The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company Revised 2018 WINTER › assets › BeaconWinter... · The National Weather Service issues outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories for all winter

WINTER PLANNING GUIDE

The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company

Your Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Experts.

Revised 2018

www.beaconmutual.com


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This material is being provided to you as a service of The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company for informational purposes only

and is not intended, nor shall it be relied upon, as a comprehensive statement of all possible work-related hazards to your

employees or of the federal, state or local laws as which may be applicable to your business. It is your responsibility to develop

and implement your loss prevention policies. You should direct questions concerning specific situations to informed

and appropriate advisors.

INTRODUCTION 3 How Winter Storms Form 3 Stay Informed 4 Keep Ahead of the Storm 4 What to Listen For 4PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR WINTER WEATHER 5 Plan Ahead 5 Emergency Preparedness Review 5 Anticipation 6 Preparation 6 Supplies 6 Power Outages and Storm Surges 6 Emergency Preparedness Plan 6 Future Preparation 7 Winter Weather Injuries 7 Motor Vehicle Accidents 7 Planning to Drive in Snow and Ice 8 Slips and Falls 9 Winterization Checklist 9 Injuries Due to Wind & Cold 10AFTER THE STORM 12 Controlling Workers' Comp Risks During Storm Recovery Efforts 12 Snow Shoveling 12 Snow Blowers 13 Safe Operation of Snow Blowers 13 Operation of Heavy Snow Removal Equipment 14 Info for Workers 15 Info for Policyholders 15Acknowledgements 16


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INTRODUCTIONRhode Island is no stranger to extreme winter weather conditions. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to Nor’easters, capable of producing blizzards with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

One of the primary concerns is winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your business, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.

The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to a storm. People die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

This preparedness guide explains the dangers of winter weather and suggests life-saving action you can take. With this information, you can recognize winter weather threats, develop an action plan to protect your employees and be ready when severe winter weather threatens your business.

How Winter Storms FormThere are many ways for winter storms to form; however, all have three key components.

COLD AIR: For snow and ice to form, the temperature must be below freezing in the clouds and near the ground.

MOISTURE: Water evaporating from bodies of water, such as a large lake or the ocean, is an excellent source of moisture.

LIFT: Lift causes moisture to rise and form clouds and precipitation. An example of lift is warm air colliding with cold air and being forced to rise. Another example of lift is air

flowing up a mountain side.

https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2017-11-06-extreme-winter-weather-patterns-united-states


https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2017-11-06-extreme-winter-weather-patterns-united-states

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Stay InformedKeep Ahead of the Storm

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio and television for the latest winter storm warnings, watches and advisories from the National Weather Service.

What to Listen For

The National Weather Service issues outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories for all winter weather hazards. Here’s what they mean and what to do. Use the information below to make an informed decision on your risk and what actions should be taken.

The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios, which are sold in many stores. The average range is 40 miles, depending on topography. Purchase a radio that has a battery back-up and a Specific Area Message Encoder feature, which automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued for your county.

OUTLOOK: "Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2-5 days. Stay tuned for updates."

WATCH: "Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36-48 hours. Prepare now!"

WARNING: "Life-threatening severe winter weather conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Act now!"

ADVISORY: "Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If you are cautious, these situations should not be life-threatening."

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify snowfall rates.

BLIZZARD: Winds of 35 mph or more with snow and blowing snow reducing visibility to less than ¼ mile for 3 hours or more.

BLOWING SNOW: Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility. Blowing snow may be falling snow and/or snow on the ground picked up by the wind.

SNOW SQUALLS: Brief, intense snow showersaccompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant.

SNOW SHOWERS: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.

SNOW FLURRIES: Light snow falling for short durations with little or no accumulation


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PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR WINTER WEATHERAs an employer, it is your responsibility to take steps to protect your employees and your business. Heavy accumulations of ice and snow can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers. Ice can disrupt communications and power for days while utility companies repair extensive damage. Even small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces. Snow and ice are a threat to your business and your employees.

