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Behavior-Based
Interviewing
“The fastest, simplest
way to learn about an applicant's past behaviors is to ask questions
that are designed to draw out these past behaviors. Yes, if you ask
the right questions in the right way, you'll be amazed by what a
candidate will actually come right out and tell you.”
Jan Feb
Mar, 2000
It's About
Good Business, Not Insurance Or Legal Defense
“Let me start by stating that your
cooperative should not be focused on doing anything just to provide
a defense for claims or lawsuits or to satisfy the insurance
companies.”
Oct Nov Dec, 2000
Hazard
Identification & Constructive Notice
“What this means in practical terms is that everyone who
works for you probably should have some training in how the
distribution system works and how to spot at least basic defects or
problems so they can report them to your service department.”
Jan Feb Mar, 2001
Outages
& Confined Livestock Operations
“Literally thousands of animals can die when the ventilation
systems in the poultry house or swine castle are not running for a
sufficient length of time, and you can wind up on the receiving end
of a very costly claim.”
Apr May Jun, 2000
Positive
Feedback - Part I
“If you want to
influence people who work for you, then the feedback they get from
you should be constant and it should be overwhelmingly positive.”
Apr May Jun, 2000
Positive
Feedback - Part II
“If a worker
does something right, and you catch him in the act, offer praise. If
a worker does something wrong, then correct him. Do not put the two
together, and do not use the word "but" after praising someone. Not
ever.”
Jul Aug Sep, 2000
Post
Accident Review - Part I
“There are
plenty of ways to examine your operation to improve efficiencies and
avoid errors. One of the most immediately obvious ways, but one most
frequently not pursued, is to carefully examine the circumstances of
things that actually do go wrong -- accidents.”
Apr May Jun,
2000
Post
Accident Review - Part II
“Finding
all the contributing factors behind an accident or mishap takes a
little sifting of the information. To help, we have taught
supervisors how to use a technique we call back-tracking or
the Why Flow Chart."
Apr May Jun, 2000
Loss Control
Internship Program
“This program,
as extensive and intensive as it is, must be one of the best values
around for professional development.”
Oct Nov Dec,
2000
Adjust
Mirrors To Eliminate Blind Spots
“The objective of proper mirror adjustment is to give you a
360-degree view of other vehicles near your car.”
Oct Nov
Dec, 2000
Those Darn
Birds!
“We have discovered two
recurring problems experienced by rural electric cooperatives we
work with in our program - woodpecker damage and large nests on the
top of poles.”
Oct Nov Dec, 2000
Securing
Materials On Vehicles
“One type of
claim regularly seen in a review of our Rural Utility Program's auto
liability loss runs can be rather easily prevented. These are the
claims brought by third parties who have hit or been hit by an
object that fell off of a cooperative's truck.”
Jan Feb Mar,
2001
Disaster
Planning: The Basics Of Mutual Aid
“Summarized below are a basic set of guidelines designed to
help assure smooth operations for both the cooperative that's
borrowing manpower and equipment, and for the cooperative that's
lending the resources.”
Jan Feb Mar, 2001
Certificates
Of Insurance
“If there is no
insurance coverage available for the contractor, or if the limits of
the policy are too low to cover the loss, where do you think the
shortfall will be made up? If you said from the co-op's policy, you
are exactly right!”
Apr May Jun, 2001
Tower
Maintenance And Inspection
“The
logical goal of these visual inspections is to spot potential issues
and schedule appropriate fixes before they cause serious problems.
In addition to monthly visual inspections done by your own people,
all towers should be inspected on a periodic basis by a competent
inspector.”
Jan Feb Mar, 2001
Sample
Worksite Inspection
“One of the
rural electric cooperatives insured in our program recently shared
their sample worksite inspection reminder list. We thought some of
you might find it useful.”
Jul Aug Sep, 2001
Developing
New Supervisors
“To help your new
supervisors successfully make the transition from being a "worker"
to becoming an effective leader, it is important that you provide
some initial training and spend time with them reviewing and
developing six key skills every supervisor needs.”
