Category Archives: Risk Management

Dec 19 2013
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Business Insurance, Risk Management

How to Effectively Manage Enterprise Risk

According to a recent survey for the Risk & Insurance Management Society, more than half of risk professionals are using enterprise risk management (ERM) programs in their companies. Of nearly 1,100 risk managers, insurance buyers and other risk professionals that featured on the survey, 63% of respondents stated they have ‘fully or partially integrated’ ERM strategies into their risk management programs. Of course, the bigger the business, the bigger the number of risks. However, enterprise risk management is becoming increasingly popular among businesses of all shapes and sizes as it effectively ensures that risks are evaluated and avoided while any credible opportunities to achieve the company’s objectives are seized. But it’s not always easy finding the right ERM strategy for your business. By following these simple steps however, ERM can be made easy.risk reduction strategy

Determining your Objectives & Risk Appetite

Before you can go about identifying potential risks that could threaten your organization, you must address your risk appetite and outline a clear set of objectives. Determining the objectives of your ERM strategy will help you develop a philosophy towards risk management. What determines these objectives will be your organization’s risk appetite. Implementing an effective Enterprise risk management strategy is a process. You won’t be able to make changes over night. Defining your risk appetite and philosophy towards risk management should top your ERM agenda so that you can set about outlining objectives and subsequently identifying what risks you need to be wary ofs.

Identifying risks

In many ways, the identification of risks is exactly what your Risk Management Strategy is designed to do. Risk events that could negatively impact on the company and it’s objectives are the biggest consideration of the enterprise risk management process. These risks, internal and external, must be identified and assessed so that you can prepare for and protect against them. By considering factors such as likelihood and potential impact is surest way of assessing how they should be managed.

Responding to potential risk events

Once you have a clear indication of what risks may negatively impact on your business, you can go about setting out a preventative strategy, aimed at mitigating the possibility of a risk event occurring. The enterprise risk management process should not only be used as a preventative measure however, it should also give businesses the technical know-how of responding to these potential events. Some responsive measures include avoiding, accepting, sharing and reducing risks. Whichever step the company chooses to take depends entirely on the outlined objectives and risk appetite of the company.

Consistency

All of the above steps would be rendered completely useless if the company’s enterprise risk management strategy was not applied at every level of the organization, on a consistent basis. Employees at every level must be trained in on the risk management plan. By applying policies and procedures that allow risk response to be effectively carried out, you can brief your entire staff on company policy with regards ERM. In order to ensure every inch of the operation is under the one roof, a strong communication strategy must exist across a company, at every level.

Once an effective enterprise risk management strategy has been established, changes will occasionally need to be made to keep the plan up to date with the constant changes within the company. Other factors such as emerging risks and reputational risk management may also impact on the ERM strategy so it is important to remain flexible and open to policy changes. First and foremost though, it is important to set out your strategy as outlined above. In doing so, you can easily ensure the protection of your Business and the safety of the brand.

Risk Management can be challenging for businesses, particularly with continuously emerging risks. By getting yourself a free risk assessment, you can protect your business against the challenges that lay ahead.

 

Coy Sunderman is a risk advisor specializing in risk solutions for construction businesses, oil & gas operations, manufacturers and distributors/wholesales. Coy is a Certified Work Comp Advisory and holds his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation.

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Dec 05 2013
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Business Insurance, Risk Management

Why Every Small Business Partnership Needs a Buy-Sell Agreement

When most small business owners think about risk, they tend to consider the things that impact the physical security of the business (fire, flooding, wind damage, etc.) and the financial buy sellsecurity of the business (receivables, demand, professional liability, etc.). Given the immediacy of these risks, it is easy to forget issues relating to business continuation. The reality is that if you buy a business or start one with a partner, you are both at risk for losing everything. Without a buy-sell agreement, Forbes warns you and your partner are facing a world of hurt from the financial and tax problems following “an owner’s death, incapacitation, divorce, bankruptcy, sale or retirement.”

What Is A Buy-Sell Agreement?

A typical buy-sell agreement will protect business owners in the event a co-owner wants out of the business voluntarily or otherwise. A partner may want to retire, to sell his/her shares, or to settle a divorce. On the other hand, the partner may die or become incapacitated and unable to participate. Once a buy-sell agreement sets up a price and terms for a buyout, you have assured the business’s continuation and seamless transition.

