Additional Success Stories
A Proactive Approach to Safety
Bending Branches is a canoe and kayak paddle manufacturer located in Osceola, Wisconsin. Company President Ed Vater is well aware of the negative and costly effects that work related injuries play in production, insurance costs, and employee relations.
During an initial visit with Bending Branches' management staff, Western National agreed to assist them in identifying claim problems by supplying them with detailed loss history and claim information so their management staff could participate in the decision-making process of how to decide which safety initiates to implement.
An example of being proactive in claims handling occurred when Bending Branches experienced two injuries involving possible employee exposure to irritants. Ed was quick to call on Western's Loss Control Department for a second set of eyes to explore potential prevention alternatives. The jobs in question were reviewed by Western's loss control staff and recommendations were made in regards to both administrative controls as well as suggested use of personal protection equipment to prevent these types of injuries from reoccurring. Bending Branches was quick to implement these recommendations.
Western National has also assisted their insured by reviewing other production areas for potential ergonomic improvements. Input from both Production Management as well as from the employees was solicitated. From this discussion, further steps have been implemented to reduce injuries on the job.
Since their involvement with Western National, Bending Branches has seen a reduction in claims attributable to their commitment to safety, and the continuing support they have received from Western.
Statement of Condition
