Distracted driving is without a doubt one of the most challenging problems facing companies that employ drivers for any reason. Most of..
Read MoreDistracted driving is without a doubt one of the most challenging problems facing companies that employ drivers for any reason. Most of..
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..
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..
Read MoreIt’s a new year and many childcare centers are enrolling new children, developing new routines, and often transporting many children to..
Read MoreWhile ringing in 2021 certainly looked different than any other year, people are still making new goals and resolutions. Many of these..
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..
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..
Read MoreMost companies focus much of their efforts on preventing employee injuries by developing a strong safety culture. This is very..
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..
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..
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,..
Read MoreNow more than ever people are buying and using hand sanitizer in order to keep themselves healthy. While washing hands with soap and..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
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..
Read MoreIt's no secret; 15 passenger vans can be extremely dangerous. A high center of gravity and poor weight distribution make these vehicles..
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..
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..
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...
Read MoreMaintaining staff-to-child ratios is a very important part of a high-quality childcare environment. In fact, the number of children..
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..
Read MoreWhile businesses often spend significant amounts of money on workers’ compensation insurance, the ins and outs of how work comp works..
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..
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..
Read MoreFall sports are ramping up as the weather cools down. Football and lacrosse seasons are starting; even some baseball and softball teams..
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,..
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..
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..
Read MoreA record-breaking verdict was recently handed down in an Illinois civil lawsuit involving the drowning death of six-year-old Michal..
Read MoreImagine a scenario that could happen at any community organization. A fire caused by an old electrical panel starts in a maintenance..
Read MoreA devastating tragedy has prompted a community in Pennsylvania to act to keep children safer while in childcare facilities. In August..
Read MoreImagine an elderly member came into your organization with an advanced directive stating that in the event of an emergency, they don't..
Read MoreOne of our loss control experts reported an interesting situation at a facility with a swimming pool. After taking photos of their..
Read MoreOne of our loss control experts received a question that many YMCAs and larger fitness facilities face. Employees at this YMCA noticed..
Read MoreAs a childcare provider, field trips were both my worst nightmare and one of my favorite activities. The stress and anxiety of planning..
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..
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..
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..
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,..
Read MoreDoes your warehouse struggle with inventory upkeep? Or, have there been times when product has been misplaced due to lack of..
Read MoreWorkplace safety is top of mind for employers. Keeping employees safe and preventing workers’ compensation injuries that affect your..
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..
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..
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..
A heavy hailstorm occurred at an auto dealership. West Bend gathered details about the type and size of hail as well as general damages..
Read MoreBefore COVID-19 became a household term, I had worked from home occasionally. I remember wishing for some scheduled work from home days..
Read MoreThere's no doubt COVID-19 has dramatically changed our lives. Social distancing is our way of life for now. When possible, many..
Read MoreA major concern of any retail business is accidents in the parking lot. The accidents can be vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-building/..
Read Morelt should be a concern. It’s very important that your store has a sound policy in place to keep aisles clear and dry.
Read MoreAccording to OSHA, since 1980, almost 150 workers have been killed and more than 850 injured due to combustible dust explosions.
Read MoreAccording to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), on average, prescription drug costs make up 13-14% of an overall..
Read MoreRemote work may seem like a simple, inexpensive way of doing your job, but in reality, it can create a certain disconnect and..
Read MoreOur SMARTbusiness® program was designed to help tailor your insurance coverage to the unique needs of your business. Equipment Breakdown..
Read MoreYou provide a valuable service for your customers that requires a large investment in your machinery, your employees, and your office..
Read MoreAs a manager or business owner, it’s horrible to watch an employee suffer a workers’ compensation injury. Sharing real-life claims like..
Read MoreManufacturers Errors & Omissions coverage extends the basic General Liability policy to provide payment when you (as the insured) must..
Read MoreWest Bend considers light manufacturing operations to include manufacturers of small stamped, rolled, turned, pressed, cut, machined, or..
Read MoreCyber risk is a growing issue. All businesses that maintain data on their clients and employees have a responsibility to safeguard the..
Read MoreYou just ended one of the most prosperous post-holiday sales in your store’s history. As soon as you close, you’re heading to the bank..
Benjamin Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” We tend to agree, especially when it comes to..
Read MoreBuildings that are vacant for extended periods are vulnerable to vandalism and fire, partly as the result of only occasional maintenance..
Read MoreIf you’re a contractor who’s just starting out or an experienced contractor who has significantly expanded your business, your tools and..
Read MoreOutdoor workers are exposed to many physical hazards depending on their responsibilities, the season and duration they’re outside. In..
Read MoreDuring a recent storm, an insured suffered a substantial hail damage claim. After an inspection of the property, it was discovered the..
Read MoreStoring idle pallets can create a severe fire hazard, whether inside or outside your distribution or warehouse building. Wood pallets..
Mike was still a young man the day his life changed forever. He was working at a residential construction site. He and his coworkers..
