity but..

One of our loss control representatives was asked about including children with disabilities in camp activities. This organization had..

A news story about a child at a pumpkin farm caught our attention here at West Bend. The child suffered a medical emergency and passed..

Fall sports are ramping up as the weather cools down. Football and lacrosse seasons are starting; even some baseball and softball teams..

There are many stories in the news about abuse at childcare facilities. Unfortunately, a story from Texas stands out as especially..

At a high school swim meet in Michigan, Xavier Staubs had just finished the last leg of a relay race. He noticed one of his rivals,..

A childcare provider in Colorado was sentenced to 10 years in prison after an infant died in her care. She had put the child down for a..

A common feature at child-centered organizations is playground equipment, both indoors and outdoors. Children love climbing and sliding, 

A recent claim caught the attention of one of our loss control reps. A child in a drop-in daycare facility went into the bathroom to get..

An employee at an aquatics center was arrested after a camera was found in the changing area for lifeguards at the facility. Upon..

A record-breaking verdict was recently handed down in an Illinois civil lawsuit involving the drowning death of six-year-old Michal..

Imagine a scenario that could happen at any community organization. A fire caused by an old electrical panel starts in a maintenance..

A devastating tragedy has prompted a community in Pennsylvania to act to keep children safer while in childcare facilities. In August..

Imagine an elderly member came into your organization with an advanced directive stating that in the event of an emergency, they don't..

One of our loss control experts reported an interesting situation at a facility with a swimming pool. After taking photos of their..

One of our loss control experts received a question that many YMCAs and larger fitness facilities face. Employees at this YMCA noticed..

As a childcare provider, field trips were both my worst nightmare and one of my favorite activities. The stress and anxiety of planning..

A client walks into a community organization with a large dog. The dog doesn’t have a vest or badge identifying it as a service animal..

If you are a lifeguard supervisor or manager, this probably sounds familiar. You supervise a group of lifeguards; some stay with you all..

Step ladders are one of the most commonly-used pieces of equipment in many businesses. Check any supply or maintenance closet and you’ll..

Employee safety is a top priority. Improper disposal of materials, narrow aisles, and poor lighting are all things that can play a..

One of the last things you want as a business owner is for your employees to get hurt. Often, workplace accidents can be avoided by..

A fire broke out at a large, two-story apartment building. A passerby noticed flames on the roof, called emergency services, and..

If there’s one lesson to be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the value of having a plan for uncertain times. Given the curveball..

Your business is important to us so, we provide coverages tailored its unique needs. Learn how some of these coverages come into play in..

An in-home care coordinator was leaving an apartment complex following an appointment with a client. While descending the front steps,..

Does your warehouse struggle with inventory upkeep? Or, have there been times when product has been misplaced due to lack of..

Workplace safety is top of mind for employers. Keeping employees safe and preventing workers’ compensation injuries that affect your..

No employers want to see their employees suffer a traumatic injury while on the job. Let’s take a look at this real-life work comp claim..

We all know the important role computers play in business.  Especially if you’re an accountant. A simple accident and poof, your..

Workplace accidents happen, but many may be avoided by implementing preventive safety measures. We’re sharing this real-life, large loss..

A claims department functions because of loss to property, an accident, or an injury due to legal liability, misfortune, negligence, or..

While those of us who are able to work from home are grateful, we may be experiencing new aches and pains due to improper use of home..

 As many of us have settled into working from home, it’s important to be aware of the increased phishing and other social engineering..

Many essential employees are working hard to keep grocery stores, delivery services, and takeout food services available to the public...

A heavy hailstorm occurred at an auto dealership. West Bend gathered details about the type and size of hail as well as general damages..

Before COVID-19 became a household term, I had worked from home occasionally. I remember wishing for some scheduled work from home days..

There's no doubt COVID-19 has dramatically changed our lives. Social distancing is our way of life for now. When possible, many..

A major concern of any retail business is accidents in the parking lot. The accidents can be vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-building/..

lt should be a concern. It’s very important that your store has a sound policy in place to keep aisles clear and dry.

According to OSHA, since 1980, almost 150 workers have been killed and more than 850 injured due to combustible dust explosions.

According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), on average, prescription drug costs make up 13-14% of an overall..