Benefits Of A Buy-Sell Agreement

There are several reasons to consider putting a buy-sell agreement in place:

  1. Protect the Business: You and your partner may agree on keeping an unwanted third party from acquiring the business. The contract facilitates a hassle-free shift in control or ownership, it can provide the protocol for fixing or calculating the buy-price to the selling partner or deceased owner’s interest, and it can assure the mandatory arbitration required to settle any arising disputes. Finally, it may define the rights of remaining owners to purchase the interest of the departing owner to resolve or avoid the disputes that often arise among family members.
  2. Structure Tax Treatment: A buy-sell agreement may be used to protect a company’s status as an S-corporation, professional LLC, or professional corporation identity. And, it may want to avoid the termination of its status as a partnership for tax purposes. In addition, under the Internal Revenue Code, there are prohibited shareholders. The IRS will tax the business as a C-corporation if and when a share of the business is transferred to a prohibited shareholder and its status S election will be terminated.
  3. Protect the Remaining Interests: Great peace of mind comes with certainty of the terms enabling you to purchase the departing partner’s interest through a predetermined long-term financing arrangement that allows, for example, payments to be made from the business’s cash flow according to specific formulas. This allows the current owners to fix the price and terms of purchase, thereby reducing or eliminating the personal conflicts that could otherwise arise.
  4. Protect the Withdrawing Partner: The buy-sell protects the deceased partner’s estate from negotiating price and share from a disadvantage. By requiring the surviving partner(s) to buy back the deceased’s interest, it provides a source of income for payment of estate taxes and forestalls disputes with surviving spouses and heirs. In another situation, the agreement guarantees the disabled or retired owner a needed source of cash or a lump sum that fits a financial plan with tax treatment favorable to the withdrawing partner.

Designing Buy-Sell Agreements

There are a variety of ways that a buy-sell agreement can be structured. Typical formats include:

  • A Cross Purchase Agreement works best with four or fewer partners. The owners each own life insurance policies on the lives of each of the others, and in the event one of them dies, the surviving owners use the proceeds of the life insurance policy to buy the deceased owner’s share of the business.
  • A Trusteed Cross-Purchase Agreement creates a revocable or irrevocable trust with a third party owner-administrator and fewer insurance policies. The agreement contractually obligates the trustee to buy the interest of the deceased or departing owner, and the departing owner (or the estate) to sell the interest to the trustee. When using life insurance, the owner(s) can be confident that some or all of the money needed to complete the purchase will be available at the death of an owner.
  • A Partnership Among Shareholders transfers the funding from life insurance policies into a partnership.

It is never wise to enter into a buy-sell agreement without professional advice and assistance. Before you and your partners hang out your “business open” sign, have your lawyers and insurance professionals design the plan that best serves all your interests.

Dave Perez is a risk advisor at Texas Associates Insurors and specializes in property and casualty risk assessments for business owners.

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Nov 30 2013
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Business Insurance, Risk Management

Well It’s Not Like Choosing a Spouse, But Choosing an Insurance Agent Should Not Be Taken Lightly

If you own a business, you should have a commercial insurance policy, and may have other forms of insurance including professional liability, directors and officers coverage, etc. Before choosing an agentpurchasing your insurance policy, you must first select an insurance agent that you would like to work with. On the surface, insurance can seem like a commodity and many insurance agents treat it as though it is by selling policies simply on the basis of price. The reality is that insurance is more than a product – it is a critical tool in any business’s risk management strategy – and crafting a policy that provides adequate protection for your business requires more than a cursory review of your company and the business it is in.

Not all insurance agents are the same. The right insurance agent will approach their relationship with you as a partnership and not simply a sale. How to choose the right insurance agent for your business? Shop around and know what to look for when selecting your partner!

The call is yours

There are literally thousands of insurance agents and insurance companies that would love to have your business. The important thing for you as a purchaser is to know what you need. Are you simply looking to purchase the lowest price policy, or are you interested in reducing your overall business risk and ensuring that you are protected when risk becomes reality? If it’s the latter, a great approach is to seek advice from the lawyers and accountants who helped you open your business. Often, they can recommend the right agent for your needs.

Do some homework

Before meeting with an agent, it is important to have a basic understanding of the types of insurance products you may require. This is another situation where your corporate attorney or accountant may be able to help. With so many forms of insurance on the market, it can be difficult to understand which may be appropriate for your situation.

