What is Spoliation? Spoliation is the destruction of evidence, whether negligent or intentional, that should be preserved for a lawsuit. Depending on the jurisdiction, a spoliation claim may be brought as an independent cause of action or may be raised as the basis of a discovery dispute or seeking an adverse presumption against the [...]
Courts across the country have long held that the obligations of an owner or manager of a commercial property that is open to customers include a duty to ensure the customer’s safety, while they are on the premises. Similar duties exist in every state that require commercial vehicle owners to ensure those vehicles are maintained [...]
Not long ago, I saw a football player working out hard in a gym during the offseason. He was wearing a t-shirt that read, “Championships are won in the offseason.” I found the sentiment profound and surprisingly applicable to the defense of personal injury cases. Our cases are often won or lost before a lawsuit [...]
In many industries, submitting to a background check is a normal part of getting hired for a job. From working in a grocery store to driving freight trucks long distances on the road, many employers take steps to better understand the individuals they choose to employ. In some sectors, such as childcare and education, background [...]
Maintenance is key to preventing trip and falls on your property. Potholes, broken curbs, or uneven surfaces could cause someone to trip and fall. Something else to consider is making sure there is clear visual distinction between walking surfaces and any steps or change in elevation. An easy way to make sure your customers don’t [...]
It’s difficult to oversee day-to-day activities across all of your stores. It’s even more challenging to be physically on location managing critical claims, which require more time and money. The bottom line: customer and employee incidents can result in liabilities, hindering profit margins if measures are not in place to protect you from damages and [...]
In sports, rules are put in place to ensure the integrity of the game and to protect the players; however, sometimes players like to push the limits of the game and feel that unless enough physical contact takes place to result in an injury, it doesn’t really count. The short version of this concept is [...]
Restaurant and food service is one of the largest industries in the United States. As a business owner and manager in this industry, you face unique challenges ranging from hiring, training, and retaining employees; service quality; rising costs; and regulatory demands, to name a few. Additionally, workplace accidents can have a huge impact on your [...]
Workers’ Compensation Audit The workers' compensation audit is performed after the expiration of the policy period. Workers’ compensation audits may be performed by phone, mail, or in person. They are completed to verify that the payroll class codes quoted still accurately reflect the business operation during the policy period of coverage. Audits also ensure that [...]
Complete the form below to access the Expected Changes in the Workplace in 2021 Webinar. Fill out the form to watch the video
PACK-A-DRUM trash deflation systems could cut your waste hauling bills by 40-60% with No-Investment Needed. Pack-A-Drum users have saved over $96 Million in waste costs! If this solution can put a dollar more to your bottom line, would you give us a quarter? This PATENTED deflation and compaction waste volume reduction system: Improves employee safety [...]
SKECHERS launched in 1992 with a black utility boot for men, a style that became an icon of the grunge generation. In the years since, we've grown into a global footwear leader offering thousands of work, casual, fashion, and performance shoes for all ages – but we've remained true to our utility heritage, expanding our [...]
The EPLI Helpline is a great source for information related to the following and more related to COVID-19 Virus related incidents. FLSA and FMLA violations of the Families First law Violations of state COVID-19 laws Disability discrimination claims and medical record confidentiality breaches under the ADA Violations of the WARN Act Whistleblower retaliation against employees [...]
If your walk-in coolers and freezers are not kept clean and organized, your workers could be injured in a number of ways: slip and falls, trip and falls and lifting injuries, to name a few. All of these can cost you time and money if an employee is injured. Be sure to follow these best practices [...]
A safety survey can help save you money in future premiums by identifying unsafe conditions before an injury occurs. As an Owner/Operator, you are responsible for providing a safe environment for your customers and employees. Conducting your own restaurant safety surveys will allow you to cost-effectively identify problems and get them fixed before someone is [...]
Implementing these extra precautionary measures is another way employees can feel good about where they work, and customers can trust their favorite food/ beverage is being prepared by healthy crew members. This is one of the many ways everyone is doing its part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 at this critical time. — [...]
COVID-19 is a key focus on restaurant businesses, many employers are left wondering what more they can do to further protect their workers and customers. The websites below have the latest information specific to restaurants including posters and how to articles to protect yourself and your team from being exposed to or spreading the COVID-19 [...]
