Pooling Matters
Member Newsletter	Summer 2006 Click here to view a printable version of  this newsletter in PDF format

 

·        VML Insurance Programs Annual Meeting & Awards

·        Staff Updates

·        Retiree Medical Coverage

·        Improve Your Safety Program & Save 5% Premium

·        Fall Risk Management Workshops

·        Property Insurance Reminder

·        Are You Having Your Wood Utility Poles Inspected?

·        Safety Notice:  Metal Halide & Mercury Vapor Light Bulbs

·        DMV Records

·        Newly Added Safety Videos and Resources

·        Gold Star List

·        Panel Physicians Directory Update

·      2006 Annual Meeting Minutes & Attendees

 

 

VMGSIA

Campbell County

Smyth - Washington Regional Industrial Facilities Authority

Virginia's Region 2000 Local Government Commission

Western Virginia Water Authority

 

VMLP

Campbell County

Town of Dayton

Lynchburg City Schools

Maury Service Authority

Radford City Schools

South Centre Corridors Resource & Development Council

Western Virginia Water Authority

 

VML Insurance Programs Annual Meeting & Awards

The VML Insurance Programs annual meeting was held on May 12 at The Place at Innsbrook in Henrico County.  More than 125 members and staff attended.  Speakers included Kim Loehr who spoke about lightning protection and Claire Holbrook who discussed the new retiree medical plan being offered by VML Insurance Programs.  Tim Ailworth spoke about legal issues related to age discrimination. Beth Rosenthal provided an overview of ways we can help members control auto accidents.  Bob Rappaport and Rick Lucus discussed the importance of subrogation in workers’ compensation claims.

 

In addition to our business meetings, awards were presented to members with outstanding loss records and safety programs.  The Margaret A. Nichols Risk Management Leadership Award was given to the Town of Mount Jackson.  The Risk Management Awards for the workers’ compensation program were given to: Town of Glasgow (Tier I); Pepper’s Ferry Wastewater Authority (Tier II); and the City of Manassas (Tier III).  The Risk Management awards for the property and liability program were given to: Bath County Service Authority (Tier I); Appalachian Juvenile Commission (Tier II); Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel District (Tier III).  Congratulations to these outstanding members of our program.

   

     

  Not Pictured:  Appalachian Juvenile Commission                                                                                          

 

Staff Changes         Back to Top

 

Jack Berry has joined our safety department. He will work with our members in Southwestern Virginia.  Jack is a graduate of Appalachian State University.  He attended graduate school at the University of Cincinnati where he studied urban police management.  He worked as a police officer in Rocky Mount and Lynchburg.  Jack also worked for Hartford Insurance Company as a loss control representative. More recently he has worked for the New River Electrical Corporation as a safety officer.

 

Thomas Bullock is our law enforcement specialist.  Thomas will be working with our members to advise them on law enforcement procedures and safety issues.  He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in criminal administration. He is working toward a graduate degree in human resources management at Central Michigan University. Thomas has worked as a police officer in South Hill and Henrico County.  He also worked for the sheriff’s office in Brunswick County.

 

Tiffany Clouse has joined our property and liability claims department as a claims representative.  She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in criminal justice.  She previously worked for Colony Insurance Group and James River Insurance Company as a claims representative.

 

Barry Green is a new addition to our underwriting staff.  He is a graduate of Saint Paul’s College with a degree in business administration.  Barry worked for USF&G and Alfa/Virginia Mutual Insurance Company in underwriting and marketing prior to joining VML Insurance Programs.

 

Ruth “Bunny” Slayton is our new receptionist.  Previously she has been with Markel Insurance as a receptionist and later worked as a customer service representative for Virginia Truck and Trailer.

 

Keisha Youmans has joined our workers’ compensation claims staff as a medical only adjustor.  She is a graduate of City University of New York.  She is also working toward a masters degree in human resource management.  Previously Keisha worked for Wal-Mart’s in house claims department.  She also worked for HCA Healthcare in the area of workers’ compensation claims.

 

Retiree Medical Coverage         Back to Top

 

Effective July 1, 2006, VML Insurance Programs is offering medical coverage for Medicare eligible retirees who are 65 years of age and older. The program supplements Medicare benefits. It also provides prescription drug coverage. The insurance is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company and is a fully insured product outside of the self insurance programs.  These benefits can be paid in full or in part by the locality. However there is also the option of offering the coverage to retirees on a voluntary basis.  With this option, the retiree will be billed directly.  The coverage is also open to elected officials of the locality and to spouses of the retired employees and elected officials. 

 

Localities that are already participating include: Cumberland Plateau PDC, Montgomery County, Pulaski County, Pulaski County Schools, and the Town of Remington.  For details about the program, go to our website home page at www.vmlins.org or contact Greg Dickie at 800-963-6800 or gdickie@vmlins.org.      