  • Workers’ compensation is a sophisticated product with subtle ways of determining premium.
  • Life insurance may be the best vehicle for a buy-sell insurance agreement.
  • Businesses with products have needs different than those that provide services.
  • Sole proprietorships need different security than partnerships or corporations.
  • Fire, flood, and others risks mean different things in different locations and different industries.

Before an agent can recommend what types of policies you should purchase, they must first identify and measure the risks to your business. Only then can they determine the best way to manage them. For this reason, you need the agent who has broad and deep experience in all lines of liability. Experienced and reputable professionals pursue continuing education and performance recognition. So, look for the initials after their name: CLCS – Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist, CLU – Chartered Life Underwriter, CRM – Certified Risk Manager, CPCU – Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, or REBC – Registered Employee Benefits Consultant. There are yet more, but each of these represents years of coursework and testing.

What to value?

The ability to identify and manage risk is the key to a strong partnership with an agent, a holistic approach that reduces costs before they occur. Insurance rates are often based on the number and dollar value of claims, so it stands to reason that, to the extent that you can reduce the incidence and cost of claims, the better off you and your business will be. Look for the agent whose approach involves examining the broader risk management issues facing your business, and whose recommendations include more than simply purchasing insurance.

Accidents will happen, but communication and readiness can improve the odds. When employees and staff are well-informed about risks, their potential consequences, and workable prevention, safety becomes a team event. The agent who can provide material resources in the form of manuals, signage, and training is a personal value to your business. These are the partners you want to sign with.

Choose the agent for whom service is the unique value proposition. Value the commitment and mutual self-interest because it is to your advantage as well as the agent’s to develop and sustain the relationship.

Gary Grissom is a partner and Senior Risk Advisor at Texas Associates Insurors. Gary’s expertise extends to the construction, manufacturing and oil & gas industries where he partners with clients to develop effective cost-reducing risk management strategies.

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Nov 07 2013
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Risk Management

4 Risk Management Challenges for Small Businesses

Risk events can come in many different shapes and sizes, but regardless of your profession, risk management is something that can give you the edge over potentially damaging risks. For Small Businesses, there are several reasons why Enterprise Risk Management should be implemented. These reasons range from legal obligations to budgetary requirements and below, we highlight four of the foremost reasons for introducing Enterprise Risk Management to your Business.Risk management flow chart on paper

Market Risks

In large companies, market risk covers the risk that the value of the company’s assets will decrease due to a change in the value of external factors. Changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices can all negatively impact on a company’s assets. Similarly, changing economic and environmental factors can negatively impact on the productivity of small businesses.

By monitoring market influences and assessing other external influences that could impinge on the company’s market presence, you can protect against market risks and ensure the productivity of the business. For small businesses, accounting for market risks can help ensure projected growth patterns and prosperity. By formulating an enterprise risk management plan, employers can effectively address and mitigate unfavourable market forces.

Operational Risks

Operational risk represents the risk of loss from failed internal processes. These risks can arise out of everything from poor or inadequate employee practices to hardware malfunction.  While operational risk is relevant to all categories of profession, many small businesses often overlook or underestimate the possibility of operational risk-related events damaging their business. Operational risks such as internal and external fraud, employment practices, business continuity processes can all negatively affect the overall business process of a small enterprise.

Through in-depth analysis, the identification, measurement, monitoring and managing of operational risk, small businesses can ensure the security and efficiency of the operating process. This involves having well-defined and organized roles, segregating duties and responsibilities, and implementing management review mechanisms that will allow employers to account for operational risks and ensure they don’t threaten the business.

Reputational Risks

Reputation is one of a business’ most important assets, particularly if they operate globally. That said, reputation is everything for small enterprises and start-ups as it represents the extent to which the company is meeting the expectations of its stakeholders, and this can often prove a determining factor in whether or not a small business can take off. While reputation is one of the most important assets of the business, reputational risks are indelibly difficult to protect against. Factors such as negative publicity, whether accurate or not, can compromise the business’ reputation capital while marketing channels such as social media can carry a lot of risk potential.

By defining how you want your business to be perceived, you can begin to clearly identify what risks could negatively impact on the company’s public image. Outlining an enterprise risk management strategy can greatly help a small business to actively monitor the effects of operational incidents on reputation capital and the public perception of the business. This involves an assessment of relationships with consumers, partners and the media as well as assessing the functionality of the business in terms of commitment and quality processes.

