Uncategorized

Homeowners insurance rates are expected to continue their upward trend in 2026. In many cases, even policyholders who have not altered their coverage or filed a claim might face increased costs. Fortunately, there are ways to potentially avoid or at least minimize rising rates:

1. Keep options open. While it may seem convenient to select the first available policy, homeowners should be diligent when shopping for coverage. Working with a broker to explore options available through a variety of carriers may help consumers find personalized policy while enjoying optimal cost efficiency.
2. Consider policy adjustments. Adjusting the details of a policy might help reduce premiums. For example, a higher deductible typically results in lower monthly rates. Additionally, identifying unnecessary endorsements or features might help policyholders avoid paying for coverage they don’t need.
3. Identify discount possibilities. Bundling is a common and valuable savings opportunity, as many insurers offer reduces rates to policyholders who purchase multiple policies, such as home and auto. Discounts may also be available for those who have remained with the same insurer for at least 3 to 5 years.
4. Fortify properties. Structural damage and tangible losses can incur expensive claims. Reinforcing the physical aspects of homes, such as upgrading to a steel roof, installing storm shutters or modernizing plumbing, can help lower perceived risk levels and earn savings. Security upgrades, such as burglar alarms and smart smoke detectors, can also help garner favorable rates.
5. Consider credit scores. In most states, carriers use credit-based insurance scores when calculating premiums. As such, homeowners who avoid being late on payments, diversify their portfolio and limit balances may be eligible for more affordable premiums.

Enlisting the help of knowledgeable, experienced and trusted insurance professional can make all the difference. Contact our team today to discuss home insurance options and ensure appropriate coverage at ideal rates.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.

Illinois Agencies Partner With One of the Midwest’s Leading Independent Insurance Organizations

Carlinville, IL – January 19, 2026 – Dimond Bros. Insurance is pleased to announce that Guthrie-Wynn Insurance Agency and Wagner Insurance Group has officially joined the Dimond Bros. family as of January 19, 2026. This relationship represents a blending of long-standing agency legacies and a shared commitment to serving communities with integrity, professionalism, and care.

A Legacy of Service

Guthrie-Wynn Insurance traces its roots back to 1957, when John Guthrie founded Guthrie Insurance in Carlinville, Illinois. A World War II pilot and respected community leader, John built the agency on trust, service, and strong local relationships, values that continue to define the organization today.

In 1967, John’s son Michael Guthrie joined the agency, continuing the family tradition. Michael became a partner in 1978 and assumed sole ownership in 1990, expanding the agency’s reach while maintaining its personalized approach to client service.

A new chapter began in 2002 when Michael Guthrie partnered with John Wynn to form Guthrie-Wynn Insurance Agency, Inc. The agency celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007 with a community-wide event, highlighting its deep roots in Carlinville and dedication to the people it serves.

In 2012, John Wynn became the sole owners of Guthrie-Wynn. Just a year later, he guided the agency into a new era of growth by acquiring Wagner Insurance Group. A second location in Carlinville broadened their ability to serve clients across the region.

Looking Ahead

Wynn joins the Dimond Bros. team serving as a Sales Executive. In addition, Tammy Voyles (with the agency since 1998) and Amanda McCoig (2024) will be serving as Account Executives at the Dimond Bros. Carlinville Office located at 505 N. Broad St.

This relationship allows Guthrie-Wynn Insurance Agency and Wagner Insurance Group to maintain their strong local presence while gaining access to expanded resources, technology, and carrier relationships through Dimond Bros. Insurance.

About Dimond Bros. Insurance

Founded in 1867 and headquartered in Paris, Illinois, Dimond Bros. Insurance is one of the Midwest’s leading independent insurance organizations. With more than 40 locations across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and South Carolina, Dimond Bros. provides insurance solutions and risk management solutions for individuals, businesses, and communities, while remaining committed to local relationships and trusted service.

Dimond Bros. is proud to welcome Guthrie-Wynn Insurance Agency and Wagner Insurance Group to the Dimond Bros. family and looks forward to the strength this relationship brings as we continue serving clients with enhanced support and expertise.