Warehouse operations and distribution facilities are common with most manufacturing businesses and they present a wide variety of..
Read MoreWe care about your architect firm and know how important your office equipment is to daily operations. To help you understand insurance..
Read MoreAt West Bend, we’re proud of our broad base of knowledge when it comes to understanding commercial risks. Over the years, we’ve..
Read MoreAuto repair shops have many exposures. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the exposures for internal operations, as well as..
Read MoreI’m just the owner of an auto parts store. How much risk do I really have in my business?
At West Bend, we’re proud of our broad base of knowledge when it comes to understanding commercial risks. Over the years, we’ve..
Read MoreAuto mechanics and repair technicians are exposed to many hazards in their jobs. This includes slips and falls, particles in the eye,..
Because your business is important to us, we provide coverages tailored its unique needs. You may want to consider these additional..
Read MoreLet’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..
Read MoreUnderstanding your insurance coverage can be confusing and complicated. When going over your options with your agent, don’t be scared to..
Read MoreDetermining the right business technology insurance coverage can be tricky. You’re probably wondering, “how can we be prepared for the..
Read MoreChiropractic clinic, business office, construction site...it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, employee reviews are important. Not..
Read MoreIf your business is in a small-town, close-knit, community, you probably know how important it is for your business to get involved. Not..
Read MoreWord of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. Nielsen reports that 83% of consumers say they trust recommendations from friends,..
Read MoreAre you considering hiring additional help for the summer? How do you know if adding summer staff would be beneficial to your business?..
Read MoreEver find yourself wondering why so many people – including you – stress over writing their own bios? Writing a bio should be simple,..
Read MoreHeavy 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..
Read MoreA chiropractic office had an x-ray machine for about seven years. While using the machine, they heard pops, smoke came out of the..
Read MoreThe owner of a dental clinic opened the office one morning and noticed a metallic odor. As he walked through the office, he saw soot..
Read MoreUnderstanding your insurance coverage can be confusing and complicated. When going over your options with your agent, don’t be scared to..
Read MoreEmployees working together in unison with one common goal helps produce the best work and ensure high performance. The old saying, “two..
Read MoreMany professionals struggle with the phrase, “leave work at work.” As an insurance agent, you pride yourself on putting your clients..
Read MoreBlogging is a great way to educate your current and potential customers. Sometimes, the hardest part of writing a blog is determining..
Read MoreGoing green and making your office environmentally friendly is easy and inexpensive. In fact, in many cases, going green will end up..
Read MoreBeing a leader in your insurance agency is about more than just managing people. There are good days and bad days. It’s a constant..
Read MoreEffective communication is crucial to building and maintaining a successful and efficient team. Between computers and phones, texting..
Read MoreSometimes 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..
Read MoreWorking with computers or technology all day long can have negative impacts on employees’ overall health and well-being. If you can’t..
Read MoreSocial media is one of the main ways people stay connected and communicate with each other. As a doctor, your reputation is incredibly..
Read MoreMeetings. Emails. Texts. Phone calls. Bids. On-site job visits. Designing. Drafts. Construction. Being an architect or engineer is full..
Read MoreAs 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..
Read MoreThe importance of security is incredibly pertinent in the computer technology industry. You diligently work to ensure each customer’s..
Read MoreYou’ve worked hard to get where you are. Your law firm is a representation of your personality. Over the years you may have purchased..
Read MoreWhen 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..
Read MoreYou 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..
Read MoreWith 260 million monthly active users and two new members joining every second, LinkedIn is a powerhouse filled with business..
Read MoreMore and more employers are creating wellness programs to encourage healthier lifestyles, reduce work-related stress, injuries, and..
Read MoreIf moving a residence is stressful, moving a business is that times ten. There are so many more worries with moving your business, such..
Read MoreSocial media is a fantastic and cost-effective way to reach potential and existing clients. When you share valuable content that..
Read MoreData Security 101The first thing you need to know is ‘what is data security’? Data security refers to the process of protecting..
Read MoreYou love what you do, the years of schooling and hours spent studying were well worth it. Each day you’re helping people, but that..
Read MoreAfter attending a recent social media conference, I wanted to share some pointers that may help you market your business using social..
Read MorePeople who work at a computer in an office environment are prone to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Working with the body in a neutral..
Read MoreWest Bend has provided businesses throughout the Midwest with the comprehensive insurance coverages and services they need to operate..
Read MoreCommunication is a cornerstone of any business. It helps build relationships, convey ideas, and when done properly, overcome difficult..
Read MoreProfessional hairdressers, beauticians, and barbers help people every day. In any line of work, accidents happen, and the risks double..
Read MoreAlmost every business needs crime insurance. While it's important to have the right coverage to protect against crimes committed by..
Read MoreWe 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..
Read MoreWhile on Facebook, a headline by the Beaver Dam Fire Department caught my eye: “Oily rags are causing fire – again.” I learned last..