Establishing a safety and health program in your workplace is one of the most effective ways of protecting your most valuable asset: your workers and customers. Losing workers to injury or illness, even for a short time, can cause significant disruption and cost—to you as well as the workers and their families. It can also [...]
Every day, safety conversations take place between Owner/Operators and managers, between safety professionals and workers, and—most importantly—between front-line supervisors and the workers who report to them. These conversations have great potential for improving workplace safety and health. CLICK HERE to learn more about: Safety Conversations: The Basics Tips for Different Types of Safety Conversations The [...]
Safety can be so easy to forget, yet very painful to remember. As a former QSR risk manager I know the unpredictability of accidents can allow even the most safety conscious managers to let their guard down. Keeping safety equipment and first aid items in stock and available is a universal and ongoing challenge for [...]
As one of the largest employee information services in the country, InfoMart can screen & identify applicants with the greatest potential for future success. For nearly three decades, InfoMart has helped everyone from small businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises Get the Whole Story on their potential employees. With cutting-edge technology and tried-&-true background screening methods, [...]
Making smarter hiring decisions is easy, thanks to PeopleMatters' fully integrated Background Checks with LS Screening. Enable background check packages that are fully integrated to screen candidates efficiently and easily. Complete these steps to use Background Checks with LS Screening: Owner/Operator fills out the LS Screening Questionnaire here to sign up. Sign up agreement Link [...]
Slip resistant shoe covers are a great and inexpensive way to improve safety. In addition, you can also stay better staffed by having an alternative to sending an employee home who shows up to work without the required shoes. These also accommodate those with a medical requirement where the employee needs to wear a [...]
Your safety – we care about you Always wear a safety vest when you exit the building. For example: when bringing food out to customers, taking out trash, on a travel path, etc. Always look both ways and be careful when taking food to a customer Report any parking lot lights not working to management [...]
Don’t get burned! Always wear proper gloves, face shield, apron, etc. When cleaning cooking equipment Use extra caution around the grill, fryer, and when pouring coffee Keep the floor clean and dry around cooking equipment Be aware of yourself and others when in work areas and never run Click to download the free poster.
Slips and falls: our shoe policy! You are required to wear approved slip resistant shoes 100% of the time Proper slip resistant shoes keep you and others safe Owner/Operator special pricing is available; ask your manager for details Click to download the free poster.
Your safety – we care about you Always wear a safety vest when you exit the building. For example: when bringing food out to customers, taking out trash, on a travel path, etc. Always look both ways and be careful when taking food to a customer Report any parking lot lights not working to management [...]
Your safety – we care about you Dry wet floors immediately Lift safely – protect your back Use personal protective equipment to prevent injury Drive safely – no texting – stay focused on the road Report all unsafe conditions and broken equipment to a manager immediately so it can be properly disposed of Click to [...]
Back strains can easily be prevented: Get close to the object. Bend at your hips and knees. Lift smoothly and slowly, keeping the object close to your body. Keep the load between your knees and shoulders. Pivot with your feet instead of twisting your back. • Store heavy items on middle shelves to reduce lifting. [...]
Personal protective equipment (PPE) saves the day Use the right PPE for each job Slip resistant shoes Face–shield, apron, and gloves when cleaning fryers and grills Safety box cutter when opening boxes And more – ask your manager about the right PPE for the job Inspect and report any missing, old, or damaged items to management Be an example [...]
Preventing Beverage Burns Carefully and securely attach lid by pressing it firmly onto the cup and running your thumbs along the edge of the lid Take care to avoid splashing yourself or others Never pick up or hold the cup by the lid Ensure careful & proper hand-off to the customer Click to download the [...]
Preventing Slip And Falls Never walk past a spill stop Mark with wet floor cone, clean, and dry Be ready for rain and snow Use dry mops to clean up moisture tracked into the restaurant Keep sidewalks and parking lots free of ice and snow At a minimum, have enough wet floor signs out for all [...]
Background checks are relatively commonplace in many industries, but others don’t see the value. When debating whether to run checks, consider this: 69% of employers have made a bad hire. Of those, 41% reported that a bad hire had cost them $25,000 with nearly 25% reporting that a bad hire had cost them more [...]
When placing cameras, you want to eliminate any “blind spots” and also focus on covering areas that will provide value (i.e. high foot traffic versus bare walls).