Emerging Risks

Emerging risk accounts for any new risk that is in the process of being quantified and understood. Emerging risks have the potential to substantially impact on a business or insurance policy and significantly damage the company’s reputation, reach and overall process. Emerging risks can infiltrate any part of your business or personal life and have a huge impact, and unfortunately, as there tends not to be any resolute method of predicting and protecting against emerging risks, they are considered some of the most potentially damaging risks that businesses face.

Typical emerging risks include Cyber Risks and Social Media Risks, both of which can be reduced greatly through a comprehensive risk management plan, but other emerging risks such as changing economic factors and wholly unpredictable risks like natural disasters can have devastating consequences for unprepared businesses.

Enterprise Risk Management is all about predicting, preparing for and protecting against the occurrence of a risk event. Each of the risks discussed in this post carry the potential to inflict serious damage on a company’s reputation and overall business process. However, if a small business incorporates each of the aforementioned risks into their overall Enterprise Risk Management plan, they can significantly protect themselves against the possibility of a risk event occurring and devastating the business.

Ensure your Risk Management Strategy is up to scratch with a free risk assessment.

 

Lonnie Meadows is a risk advisor for NewFirst Insurors. Lonnie specializes in developing commercial risk management plans for small to mid-sized businesses and focuses on leadership and management relationships to improve his clients’ overall operations.

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Nov 01 2013
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Business Insurance, Risk Management

Taking the Risk Out of Building

As the U.S. home market slowly recovers, builders are seeing a boost in construction contracts. New commercial buildings are being built at a rapid pace. With these surges in construction, specialized policies like Builder’s Risk provide important protection against exposures that are unique to the building trade.

The Basics of Builder’s Risk

The Builder’s Risk policy provides protection for homes or commercial buildings under construction, while being remodeled, or undergoing renovation. The policy covers materials like concrete, lumber, and fixtures as well as machinery and equipment used to maintain the building. The policy also covers the cost to remove debris caused by a covered accident, like a fire or lightning strike.

In most cases, a Builder’s Risk policy is required for buildings under construction and purchased when the home or building is at least 30% complete. The limit of insurance is based on the estimated value of the project once its complete. Because the value will increase as glass, framing, and other materials are added, the limit should also be increased. Once the project is done, coverage will end when the building has been taken over by the owner, the work has been complete for 90 days, or the builder has abandoned the project.

Pitfalls and Perils

Accidents happen and by their nature, they’re never anticipated. An accident can stall or completely stop a building project. To avoid the pitfalls of damage, there are three types of perils coverage to choose from: Limited Perils, Specified Perils, or Special Perils.
Each has their own unique advantages but the most inclusive is Special Peril, which covers accidental losses that are not specifically excluded. While this type of coverage is the most attractive, it is also the most expensive. Though the cost may be more than its counterparts, the broad coverage pays for itself in the event of a large loss that might otherwise have been excluded.
Valuing Your Property

It’s a common misconception that all property policies replace damaged items based on their original replacement value. While many companies sell enhanced policies with special endorsements, like Replacement Cost, a great majority of policies come with Actual Cash Value.

In the event of covered damage to your property, claims are paid on an Actual Cash Value basis by default. This means only the depreciated cost to repair or replace will be paid. This can leave the project with a shortfall in funds and possibly halt further construction. To avoid this common mistake, check the policy and endorsements to ensure that Replacement Cost coverage is included.

Policy Limitations

While the coverage provided is vital to most building projects, limitations apply. Builder’s Risk does not cover Earthquake, Flood, Steam Boiler, or intentional acts of damage. Because policies vary by company, coverage for materials in transit, equipment such as scaffolding and trailers, or theft of materials may be limited or excluded. For an additional premium, separate policies or endorsements can be added to ensure coverage is in place where it is needed.

Coy Sunderman is a risk advisor specializing in risk solutions for construction businesses, oil & gas operations, manufacturers and distributors/wholesales. Coy is a Certified Work Comp Advisory and holds his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation.