 

Improve Your Safety Program & Save Money          Back to Top

 

For the second year, we are offering our members the opportunity of receiving a 5% premium credit.  The following criteria need to be met in order to receive this credit.

 

·        All elements of the Risk Management Minimum Guidelines applicable to your tier need to be successfully completed and documented by December 31, 2006.

·        Have an annual premium of $2,500 or greater (per program) for July 1, 2007/08.

·        Have a five year loss ratio of 50 percent or less for the period ending June 30, 2006 valued as of December 31, 2006. (For those members that have not been in the program for a full five years, the loss ratio will be calculated based on the time you have been a member up to June 30, 2006.)

·        Return your completed property and liability renewal data by December 31, 2006.

 

The 5% premium credit applies to all lines of coverage except excess liability.  It does not apply to coverages outside of the insurance programs (e.g. placements in the National Flood Insurance Program).  Further, the qualification is independent by program. Being disqualified for one program will not prevent you for achieving the credit in the other program.

 

In the near future we will be sending you a copy of the Risk Management Minimum Guidelines form that we have on file for your locality. We will ask that you verify whether or not this information is correct.  For members that have not completed all aspects for this program, we ask that you work with us to accomplish these elements of a sound safety program.

 

For the 2005/06 policy year there were 16 out of 445 members of our workers’ compensation program and 21 out of 340 members of our property/liability program that qualified for this premium credit.  We realize that this is not an easy task. However we believe that making improvements in your safety program will help reduce your individual claim costs and the overall costs of the program.

 

You are not in this alone. Our safety consultants are here to assist you in the accomplishment of achieving these Risk Management Minimum Guidelines.  Please call on your safety consultant for assistance.  Jack Berry, Glynn Castle, Fonda Craig, Matt Reid, and Beth Rosenthal can be reached at 800-963-6800.

 

Fall Risk Management Workshops       Back to Top

 

We heard you loud and clear!  This year we have added a fifth location for our Fall Risk Management Workshops to better serve our Southside Virginia members.  We are working on an agenda and will be back in touch with you in the coming weeks. Meanwhile please save one of these dates and plan to attend.  We look forward to seeing you.  

               

 

A Regional Safety Workshop will be held August 15^th on Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing Awareness.  It will be held in the Town of Tazewell, at American Legion Post 133.  Register online at www.vmlins.org.

 

Important Reminder Concerning Property Insurance    Back to Top

 

Effective July 1, 2006, mobile equipment that is insured under your property coverage must be scheduled if the replacement value is $5,000 or greater.  Failure to schedule the equipment will limit coverage to $5,000.  Mobile equipment does not include licensed vehicles. Licensed vehicles should be listed on your auto policy.  Any vehicle not licensed for road use needs to be listed under your property policy. Other examples of mobile equipment include backhoes, portable generators, and tractor mowers.  If you have any questions please contract your underwriter, Barry Green or Karen Nuckols at 800-963-6800 or bgreen@vmlins.org or knuckols@vmlins.org

 

Are You Having Your Wood Utility Poles Inspected?     Back to Top

Wood poles commonly used to support electrical lines, lighting for athletic fields, parks and other utilities will inevitably degrade over time.  The level of deterioration may not be known until the pole fails and severe injury or property damage is experienced.  Fungal rot, moisture, insects and birds can cause poles to weaken and eventually fail.  The majority of poles fail below grade due to moisture and fungal decay.      

The pole pictured below was recently removed from a school athletic field in the eastern part of Virginia.  Note that the deterioration and rot occurs from within and that outside surface of the pole appears to be intact.  Also, note the location of this pole, carrying with it the potential for property damage and injury if it were to have fallen over.  

 

    

Wood poles are chemically treated as a part of the manufacturing process to inhibit rot and decay.   With a sound inspection program and proper maintenance, the average lifetime of a wood utility pole is typically 20 to 30 years.  As poles age, the effects of the initial preservative treatment diminish, thus decreasing a poles ability to withstand stress.

It is difficult to estimate how long the pole will remain capable of supporting itself and what may be attached to it without an inspection program.  Regular inspections are necessary to ensure pole integrity.  In colder, bug free climates further north, inspecting poles every eight years to twelve years may be sufficient.  In a hot, termite ridden climate such as Virginia, every three years is more appropriate.

Wood poles being used by utility companies are regularly inspected and often receive additional applications of a chemical preservative to extend their life.  Wood poles found at schools and parks must also be regularly inspected and maintained.  Due to concerns over the potential health effects of the wood preserving chemicals, poles at schools and parks may not receive additional applications of preservative.  A lack of treatment can increase the potential for a pole to degrade thereby increasing the risk of failure.

Since poles often fail below ground, inspections often include digging 18 to 24 inches below grade to determine how the pole is performing.  Inspectors use a variety of tools such as scraping devices, hammers, increment borers, moisture meters and x-ray devices to conduct inspections.  Inspectors should be trained in accordance with guidelines offered by organizations with expertise in this area.  The National Electric Code www.nfpa.org or American Wood-Preservers’ Association www.awpa.com are two such organizations.       

