First Fidelity Brokerage

First Fidelity Brokerage First Fidelity Brokerage is a specialty insurance broker, procuring various insurance contracts.

First Fidelity Brokerage is a specialty insurance broker, procuring various insurance contracts and creating specific insurance programs for its clients. As a leading regional insurance broker, FFB has the resources and specialized expertise of a multi-national firm. Our size and structure allow us to be highly focused on individual client’s needs, therefore consistently delivering comprehensive a

nd cost effective solutions. For international placements, we have developed our own network and are able to place coverage directly in 87 countries, with access to another 67 countries through our local broker partners. Formed in 1994, the company has grown organically without any acquisitions and remains a privately held company.

How to Prevent Employee FraudEmployee fraud—when an employee knowingly lies to, steals from or deceives their employer t...
04/05/2023

How to Prevent Employee Fraud

Employee fraud—when an employee knowingly lies to, steals from or deceives their employer to make personal gains—occurs in approximately two‐thirds of U.S. small businesses, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. In fact, small businesses face a higher risk of employee fraud than large
corporations. This is often due to a lack of basic accounting controls and a higher degree of misplaced or assumed trust.
While employee fraud can take place in many forms, the following are the most common types:
 Asset misappropriation—This type of fraud accounts for the vast
majority of fraud schemes and includes check forgery, theft of money, inventory theft, payroll fraud and theft of services.
 Bribery and corruption—These methods include kickbacks, shell
company schemes, bribes to influence decision‐making, manipulation of contracts or substitution of inferior goods.
 Financial statement fraud—This type of fraud is the rarest and costliest. It entails manipulating financial statements to create financial gains for an individual or entity.

Loss Control Tips - Towing OperationsOwning and operating a towing business can be a veryrewarding experience. After all...
01/09/2023

Loss Control Tips - Towing Operations

Owning and operating a towing business can be a very
rewarding experience. After all, towing operations can
help clear the road of damaged or disabled vehicles in a
timely and effective manner when unexpected incidents
occur. However, in addition to the risks common in every
industry, towing businesses face unique liabilities due to
the movement of vehicles and the presence of large, heavy
equipment. That’s why it’s vital to establish effective loss
control measures. This resource outlines common risks
towing operations must address and offers helpful strategies
to avoid possible claims.

Loss Control Tips - Paving Contractors: Asphalt and ConcreteAsphalt and concrete paving contractors construct surfacesfo...
12/12/2022

Loss Control Tips - Paving Contractors: Asphalt and Concrete

Asphalt and concrete paving contractors construct surfaces
for residential and commercial properties, such as roads,
sidewalks, driveways and concrete floors. More specifically,
concrete paving contractors build, resurface and repair
highways, roads, parking lots, airport runways and bridges
using a mixture of sand, gravel and/or crushed stone. Asphalt
paving contractors produce and apply asphalt—which may
also be referred to as hot-mix asphalt, asphalt concrete or
asphalt paving mix—to various surfaces, including roads and
parking areas. Due to their wide variety of operations, these
professionals are often exposed to various safety, liability
and property risks. That’s why it’s vital to have effective loss
control measures in place. This resource outlines common
risks paving contractors must address and offers helpful
strategies to avoid possible claims.

Preparing Job Sites for Severe WeatherSevere weather conditions can be detrimental to job sites, placing additional stra...
12/12/2022

Preparing Job Sites for Severe Weather

Severe weather conditions can be detrimental to job sites, placing additional strain on construction employers. While there’s no way
to completely safeguard worksites from the elements, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risks posed by extreme
weather events. Such weather can come in many forms, each of which require their own preparations in order to protect job sites.
Before preparing their worksites, it’s important for construction employers to understand the severe weather conditions most likely
to affect them, which can vary based on season and location. Possible extreme weather conditions can be broken down into the
following general exposures:

- Winter elements — Winter weather brings its own unique set of risks, many of which don’t require storms to pose threats to job
sites and employees. To protect against winter conditions, construction employers should clear snow and ice from all pathways,
and apply sand or salt when necessary. It may be best to hire contractors to perform these duties. Additionally, construction
employers should require all employees to wear high-traction footwear to prevent slipping; monitor temperatures to keep
exposed water systems from freezing; and provide warming stations and hot drinks to employees to prevent hypothermia,
trench foot and frostbite.