Plan AheadDetermine your greatest risk potential. It might come from loss of heat, frozen pipes (which can burst, causing water damage), or loss of access caused by icy conditions. What would happen if you had to shut down your business for several days? Look at your building and assess the property damage risks. If you do this early enough, you’ll have time to make structural upgrades that can prevent possible future storm, wind, or water damage.

Calculate the cost of business interruptions for one week, one month and six months. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able investigate insurance options or build a cash reserve that will allow your company to function during the post-disaster recovery phase. It’s also a good idea to develop professional relationships with alternative vendors, in case your primary contractor can’t service your needs. Place occasional orders with them so they regard you as an active customer when you need them.

Review your insurance coverage. Contact your agent to find out if your policy is adequate for your needs. Consult with a business insurance expert to advise you on the right coverage for your situation. When buying insurance, ask “How much can I afford to lose?” It’s a good idea to know the value of your property.

Build a crisis communications plan so you’ll be able to make sure your staff, customers, vendors and contractors know what’s going on. Establish an email alert system. Make sure you have primary and secondary email addresses for your employees, and everyone you do business with. Create a Facebook page and use Twitter to keep the public aware you’re still in business and in the process of recovering after the disaster.

Stay informed and listen to local officials. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

Emergency Preparedness ReviewWith thousands of businesses affected by the damaging impact of winter storms, business owners or managers should take time to consider how well or poorly they prepared for storms. The following questions may help evaluate how well organized and equipped you were to withstand the potential impact on your business and workforce, and it may assist you in preparing for future emergencies.


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Consider this helpful list of questions to evaluate your plan and its execution:

Anticipation

• Did you adequately anticipate the potential damage caused by the storm for your area of the state? • Did you anticipate power outages or storm surges that took place in your location?

Preparation

• Did you begin preparing before the winter storm season started or did you wait until a storm was about to strike?

• If you waited to begin preparing until a storm was imminent, did you consider the stress this may have caused you and your workforce?

• Were you able to gather the necessary supplies to weather the storm? • If you lacked pre-planning for your business, did this cause your personnel to lack adequate time to

prepare for themselves and their families?

Supplies

• Were the emergency supplies you gathered for your business the correct type of supplies you needed? • Were there other supplies you did not have and should consider having on hand for future storms? • Were your supplies adequate or should you consider larger quantities in the future?

Power Outages and Storm Surges

• If you suffered electric power outages or power surges, did you adequately anticipate the duration and impact this had on your business?

• Did you possess proper back-up power sources? • Did you secure an alternate operating location (or locations) to allow your business to function at a basic

level? • Did the storm and loss of power compromise any important business data or documents needed to

operate your business effectively?

Emergency Preparedness Plan

• Did your organization have an emergency preparedness plan in place? • If you had a plan, did you follow it thoroughly? Or did you not have a plan in place and simply prepared

or reacted the best way you knew how? • If you followed a plan, did you evaluate how well you and your personnel performed each aspect of

the plan? • Was your plan adequate to sustain operations and protect your business and employees? • Was the plan's implementation performed as well as anticipated? • Did you identify any areas of your emergency preparedness plan that need improvement? • Are there procedures that should be added to your plan as a result of your storm experience?


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Future Preparation Having an effective emergency preparedness plan is vital to the operations of your business or organization. Take time to examine all of the disaster and recovery scenarios you have witnessed– both good and bad – and use this knowledge to help develop a plan for the future. It will be your guide to ensuring a systematic approach to storm preparations, with the primary goal of minimizing the impact of any catastrophic event on your business operations and your personnel.

Develop the best solutions available for your unique situation. Request input from your employees on how best to prepare for future emergencies. Once your plan is written, educate your personnel on each step of preparation and execution to allow for effective implementation .

