Every summer thousands of children who are out of school attend summer day camps. Hosted by many child-focused organizations like YMCAs or..
Read MoreEvery summer thousands of children who are out of school attend summer day camps. Hosted by many child-focused organizations like YMCAs or..
Read MoreThe past few years have affected professionals in various ways, including how much they engage in their jobs. Engagement among adult..
Read MoreWhen we think of food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses, restaurants and grocery stores often come to mind. While food safety is..
Read MoreConstruction projects are picking up again after the winter months and many contractors are looking for new employees in a tight job..
Read MoreChances are, as a business owner, you’re aware of many different cybersecurity issues. Ransomware, phishing attacks, and the importance of..
Read MoreCommercial building owners typically have a schedule and routine for maintaining their building’s sprinkler system and fire extinguishers...
Read MoreStorm season is fast approaching and unfortunately, severe weather can cause serious property damage for business owners. Once cleanup has..
Read MoreUnder Inland Marine policies there’s a coverage category available for miscellaneous tools and equipment. It’s often used for such things..
Read MoreApril is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and West Bend has many resources dedicated toward preventing distracted driving. Our..
Read MoreIn the spring, many youth-serving organizations begin to offer new and additional sports programs for children. Parents are eager to sign..
Read MoreThere are many things to consider when deciding to open a childcare facility. Childcare is in extremely high demand, so it makes sense that..
Read MoreThere are many different occupations where employees work alone. The American Society of Safety Professionals, or ASSP, recommends defining..
Read MoreThere are many steps to starting a business; it can take years for an aspiring business owner to get everything in order to open their..
Read MoreThere are many different challenges when taking care of elderly patients in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Ensuring residents..
Read MoreImagine a worst-case scenario for your business, maybe a catastrophic fire or a roof collapse. You’re forced to rebuild, almost from the..
Read MoreA vital part of a quality childcare environment is child-to-staff ratios. These ratios, or the number of children who can be cared for by..
Read MoreTypically, you’ll find a sauna or two in any fitness center or YMCA-type organization. Located in the locker rooms or on the pool deck,..
Read MoreOne challenge facing every contractor is keeping track of tools and equipment. With many jobsites, different types and brands of equipment,..
Read MoreImagine what would happen if your organization had to shut down for an extended period due to property damage from a fire. Luckily, with..
Read MoreAs a small business owner, you’ve done your due diligence regarding cybersecurity at your organization. You’ve updated your devices and..
Read MoreDuring these colder months, many parts of the country are buried in snow and ice. Even in warmer regions, this time of year can bring lots..
Read MoreMost bigger businesses and organizations have large human resources departments and utilize many resources to ensure they have best..
Read MoreWinter is here and that means children in colder, snowier locations are enjoying outdoor winter activities. Ice skating, skiing, and..
Read MoreIs your pool divided into zones of protection? This term refers to different areas of the pool assigned to a lifeguard. Zones make it..
Read MoreA new survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety identified the groups of drivers most likely to be distracted while behind the..
Read MoreThe new year is fast approaching; before we know it the holidays will be over, and it’ll be January. For fitness centers, athletic clubs,..
Read MoreThe colder winter months bring unique challenges to contractors trying to continue their construction projects. Snow, wind, and ice can..
Read MoreWinter is fast approaching and that means additional winter preparation for property managers. Winter brings about a host of new potential..
Read MoreIn the last couple of decades, workplace conduct standards have changed for the better. Employees have the protection of federal and state..
Read MoreWinter is fast approaching, and in many parts of the country that means that soon the temperatures will drop and everything will be covered..
Read MoreInflation has certainly become a buzzword as of late, and specifically within the insurance industry. If you’ve purchased anything during..
Read MoreIn addition to requiring all lifeguards to be trained and certified, an important part of a safe pool environment is requiring lifeguards..
Read MoreStories and videos of children being abused in childcare facilities show up in the news almost every day. Many facilities are monitored by..
Read MoreEmployees who work in residential care, assisted living facilities, hospitals, or clinics are at an increased risk of needlestick injuries...
Read MoreBesides a good insurance policy, an effective way to reduce exposure to loss or financial uncertainty is contractual risk transfer...
Read MoreDid you know that most hard hats worn today are using technology from the 1960s? Hard hats are essential equipment for many types of..
Read MoreAny employee who handles or uses hazardous substances, like industrial cleaners, pool chemicals, and more, needs proper training on how to..
Read MoreAt the height of the pandemic, many offices shut down and sent workers home to work remotely. In the years that followed, businesses slowly..