When PRESSURE WASHING, be sure to ALWAYS DO THE FOLLOWING: Wear a bright colored Safety Vest – REQUIRED Mark off area with Safety Cone(s) to protect the employee – REQUIRED Watch for vehicles - REQUIRED Take breaks often – See the Pressure Washers Instruction Manual – REQUIRED Pressure wash during slow times. If you are [...]
Proper approved Slip resistant shoes are a must in any store and as a manager you must enforce usage – no exceptions, regardless of how good the floor cleaning techniques are Shoes are the best way to reduce slips. One may never know when there will be a spill, or oil on the floor that [...]
Personal protective equipment plays a key role in safety. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can aid in preventing injuries to the hands, arms, body, and even the face and eyes. Depending on the job, PPE can be utilized to prevent slip/falls, eye injuries, burns, being hit by a vehicle, cuts, and contact with chemicals. The priority [...]
Every day, your restaurants should be using Wet Floor Signs to warn customers of wet areas from mopping, spills, washing of hands in bathroom, or outside water that may be tracked into the lobby due to rain or snow. The improper use or lack of wet floor signs can create more danger than the hazard [...]
Winter Maintenance to Prevent Potential Hazards Winter months in cold climates can present special hazards for your customers and crew members. Take precautions to prevent potentially hazardous conditions or address those that develop. Building Exterior Maintenance In winter months, it is especially important to maintain the exterior of your restaurant when the cold and [...]
Every camera has a job just like your employees. Click on the link below to view best camera placement locations throughout your store.
“I Am Fine” – What to do if someone refuses treatment?Each of your stores should have a set of procedures in place for when an employee injures themselves on the job. The manager should know they are responsible for handling the situation so that the employee is treated quickly and effectively so that they are [...]
https://vimeo.com/388713186 CLICK HERE to register and complete the training.
We hear employers all the time saying, "I think the claim is fraud", "I don't agree with the insurance adjuster", "It was just bad luck", etc. As a first step, the following should always be researched for insight: 1.) What did the video footage reveal? Was video 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after saved? Was [...]
Here are some key safety responsibilities that you can leverage or post for crew and management
The US has now approved the Rapid Mop System from SYR (pictured below). This product is designed to provide quick and efficient floor cleaning when traditional mopping is not applicable – maybe for spot cleaning, etc. Contact SYR for more information.
STOP YOUR PROFITS FROM SLIPPING AWAY! SETUP A SHOES FOR CREWS ACCOUNT TODAY Opening a Shoes For Crews Safety Footwear Program saves your company money and increases productivity. By opening a Shoes For Crews Corporate Account, your employees can take advantage of exclusive McDonald’s pricing and your company qualifies for the $15,000 McDonald’s Slip [...]
A loose toilet seat can cause injuries to both customers and employees. Toilet seats should be checked daily to ensure they are secure and fastened.
The importance of a color coordinated cleaning and safety system
Improperly cleaning or not replacing mop heads can create dangers
Bent and loose drain grates are often visible, but many times they are left unrepaired or not appropriately replaced. In those cases, employees or customers can trip or fall and be seriously injured. Here are some helpful ways to stay on alert and prevent this from happening in your store.
Effective training which is fun and impacts everyone behavior is key.
Dealing with unruly customers is a difficult task, but one that has to be managed properly through employee training.
Preventing and reducing struck by motor vehicle accident is fairly easy, as long as you enforce these simple steps
It is important that maintenance employee's have the proper shoes for the job. We describe the key elements here.
Security is important in preventing serious injuries and loss of profits. Ensure you are at least following these basics.
Eye injuries can occur anywhere, but read this article to learn about common situations and solutions.
This very inexpensive product can save lives, fingers, legs, etc. Protect your crew and your profits by enforcing the use of proper safer equipment.
Dry Floors- Keep floors dryer and safer with this new low cost solution
Intelligent vaults allow funds to be electronically credited to the owner/operators bank account as soon as cash is deposited into the stores depository safe.
Your restaurant floors can be a liability, if they’re not cleaned properly. Slips and falls rank among the top injuries to customers and employees at restaurants. They’re a danger (and a cost!) that can easily be prevented with the proper floor care tools and techniques. There are two main elements to getting a floor cleaned [...]
Hand protection is an important element of employee safety. Not only is hand protection a good safety precaution, it’s a requirement.
In prior winters, the most costly Owner/Operator claims occurred from employees slipping and falling on snow and ice in the parking lot. Learn how to prevent issues for your employee's and customers.