- Strong winds — High winds can bring unwanted debris into job sites, throw equipment around and, in extreme cases, even
compromise the integrity of nearby structures. To prepare for strong winds, construction employers should store and secure
loose worksite materials, equipment and signage, and brace framing and anchor walls to structural frameworks as soon as they
are built. As it pertains to machinery, such as cranes and vehicles, construction employers should follow manufacturer
guidelines for proper use and storage, and avoid having employees operate this equipment amid high winds.
- Heavy rain and flooding — Water can be one of the most damaging elements at any job site. Worksites with incomplete
drainage may become flooded, and heavy rain can damage unprotected electrical equipment. To prepare for heavy rain and
flooding, construction employers should create and maintain temporary drainage systems in any areas that might be especially
susceptible to flooding, and refrain from installing finished elements, such as flooring and drywall, until windows, doors and
roofing have been waterproofed. If necessary, temporary roofing should be leveraged when the installation of permanent
roofing may be delayed.

Safety FocusedProlonged time spent working in the cold may result in serious occupational ailments, such as frostbite, h...
12/09/2022

Safety Focused

Prolonged time spent working in the cold may result in serious occupational ailments, such as frostbite, hypothermia and trench foot.

Working Safely in Cold Weather

Winter weather poses a number of safety risks,
particularly for employees who spend a lot of time
working outdoors. Prolonged time in the cold may result in
serious ailments or even death. Injuries and illnesses
associated with exposure to extreme cold include:

- Frostbite—This condition occurs when the skin is
exposed to cold or windy weather or comes into
contact with cold objects or surfaces. Common
symptoms include numbness; red skin with gray, white
or bluish patches; hardened skin; and skin that blisters
after being warmed.

- Hypothermia—This condition occurs when your body
temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Symptoms include shivering, confusion, brain fog, slow
breathing, low energy or fatigue, bright red skin, loss
of coordination and slurred speech.

- Trench foot—This condition occurs when the foot is
exposed to wet and cold temperatures for a prolonged
period of time. Common symptoms include swelling;
numbness; cold, blotchy and red skin; itching or
burning sensations in the foot; and a feeling of
heaviness in the appendage.

Year End HR ActivitiesThe last months of the year are a great time for HR professionals to ensure they’re prepared for e...
11/30/2022

Year End HR Activities

The last months of the year are a great time for HR professionals to ensure they’re prepared for everything that needs to be done. It’s also an opportunity to evaluate which HR processes organizations want to take forward into the new year and which to leave behind. While certain HR compliance activities must be completed by the end of the year, HR professionals can also use this time of preparation to focus on tasks that will set their organizations on the right course for next year.

This article provides an overview of general, compliance-related, and employee compensation and benefits activities HR may need to tackle at the end of each year. The activities outlined in this article are not exhaustive. Because an organization’s failure to comply with certain year-end requirements can result in significant legal and financial consequences, employers are encouraged to seek legal counsel to discuss any specific issues.

oss Control Tips - General ContractorsGeneral contractors coordinate and manage all materials,activities and personnel i...
11/29/2022

oss Control Tips - General Contractors

General contractors coordinate and manage all materials,
activities and personnel involved in both residential and
commercial construction projects. Their duties often involve
hiring and training subcontractors, applying for necessary
licenses and building permits and providing hands-on
supervision and guidance to workers on the job site. Due to
their wide variety of operations and responsibilities, these
professionals are often exposed to many safety, liability
and property risks. That’s why it’s vital to have effective loss
control measures in place. This resource outlines common
risks general contractors must address and offers helpful
strategies to avoid possible claims.

" Thanksgiving is more than the festivities, it gives us time to ponder upon what lessons we learnt and how we can sprea...
11/24/2022

" Thanksgiving is more than the festivities, it gives us time to ponder upon what lessons we learnt and how we can spread happiness around, to look back at all the great memories and good people who came into our lives. We appreciate you so much. Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and your loved ones."