Running a business comes with significant risk. Everyday interactions, such as serving customers, visiting clients or running marketing campaigns, can expose businesses to potential liability. A customer could slip on a wet floor, a contractor could accidentally damage a client’s property, or a marketing campaign could unintentionally harm the reputation of a competitor. Just one single liability incident can trigger an expensive lawsuit and have far-reaching consequences. Beyond potential settlement costs, legal defense costs – even if claims are found to be baseless – can quickly escalate into tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Furthermore, litigation can disrupt operations and undermine customer and stakeholder trust.

Fortunately, commercial general liability (CGL) insurance can financially protect businesses against certain third-party claims arising from routine interactions, including bodily injuries, property damage and advertising-related injuries, such as libel or slander. As a result, this coverage helps safeguard business assets and strengthens resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.

This article discusses what CGL insurance does and doesn’t cover, as well as how this policy supports overall risk management.

What Is CGL Insurance?

CGL insurance provides coverage for legal defense costs, settlements and judgments when covered third-party claims arise. Many policies also include a separate medical payments coverage that can pay certain medical expenses for injured third parties – regardless of fault – helping to resolve incidents early and reduce the risk of lawsuits.

It’s worth noting that a CGL insurer typically has a duty to defend suits alleging damages that may be covered under the policy, even if the insured is ultimately found to have no legal obligation to pay those damages. This is important since defending claims can be costly, even when allegations lack merit.

A CGL policy’s core coverage typically includes the following:

• Bodily injury – Coverage for claims alleging physical harm to a third-party caused by conditions on the premises or through business operations (e.g., a customer slips and falls in a store.)
• Property damage – Coverage for claims alleging damage to a third-party’s property resulting from business operations, completed work or a product the business had made, sold or distributed (e.g., a contractor’s work accidentally breaks a water pipe in a client’s home, causing damage).
• Personal/advertising injury – Coverage for claims alleging libel, slander, defamation, invasion of privacy or copyright infringement (e.g., a competitor alleges that a company’s advertisement misuses their copyrighted material).

Coverage terms vary, but bodily injury and property damage coverage may apply to incidents occurring during operations, as well as claims related to completed work or products.

What CGL Insurance Does Not Cover

While CGL insurance provides broad coverage, it doesn’t cover all possible claim scenarios. For instance, injuries to employees are typically covered by workers’ compensation insurance, damage to a business’s own equipment or property is covered by commercial property insurance and accidents involving business vehicles are covered by commercial auto insurance. Moreover, although CGL insurance covers nonprofessional negligent acts that result bodily injury or property damage, it does not cover mistakes or errors in professional advice given to customers (e.g., a consultant providing flawed advice that results in financial loss) – this type of risk is typically addressed by errors and omissions insurance. CGL insurance also typically won’t cover claims resulting from expected or intended injury, criminal acts, or other forms of intentional wrongdoing.

Additionally, CGL insurance can’t pay for covered claims that exceed the policy’s limits. CGL policies have a per-occurrence limit (the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a single covered claim) and an aggregate limit (the maximum amount the insurer will pay for all claims within the policy period – typically 12 months). Should either of these limits be exhausted, the business will be responsible for paying any remaining costs out of pocket. Commercial umbrella insurance can increase liability limits for businesses with high exposure to liability risks.

The Risk and Cost of Not Having CGL Insurance

Frequent customer interactions, coupled with today’s litigious climate, can leave businesses vulnerable to liability claims, and lawsuits can arise even when a company has done nothing wrong. Without CGL insurance, the financial burden of such claims can drain cash reserves and halt business operations. Legal disputes can escalate quickly, and the cost of defense, settlements, medical expenses and property damage can far exceed what an uninsured company can afford. Ultimately, businesses without CGL insurance – or with insufficient limits – risk insolvency or permanent closure in the event of a single large claim.

Many leases, contracts and vendor agreements require CGL insurance as a condition of doing business. Therefore, companies without CGL insurance may struggle to comply with contractual obligations, thereby hindering business opportunities.

How CGL Insurance Fits Into Overall Risk Management

CGL acts at the “first line of defense” against common risks such as bodily injury and property damage. However, CGL alone may be insufficient for businesses with large-scale operations or high-risk exposures. In such cases, commercial umbrella insurance or excess liability coverage can provide additional coverage beyond the limits of a CGL policy.

Businesses must also pay close attention to contractual obligations. Business contracts may specify minimum liability limits or require specific endorsements. understanding how CGL interacts with other policies and contractual requirements is an essential part of overall risk management.