Jul Aug
Sep, 2001
Practical
Driver's Guide For Vehicle Accidents
“When we finished sorting and assessing our list, we were
able to create a new, simpler, definitely shorter driver's accident
scene guide.”
Jul Aug Sep, 2001
Safety
Incentives - Substitutes For Good Management?
“Shouldn't the perceived need to
create a special incentive program become a big red flag that
something isn't quite right about the company's management skills or
style?”
Oct Nov Dec, 2001
OSHA Record
Keeping Rules Change
“OSHA has made
a major overhaul of the requirements for the recording and reporting
of work-related injuries. These changes are effective this New
Year’s Day, January 1, 2002.”
Oct Nov Dec, 2001
Available
Training Sessions
“As part of the
value-added services your company gains by being insured in our
national program for Rural Electric Utilities, we offer safety
management training sessions on topics you may not find readily
available from other support organizations.”
Jan Feb Mar,
2002
Tower
Protection and Guy Wires
“All tower
and guys should be secured against both public access and accidental
vehicle intrusion. The loss of only a single guy can unbalance the
load on a tower and bring it rapidly to the ground.”
Jan Feb
Mar, 2002
Identifying
Roadside Hazards
“To me that means
every person who works in a utility’s engineering department or has
outside system inspection responsibilities should be educated about
roadside hazards.”
Apr May Jun, 2002
Impress The
Claims Department: Real Life Example
“As a change of pace, this article is something we don’t
highlight enough, a case where the claims people offered their
congratulations after reviewing a claim report. So, here’s a chance
to learn from a case where things were done right!”
Apr May
Jun, 2002
Members With
Medical Needs: Here’s a Tip!
“The
Colorado cooperative I mentioned visiting had come up with a simple
and inexpensive technique to make sure that there was one last
chance to be sure that no medically dependent member was ever
disconnected by mistake.”
Jul Aug Sep, 2002
Safety
Management Seminar For Executives A Success!
“Our seminars are very
management-oriented, not technical. I don’t think I heard the term
'OSHA' or anything like that even once over the 2˝ days.”
Jul
Aug Sep, 2002
Case
Management for Electric Cooperatives
“This article offers an overview of what an effective case
management program looks like, an explanation of the potential
benefits to you as an employer, suggestions on some practical ideas
you may want to try, and an explanation of why each of the elements
is important to creating and implementing an effective case
management program.”
Oct Nov Dec, 2002
Hazard
Recognition: The Consumers' Side of meter?
“Ignoring the issue of consumer-side defects can turn out to
be a very costly decision. In fact, the failure to observe open
and obvious defects, or worse yet, the failure to respond to all
reports of potentially dangerous situations, can be
disastrous.”
Oct Nov Dec, 2002
Off-Road
Vehicles on the ROW -- Dirt Bikes, Snowmobiles and ATVs
“In addition to the human
consequences, accidents involving off-road vehicles (dirt bikes,
snow mobiles or ATVs) may open utilities to significant public
liability exposure - even if their equipment (poles, guy wires,
etc.) meets code requirements in every way.”
Jan Feb Mar,
2003
Avoid Damage
To Underground Installations - A Great Tip!
“One of the more common damage claims we see in the REUUM
insurance program is damage to fixtures and utilities buried
underground on member-consumers’ property.”
Jan Feb Mar,
2003
Cotton
Pickers and Combines
“Today, many
rural electric cooperatives still have lines that crisscross private
property and farmland. Unfortunately, these lines that have served
electric cooperatives so well for so long now can pose a significant
liability exposure.”
Jan Feb Mar, 2003
Automatic
External Defibrillators - A Primer For RECs
"Early defibrillation means having immediate access to a
properly working automated external defibrillator (AED). This allows
trained lay rescuers to give a potentially lifesaving electrical
shock to the victim's heart during a cardiac arrest."