Employer's Guide to Planning A Holiday PartyIntroductionWorkplace holiday parties are experiences that many employees lo...
11/24/2022

Employer's Guide to Planning A Holiday Party

Introduction
Workplace holiday parties are experiences that many employees look forward to each year. They are a fun way to end a challenging work year and celebrate with those who employees have spent the majority of the year with. Holiday parties are also a great way to hold tradition within your workplace and allow colleagues and even guests to celebrate one another’s accomplishments.
There are several benefits to offering a holiday party. Offering a holiday party could help with employee retention or even help build camaraderie in the workplace. They also provide an opportunity to build workplace culture outside of normal office hours or just give a break from the standard workday.
However, there can also be high costs and a level of risk associated with these events, including inappropriate behaviors and lack of inclusivity. Therefore, thorough consideration of many aspects is
critical. There are a variety of ways employers can host a workplace holiday party, and there’s a lot that goes into
properly planning the event in order to stay within a budget and avoid liabilities. Whether the party is virtual, at your workplace or at a venue, it’s necessary to take proactive steps and plan accordingly. This can include coordinating and organizing several aspects, such as invitations, attendance, catering,
external relations and budget, to name a few. How your organization chooses to run a holiday party is unique to what fits your workplace best. For example, your workplace could host a virtual event, include families, have an ugly sweater contest or
sponsor a charitable gift. The way a workplace holiday party is hosted is customizable to the event. This Employer’s Guide to Planning a Holiday Party is a resource that can help employers like you plan your organization’s next or first-ever holiday party. This guide is not exhaustive but does cover key steps employers can consider when planning such an event.

Stop-work Authority ExplainedIt’s everyone’s responsibility to detect workplace hazards and prevent accidents. Our stop-...
11/16/2022

Stop-work Authority Explained

It’s everyone’s responsibility to detect workplace hazards and prevent accidents. Our stop-work authority (SWA) program is in place to encourage employees to keep an eye out for potential workplace safety hazards. This article discusses what SWA is, who has SWA and the six-step SWA process.

What Is SWA?
SWA programs provide employees with both the responsibility and obligation to stop working if they recognize a perceived unsafe behavior or condition in the workplace. From there, employees must halt work processes until the problem has been corrected.

Who Has SWA?
Every employee within our organization has SWA. We want our employees to feel comfortable and empowered to call out unsafe
work conditions or hazardous behaviors of coworkers, vendors or anyone else on the job. In order for SWA to be successful, total
participation is required.

Identifying and Retaining Key EmployeesIdentifying and retaining key employees is especially important in light of ongoi...
11/14/2022

Identifying and Retaining Key Employees

Identifying and retaining key employees is especially important in light of ongoing attraction and retention difficulties many employers have been facing. According to Zywave’s 2022 Attraction and Retention Survey, more than 75% of employers consider attraction and retention to be among their top five business challenges. In response to changing work demands brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and trends such as the “Great Reshuffle”—a mass movement of workers from their current roles to positions that meet their shifting job expectations and priorities—retaining employees has become increasingly difficult for employers. In order for organizations to continue to succeed, it is important that they are able to find and retain the best workers. These workers are those who affect performance and drive business for their employers, making them critical assets. This article provides more information on key employees, explains how to identify them and offers ways employers can retain such workers.

Construction Risk Advisor - Carbon Monoxide PoisoningProtecting Construction Workers From Carbon Monoxide PoisoningCarbo...
11/10/2022

Construction Risk Advisor - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Protecting Construction Workers From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that lacks a detectable color, taste or odor. Breathing in this invisible gas can displace the
oxygen in a person’s blood, as well as deprive their vital organs of oxygen. In large amounts, CO can affect an exposed individual
within minutes, ultimately causing them to lose consciousness and suffocate. Employees across industries are at risk of CO poisoning
on the job, including construction workers. After all, OSHA considers such poisoning a “common industrial hazard” that stems from the incomplete burning of materials containing carbon (e.g., gasoline, propane, kerosene, coal or wood). This means that using fuel powered equipment in enclosed spaces can pose significant CO risks. As winter weather arrives and many construction operations are moved to indoor or otherwise confined job sites, it’s crucial for employers to take steps to help safeguard their workers from CO poisoning. Here are some measures to consider:

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