Read MoreApproximately 1.3 billion gallons of waste oil are generated from the crankcases of millions of automobiles and trucks whenever the oil..
Read MoreZinsco electric panels could leave property owners at risk for both fire and electric shock as a result of failing to operate properly..
Read MoreThe popularity and sheer number of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries are on the rise. In the US, between 2016 and 2017, the..
Read MoreYour business works tirelessly to provide nothing but the best for your customers and employees. You want to protect everything you’ve..
Read MoreSocial media has become an integral part of marketing businesses. It’s a way to connect and engage with your audience, while being a..
Read MoreAlthough the initial dehumidifier recall occurred in 2013 and a revamped list was released in 2016, many people are still just learning..
Read MoreAs drones become more commonplace in our airspace, and commercial and recreational use continues to grow, so, too, will the need for..
Read MoreWest Bend’s TechAdvantage™ Equipment Breakdown Coverage includes all of the coverages, services, and benefits associated with..
Read MoreIf you could guess the one word that can reduce both illness and injury, what would you say? Ergonomics? Yes!
Read MoreFall is right around the corner. The holiday season isn’t far behind. Many organizations depend on seasonal workers to succeed during..
Read More“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..
Read MoreTechnology allows businesses to be agile, more efficient, and offer a better customer experience. In today’s digital and inter-connected..
Read MoreA 2019 study from The Center for Construction Research and Training revealed that construction workers, who compose 6% of the total..
Read MoreKeeping your employees safe is probably near the top of your list of priorities as a business manager or owner. But, does your..
Read MoreWhat is emotional intelligence? One definition I recently heard was from a class on managing relationships. The instructor said,..
Read MoreNow our commercial lines customers can take advantage of a business property protection package offered through OneEvent™ Technologies...
Read MoreHere are some ideas to make sure your pipeline is always full.
Read MoreIn the context of information security, social engineering is the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential..
Read MoreAre you using video to market your business? Or, is something holding you back? Video is one of the best ways to communicate, build..
Read MoreOver the years, we’ve developed extensive veterinarian insurance expertise and understand the unique risks and skills needed to..
Read MoreOur good ole Wisconsin winter has delivered everything from freezing temperatures to unseasonably warm weather. We’ve been dumped on by..
Read MoreNatural disasters can strike at any time and can leave individuals and facilities without necessary supplies for days at a time...
Read MoreWest Bend’s TechAdvantage™ Equipment Breakdown Coverage includes all of the coverages, services, and benefits associated with..
Read MoreAbove-ground fuel tanks can be a convenience to businesses that require frequent fueling of company vehicles, construction vehicles,..
Read MoreCats dressed as sharks riding Roombas. Huskies howling “nooooooooo” when their owner wants to leave. Amazing rescue transformation..
Read MoreInsureds often ask our loss prevention representatives if certificates of insurance are necessary. If your organization uses outside..
Read MoreRetailers are gearing up for one of the busiest and most profitable times of year – the holidays. I try to shop locally owned specialty..
Read MoreMany fond memories are made while sharing good food and good stories. Restaurants like supper clubs, family-oriented restaurants,..
Read MoreWhen an employee makes a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, it’s imperative that the claim be reported timely. An adjuster’s job..
Read MoreWhen 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..
Read MorePower Outage StatisticsPower outages are a serious problem that nearly every home and business in the United States will experience at..
Read MoreWhile on a site visit in downtown Milwaukee, a West Bend loss prevention associate recognized a fire extinguisher in a restaurant..
Read MoreIn the event there’s an active shooter at your business, do you know what to do? Will your employees be prepared to respond? These..
Read MoreMore than 700 back-related injuries occur every day due to improper lifting techniques. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,..
Read MoreIn the summer of 2016, news began to break about the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones catching fire. A large recall ensued and Samsung..
Read MoreWe’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..
Read MoreI have two amazing rescue dogs, Dawson and Simba, who are pictured here. Awww…aren’t they simply adorable? When I worked for a..
Read MoreHave you ever hired a subcontractor to perform a service for your business? If so, risk transfer is important to protect your..
Read MoreWe're all professionals, and, as such, people expect that we act that way. These tips are great reminders for ways you can put your..
Read MoreHackers and thieves are on the hunt for your personal information every day. Because our business requires the transfer of personal..
Read MoreAs a small business owner, buying insurance to protect your company from accidental loss is an important decision. You’re often faced..
Read MoreThe number of people using social media worldwide is staggering. In the United Sates alone, three quarters of online adults use social..
Read MoreWe’ve all seen the claims – plumbing line cracks causing water damage, light fixture short circuits causing electrical fire, and roof..
Read MoreWe 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..
Read MoreChecking Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) as part of your pre-employment process, where allowed by law, is an ideal way to identify..
Read MoreFirst impressions are important. Time, effort and budget all go into finding the right person for the job. And, once you do, keeping..
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