Remote work may seem like a simple, inexpensive way of doing your job, but in reality, it can create a certain disconnect and..

Unfortunately, identity theft is a reality in America. According to a recent study by Javelin Strategy & Research, there were 14.4..

Our SMARTbusiness® program was designed to help tailor your insurance coverage to the unique needs of your business. Equipment Breakdown..

You provide a valuable service for your customers that requires a large investment in your machinery, your employees, and your office..

As a manager or business owner, it’s horrible to watch an employee suffer a workers’ compensation injury. Sharing real-life claims like..

Manufacturers Errors & Omissions coverage extends the basic General Liability policy to provide payment when you (as the insured) must..

West Bend considers light manufacturing operations to include manufacturers of small stamped, rolled, turned, pressed, cut, machined, or..

Cyber risk is a growing issue.  All businesses that maintain data on their clients and employees have a responsibility to safeguard the..

Benjamin Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  We tend to agree, especially when it comes to..

Buildings that are vacant for extended periods are vulnerable to vandalism and fire, partly as the result of only occasional maintenance..

If you’re a contractor who’s just starting out or an experienced contractor who has significantly expanded your business, your tools and..

Outdoor workers are exposed to many physical hazards depending on their responsibilities, the season and duration they’re outside. In..

During a recent storm, an insured suffered a substantial hail damage claim. After an inspection of the property, it was discovered the..

Warehouse operations and distribution facilities are common with most manufacturing businesses and they present a wide variety of..

We care about your architect firm and know how important your office equipment is to daily operations. To help you understand insurance..

At West Bend, we’re proud of our broad base of knowledge when it comes to understanding commercial risks. Over the years, we’ve..

Auto repair shops have many exposures. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the exposures for internal operations, as well as..

At West Bend, we’re proud of our broad base of knowledge when it comes to understanding commercial risks. Over the years, we’ve..

Because your business is important to us, we provide coverages tailored its unique needs. You may want to consider these additional..

Let’s face it. There are simply not enough hours in the day to get everything done in your busy chiropractic office. You’re busy helping..

Understanding your insurance coverage can be confusing and complicated. When going over your options with your agent, don’t be scared to..

Determining the right business technology insurance coverage can be tricky. You’re probably wondering, “how can we be prepared for the..

Chiropractic clinic, business office, construction site...it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, employee reviews are important. Not..

If your business is in a small-town, close-knit, community, you probably know how important it is for your business to get involved. Not..

Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. Nielsen reports that 83% of consumers say they trust recommendations from friends,..

Are you considering hiring additional help for the summer? How do you know if adding summer staff would be beneficial to your business?..

Ever find yourself wondering why so many people – including you – stress over writing their own bios? Writing a bio should be simple,..

Heavy rain fell overnight and caused the sump pit or well to overflow when the pump failed at a law firm located in the lower level of a..

A chiropractic office had an x-ray machine for about seven years.  While using the machine, they heard pops, smoke came out of the..

The owner of a dental clinic opened the office one morning and noticed a metallic odor.  As he walked through the office, he saw soot..

Understanding your insurance coverage can be confusing and complicated. When going over your options with your agent, don’t be scared to..

Employees working together in unison with one common goal helps produce the best work and ensure high performance. The old saying, “two..

Many professionals struggle with the phrase, “leave work at work.” As an insurance agent, you pride yourself on putting your clients..

Blogging is a great way to educate your current and potential customers. Sometimes, the hardest part of writing a blog is determining..

Going green and making your office environmentally friendly is easy and inexpensive. In fact, in many cases, going green will end up..

Being a leader in your insurance agency is about more than just managing people. There are good days and  bad days. It’s a constant..

Effective communication is crucial to building and maintaining a successful and efficient team. Between computers and phones, texting..

Sometimes no matter how hard you work, things just don’t go right. As a business consultant, you try to always do what’s best for your..

Working with computers or technology all day long can have negative impacts on employees’ overall health and well-being. If you can’t..

Social media is one of the main ways people stay connected and communicate with each other. As a doctor, your reputation is incredibly..

Meetings. Emails. Texts. Phone calls. Bids. On-site job visits. Designing. Drafts. Construction. Being an architect or engineer is full..