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Oct 17 2013
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Risk Management

4 Small Business Legal Risks to Watch Out For

Every business has to make legal considerations on a daily basis, regardless of what industry they find themselves a part of. For small businesses and start-ups, legal considerations can often determine whether or not the company can achieve growth potential. Therefore, accounting for legal risks should be one of the fundamental characteristics of a small business’ enterprise risk management (ERM) strategy. Here are four legal risks that your ERM strategy must account for in order to safeguard your business.Insurance policy

Choosing your ownership structure

Choosing your ownership structure shows how businesses face legal risks before they even begin to operate. That’s why choosing the right ownership structure is such an important decision for businesses. This decision will impact whether or not you’ll be able to accept investors as well as how many and what types of investors. Your ownership structure will also influence whether you’ll be able to easily sell your company, what your personal legal liability will be and what your tax liability and benefits will be.

Litigation

Litigation is something that almost each and every operational business will have to deal with at some point. It is also something that can cost businesses a lot of money. For small business and start-up owners, legal fees can have a crippling effect on the company’s finances, often more so than actual settlements may demand. While juries tend to be sympathetic towards small businesses, the risk and cost of litigation is hardly ever justified and is something that should be avoided at all costs.

How do you avoid litigation? Seeking legal advice before you make any important business decisions that could lead to litigation can certainly help. Which brings us to our next point..

Failing to seek legal consultation when necessary

It’s only natural for small businesses and start-ups to avoid hiring an attorney in order to reduce legal costs. However, without appropriate legal advice, you run the risk of making decisions that could negatively impact on the business such as entering into legal agreements that don’t fully protect your interests. These failed decisions could end up costing the business much, much more than any legal consultation would. By failing to seek appropriate legal advice when necessary, your business may become threatened in the long run.

Ignoring Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property law is a complex area that is often avoided by small businesses, especially non-tech businesses that believe that they don’t face any intellectual property risk. However, failing to account for intellectual property and intellectual property insurance will leave your rights unprotected when it comes to the ownership of original ideas. This has the potential to significantly damage the future success of a small business, whether they realise it or not.

If your business is constantly experimenting and creating new technologies/processes that are unrivalled and eligible for patent, you may want to amend your employment agreements so that they clearly specify ownership of intellectual property. This can prove critically important when it comes to potential investments, particularly if you end up licensing your trademark to another company.

Legal matters may strike some small business owners as the itch that cannot be scratched, however, it is important to safeguard your business on an ongoing basis so that emerging legal implications are acknowledged and mitigated. By reviewing your risk management strategy and amending policy so that legal risks take focus, you can ensure your small business or start-up can become a success.

Small Businesses face many risks on a day to day basis but you can ensure the safety and future of your Business with a free risk assessment today.

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Oct 10 2013
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Risk Management

Benefits of First Aid Training in the Workplace

Most Businesses are not legally obliged to provide staff with on-site Health and Safety training. However, with incoming Health Care Reform and nationwide promotion of wellness in the workplace, more and more companies are beginning to offer First Aid training to staff. In light of this, we explore the benefits of making First Aid training a requirement in the workplace.02F66770

Practical benefits

First and foremost, introducing an ‘in-house’ First Aid Training Scheme has its practical benefits:

  • All employees become more safety aware, helping bring down the number of accidents;
  • First Aid saves lives, particularly where there are grave injuries and it is critical that immediate action is taken;
  • First Aid training does not have to take a long time, some managed training courses are only a few hours long;
  • First Aid trainees know exactly what’s in their first aid kits, how to use the contents and the various ways to react in an emergency;
  • The training gives employees critical knowledge and the confidence to effectively manage an emergency without fear or confusion;
  • They learn how to give injections, use painkillers, bandage injuries and control blood flow.

Tailored to the Industry

While outside First Aid programmes are widely available and supported on many fronts, ‘in-house’ first-aid programmes allow the company to tailor the scheme to suit their place of work and their financial capabilities. As well as that, on-site first-aid programmes can be incorporated into the company’s overall risk management strategy, reducing the need for a massive overhaul of current policy.

The problem with outsider First Aid programs is that they are generally run as a ‘one size fits all’ process. With ‘in-house’ first-aid programs, you can determine the learning criteria, based on the requirements of the workplace. For example, First-Aid training for a large office will differ from a first-aid programme designed for a construction agency. In-house training allows the company to specify what areas need to be covered and apply the learning to simulated scenarios that could occur in the workplace.

Cost

The main concern of companies in terms of the cost of introducing in-house training is considering the right provider and the exact number of sessions they should deliver, as well as the number of participating employees.