Read MoreWhen thinking about essential lifeguard equipment, a rescue tube, first aid supplies, and whistle may come to mind. But another very..
Read MoreWhen the weather turns cooler after the hot summer, many organizations plan fall festivals to celebrate the season. These events often..
Read MoreStories about cyber security and companies getting hacked are a constant in the news cycle. Both small and large businesses are at risk of..
Read MoreA law passed earlier this summer attempts to keep young infants safer while sleeping. The law bans the sale and manufacturing of different..
Read MoreThe later summer and early fall months can be busy for property managers. Many units have new residents moving in and other unit leases are..
Read MoreSummer vacations are a tradition for many families. With a little preparation, you can make your summer drive safer for you and other..
Read MoreRunning a fitness center, YMCA, YWCA, or similar type of facility can be quite a challenge. With multiple areas, such as weight rooms,..
Read MoreWe know distracted driving is dangerous and unfortunately all too common. Everyone has an obligation to do their best to minimize..
Read MoreDuring the summer months there are many outdoor special events, such as concerts, festivals, fairs, and parades, just to name a few. It..
Read MoreFor workers who spend their days outside, the summer months can bring weather-related challenges. Heat and humidity can make working..
Read MoreWarm summer weather results in many road construction projects that can’t be completed during colder weather. For commercial drivers, this..
Read MoreGait belts are critical pieces of equipment in many residential and medical facilities. A gait belt is a device that’s used to prevent..
Read MoreLast month, in Tennessee, a one-year-old died after being left in a vehicle at his daycare center for more than six hours. A staff member..
Read MoreSummer and warm weather are upon us, and it’s the time of year when patrons flock to their local pools to cool off. Organizations like..
Read MoreSummer break will be here soon and typically this means an influx of school-aged children in childcare programs. It also means a lot more..
Read MoreWhen considering regulatory agencies that impact the food industry, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) might not be..
Read MoreForklifts are common in many manufacturing, construction, and warehousing businesses. They are an essential tool for moving heavy items;..
Read MoreYMCAs, YWCAs, and other community organizations provide invaluable services to their communities. These facilities are often a main..
Read MoreThere’s no disputing that the world of work has changed. In the face of a lingering global pandemic, employee engagement has declined from..
Read MoreWe’re nearing the end of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. We hope this month has been a time for all drivers to reflect on their own..
Read MoreBusinesses that provide sports and leisure activities can be found in most communities. These businesses include amusement centers, sports..
Read MoreSpring is here and that means the construction season is in full swing. After pandemic-related delays, this season is shaping up to be very..
Read MoreApril is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. During this observance organizations around the country focus on making the roads..
Read MoreYou’re part of a group organizing a summer festival. Throughout many meetings your group decides on musical entertainment, food trucks, and..
Read MoreDespite all your organization’s safety efforts, an employee gets hurt while on the job. Luckily, you have Workers’ Compensation insurance..
Read MoreDefective products can cause serious injuries and property damage. Some product liability lawsuits settle for billions of dollars. No..
Read MoreAs a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate, and managing hazardous waste just might be one of those obligations. You need to..
Read MoreOur phones are with us wherever we go; most of us would be lost without them. While smartphones can pose hazards to drivers by being a..
Read MoreOne of the many long-lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic has been employees working in places other than office buildings. In the..
Read MoreWest Bend’s Workers’ Compensation Claims department is dedicated to helping our policyholders reduce rising medical and disability costs...
Read MoreBusiness owners want to keep their buildings and equipment safe from damage. Extra precautions are often taken for crime and incidental..
Read MoreMany organizations are hiring a lot of new employees this year. Growth after a pandemic slump and increased demand for goods and services..
Read MoreThe Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for adult bedrails after reports of three deaths. Bedrails are often used..
Read MoreImagine this scenario: A water fountain at a local fitness center starts slowly leaking. Staff members don’t notice or just simply walk..
Read MoreIn many places throughout the country, winter brings snow and ice. Even in areas that don’t get much snow, cold winter temperatures bring..
Read MoreAquatics safety is an ongoing challenge, with many moving parts, for any organization with a pool. Aquatics directors are always working to..
Read MoreTwo recent episodes of our Safety Bytes podcast highlight some important issues that are often overlooked in many workplaces. Episode 108,..
Read MoreDust is an inevitable part of the woodworking process. While messy and frustrating at times, did you know that dust can also be very..
Read MoreA safe work environment for you and your employees is crucial in running a business. Let’s start with the basics. Knowing the hazards in a..
Read MoreAccording to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there’s a new structure fire every 63 seconds. Many commercial buildings are..