As you know, insurance is not a commodity and the price you pay is determined by you and your peers. What are you doing to minimize your claims?
Ice Transport Strains continue to be one of the most frequent and costly injury types for crew members across the country. Prevention is easy...
Height: Selecting the right ladder height may not be as simple as you think. There can be quite a difference between the actual measured height of a ladder and its usable length. With step ladders you should never stand on the top two rungs for safety reasons. Extension and straight ladders require that you stay [...]
Safety video on the importance of a driver safety policy. Also includes references to where a free, example policy can be downloaded.
Motor vehicle accidents can be very costly for your company. Even when the vehicle is not company owned, damages caused can still be extended to the Owner/Operator's company. It is up to the leadership team to ensure only the safest people are driving and guide them on proper driving.
You are required to make sure safe practices are part of your everyday operations which involves promoting a culture which values an enthusiastic and safety-conscious workplace. In this video, learn some simple ways to get more involved in upgrade your safety culture, to prevent injuries and improve the bottom line.
Video on the effective use of posters to prevent injuries. Includes proper placement, near the actual hazard, and in areas employees frequent.
Article explaining why dirty mop bucket water will not clean your floor effectively. Also provides an approved alternative to mopping.
Video on the importance of cameras in preventing fraud and crime at your stores. Also discusses placement, and use as an accident investigation tool.
Video outlining proper use of ladders, to include both portable and fixed ladders.
Easy for to use to make sure that your employee claims are investigated, tracked, and filed the right way, every time. Proper claims management can greatly reduce potential for litigation, and also prevent like injuries from happening again.
Profit Sheets outline the top 10 major cost drivers for Owner/Operators in regard to employee injuries. In this sheet, causes of motor vehicle accidents, ways to reduce cost and exposures, and trainng materials are discussed.
Profit Sheets outline the top 10 major cost drivers for Owner/Operators in regard to employee injuries. Trips and falls are different from slips, as trips normally occur due to housekeeping issues, or general maintenance. This sheet outlines causes, solutions, and includes links to training materials.
Profit Sheets outline the top 10 major cost drivers for Owner/Operators in regard to employee injuries. Strains and lifting injuries have surpassed slips and falls as the number 1 injury type in some areas of the country. This sheet outlines the causes, solutions, and includes training links.
Article discussing the crucial importance of managerial accountability. Includes information on inspections, documentation, investigations, and other timely techniques.
Article looks at trips and falls, opposed to slips and falls. Lists primary causes, as learned through a review of claims at Owner/Operator restaurants nation wide, as well as ways to reduce exposure to your employees.
Review of vehicle safety issues, where you may be exposed, and a large selection of resources to assist in minimizing your exposure.
Article on the importance of hiring the right people, as well as a large selection of resources to assist in hiring good employees. Includes information on approved background check vendors, plus state specific information.
Article injury and illness exposures to Hand Held Order Takers (HHOT), and ways to ensure that they stay safe while outside.
Article outlining the 7 Day Rule in regards to Worker's Compensation costs. In addition to various laws regarding reporting of injuries, returning employees to work after an injury, within 7 days, can reduce the hit to your insurance premiums.
Article discussing burn injuries - one of the most costly and common injuries at McDonalds. Also reviews ways to prevent burns. In addition to burns by hot surfaces and hot liquids, chemical and electrical burns are also discussed.
Article on the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and where PPE is most important. Also discusses ways to ensure employees wear proper PPE when required.
Program to assist in identifying light duty jobs for employees, after they are injured. Includes a list of jobs for virtually all types of doctor's restrictions.
Ways to recognize fraud, and how to report to your insurance company so they can investigate the claim properly.
Article on how Worker's Compensation claims, or lack thereof, can cause your premiums to increase or decrease. Shows the direct costs associated with increased Worker's Compensation premiums.
Article on the importance of return to work, how it promotes faster healing, reduced litigation, and lower insurance costs.
Review of methods to reduce back injuries and strains. Note - strains are now one of the top injury cost drivers at Owner/Operator stores across the country.
Ways to recognize the various types of Worker's Compensation fraud, and methods of prevention.
Short, step by step process to ensure floors and clean and dry, and other methods to reduce slips and falls at your stores. Note - slips and falls continue to be one of the most costly and common injury cost drivers.