At first glance, it may sound like there’s a lot to consider in terms of the company’s budget. However, once you take into account the financial effects of workplace injuries, reducing accident severity and potential through first aid training can save a company quite a bit of money in the long term.

Employee Morale

It is hugely important to consider Employee morale in the overall business process, no matter what industry you operate in. At the end of the day results will depend on the efforts of your staff and if morale is low, the work is going to suffer.

By providing onsite First Aid training you can demonstrate how you care for the welfare of your employees and show them how they are valued in the workplace.

Providing First Aid training doesn’t cost Businesses a lot of money, however, workplace accidents do. By introducing an in-house scheme tailored to meet the demands of your workplace, you can sure up your company’s risk management plan and ultimately ensure the safety of those connected with the business.

If you are considering introducing an ‘in-house’ First Aid Training scheme, contact us directly for advice on how to do so.

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Oct 03 2013
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Risk Management

Risk Management for Start-Ups

Starting a new business is often the biggest risk. Particularly in the current economic climate. There are so many risks to consider as you look to find your feet and establish who you are and what you stand for. It may be tempting to remain positive and ignore the risks, but the truth is, you need to know how to handle them if they occur. risk reduction strategy

While the chance of your business going bankrupt may seem unlikely, having a solid financial plan that details procedures for managing debt will help minimise this risk. This is just one example of the functionality of a Risk Management strategy, something every company needs, especially start-ups.

Understanding the risks

While risks can vary from industry and sector, there are a number of risks apply across the board. Once you have an understanding of these risks and the potential damage they can cause, you can set about establishing your Risk assessment plan to ensure the safety of your brand new business.

  • Market Risks – Every market has its risks which refer to whether or not there is sufficient demand for what you have to offer at the price you have set. Take into account your competition and consider what you’re offering and how you can provide a better service than your counterparts.

  • Technology & Operational Risks – While technological risks may apply in some sectors more than others, ensuring that your equipment is sound and data is fully protected and accessible is a vital component of a risk management strategy.

  • Financial Risks – Setting up a Business is the first major financial risk you take, but it doesn’t stop there. Paying for equipment, staff, property as well as insurance follows and at times it may seem like your pockets are getting shorter. Tightening the belt can help get your Business off the ground.

  • People Risks – Surrounding yourself with the right kind of people can greatly help your business to flourish. Surrounding yourself with the wrong people can damage your prospects, indefinitely.

Pragmatic Risk Management

The best way to combat these risks and prevent them from happening whilst preparing for the worst possible outcome, is to sit down and plan out your Risk Management strategy by following these steps:

  • Assess how likely or unlikely each risk is. Equate through high risk, medium, and low potential.

  • Consider the consequences of a risk manifesting itself.

  • Identify what you would do in the event of a risk manifesting itself. Prepare your strategy based on the above recommendations.

  • Finalize what you have considered and prepare your Risk Management Strategy based on an evaluation of cost, potential and potential damage.

Setting up a business can be difficult in more ways than one. With so much to consider, it’s important that you are aware of the factors to consider and consult your insurance agency to set about preparing for these obstacles. With a clear head, an appetite for success and an awareness of the risks, your start-up will prove successful.

Learn more about Risk Management; ask one of our experts

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Sep 26 2013
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Risk Management

Risk Management: Predicting the Unpredictable

Michelle Symonds of TechRepublic UK recently argued that risk management fails to effectively address ‘real’ project risks, which she calls ‘the unknown unknowns.’ In her article, Michelle questions the value of Strategic Risk Management within the business, asking whether risk planning and management really serves a practical purpose, or “is it simply designed to provide a get-out when problems start to occur, or an explanation of why the budget is over-running?”Risk management flow chart on paper

While Michelle makes some compelling points about the attitude of Businesses when it comes to managing Risks – such as her argument that many Businesses often fail to differentiate between some risk factors, instead implementing plans that are ‘little more than a standard template that lists the same risk factors for every project,’ one of the biggest mistakes a company can make in Strategic Risk Management – her argument that Risk Management does not serve a purpose is very much up for debate, particularly in an ever-developing Industrial world that has seen the role of Risk Management within the Business do nothing but grow.

She may be correct in outlining the failure of Standard Risk Management to fully account for unpredictable risks however, if implemented properly a successful Risk Management Strategy will help mitigate the possibility of a loss when the unexpected comes around.