Read MoreDuring the cold weather months alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, space heaters, and wood stoves are used in many ways to..
Read MoreIf your work environment is noisy, it’s very important to protect your employees’ hearing. Even a moderate amount of noise over a long..
Read MoreA critical part of a successful business is being able to recover from disasters, both large and small. This process can be a lot smoother..
Read MoreYour customers may be the heart of your business, but your employees are its soul. Gone are the days when a generous salary and robust..
Read MoreEmployers across many different industries are struggling to find and hire enough employees. From childcare facilities, to restaurants, to..
Read MoreSlips, trips, and falls are some of the most common causes of workers’ compensation injuries across all industries. The resulting claims..
Read MoreIndoor and outdoor pools are often the most popular areas of a YMCA and other community organizations. With lap swimming, children’s swim..
Read MoreA recent iPhone software update made headline news because it patched a very serious security flaw. It was discovered hackers could..
Read MoreThe pandemic has created chaos around the world. Business owners everywhere are focused on figuring out how to do what’s best for their..
Read MoreSafety meetings and staff training sessions are critical for teaching employees important skills they need to stay safe on the job. Safety..
Read MoreAs a business owner, it’s important to realize the cost of building materials and trends in the construction industry to properly assess..
Read MoreOrganizations regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) are required to maintain driver qualification (DQ) files for all their..
Read MoreA wide variety of organizations deal with hazardous chemicals. From a YMCA handling pool chemicals to an auto body shop utilizing spray..
Read MoreFall is almost here, and children will be heading back to school, often in-person this year! For childcare centers, the transition from a..
Read MoreEmployees who drive for a living encounter a few unique issues in their work environment, America’s roadways. Anyone who’s been on a long..
Read MoreWe spend so much time cooking meals on our stoves that it can be easy to forget the temperatures are high enough to quickly start a fire...
Read MoreTwo recently released recalls include equipment manufactured by STIHL and Guardian. Anyone using these pieces of equipment should stop..
Read MoreInflatable jumping pillows are popular attractions for kids at campgrounds and summer camps. Installed in the ground with turf or sand..
Read MoreDriving a truck for a living can take a toll on a person’s health. Based on a survey of commercial truck drivers, they were twice as likely..
Read MoreA broken arm from falling off monkey bars. A laceration requiring stitches from a broken bottle. A concussion from being knocked over by a..
Read MoreRansomware attacks have made headline news this year. An attack against a large US pipeline created gasoline shortages all along the east..
Read MoreNothing says summer like a fresh burger cooked on the grill. However, grills can pose a large fire risk, especially for apartment..
Read MoreA key component of worker safety is ergonomics, defined as “an applied science of designing and arranging things people use so the people..
Read MoreOne of the most devastating incidents for any childcare provider is the death of an infant from sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS...
Read MoreDid you know there’s a simple maintenance plan you can implement to prevent expensive and potentially dangerous problems with your..
Read MoreThe summer months are upon us, and along with blue skies and sunshine, summer also brings severe weather. Tornados, severe thunderstorms,..
Read MoreChildcare providers have a lot of different tasks to juggle every day. Caring for children, planning activities and field trips, and..
Read MoreDrivers who transport clients or patients for organizations like assisted living facilities, childcare centers, or adult day care centers..
Read MoreA youth sports organization hires a driver to transport children from the facility to different locations in the city for games. The routes..
Read MoreParking lots are often overlooked areas for many organizations, as maintenance and safety of other parts of the facility take precedence...
Read MoreBefore we know it, summer will be here. Summer typically means youth-serving organizations offer camp programs, giving children a chance to..
Read MoreRestaurant and other kitchen workers face a challenging work environment. Standing for long periods of time, lifting heavy pots and food..
Read MoreAs a business owner, you’ve spent a good amount of time developing protocols to keep your customers’ data safe. Strong passwords, security..
Read MoreSince 1983 April has been designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting an important issue for our country. This is a great time..
Read MoreMany of us spend hours upon hours sitting at our desks staring at screens. All this sitting can take a toll on our bodies. Stretching..
Read MoreAs a manager or owner of a business, it’s important to consider your employees’ mental health. “How are you doing?” is a very simple..
Read MoreIt’s safe to say that COVID-19 changed most aspects of our daily lives in 2020, and now, a year later it’s still not business as usual for..
Read MoreMany people in the Midwest remember when the roof of the Metrodome, football stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, collapsed in 2016. The..
Read MoreImagine this scenario, you’re in the middle of your workday, managing the operations at a small organization. One of your employees comes..