Winter Weather InjuriesEach year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold and hundreds more suffer from vehicle accidents and fatalities, fires due to dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities. Additional threats, such as hypothermia and frostbite, can lead to loss of fingers and toes, or cause permanent kidney, pancreas and liver injury and even death. You must prepare properly to avoid these extreme dangers. You also need to know what to do if you see symptoms of these threats.

A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. People can become trapped at home, at work or in a car, without utilities or other assistance. The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks or even months. Attempting to walk for help in a winter storm can be a deadly decision. Injuries are all too common in extremely cold weather.

According to National Weather Service about 70 percent of injuries during winter storms result from vehicle accidents and about 25 percent of injuries result from being caught out in the storm.

Some of the common hazards associated with working in winter storms include:

• Driving accidents due to slippery roadways • Slips and falls due to slippery walkways • Hypothermia and frostbite due to the cold weather exposure • Being struck by falling objects such as icicles, tree limbs, and

utility poles • Electrocution due to downed power lines or downed objects in

contact with power lines • Falls from heights (e.g. falls from roof or skylights while

removing snow) • Roof collapse under weight of snow (or melting snow if drains

are clogged) • Burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment

failure • Exhaustion from working extended shifts • Dehydration


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Vehicle Tips• Clear the snow off your entire vehicle, including the roof and hood, to prevent snow or ice from flying

onto other vehicles while driving.• Clear headlights and taillights each time you enter the vehicle to help you to see and be seen.• Keep your windshield wiper reservoir full of anti-freeze fluid, not water.• Replace worn or improperly working wiper blades early in the season.

Driving Tips

• Most importantly, reduce your speed. Your vehicle will behave much differently on ice and snow. Posted speed limits are intended for ideal road conditions. Slow down considerably during snowy or icy conditions.

• Increase your following distance to four car lengths. This will allow greater time for you to react in slippery conditions and will also help to keep your windshield clear of flying spray or ice from the car in front.

• Accelerate, brake and turn gradually. Sudden braking, acceleration and turning can lead to a loss of traction and loss of control.

• Be aware of shady spots where ice and snow may still be present such as under bridges and overpasses.

• Take extra caution behind or around snowplows. Operators may need to make sudden stops or maneuvers to avoid obstacles or stranded vehicles.

• Do not attempt to pass snowplows working in tandem in front of you.• Be alert during very windy conditions. Blowing snow can cause white-out conditions even during the

daylight hours. If possible, pull over during these conditions until weather conditions improve.• Be familiar with how your anti-lock brakes function in slippery conditions.• Avoid the use of cruise control in snowy or icy conditions or during inclement weather.

Motor Vehicle AccidentsMotor vehicle accidents are the primary cause of workers' comp-related injuries and deaths. Driver education, vehicle preparations and planning are keys to a safe trip.

Planning to Drive in Snow and Ice

As a general rule, urge your employees who drive to:

• Check the weather reports the night before. If snow is in the forecast, give yourself plenty of time for traveling and expect delays.

• Plan ahead and call your destination or appointment to let them know you may be delayed.

• Keep driving to a minimum during adverse winter weather conditions.• Plan to drive on well-maintained roadways.• Recognize that winter road conditions require slower travel speeds.• Only use cellular phones in the event of an emergency and never while

driving.• Recognize that driving in snow causes fatigue.

Download Beacon Mutual’s “Winter Driving Techniques” safety alert.


http://www.beaconmutual.com/BeaconSafetyAlerts/Winter-Driving-Techniques.pdf

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Slips and Falls Falls are the second most common type of accidental injury in Rhode Island. With nearly two-thirds of slip-and-fall incidences occurring on snow/ice and wet surfaces, it is imperative to “winterize” your facility before an accident occurs. Such slips and falls can result in severe head injuries, broken bones, debilitating back injuries and other sprains and strains.

Statistically, the average slip-and-fall claim results in an expense of over $7,500. Therefore, preventing slip-and-fall accidents should be a high priority for every employer.