Practical Steps for Business Owners

Businesses should consider the following risk mitigation tips:

• Map out risk exposure. Organizations should assess potential liability claims, considering factors such as customer interactions, advertising practices, and premises and operational hazards, to select appropriate coverage limits and avoid gaps in protection.
• Review business contracts. Organizations should examine the insurance requirements and liability clauses of leases, vendor agreements, and client contracts to ensure that CGL coverage meets contractual obligations and determine whether additional protection (e.g., commercial umbrella) is required.
• Work with a reputable insurance agent or broker. Organizations should collaborate with an experienced insurance professional to evaluate liability exposures, select appropriate CGL limits and identify any additional policies (e.g., commercial property, professional liability, or umbrella coverage) needed for comprehensive protection.
• Periodically reassess coverage needs. Organizations should regularly review their coverage requirements as the business evolves to account for changes in operations, customer footfall and services that may increase liability risks and necessitate higher limits or additional endorsements.

Conclusion

Situations where companies may be held responsible for harm to customers, clients or guests can arise in any sector, even when strong precautions are in place. CGL insurance is a critical financial baseline for many businesses, helping to manage everyday risks and prevent potentially ruinous financial losses. Combined with other insurance and risk management practices, CGL insurance allows businesses to focus on growth – not unforeseen liabilities.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the commercial insurance industry, offering brokers new ways to enhance efficiency, improve client outcomes, and stay competitive in a data-driven marketplace. While AI may seem like a buzzword, its real-word applications are already delivering measurable results across underwriting, claims, risk management, and customer engagement.

This guide explores five ways AI is changing commercial insurance and the key benefits that AI offers brokers.

From Reactive to Proactive: The AI Shift in Insurance

Historically, commercial insurance has been reactive. Brokers and carriers responded to claims after they occurred, adjusted premiums based on past losses, and relied heavily on manual processes to assess risk. AI changes this paradigm by enabling real-time data analysis, predictive modeling, and automated decision-making. AI systems can ingest and analyze data from loT devices, telematics, social media, public records, and internal systems to identify patterns and forecast future risks. This shift allows brokers to move from being transactional intermediaries to strategic advisors who help clients prevent losses before they happen. For example, AI can detect early signs of equipment failure in a manufacturing facility or flag compliance risks in a logistics operation. Examples like these brokers the opportunity to recommend coverage adjustments or risk mitigation strategies proactively.

Underwriting Precision and Speed

Underwriting is one of the most data-intensive processes in commercial insurance. Traditionally, it involves reviewing application, loss histories, financial statement, and industry-specific exposures. In many cases these processes were manual. AI streamlines this process by using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) to extract insights from documents and assess risk profiles.

AI models can evaluate thousands of data points, including historical claims, industry benchmarks, and even macroeconomic trends, to generate more accurate pricing and coverage recommendations. This not only improves underwriting quality but also reduces turnaround time.

For brokers, this means faster quote delivery, which improves client satisfaction and increases the likelihood of blinding coverage. Automated risk scoring help prioritize high-value opportunities, while enhanced accuracy reduces the risk of underpricing or overexposure. Ultimately, brokers gain time back to focus on relationship-building and strategic advising.

Claim Automations and Fraud Detection

Claims processing is often a pain point for both brokers and clients. Delays, disputes, and manual reviews can erode trust and increase costs. AI addresses these challenges by automating key steps in the claims lifecycle – from first notice of loss (FNOL) to settlement.

AI-powered systems can extract relevant data from photos, videos, and documents, triage claims based on severity and complexity, detect anomalies that may indicate fraud, and recommend settlement amounts based on historical data and policy terms.

This leads to faster claims resolution, enhancing client loyalty and retention. Fraud detection algorithms protect carriers and clients from unnecessary losses, while real-time updates keep brokers informed and able to manage client expectations. With fewer bottlenecks, brokers can spend more time advocating for clients during critical moments.

Risk Assessment and Loss Prevention

One of AI’s most transformative capabilities is its ability to predict and prevent losses. By analyzing data from sensors, maintenance logs, weather patterns, and operational workflows, AI can identify emerging risks before they result in claims.

For example, AI can alert a construction firm to unsafe working conditions based on real-time site data, or notify a fleet manager of driver behavior that increases accident risk.

Proactive risk insights allow brokers to recommend tailored coverage and safety measures. These data-driven consultations position brokers as trusted advisors, not just policy sellers. And by helping clients reduce claims frequency, brokers contribute to lower premiums and stronger carrier relationships.