As an insurance agent, it’s crucial for your clients to trust you and to feel they can easily communicate with you. They need to trust..

The importance of security is incredibly pertinent in the computer technology industry. You diligently work to ensure each customer’s..

You’ve worked hard to get where you are.  Your law firm is a representation of your personality. Over the years you may have purchased..

When I talk to my friends and colleagues, one thing they always wish they had more of, is time.  I’m no different. I work full-time and..

You probably get these questions a lot. What exactly do you do? How can I trust what you do will help me better my business? You know..

With 260 million monthly active users and two new members joining every second, LinkedIn is a powerhouse filled with business..

More and more employers are creating wellness programs to encourage healthier lifestyles, reduce work-related stress, injuries, and..

If moving a residence is stressful, moving a business is that times ten. There are so many more worries with moving your business, such..

Social media is a fantastic and cost-effective way to reach potential and existing clients.  When you share valuable content that..

Data Security 101The first thing you need to know is ‘what is data security’? Data security refers to the process of protecting..

You love what you do, the years of schooling and hours spent studying were well worth it. Each day you’re helping people, but that..

After attending a recent social media conference, I wanted to share some pointers that may help you market your business using social..

People who work at a computer in an office environment are prone to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Working with the body in a neutral..

West Bend has provided businesses throughout the Midwest with the comprehensive insurance coverages and services they need to operate..

Communication is a cornerstone of any business.  It helps build relationships, convey ideas, and when done properly, overcome difficult..

Professional hairdressers, beauticians, and barbers help people every day. In any line of work, accidents happen, and the risks double..

Almost every business needs crime insurance. While it's important to have the right coverage to protect against crimes committed by..

We are in the midst of a crazy winter season with loads of snow and record low temperatures. This is a perfect time to brush up on..

While on Facebook, a headline by the Beaver Dam Fire Department caught my eye: “Oily rags are causing fire – again.” I learned last..

Approximately 1.3 billion gallons of waste oil are generated from the crankcases of millions of automobiles and trucks whenever the oil..

Zinsco electric panels could leave property owners at risk for both fire and electric shock as a result of failing to operate properly..

The popularity and sheer number of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries are on the rise. In the US, between 2016 and 2017, the..

Your business works tirelessly to provide nothing but the best for your customers and employees. You want to protect everything you’ve..

Social media has become an integral part of marketing businesses. It’s a way to connect and engage with your audience, while being a..

Although the initial dehumidifier recall occurred in 2013 and a revamped list was released in 2016, many people are still just learning..

As drones become more commonplace in our airspace, and commercial and recreational use continues to grow, so, too, will the need for..

West Bend’s TechAdvantage™ Equipment Breakdown Coverage includes all of the coverages, services, and benefits associated with..

If you could guess the one word that can reduce both illness and injury, what would you say?  Ergonomics?  Yes!

Fall is right around the corner. The holiday season isn’t far behind. Many organizations depend on seasonal workers to succeed during..

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill

There truly is no better feeling than giving..

Technology allows businesses to be agile, more efficient, and offer a better customer experience. In today’s digital and inter-connected..

In the NewsIf you search Google for ‘dryer fire business’, you’ll see news stories like these. Last month, in Petaluma, California, a..

A 2019 study from The Center for Construction Research and Training revealed that construction workers, who compose 6% of the total..

Keeping your employees safe is probably near the top of your list of priorities as a business manager or owner. But, does your..

What is emotional intelligence? One definition I recently heard was from a class on managing relationships. The instructor said,..

Now our commercial lines customers can take advantage of a business property protection package offered through OneEvent™ Technologies...

Here are some ideas to make sure your pipeline is always full.

In the context of information security, social engineering is the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential..

 Are you using video to market your business?  Or, is something holding you back?  Video is one of the best ways to communicate, build..

Over the years, we’ve developed extensive veterinarian insurance expertise and understand the unique risks and skills needed to..

Our good ole Wisconsin winter has delivered everything from freezing temperatures to unseasonably warm weather. We’ve been dumped on by..

Natural disasters can strike at any time and can leave individuals and facilities without necessary supplies for days at a time...