To help you prevent winter-related injuries, and control your workers’ compensation costs, Beacon Mutual recommends the following:

1. Institute a formal “winterization“ program to ensure that you are well prepared to offer the safest possible environment for your employees.

2. Assign a maintenance staff member or other employee to be responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of your winterization program. Additional employees can be assigned to supervise specific areas within your facility such as parking lots or entrances.

3. Educate all employees as to the danger of slip-and-fall hazards. Provide information and/or instruction on preventing slip-and-fall accidents, such as how to be more aware of “black ice” conditions and utilizing proper footwear.

4. Prepare to adjust or modify operational procedures that may expose employees to seasonal hazards. For example, employees who regularly enter and exit the building during icy conditions should be curtailed from carrying large loads.

5. Encourage all employees to report slip-and-fall conditions immediately to their supervisor. This includes the interior and exterior conditions as well as high traffic areas around the perimeter of the property. For example, a public sidewalk or bus stop.

Winterization Checklist

• All snow and ice is removed before employees arrive for their respective work shifts.• An inventory of snow/ice removal supplies such as shovels and ice melt is maintained and managed.• All interior traffic areas are monitored for potential slip/fall conditions particularly during high

transitional periods such as between shifts and lunch breaks.• Liberal use of mats and/or caution signage is used in areas observed to be wet or potentially slippery.• All exterior public areas are monitored for potential icing conditions throughout the workday, including

parking lots, sidewalks, entrances and stairs. Special attention should be given to areas that receive little sunlight during the day.

• Liberal use of snow melting agents is used on exterior traffic areas. Ample supply is available to retreat as needed during the day.

• Employees are trained as to the potential dangers of slip and fall hazards and are encouraged to use appropriate footwear.

• All employees are encouraged to report any slip and fall hazards they may observe throughout the day.• Most slip and fall injuries are preventable. Taking the necessary precautions and encouraging

employees to be alert and report hazardous conditions can prevent a very costly injury this winter season.


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Injuries Due to Wind & Cold

Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. What constitutes extreme cold varies in different parts of the country. In the South, near freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold. Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat. In the North, extreme cold means temperatures well below zero. Ensure that workers are properly dressed for extremely cold conditions with particular attention focused on body extremities.

Falls

Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding commuters, closing airports, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services. When working at elevations, especially around ice and snow, keep in mind the following fall prevention and protection guidelines:

• Accumulations of snow can cause roofs to collapse and knock down trees and power lines. The cost of snow removal, repairing damages, and the loss of business can be severe.

• Jobs that require workers to be on roofs should be left to professionals whenever possible and never more so than during winter conditions.

Download Beacon Mutual’s “Safe Work Practices on Snow Covered Roofs” safety alert.

Download Beacon Mutual’s “Preventing Slips & Falls” safety alert for employers.

Download Beacon Mutual’s “Preventing Slips & Falls” safety alert for employees.


http://www.beaconmutual.com/BeaconSafetyAlerts/Snow-Removal-from-Roofs.pdf

http://www.beaconmutual.com/BeaconSafetyAlerts/Winter-Slip-Fall-Prevention-EMPLOYER.pdf

http://www.beaconmutual.com/BeaconSafetyAlerts/Winter-Slip-Fall-Prevention-EMPLOYEE.pdf

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Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of -20° Fahrenheit (F) will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. If you must wait for help, slowly re-warm affected areas. However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.

Wind Chill is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill; however, cars, plants and other objects are not.

Injuries Related to Cold• 50% injuries happen to people

over 60 years old• More than 75% are male• About 20% occur in the home

If medical care is not available, warm the person slowly, starting with the body core. Warming the arms and legs first drives cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure. If necessary, use your body heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing and wrap in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee or any hot beverage or food. Warm broth is the first food to offer. Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible.

Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. It can kill. For those who survive, there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Take the person’s temperature. If below 95°F, seek medical care immediately.