Read MoreDistracted driving is without a doubt one of the most challenging problems facing companies that employ drivers for any reason. Most of the..
Read MoreDuring a walkthrough of a brand-new, large community center, one of our loss control reps noticed something about the gym. The entire..
Read MoreOne of the most critical safety measures for any organization that does commercial cooking is making sure the hood and duct system covering..
Read MoreWe experienced many changes in 2020, among them the ability to get much more delivered to our homes. Many restaurants and bars shifted..
Read MoreHave you ever wondered how a safety committee could benefit your organization? Or maybe, you have a safety committee already established..
Read MoreFor small businesses, the cold winter months can present serious challenges to keeping their doors open. For businesses operating in parts..
Read MoreIt’s a new year and many childcare centers are enrolling new children, developing new routines, and often transporting many children to and..
Read MoreWhile ringing in 2021 certainly looked different than any other year, people are still making new goals and resolutions. Many of these new..
Read MoreIt’s the end of 2020, and by now many of us have been working from home for most of the year. Who knew in January what a crazy year this..
Read MoreMany childcare centers close for a week or two around the holidays, giving staff and children a much-needed break to spend time with their..
Read MoreWinter is here. If snow and ice haven’t started accumulating at your organization, they’ll certainly make an appearance sometime in the..
Read MoreAny business owner knows that cybersecurity is crucial for keeping company and customer data safe. You don’t have to look far for news..
Read MoreFrozen pipes cause significant damage to buildings every winter, including for West Bend customers. Last year, an organization had a..
Read MoreIt's that time of year again, when snow and ice make driving and especially walking more hazardous. Every winter, West Bend receives a..
Read MoreA family is left searching for answers after a 19-year-old employee drowned at a YMCA in California. The camp counselor was swimming with a..
Read MoreMost companies focus much of their efforts on preventing employee injuries by developing a strong safety culture. This is very important,..
Read MoreAs a childcare provider, keeping kids safe is the most important part of your job. Sometimes it can be easy to overlook smaller things like..
Read MoreIt should come as no surprise that some of our most frequent auto claims here at West Bend are claims for damage caused by backing..
Read MoreWith many schools utilizing virtual instruction this year, kids are spending more time than ever online. Many organizations like YMCAs and..
Read MoreIf 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..
Read MoreWhen children go back to school, they often spend a lot of time on school busses. In addition to transportation to and from school, youth..
Read MoreNow more than ever people are buying and using hand sanitizer in order to keep themselves healthy. While washing hands with soap and water..
Read MoreMany people think that if someone is drowning, it will be extremely obvious. Lots of splashing, screaming for help, and arm waving. But..
Read MoreA post from Katrina Luetkebuenger, a West Bend Loss Control Representative: There are many risks to consider with winter driving. I didn’t..
Read MoreNOTE: We also have information on Developing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for emergencies other than aquatics.
Read MoreCompanies with large fleets of vehicles, from large semi-trucks to smaller vans, are always looking for ways to make their fleets safer...
Read MoreWe spend all winter looking forward to long, sunny days. Then finally summer arrives, bringing some beautiful weather. But summer also can..
Read MoreA West Bend loss control representative was asked by the aquatics director for one of our customers if we had a policy on the maximum age..
Read MoreWest Bend's claims adjusters handle an unbelievable number of slip and fall injuries for our customers each winter. And this isn't..
Read MoreAn ex-Boy Scout camp director and YMCA water safety instructor accused of filming and distributing child pornography entered a guilty plea..
Read MoreIn 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..
Read MoreAs businesses re-open and operate on a limited basis, they may choose to take the precautionary measure of using a no-contact thermometer..
Read MoreA story came to light about abuse in youth sports. A young figure skater accused an older skater of abuse. The abuser’s coaches and others..
Read MoreIt's no secret; 15 passenger vans can be extremely dangerous. A high center of gravity and poor weight distribution make these vehicles far..
Read MoreA large concert stage collapsed under the pressure of 70mph winds at the Indiana State Fair a few years ago. Reports have indicated that at..
Read MoreA talented swimmer on the Dartmouth College swim team was exercising in a Florida YMCA pool while on vacation with his family. After a..
Read MoreSadly, we continue to hear stories about childcare providers abusing or neglecting children all the time. Parents searching for childcare..
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..
Read MoreOne 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. Suddenly..
Read MoreMaintaining staff-to-child ratios is a very important part of a high-quality childcare environment. In fact, the number of children allowed..
Read MoreA 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 grilled..
Read MoreWhile businesses often spend significant amounts of money on workers’ compensation insurance, the ins and outs of how work comp works can..