Policy Management and Compliance

Managing commercial policies – especially for large accounts – can be complex and time-consuming. AI tools and automated policy checkers simplify this process by reviewing policy documents, endorsements, and certificates for accuracy and compliance.

AI can also monitor regulatory changes and flag potential gaps in coverage or documentation, helping brokers stay ahead of evolving requirements.

Automated policy reviews reduce errors and E&O exposures, while streamlined renewals free up time for strategic client engagement. Voice-enabled interfaces improve accessibility and productivity for service teams, allowing brokers to manage more account without sacrificing quality.

Client Engagement and Personalization

Today’s clients expect personalized, responsive service. AI helps brokers meet these expectations through chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative AI tools that deliver tailored communications and support.

AI can analyze client behavior, preferences, and coverage history to recommend relevant products, anticipate renewal needs, and even generate customized marketing content.

This leads to 24/7 support availability, improved responsiveness, and personalized outreach that increases engagement and conversion rates. With deeper client insights, brokers can anticipate needs and deliver a more human experience – ironically – by automating the routine and focusing on what matter most: connection and trust.

The Benefits of AI for Insurance Brokers

While AI is transforming many aspects of commercial insurance, its most profound impact may be on the brokers themselves. By integrating AI into their daily workflows, brokers can unlock a range of benefits that improve efficiency, deepen clients relationships, and drive business growth.

One of the most immediate advantages is time savings. AI automates repetitive tasks such as data entry, policy checking, claims tracking, and document review. This allows brokers to spend less time on administrative work and more time on strategic activities like client consultations and business development.

AI also improves accuracy and reduces errors. Manual processes are prone to mistakes, especially when dealing with complex commercial policies. AI systems analyze documents with precision, ensuring that coverage terms, endorsements, and exclusions are correctly applies and communicated – lowering E&O exposure and enhancing compliance.

In terms of client service, AI enables brokers to deliver faster, more personalized support. Chatbots and virtual assistants handle routine inquiries 24/7, while predictive analytics help brokers anticipate client needs and proactively offer solutions. This responsiveness strengthens relationships and boosts retention.

AI empowers brokers with data-driven decision-making. Whether it’s identifying emerging risks, benchmarking coverage options, or analyzing market trends, brokers can make informed recommendations that position them as strategic advisors.

Finally, AI supports scalability and growth. As brokers grow their books of business, managing a larger volume of clients and policies becomes challenging. AI helps scale operations without sacrificing quality by automating key processes and providing intelligent support – enabling sustainable growth and improved profitability.

Looking Ahead

The commercial insurance industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and AI is at the heart of it. For brokers, this is a moment of opportunity. By leveraging AI to improve underwriting, streamline claims, assess risk, and engage clients, brokers can evolve from intermediaries to indispensable partners.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.

Farms, like most workplaces, face unexpected emergencies and disasters, which can be natural or man-made. To help lessen the impact of these events, employers and supervisors should develop and exercise emergency action plans (EAPs), which prepare workers for emergencies and disasters before they occur.

What is an Emergency Action Plan?

An EAP identifies and organizes employer and worker responsibilities in preparation for and when responding to a workplace emergency or disaster. Having a plan with the employer’s support and commitment and workers’ participation is key to an orderly evacuation and quick response. Developing and implementing an EAP can lessen confusion, decrease injuries and limit destruction of property during and after a disaster or other emergency.

Agricultural Emergencies

Agricultural emergencies can generally be grouped into two categories, natural and man-made, with several different types of incidents falling into each category.

The employer should make workers aware of the potential man-made and natural workplace emergency situations that could have an impact on the farm. Natural and man-made disasters may include many of the following:

Natural:

• Tornadoes
• Hurricanes
• Wildfires
• Floods
• Severe winter storms
• Severe dust storms
• Lightning strikes
• Earthquakes

Man-made:

• Wildfires
• Chemical releases or spills
• Explosions or fires
• Animal handling incidents
• Grain entrapments
• Power failures
• Rotating and moving equipment incidents (e.g., power take-off shafts, screw conveyors/augers)
• Amputations
• Vehicle incidents (e.g., turnovers, rollovers)
• Workplace violence
• Accidental poisoning

How to Prepare and Emergency Action Plan

A well-documented EAP should ensure that emergency response procedures are established for the period of time before, during and after an emergency. The plan should be broad enough to address all types of emergencies or disasters that could possibly occur on the farm.

