Wood Products Manufacturers Association

Why Changing Insurance Company's May Help Your Business

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 08:52:27 EST

After a more than 10 year relationship with Indiana Lumbermens Mutual Insurance (ILM) that was followed by Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance (PLM) the WPMA board of directors decided it was in the best interest of the members to make a change.

The WPMA is proud to endorse Federated Insurance Companies as our exclusive provider of risk management programs that are specifically tailored to each individual member's needs. Federated is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best^® and once again has been named to the Ward's 50^® Top Performers list.

The reason that Federated was selected is that they are able to offer members many special coverages that have not previously been available. Offerings include Commercial Property, General Liability, Workers Compensation, Commercial Auto, Commercial Umbrella, Errors and Omissions, Environmental Liability, Life/Disability/Annuity, and Surety coverage.

Many woodworking companies have told us they are receiving substantial savings on their premiums and are extremely happy with the added coverages available. Federated feels their value is measured by the success of their clients.

Since 1929 one of the primary missions of the WPMA has been to help members increase profitability and be able to be more competitive in the global marketplace. By partnering long-term with Federated Insurance, it is felt that WPMA members will be able to benefit long-term from this relationship.

For more information contact:

Philip Bibeau, Executive Director

Philip@wpma.org

978/874-5445

First Thing To Do In A Disaster

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 08:12:17 EST

Think quick! Your company has just experienced a major fire or tornado during working hours, what is the first thing you do?

Recently a woodworking company in New England experience a 9 alarm fire that started during the middle of the work day. There were over 100 employees in the facility. Due to the fact that the company never practiced a fire drill nor took into consideration the four different languages that employees spoke, it took almost 4 hours to notify the fire department that all employees were accounted for.

With an ever changing workforce, employers often forget the importance of making sure that their employees are prepared for a disaster. We strongly urge all members to practice an evacuation drill at least twice a year. It is important for everyone to realize where they should assemble in the event of a disaster so they may be accounted for.

Your equipment and facility may be covered by insurance, but your most valuable asset- your employees are not. Don't put yourself through the agony of wondering if everyone is safe, plan today.

Since 1929 the WPMA has worked hard to provide members with timely information to help them remain competitive in the global economy.

For more information please contact Philip Bibeau, Executive Director at 978/874-5445.

It's A Bird, It's A Plane.......It's OSHA

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 08:33:26 EST

On May 18, 2018 OSHA issued an internal memorandum to its regional administrators directing the procedures for the use of "drones" during health and safety inspections. They have reportedly been used so far on nearly a dozen worksite inspections. In order to protect yourself from unauthorized searches in violation of the Fourth Amendment, it is important to know the do's and don'ts for OSHA when attempting to conduct surveillance of your worksite.

Normally, even without a warrant, you can limit the scope of an OSHA inspection depending upon the type: a hazard complaint based inspection typically only allows OSHA to look at the equipment or area of issue. However, even during a limited scope inspection, if OSHA observes a violation in "plain view," that justifies them expanding the scope of the inspection.So if a drone is used, it makes a larger portion of your worksite available to them.

OSHA also cooperates with the EPA, so if the drone captures something in the environmental area that is improper, they can share the video and trigger an EPA visit.

It is wise to educate your supervisors and workers now, so that if an OSHA team shows up, everyone will know their rights.

Source: Pallet Central Magazine and our friends at the National Wood Pallet and Container Association. The author, Adele L. Abrams is an attorney and safety professional who represents companies in litigation with OSHA. She can be reached at 301/595-3520 or www.safety-law.com.

Since 1929 the WPMA has focused on providing our members with timely information to help them remain competitive in the global economy.

For more information you may contact Philip Bibeau, Executive Director at 978/874-5445.

Is the economy helping to raise you business insurance rates?

Mon, 06 May 2019 08:38:50 EST

We have received a number of calls from members asking why they are being quoted such high rates when their business insurance renews?

The answer is partially due to the good economy we have been experiencing. With an aging population and a low unemployment rate, businesses are finding it more than difficult to hire quality employees, especially truck drivers.

Many people say they have used the mirror test to hire someone. They hold a mirror under their nose and if it fogs up, they hire the driver.

The result has been a HUGE increase in the number of commercial auto accidents. Often the driver is on their cell phone, or is a distracted driver that causes an accident. The bottom line is that all insurance carriers have "taken a bath" and incurred large losses that highly exceed all income or projections for the year. The result is that many companies are experiencing up to a 400% increase in prices quoted (if they receive a quote at all.)

If your company is fortunate enough to receive a quote, the increase must be charged against your bottom line. With the economy leaving a lot to be desired, it will make it even harder for a well run company to make a profit in 2019.

We urge everyone to please pay attention to who you hire and how they operate your vehicles. Remember, if everyone does their job, we can help companies increase their bottom line.

Since 1929 the WPMA has focused on helping our members remain competitive and profitable in the global economy.

For more information on how we can help you and your business we urge you to contact Philip Bibeau, Executive Director at 978/874-5445.

Notice of Proposed Rule Making: Overtime Update

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 08:45:19 EST

On March 7, 2019 the Department of Labor announced a proposed rule that would make more than a million more American workers eligible for overtime. The question to start asking yourself and your managers is "how will this rule affect our business?"

Under currently enforced law, employees with a salary below $455 per week ($23,660 annually) must be paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week. Workers making at least this salary level may be eligible for overtime based on their job duties. This salary level was set in 2004.

This proposal that is expected to be passed into law would boost the proposed salary level to $679 per week (equivalent to $35,308 per year.) Above this salary level, eligibility for overtime varies based on job duties.

The proposal increases the total annual compensation requirement for "highly compensated employees" (HCE) from the currently enforced level of $100,000 to $147,414 per year.

A commitment to periodic review to update the salary threshold as well as a requirement for notice and comment periods for the rule would be mandated.

The proposal would allow employers to use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments (including commissions) that are paid annually or more frequently to satisfy up to 10% of the standard salary level.

There were no changes in overtime protections for:

-Laborers including; non-management production-line employees.

- Non-management employees in maintenance, construction and similar occupations such as carpenters, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, iron workers, craftsmen, operating engineers and construction workers. These employees must continue to be paid for overtime as established in the law that went into affect in 2004.

Source: Callie Haman, National Association of Manufacturers

The question all owners must be asking their managers are there ways to ensure the company is not accruing any unnecessary overtime and can anything be done to reduce your exposure as this will definitely affect the company's bottom line?

Since 1929 the WPMA has always prided itself on providing it's members with timely information that helps a company remain competitive in the global marketplace.

For more information, you may contact Philip Bibeau, Executive Director at 978/874-5445.