Read MoreToo often here at West Bend we receive frightening near-drowning claims. These claims can result in serious injury and many times the..
Read MoreOnce warm weather finally hits, families and children head to pools and lakes to cool down. Swimming is a standard summer activity but many..
Read MoreOne of our loss control representatives was asked about including children with disabilities in camp activities. This organization had..
Read MoreA news story about a child at a pumpkin farm caught our attention here at West Bend. The child suffered a medical emergency and passed out...
Read MoreFall sports are ramping up as the weather cools down. Football and lacrosse seasons are starting; even some baseball and softball teams are..
Read MoreThere are many stories in the news about abuse at childcare facilities. Unfortunately, a story from Texas stands out as especially..
Read MoreAt 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, Kamrin..
Read MoreA 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 nap..
Read MoreA common feature at child-centered organizations is playground equipment, both indoors and outdoors. Children love climbing and sliding, ..
Read MoreA 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..
Read MoreAn employee at an aquatics center was arrested after a camera was found in the changing area for lifeguards at the facility. Upon further..
Read MoreA record-breaking verdict was recently handed down in an Illinois civil lawsuit involving the drowning death of six-year-old Michal Duda. A..
Read MoreImagine a scenario that could happen at any community organization. A fire caused by an old electrical panel starts in a maintenance room...
Read MoreA devastating tragedy has prompted a community in Pennsylvania to act to keep children safer while in childcare facilities. In August 2019,..
Read MoreImagine an elderly member came into your organization with an advanced directive stating that in the event of an emergency, they don't want..
Read MoreOne of our loss control experts reported an interesting situation at a facility with a swimming pool. After taking photos of their children..
Read MoreOne of our loss control experts received a question that many YMCAs and larger fitness facilities face. Employees at this YMCA noticed some..
Read MoreAs a childcare provider, field trips were both my worst nightmare and one of my favorite activities. The stress and anxiety of planning and..
Read MoreA 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 and..
Read MoreIf you are a lifeguard supervisor or manager, this probably sounds familiar. You supervise a group of lifeguards; some stay with you all..
Read MoreStep ladders are one of the most commonly-used pieces of equipment in many businesses. Check any supply or maintenance closet and you’ll..
Read MoreEmployee safety is a top priority. Improper disposal of materials, narrow aisles, and poor lighting are all things that can play a factor..
Read MoreOne of the last things you want as a business owner is for your employees to get hurt. Often, workplace accidents can be avoided by..
Read MoreA fire broke out at a large, two-story apartment building. A passerby noticed flames on the roof, called emergency services, and notified..
Read MoreIf 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..
Read MoreYour business is important to us so, we provide coverages tailored its unique needs. Learn how some of these coverages come into play in..
Read MoreAn in-home care coordinator was leaving an apartment complex following an appointment with a client. While descending the front steps, the..
Read MoreDoes your warehouse struggle with inventory upkeep? Or, have there been times when product has been misplaced due to lack of organization?..
Read MoreWorkplace safety is top of mind for employers. Keeping employees safe and preventing workers’ compensation injuries that affect your bottom..
Read MoreNo 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..
Read MoreWe all know the important role computers play in business. Especially if you’re an accountant. A simple accident and poof, your computer..
Read MoreWorkplace accidents happen, but many may be avoided by implementing preventive safety measures. We’re sharing this real-life, large loss..
Read MoreAs a manufacturing, machine shop, or metalworking operation, there may come a day when the material used to make your product is faulty or..
A claims department functions because of loss to property, an accident, or an injury due to legal liability, misfortune, negligence, or..
Read MoreWhile 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..
Read MoreAs many of us have settled into working from home, it’s important to be aware of the increased phishing and other social engineering..
Read MoreMany essential employees are working hard to keep grocery stores, delivery services, and takeout food services available to the public...
Read MoreSeveral severe injuries recently occurred in metal fabrication operations and machine shops insured by West Bend. These accidents resulted..
A heavy hailstorm occurred at an auto dealership. West Bend gathered details about the type and size of hail as well as general damages to..
Read More©2014 West Bend Mutual Insurance Company
1900 South 18th Ave., West Bend, WI 53095
P: 262-334-5571
F: 262-334-9109
Privacy Policy
Site Map
©2023 West Bend Mutual Insurance Company | 1900 South 18th Ave., West Bend, WI 53095 | P: 262-334-5571 | F: 262-334-9109 | Privacy Policy and Terms of Use | Accessibility Statement | Site Map | Contact Us
Please help us improve your experience by taking this one minute survey.
We appreciate your feedback