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AFTER THE STORM

Controlling Workers' Comp Risks During Storm Recovery EffortsAs businesses go through a winter storm cleanup, repair and reopening, employees may be asked to perform tasks which they are unaccustomed to doing, only do infrequently and for which they are not trained or physically fit to perform. Work conditions change drastically after winter storms and other natural disasters. In the wake of a winter storm, response and recovery workers will face additional challenges, such as downed power lines, downed trees, and high volumes of snow and ice, often while performing an otherwise familiar task/operation. Here are some tips to help you avoid needless accidents and injuries that happen during recovery efforts. Taking a little time to train employees in the following areas will pay off in a big way.

Snow Shoveling

Most people recognize that snow shoveling is very hard work.While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for workers who take on more than they can handle. Even shoveling small amounts of snow and ice can put severe stress on your heart, other muscles and spine. Snow shoveling can place excessive stress on spinal structures. These stresses are a common cause of low back strains, a leading reason for workers’ compensation claims.

Shoveling Snow Safely

• Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful. • Anyone with a history of heart trouble should not shovel snow. • Do not shovel after eating or while smoking. • Take it slow. Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically;

so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task. • Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down

variety. • Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way. • Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one. • Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and "sitting" into the

movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.

• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.

• Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra attention during winter's cold. Wear a turtleneck sweater, cap, scarf, face protection, mittens, wool socks and waterproof boots.

• Consider buying a snow blower. When used correctly, a snow blower will put far less strain on your back than snow shoveling.


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Safe Operation of Snow Blowers

Anyone operating a snow blower or asking an employee to operate a snow blower should be thoroughly familiar with safe operating guidelines. Below are tips for safely operating a snow blower.

1. Employees will be properly and thoroughly trained before attempting to do any work with the snowblower.

2. Before operating the snowblower, inspect the area in which you are going to clear snow. Remove debris and other obstacles the snowblower might strike or throw, as that may cause injury or damage to the snow blower.

3. Inspect the snowblower before operating it. Repair any damage and correct any malfunction before operation. If you hit an obstacle while operating the snowblower, stop the engine immediately, and check for damage. Damaged equipment may increase the possibility of injury during operation.

4. Do not use the snowblower when visibility is poor. Under conditions of poor visibility, there is a greater risk of striking an obstacle or causing injury.

5. Never use the snowblower to clear snow from a gravel road or driveway, as rocks may be picked up and ejected. They may cause injury to bystanders.

6. Adjust the discharge chute to avoid hitting the operator, bystanders, windows and other objects with ejected snow. Stay clear of the snow discharge chute while the engine is running.

7. Children and pets must be kept away from the area of operation to avoid injury from flying debris and contact with the snowblower.

8. To avoid overturning, be careful when changing the direction of the snowblower while operating it on a slope. The snow blower may overturn on steep slopes if left unattended, causing injury to the operator or bystanders.

9. Never clear snow across the face of a slope. Always turn toward the down side, when turning on a sloped area.

10. Do not use the snow blower to remove snow from roofs.11. Know how to stop the snowblower quickly, and understand the operations of all controls.12. Never permit anyone to operate the snowblower without proper instruction. If people or pets suddenly

appear in front of the snowblower while it is in operation, immediately release the auger and drive clutch levers to stop the snowblower and avoid possible injury from rotating auger blades.

Snow Blowers

Snow blowers are safe when used properly. However, each year, workers suffer maiming injuries or amputations of their fingers or hands due to the improper handling of snow blowers. Common causes of these injuries are:

• Snow clogging the exit chute of the machine• Workers not noticing that the impeller blades are

rotating even though the machine is off • Operator attempting to clean the clogged exit chute

with their hands - hands coming in contact with the rotating blades, resulting in severe injury


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13. If the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and use a wooden stock to unclog it. Never put your hand into the snow discharge chute while the engine is running; serious personal injury could result.

14. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not overfill the fuel tank and make sure the filler cap is closed securely after refueling.

15. Never run the engine in an enclosed or confined area. Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas; exposure can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.

16. The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for a while after stopping the engine. Be careful not to touch the muffler while it is hot. Let the engine cool before storing the snowblower indoors.