Risk Management: A Definition

Douglas Hubbard, author of the book: “The Failure of Risk Management: Why it’s broke and how to fix it,” defines risk management as “the identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks followed by coordinated and economical application of resources to minimize, monitor, and control the probability and/or impact of unfortunate events.” When it comes to unpredictable risks, Hubbard’s indication that ‘control’ is one of the key aspects of Risk Management gives us a clear projection of how the ‘unknown unknowns’ should be treated. After all, Risk Management is about managing Risks, not necessarily preventing them. Taking this into consideration, it is inherently possible to control the unknown unknowns as they come, and here are some suggestions on how you can amend your policy to do so.

Stress-tests

Stress-testing is becoming an increasingly popular trend in large Businesses across the US. This involves deliberately setting up a situation that tests employees’ ability to handle the pressure of a risk occurrence, which in this case could be an unpredictable risk like a weather-related risk event. By carrying out stress-testing, you will be able to evaluate your employee response to situations that may occur but cannot be predicted. This will help you address vulnerabilities and ratify your policy accordingly.

Eliminate fear

Fear is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to assessing risk. While fear can help you keep on your toes, it is important not to let it hinder performance and the overall business process. Fear of the unpredictable will automatically cause a focus on potential negativity, but if you are to shift this focus to a more positive outlook, you can account for the ‘unknown unknowns’ in a manner which lends itself to success.

Unpredicted risk events will occur, often on a daily basis, in different forms and on different scales. However, with continuity in your Risk Management Strategy,  you account for these risks as they come and ultimately protect the long term future of your business.

Risk Management can be a difficult topic to understand. If you need anything cleared up, then speak to one of our experts for free.

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Sep 26 2013
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Healthcare Reform, Risk Management

How Heathcare Reform Will Affect Workers Comp

There has been much speculation about the changing face of health care in the United States since the Affordable Care Act was passed by the Obama Administration in 2010. Divided opinions on the provisions of ‘Obamacare’ have been well-represented by the rife inconsistency across the nation with regards health care exchanges, with some states opting for state-based exchange system, while other states have opted for federal-based initiatives.doctor, clipboard, stethescope

As the October 1 deadline draws nearer, much of the attention has focused on the requirement for all US citizens to carry health insurance coverage and the bearing that will have on employers. The reformed regulations are also expected to affect workers’ compensation insurance but the extent, nature and desirability of this impact remains markedly unclear. In the meantime, here are some changes in Workers’ Compensation we are sure to see.

Fewer claims

Each year, millions of workers’ compensation claims are filed, costing employers billions. However, not all of these claims are due to work-related injuries. In some cases, employees without adequate insurance coverage would opt to use their workers’ compensation coverage to cover treatment for various conditions that may be pre-existing. Under the Affordable Care Act, a large contingent of previously uninsured workers will have the right to health insurance coverage of some form or another, thus reducing the need for workers’ compensation claims.

The increase in insured employees will also lead to a preventative approach, from both employers and the workforce, all aiming to develop a healthier workplace and lower the number of filed insurance claims. For Businesses, taking a preventative approach by introducing initiatives such as wellness programs should be regarded as something they do FOR employees and not TO them. At the end of the day, a healthier workforce means health insurance claims are less likely, while taking an interest in the well-being of the workforce can also help harness working relationships and ultimately lead to better results.

Better Care

The Affordable Care Act legislates for an increased number of insured US citizens and in light of this increase, the number of practitioners and physicians is set to also increase, particularly in rural areas. While there have been suggestions of how the actual care will be affected by a much higher proportion of patients, the long-term ideals of the ACA include increased facilities and medical professionals, which will ultimately result in better care in some areas that may have lacked facilities in the past.

The provisions of the ACA also dictate the introduction of Electronic medical records allowing Physicians to diagnose and treat workers’ compensation claims more efficiently and accurately. This emphasis on the holistic treatment of chronic care could ultimately help claimants to return to work quicker, thus benefitting Businesses. An electronic database could also help reduce the likelihood of medical errors and subsequently increase the quality and efficiency of care.

While speculation over how the ACA will affect workers’ compensation coverage continues, it is important for Businesses to understand that there will be changes. Understanding mandate deadlines and the provisions of the act itself is one thing, but understanding the actual effects of Health Care Reform is another, which will involve time, effort and commitment from employers.

If you’re looking to review your Employee Benefits program ahead of January 1, why not ask one of our experts for their advice.

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