For smaller organizations, the EAP does not need to be written and may be communicated orally. Nevertheless, it is always a good practice to have a written EAP. The best EAPs are customized for your specific farm operations and require time, thought and planning.

Include workers and family members in the emergency preparedness planning process to help identify emergency or disaster situations that can impact the farm. The EAP should be revised once shortcomings have become known, and the plan should be reviewed at least annually. The employer should review the EAP with each workers when the following occurs:

• A new worker is hired
• The plan is developed
• The worker’s workplace responsibilities or designated actions under the plan change

Minimum Requirements

At a minimum, the EAP should include the following:

• Emergency escape procedures and routes
• Procedures to account for workers
• Procedures for workers who remain on-site after the alarm sounds
• Duties for workers designated to perform rescue and medical functions
• The preferred mean for reporting emergencies
• Contact(s) for further information or explanation of duties under the plan
• Possible emergency events, incidents, and life-threatening situations
• Emergency escape routes, shelter-in-place locations and rally points
• Floor plans and workplace maps
• A chain of command to prevent confusion and to coordinate work
• Emergency communication equipment, such as two-way radios or a public address system for notifying workers and first responders
• Special equipment needed for emergencies and disaster response
• Workers’ emergency phone numbers and contacts
• Farm inventory that includes the location of livestock, electrical shut-off locations, buildings and structures, and farm machinery/equipment makes and model numbers
• Needed supplies, such as sandbags, fire extinguishers, gas-powered generators and hand tools
• If needed, the location of primary and secondary areas to relocate farm assets and workers
• The location of buildings in the vicinity that can be used as a command post or logistical assistance area

Pre-planning with First Responders

Implementing and exercising an EAP should involve working with your local first responders or fire departments. Invite them to walk your farm to gather and record important information that could be critical for making life-saving decisions during an incident, such as grain bin entrapments, fire or natural disaster. Pre-planning allows first responders to become familiar with the following:

• Farm’s physical layout, including buildings and other structures (e.g., grain bins)
• Hazardous chemicals (e.g., pesticides, anhydrous ammonia) and equipment (e.g., augers)
• Locations where employees would be if an emergency occurred
• Important contacts, including daytime and nighttime contact information
• How utilities (e.g., electric, gas, and water) can be controlled
• Evacuation plans and security
• Emergency first responder limitations

Training

Worker training may vary from operation to operation. Some employers set up formal classroom-style training for workers, and other work one-on-one with workers. If workers are expected to perform adequately in an emergency, provisions must be made for the training of both individuals and teams.

Regardless of the training approach, worker training is an important part of a good emergency preparedness plan. Training should be conducted periodically or as needed to maintain workplace preparedness. In addition, both instruction and training materials should be provided to workers in a language that they can understand, because some workers may not speak English.

Workers should be trained in the following areas:

• Evacuation plans
• Alarm systems
• Reporting procedures for personnel
• Shutdown procedures
• Types of potential emergencies
• Farm exercises and drills

Farm Exercises and Drills

Unless the plan is tested, it is difficult to predict all of the problems that may happen. Exercises and drills are excellent tools to minimize these potential problems. Nevertheless, exercises and drills should be conducted annually or as needed to practice all or critical portions (such as evacuation) of the EAP.

After each drill, exercise of emergency incident, a meeting or review should be held to evaluate what happened, why it happened and how it can be done better by the employer and workers in the future. Furthermore, post exercise and drill meetings or reviews will identify areas that require improvements.

Medical Service and First Aid

At least one person, in the absence of an infirmary, clinic or hospital in near proximity to the workplace, should be adequately trained to render first aid. It is also essential that basic first-aid supplies are available. Emergency phone numbers should be posted in visible places, inside farm vehicles and on telephones.

Workplace Emergency Response Team

A farm’s most valuable asset during the first few minutes of an emergency is a well-trained and disciplines emergency response team. A farm emergency response may be provided by an outside organization, such as the fire departments, or in some cases by the farm’s internal emergency response team. Workers who are members of the emergency response team should be thoroughly trained and physically capable of performing emergency response duties and responsibilities. They should also be knowledgeable about the hazards found on the farm.

Team members should know when to take actions themselves and when to wait for outside assistance if an emergency or disaster is too large to handle.

One or more members on the team should be trained on the following:

• How and when to use various types of fire extinguishers
• First aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Shutdown procedures
• Chemical spill control procedures
• Emergency rescue procedures

Contractors

Employers should alert contractors about the hazards found in the workplace, particularly regarding the work they are to perform. In an emergency situation, contractors should be able to take appropriate action as part of the EAP.

• Workers’ Rights
• Workers have the right to do the following:
• Work in conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm

Receive information and training (in a language and vocabulary the worker understands) about workplace hazards, methods to prevent them and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.

Review the records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities confidential.

Exercise their rights under the law without retaliation, including reporting an injury or raising health and safety concerns with their employer or OSHA. If a worker has been retaliated against for using their rights, they must file a complaint with OSHA as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.

The proportion of remote workers surged the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, some employees have gradually returned to the office, but a considerable share either continue to work from home full-time or utilize hybrid arrangements.

Over the years, this trend has posed new occupational safety challenges, making it more difficult for employers to monito remote employees’ working habits and ensure they implement proper ergonomics. This, in turn, can lead to various occupational injuries and complex workers’ compensation claims.

In light of these developments, it’s important for employers to understand the safety risks posed by remote operations. They should also implement proper precautions to protect employees who work from home and prevent potential accidents and workers’ compensation claims. This article provides more information on common occupational injuries stemming from remote work and offers related mitigation strategies.

Common Remote Work Injuries

Due to their constant digital access to job assignments and materials, remote employees may be more likely to take on larger workloads and longer, nontraditional schedules. This could make them more vulnerable to digital eyestrain from extended screen time and increase the risk of occupational stress, fatigue and burnout, posing significant safety concerns and workers’ compensation exposures.

Additionally, remote employees are often less inclined to utilize adequate workstations, sitting in unsupportive chairs or on the couch for most of their shifts. Such nonergonomic setups can cause these employees to hold uncomfortable postures for long periods, contributing to musculoskeletal problems and associated workers’ compensation claims. According to a recent study, 41% of U.S. employees who recently switched from traditional work setups to remote arrangements reported experiencing new or increased shoulder, back, and wrist pain.

Remote employees’ workstations may also become cluttered due to space constraints, poor equipment storage practices and differing cleanliness standards between home and the office. In some cases, if such clutter impacts walking surfaces, this may create additional safety hazards and workers’ compensation concerns. For example, loose cables and rugs could leave remote employees more susceptible to slips, trips, and falls.

Considering these exposures, here are some of the most prevalent occupational injuries that may arise from remote work:

• Back and neck sprains and strains
• Repetitive motion injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendinitis)
• Stress fractures and broken bones, especially those affecting the arms and legs
• Chronic headaches and vision problems

Mitigation Strategies

Employers must develop comprehensive remote work policies that outline effective occupational safety measures to protect employees who work from home and help them avoid potential injuries and workers’ compensation claims. These measures may include:

• Requiring employees to follow traditional schedules (e.g., 9 am to 5 pm) or establishing maximum daily working hours (e.g., up to 10 hours per day)
• Training staff on ergonomics best practices, such as the following:
  • Maintaining proper posture
  • Placing frequently used items nearby to avoid overreaching
  • Alternating between sitting and standing throughout the workday
  • Rotating between different job tasks or assignments to avoid using the same muscle groups for prolonged periods
  • Taking scheduled breaks to stretch and spend time aware from the screen
• Providing guidelines for appropriate workstations, including a supportive chair, a desk with sturdy legs and a flat surface, monitors placed at eye level, and a keyboard setup that permits relaxed shoulder and wrist positioning.
• Setting clear expectations for workstation tidiness by enforcing routine cleaning schedules and trash removal, safe equipment storage practices, and sufficient documents organization protocols.

Employers should also consider allocating a percentage of their occupational safety program funding toward remote employees’ workstations, if possible. In some municipalities, this may even be required by law. Employers should consult legal counsel to determine their specific compliance needs.

Conclusion

Although remote work can benefits employers and their staff, it poses certain occupational safety risks. Neglecting to address these risks can prompt serious accidents and associated workers’ compensation claims. By understanding common injuries stemming from remote work and taking steps to prevent them, employers can ensure smooth operations and foster a culture of safety.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.