17. While operating the snowblower, hold the handle firmly and walk, don’t run. Wear suitable winter boots that resist slipping.

18. Always keep equipment in good operating condition.19. Always keep guards and shields in place.20. Always wear eye, face and hearing protection.21. Always keep hands, feet and clothing away from the snowblower and discharge chute when the

auger is turning.22. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Operation of Heavy Snow Removal Equipment

See Beacon Mutual’s “Snow Plow Safety” safety alert and use qualified operators who are certified, trained and experienced using heavy construction equipment, such as bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks and other plows.

Download Beacon Mutual’s “Snow Blower Safety” safety alert.

Download Beacon Mutual’s “Snow Plow Safety” safety alert.


http://www.beaconmutual.com/BeaconSafetyAlerts/Snow-Blower-Safety.pdf

http://www.beaconmutual.com/BeaconSafetyAlerts/Snow-Plow-Safety.pdf

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Info for WorkersIf you are an injured worker with an open claim and are seeking information about your claim status, medical or compensation payment, or need to supply us with a working address and contact number, please call our Claims Department at 888-886-4450 or use the “Contact Us” feature of Beaconmutual.com at https://www.beaconmutual.com/Contact

Info for PolicyholdersIf you are an employer with workers' compensation coverage through Beacon Mutual and need assistance or need to supply Beacon with a working address and contact number, please call our Policyholder Services Hotline at 888-886-4450. If you are a Beacon Mutual policyholder and need to report a claim on an injured employee, there are several ways you can report the claim to Beacon.

Secure Online Account ManagementBEACONNECT

Online Claim Reporting: The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company provides you with the ability to report your claims online 24/7, when it is convenient for you. With online claim reporting you will receive immediate confirmation with the claim number and the claim representative's name, phone number and email address. Policyholders will need to log into their BEACONNECT account to view and click the Report Claim tab. By using this service, we will automatically file the First Notice of Loss (FNOL) with the R.I. Department of Labor and your agent.

By Phone: Beacon Mutual has a 24/7 toll-free claims reporting capability. By calling 1-888-886-4450 you can report an injury directly to a Beacon representative. With this service, we will again automatically send the First Report of Injury to you, the Department of Labor and your agent. You will be provided with the claim number immediately if your call is made during regular business hours (7:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).

Paper Claim Reporting: If you choose, you can complete a written first report of injury and either email, mail or fax it to the Beacon Claim Department. When using this option, please fill out the form in its entirety and remember to send a copy to your agent.

To file your claim online or to download the First Report of Injury form go to: https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/report-an-injury/

Email: [email protected]: One Beacon Centre, Warwick, RI 02886 Fax: 401-825-2980


https://www.beaconmutual.com/Contact

https://www.beaconmutual.com/employers/report-an-injury/

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Acknowledgements

The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company wishes to thank the following organizations for their contributions to the preceding information:

1. US Department of Commerce2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration3. National Weather Service4. Ready.Gov5. Weather.com

Connect with Us

We are your Rhode Island workers' compensation experts and we're active in our community. Connect with us on social media and learn more about our Rhode Island PRIDE. Share your experiences and help us celebrate your efforts to build a safer and more resilient workforce in the Ocean State.

Resources for Workplace Safety

As a full service workers’ compensation insurance provider, The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company has a dedicated staff of qualified loss prevention consultants and ergonomic specialists who have significant years of experience in accident prevention. Each member understands current safety and health issues and their potential impact on Rhode Island employers. Loss prevention services are offered to all of Beacon Mutual’s policyholders at no additional cost.

Visit the Safety Center at www.beaconmutual.com/safety to access the Safety Library and download

safety alerts and other resources. Check out the Online University, Seminar Schedule and more!


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http://www.beaconmutual.com/safety

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Documents

The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company Revised 2018 WINTER › assets › BeaconWinter... · The National Weather Service issues outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories for all winter