So, are you having your wooden utility poles inspected?  If your entity is responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of wood utility poles, an inspection and maintenance program must be a part of your risk management/preventative maintenance efforts.  You should ensure that competent persons inspect, maintain and repair your wood poles in accordance with nationally recognized guidelines.  If you choose to hire a contractor to do this work, ensure that they too are competent to do the work, and are properly insured.  If you have any questions or need additional assistance with regards to this issue, please contact the VML Insurance Programs Safety Department at 1-800-963-6800.

 

Metal Halide & Mercury Vapor Light Bulb Safety Notice       Back to Top

 

This special alert relates to dangers posed at indoor recreation or multi-purpose facilities by certain types of metal halide or mercury vapor light bulbs.  This should be of concern to any persons who may use or go to such facilities or who may be responsible for the lights at such facilities.

 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has determined that broken non self-extinguishing “R” type metal halide and mercury vapor light bulbs have caused injury to people by exposing them to short-wave ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These types of bulbs are often used in gyms and multi-purpose facilities.  Information on this hazard is posted at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhlth/urburns.html. 

 

DMV To Charge for Motor Vehicle Records       Back to Top

 

Effective July 1, 2006 the Department of Motor Vehicles will charge local governments for motor vehicle records.  Up until now, these records have been free of charge for localities that are self insured or participate in a group self insurance program.  There will be a $3.00 fee per transcript.  Despite the charge, it is still important to monitor the records of those that drive for your locality. Your safety consultant can give you valuable advice on setting up and maintaining an effective driver selection and monitoring program.

 

Newly Added Safety Training Videos & Resources      Back to Top

VIDEOS

 

Emergency Response Driving

This new program covers what it means to drive in emergency response situations and includes driving tips to make sure your trip is a safe one.

 

Hazard Awareness is Everyone’s Responsibility

This 21-minute video discusses how a three-step hazard awareness program including hazard identification, evaluation and control can prevent accidents from occurring.

 

School Safety: It’s Not Just for Kids

This program emphasizes safety as a personal responsibility.  Ideal for all personnel who work in schools, they will learn to recognize and respect common causes of accidents and injuries in schools, and measures they can take to ensure their safety.

 

Excavations, Trenches & Shoring

Complies with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651 – 1926.652

Training with this program from Summit will help keep your employees safe and your job on schedule.

 

Slips, Trips & Falls – Taking the Right Steps

This high-impact training program shows how being aware of surroundings, practicing good housekeeping and using equipment properly can help you and your employees prevent slips, trips and falls.

 

RESOURCES

 

Dealing with Public Risks Involved in Land Use Planning (PDF – Adobe Acrobat)

Focuses on land use planning issues that raise fiscal, safety, and legal risks to local communities in a variety of critical areas.

 

Developing Policies & Procedures for Jails - A Step-By-Step Guide by Martin Drapkin - (ACA) American Correctional Association (Guidebook)

An excellent resource for those who are charged with the responsibility of writing effective policy and procedures for jails. 

 

Guidelines for the Development of Policies & Procedures - Adult Correctional Institutions - (ACA) American Correctional Association (Guidebook)

How to develop policy and procedure manuals, and contain prototype policies that illustrate the application of standards to typical administrative and operational issues. 

 

Guidelines for the Development of Policies & Procedures - Juvenile Detention Facilities - (ACA) American Correctional Association (Guidebook)

This manual is intended to assist juvenile detention facilities that are developing or revising policies and procedures. 

 

People-Based Safety The Source - By E. Scott Geller (Guidebook)

A no-nonsense approach that focuses on employee thoughts and attitudes as well as behavior and instills a culture of safety throughout your workplace. 

 

Release Your Brilliance by Simon T. Bailey (Guidebook)

This book teaches people how to find their passion and release their brilliance.  

 

Gold Star Members      Back to Top

 

Panel Physicians Directory Updates          Back to Top

 

This article is designed to assist our members in keeping their Panel of Physicians updated.  It is important that all Panels be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure accuracy.  Addresses and telephone numbers must be correct and current.  Any physicians who have retired or refuse to see new patients should be removed from the Panel.  Physicians can be added or removed from the Panel by an employer at any time, but to remain valid under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Law, the Panel must include at least three physicians who do not share a community interest in a joint practice.

 

Lee Bank, RN and Kathy Foulk, RN, our Patient Advocates are responsible for working with our members when establishing a Panel of Physicians and when updating existing Panels.  If you need assistance with a Panel you can contact Lee or Kathy by calling 800-963-6800 or via e-mail at lbank@vmlins.org or kfoulk@vmlins.org.

 

Following are recent changes to our Panel Physician Directory: