For many of our nonprofit/human service program participants summer signals, not just a change of season, but a shifting of focus and an influx in the number of youth participants. With increased numbers, often comes the addition of seasonal and part-time program staff and volunteers, and organizations are faced with the challenge of managing the… Read more »
Fire and life safety risks affect virtually every human services organization. The hazards and challenges related to such risks can be wide ranging and, consequently, can impact how your organization is evaluated from an insurance underwriting and loss control standpoint. How well does your organization assess its fire and life safety exposures, and address them… Read more »
Many Berkley Human Services (BHS) Customers are often perplexed when Loss Control makes recommendations for implementing a Hot Work Program. “We don’t do any welding or use torches” is often the response. Why wouldn’t they object? Our customers are Human Services Organizations. They don’t use tools or equipment that generate heat, sparks, or flames. However,… Read more »
Click here to download this template Driver Authorization All organizations that use vehicles to conduct their business have significant exposure due to vehicle collisions that result in property damage and bodily injuries. Vehicle collisions remain the leading cause of on the job fatalities.1 Where non-profit organizations transport their consumers, the potential exposure is much greater…. Read more »
Many steps can and should be taken proactively to prevent vehicle accidents from occurring within your nonprofit / human service organization, but reality reminds us that accidents are going to happen. That being said, one hallmark of an effective vehicle fleet & driver safety program is the ability to learn from past mistakes (or accidents)…. Read more »
A drowning is a truly devastating event. And after the fact, people usually ask, “How did this happen?” Unfortunately, the answer is often not a good one. Yet, drowning accidents continue to occur at rather alarming rates. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, over 3,500 fatal drowning accidents occurred in 2005, or… Read more »
Unpredictable winter weather can wreak havoc on your property. Winter storms can result in an assortment of operating challenges caused by frozen pipes, blackouts as well as snow and ice storms. The fall is an ideal time to prepare your property and protect it against serious damage and business disruption caused by the cold. Frozen… Read more »
It goes without saying that contracts are a cornerstone in the smooth functioning of our society. They also can be the subject of great disputes too. With that in mind, we encourage you to reflect on the importance of contracting with care in your organization. As a general matter, contracts are formed when there is… Read more »
Does your organization serve clients with challenging behaviors? If so, it’s important to recognize that the inability to manage these clients – and their environment – can have an adverse affect on the well-being of your clients, your staff, and your organization as a whole. To better manage your risks in this area, we suggest… Read more »
As if our world wasn’t already complicated enough, it appears to have become even more so with this year’s pandemic flu outbreak and the myriad uncertainties surrounding it. Unfortunately, many of the recent flu-related headlines appear grim. In addition, just a few weeks ago President Barack Obama declared a “national emergency” with respect to the… Read more »