Apr May
Jun, 2003
New Photo
Library Available
"Several
cooperatives have existing training programs, and they have been
kind enough to share what they have created with us so that we can
share the material with all of you. All the photographs we have
collected are now available right from this Web site."
Apr May
Jun, 2003
Underbuilts
- A Continuing Issue
"The bottom
line is that underbuilt clearance problems are like any other issue
impacting your organization. They need to be monitored and managed
effectively if you want to reduce the chance that they’ll contribute
to accidents or mishaps."
Apr May June, 2003
Dairyland
Power Cooperative employees saved two lives at the company’s
Flambeau hydro station
"DPC
employees and an alert UPS worker saved the lives of two fishermen."
Jul Aug Sep, 2003
Daily
Vehicle Inspections- How to make them a positive prevention effort,
not a pencil whipping exercise.
"If
what you are doing isn’t working, try something else! Here are some
steps you can take to send a positive message on the quality of the
inspections."
Jul Aug Sep, 2003
Ground Mats
Prevent Damage To Private Property
"Soft soil conditions are often a problem for electric
cooperatives while operating heavy digger-derricks or large bucket
trucks on private property."
Jul Aug Sep, 2003
"But, We
Didn't Know There Was A Problem!"
"The concept of notice seems pretty simple. Unfortunately,
it isn’t."
Oct Nov Dec, 2003
Tree
Swapping - A ROW Solution?
"Make ROW
clearing more effective while still maintaining good relations with
those members whose trees are a threat to the lines."
Oct Nov
Dec, 2003
Cross
Training Between the Field and Office Staffs
"It is far easier to empathize with the problems of others
when there is a basic understanding of the challenges they face."
Jan Feb Mar, 2004
Automatic
External Defibrillators- Part 2
"The
numbers show that there were almost twice as many survivors when
AEDs were used!"
Jan Feb Mar, 2004
Pole
Inspection Guidelines (Or Not)
"Every utility in this program has a unique pole exposure."
Jan Feb Mar, 2004
Monitoring
Outside Contractors’ Safe Work Practices
"Not only is it your right, it’s just plain good business."
Apr May Jun, 2004
Old Poles
and the Public – Will you pay later for today’s
generosity?
"There can be
complications when you give old poles to the public."
Apr May
Jun, 2004
Understanding
Performance Evaluations
"Most
managers and supervisors view with trepidation the annual
performance evaluations they must prepare."
Jul Aug Sep,
2004
Benchmarking
Your ROW Program
"ROW mistakes carry
real costs that can impact your organization far beyond the check
the insurance company mails to your disgruntled customer."
Jul Aug Sep, 2004
Why not grab some
extra help spotting potential problems before things go wrong?
"Subcontractors can provide you with
information about what’s going on in your system if you give them the tools to do so."
Oct Nov Dec, 2004
Cars vs. Poles- Placement Matters!
"Every time a vehicle strikes one of your poles it should raise an alarm bell for you."
Oct Nov Dec, 2004
Airbags & Heavy Trucks
"Governmental airbag mandates do not apply to every vehicle!"
Jan Feb Mar, 2005
Making the New Employee Feel Welcomed and Informed
"Upfront investment effects a positive influence on the attitude and outlook of each new employee."
Jan Feb Mar, 2005
Appliance Damage Claims -- A Quick Tip
"Does this sound familiar? A consumer contacts you and says, "I want you to buy me a new- (Fill in the blank)."
Jan Feb Mar, 2005
Subcontractor Oversight – Balancing the Issues
"Using outside contractors has important implications for you, both in quality control and risk management."
Apr May Jun, 2005
Road Maintenance Activities & You
"Road repair and construction...a common challenge."
Apr May Jun, 2005
Creative Consumer Construction Techniques
"We can’t afford not to be vigilant."
Jul Aug Sep, 2005
Behavior-based Interviewing: An Essential And Powerful Tool
"The best way to predict future behavior is to know how a person behaved in the past."