West Bend’s TechAdvantage™ Equipment Breakdown Coverage includes all of the coverages, services, and benefits associated with..

Above-ground fuel tanks can be a convenience to businesses that require frequent fueling of company vehicles, construction vehicles,..

Cats dressed as sharks riding Roombas. Huskies howling “nooooooooo” when their owner wants to leave. Amazing rescue transformation..

Insureds often ask our loss prevention representatives if certificates of insurance are necessary. If your organization uses outside..

Retailers are gearing up for one of the busiest and most profitable times of year – the holidays. I try to shop locally owned specialty..

Many fond memories are made while sharing good food and good stories.  Restaurants like supper clubs, family-oriented restaurants,..

When an employee makes a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, it’s imperative that the claim be reported timely. An adjuster’s job..

When you ask for referrals, do your palms sweat and does your heart race? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Many people are..

Power Outage StatisticsPower outages are a serious problem that nearly every home and business in the United States will experience at..

While on a site visit in downtown Milwaukee, a West Bend loss prevention associate recognized a fire extinguisher in a restaurant..

In the event there’s an active shooter at your business, do you know what to do?  Will your employees be prepared to respond?  These..

More than 700 back-related injuries occur every day due to improper lifting techniques.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,..

In the summer of 2016, news began to break about the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones catching fire.  A large recall ensued and Samsung..

We’ve all seen them and heard about the great value solar panels can bring.  As time goes on, the cost to install solar energy has..

I have two amazing rescue dogs, Dawson and Simba, who are pictured here.  Awww…aren’t they simply adorable?  When I worked for a..

Have you ever hired a subcontractor to perform a service for your business?  If so, risk transfer is important to protect your..

We're all professionals, and, as such, people expect that we act that way.  These tips are great reminders for ways you can put your..

Hackers and thieves are on the hunt for your personal information every day.  Because our business requires the transfer of personal..

As a small business owner, buying insurance to protect your company from accidental loss is an important decision.  You’re often faced..

The number of people using social media worldwide is staggering.  In the United Sates alone, three quarters of online adults use social..

We’ve all seen the claims – plumbing line cracks causing water damage, light fixture short circuits  causing electrical fire, and roof..

We hear it all the time and know it to be true: “Time is money.” This is great if you’ve mastered the discipline of time management, but..

Checking Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) as part of your pre-employment process, where allowed by law, is an ideal way to identify..

First impressions are important.  Time, effort and budget all go into finding the right person for the job.  And, once you do, keeping..

An important topic insurance companies and independent agents frequently talk about is having enough coverage for your business personal..

I saw an ad today for Black Friday deals.  Social media posts and TV commercials are counting down the days until the holidays. ..

It’s that time of year when sneezes and coughs fill the air.  I turned on my essential oil diffuser a few weeks ago as one way to combat..

Every employer would like to reduce the chances of Worker’s Compensation claims.  We all want employees to stay happy, healthy and..

In general, people leave their jobs because they don’t like their boss. Other reasons are lack of opportunity for growth or they’re..

Cyber liability insurance isn’t just for big companies.  In fact, the large companies are usually able to recover from such attacks. For..

You’re in the auto business.  Whether it’s an auto body repair shop, detailing or custom cleaning, or a dealership, it’s important to..

The options are endless for marketing your business.  TV, radio, billboards, direct mail, email, newsletters, and social media are just..

Millennials.  Some think it’s a bad word.  On occasion, millennials have received a bad rap by the press, but in reality, just as with..

There’s a lot of information out there about standing desks. Is it beneficial for your health? Do you burn more calories standing? Does..

Accidents happen and people are injured, but that doesn’t always mean it’s someone else’s fault.  In this article, I’ll review the key..

Residential fires caused by grilling are dangerous, deadly, and on the rise.  In 2012, there were 374,000 residential fires in the..

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around since the early 1900’s and today there are over 340,000 electric vehicles in the US alone, the..

OSHA estimates power industrial trucks (PIT), commonly called forklifts, cause about 85 fatal accidents per year, 34,900 accidents..

To say motorized auto dealers have unique exposures is an understatement.  Inventory loss or damage, personal injuries, work comp..

Fire is one of the biggest threats for restaurants and bars.  A recent study, completed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, found..