Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

As the calendar turns to April and warmer weather into spring time, now is a great time to take a look at your current Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP), as well as make sure all crew members are up to date on their heat illness training.

Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

The first quarter of 2024 is in full swing and the insurance industry is already feeling the rising cost of insurance claims, often referred to as social inflation. Commonly discussed reasons for social inflation include socioeconomic, legal, and behavioral trends that produce costly lawsuits, according to research conducted by The Institutes. In addition to these familiar observations, a relatively new factor is now playing a role in large lawsuits: third-party litigation financing.

Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Californians have experienced record storms this year along with other parts of the United States. However, with Spring on the horizon, construction companies are preparing for rainier months still ahead. When job sites close due to rain and flooding, it's a good opportunity for employees to use that time to revisit safety and operational skills with online training.

Author, Drew Garcia, Vice President of the Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Lawn and landscape professionals across the country have seen the direct impact of a very difficult and challenging commercial auto market.  In particular, green industry businesses who specialize in service and maintenance, which require a larger fleet, have felt more of the direct market pressure.

Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Every business owner understands the correlation between their Experience MOD (XMOD) and what they will pay in workers’ compensation premiums.  When the XMOD increases, there is a good chance that the workers’ compensation rates or premiums will rise as well.  This is why it is so crucial to really hone in on company safety procedures to limit work-related injuries as much as possible.  The reality is that even the safest company that does everything the right way is going to run into a workers’ compensation claim from time to time.

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

In this third installment of exploring an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), we will be taking a closer look at: Providing employee training and instruction, procedures to allow employee access to the program, and recordkeeping and documentation.

Author, Drew Garcia, Vice President of the Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Having strong service partners that support your customers outside of your core operations is an important part of business. Many commercial landscape businesses have regional relationships with professional tree care companies to support the needs of their customers.

Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

One of the most important practices for any landscape professional is fleet safety. Whether you have 10 trucks or 100, the exposure and risk remain the same. Explore a prior podcast episode, Episode #251, in which I delve into compelling statistics that shed light on the increasing frequency and severity of auto accidents each year.

Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

With summer in full swing and the autumn months close ahead, landscapers are at their busiest time of the year. During this time, landscape companies often increase their employee numbers with temporary hires to meet the seasonal demands. Due to this, employers are encouraged to be more cautious of the increased risk of injuries to their workers, particularly those who are young and less-experienced.

Author, Drew Garcia, Vice President of the Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

When it comes to measuring safety, most green industry (i.e., lawn, landscape, and tree care) businesses rely on OSHA rates, the experience modification, and, if you’re a Rancho Mesa customer, your Safety KPI Dashboard. This data is important; however, it only captures lagging information. Take your safety program to the next level by measuring predictive, preventive, and proactive - leading indicators.