Jul Aug Sep, 2005
Shaping Workplace Attitudes - Part One
"Managers and supervisors have extraordinary influence in shaping the workplace attitudes."
Oct Nov Dec, 2005
Additional Insured, or Why A.I?
"Use the 'belt and suspenders' approact to protect against losses caused by subcontractors."
Oct Nov Dec, 2005
Shaping Workplace Attitudes - Part Two
“Some practical steps we as managers can take and use in our every day interactions with those around us at work.”
Jan Feb Mar, 2006
Dealing with Hostile Customers
“How to safely and effectively defuse confrontations before they get out of hand.”
Jan Feb Mar, 2006
Safe Driving Depends on Feedback, Not Just Group Training
“Companies shouldn't rely solely on group training sessions to manage an employee’s performance behind the wheel.”
Apr May Jun, 2006
An Rx for Medication Worries
“CDL regulations provide direction on how to handle prescription medication.”
Apr May Jun, 2006
Distracted Drivers are Dangerous Drivers
“Driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes.”
Jul Aug Sep, 2006
Streetlights and Security Lights – Risk Management
"Avoid getting caught up in messy claims related to the failure of street or security lights.”
Jul Aug Sep, 2006
Check Rides Reinforce Safe Driving Skills
"A closer look at an alternative program to develop good habits among your drivers.”
Oct Nov Dec, 2006
The Top 10 Signs You Might be a Lineman
"With apologies to the Letterman Show.”
Oct Nov Dec, 2006
A New Training Session: Dealing With Anger & Hostility
"Professionally recognized concepts for de-escalating tense situations effectively.”
Oct Nov Dec, 2006
Prompt reporting of claims and incidents is a form of loss control too!
"So, why should you care about prompt claims reporting?”
Jan Feb Mar, 2007
Unnecessary Risk: Using Substations As Secured Storage
"If your utility uses substations as convenient temporary storage areas, you might not have thought about the risks.”
Jan Feb Mar, 2007
Managing Vehicle Accident Scenes
"Give all drivers the tools and the knowledge to manage any vehicle accident.”
Apr May Jun, 2007
The Atomic Chef
"A fascinating book tells twenty tales of real events when things went wrong.”
Apr May Jun, 2007
Organized Inspection Programs Provide Information, Not Just Data
"Utilities need to constantly look for system defects."
Apr May Jun, 2007
Supervision From A To C
“I lost a good lineman and gained a poor supervisor!”
Jul Aug Sep, 2007
Catastrophe Planning: Are You Ready for a Flu Pandemic
"Recent developments have been less than reassuring."
Jul Aug Sep, 2007
A Primer on Workplace Violence Prevention
"What can you do to help protect your workers?"
Oct Nov Dec, 2007
We’d Like Your Help With Articles
"We are not the real experts in your business – you are."
Oct Nov Dec, 2007
Fix The Problem, Not The Blame!
"A very important concept often misunderstood by managers."
Jan Feb Mar, 2008
Written Contracts and Oral Agreements: A Dangerous Combination
"Here's why an oral contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."
Jan Feb Mar, 2008
Make Your Safety Manual Your Own
"Your safety manual should be a unique document, tailored to your system."
Apr May Jun, 2008
High Voltage Safety & Overhead Power Line Acts
"If your state does not have one, get behind the effort to enact one."
Apr May Jun, 2008
Cell Phone Use While Driving, Revisited
"Isn’t it worth your time to address an issue that may increase losses by a factor of four? "
Jul Aug Sep, 2008
Tech Talk -- Line Clearances
"Any deviation from code is a serious potential problem for your system."
Jul Aug Sep, 2008
Safety, Security, and Unintended Consequences
"An example of how the best intentions can produce unexpected and unintended outcomes."
Oct Nov Dec, 2008
"Committee" Is Not a Dirty Word
"If employees have a say in a decision, they will nearly always 'buy in'."
Oct Nov Dec, 2008
Effective Use of MVRs (Driving Records)
"The MVR is just a means to the end, and not the end itself."
Jan Feb Mar, 2009
Next Year, No Bad Words!
"Keep these seven words and phrases out of your vocabulary."
Jan Feb Mar, 2009
Another in our Quick Tip Series- Red Equals Hot!
"In an emergency, it is not a terrific idea to have employees crawling about on their hands and knees."
Apr May Jun, 2009
Electric Line Contact Cases in the Courtroom: Verdicts and Settlements
Some major verdicts across the country and what lessons can be learned from them.
Apr May Jun, 2009
A Case Management Primer
"Creating and implementing an effective case management program."
Jul Aug Sep, 2009
Drug Screening Programs: Benefit Or Bane?
"There are many complex, subtle issues involved that would require a book to cover,
so this article will concentrate on some core concerns."
Jul Aug Sep, 2009
Test Your WC Experience Modifier IQ
The mysterious experience modifier calculation & how your system’s claim experience will, or will not, affect it.
Oct Nov Dec, 2009
Straight Answers to Common Questions about Flu Vaccinations
"This year the flu is more confusing than ever!"
Oct Nov Dec, 2009
Learn From Mistakes: It's The Process, Not The People
"The key to learning how to make things work better is finding out why things went wrong."
Jan Feb Mar, 2010
Save the Evidence!
"Scientific analysis can identify the most miniscule remnants."
Jan Feb Mar, 2010
Annual Performance Evaluations- A Radical View
"The traditional approach to performance appraisals is disliked by all participants, ... and does nothing to
promote individuals’ best performance."
Apr May Jun, 2010
Ergonomics in the Office
"Ergonomic exposures associated with computer workstations merit some attention."
Apr May Jun, 2010
CDL Regulations, A Primer
"Compliance may affect exposures."
Jul Aug Sep, 2010
Heat Stress- Be Cool, Man!
"Make your workers a little happier, healthier, safer, and perhaps even more productive."
Jul Aug Sep, 2010
Education and Outreach Efforts
"Stay in contact with industrial and business groups in your communities."
Oct-Nov-Dec, 2010
Creative Meter Decoration
"Here’s a story that is true, sent in by one of our systems, with the photo to back it up."
Oct-Nov-Dec, 2010
Winter Weather Conditions – Vehicle Maintenance and Driving Tips
"Safety tips help drivers cope with winter weather."
Jan-Feb-Mar, 2011
So you think texting while driving is just a problem for kids?
It turns out that more adults than teens text and talk on cell phones while driving.
Jan-Feb-Mar, 2011
Vehicle Use Policies & Learning from Experience
"Regularly revisit and review these policies...here’s a lesson."
Apr-May-Jun, 2011
Safety Committees: Is Your Safety Committee All That It Could Be?
"How can you ensure that a committee brings you useful results?"
Apr-May-Jun, 2011
Sexual Harassment: Should You Worry? Why or Why Not?
"Employers must walk a tightrope between a friendly supportive environment and a legally prohibited one"
Apr-May-Jun, 2011
Drug-Free Workplace: Support Core Business?
"A new perspective on how to establish an effective program that supports your core business"
Jul-Aug-Sep, 2011
DuPont “Imprelis” Update
"A quick “heads up” on a recent herbicide problem"
Oct-Nov-Dec, 2011
Management Gets the Workforce it Deserves
"Managers have extraordinary influence on the attitudes of the people they supervise"
Oct-Nov-Dec, 2011
A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing!
"The latest high tech approach to getting the lights back on"
Oct-Nov-Dec, 2011
When in Doubt, don’t throw it out!
"Any and all potential evidence should saved until the claim is closed."
Jan-Feb-Mar, 2012
Error, Outcomes, Costs, and Insurance Coverage- The Claim Check Covers Just the Tip of the Iceberg!
"Doing things right the first time, every time, is the best way to limit costs."
Jan-Feb-Mar, 2012
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