Oil Prophets

Spring 2013

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INSURANCE ISSUES Risk Management "Trickle Down" A Garrett Pepper Account Executive, ARMS business successful at all levels of operation quite often owes much of its success to a motivated, structured team. All involved realize the business won't succeed without solid management; management won't succeed without good employees and clear direction; and employees won't succeed without proper tools, training, and continual support. Each facet of a business, if allowed to function independently of the whole, wouldn't maintain its successes for very long without cohesiveness with the entire organization. Stick together for positive risk management That cohesiveness is also vital for the success of a risk management culture within a business. Employees want and need to know they are respected as human beings, and that their well-being is of utmost importance to company leaders. A disorganized, unenforced—or non-existent—safety program does not send a message of caring. Employees will often do what's necessary to complete the job safely. But without consistent directives and follow-through from leadership on safety practices and policies, the choice between getting the job done safely or simply getting the job done could result in corners being cut and precautions ignored—and accidents waiting to happen. There is no guarantee that any safety program will be successful just because management expects employees to follow safety procedures. Expectations should be clearly stated along with a message of solidarity. If employees sense management itself is indifferent toward safety, no amount of "do as I say, not as I do" will motivate them to accept a risk management culture. Positive risk management starts at the top Without buy-in from owners and managers, there is no question that even the best safety program could regularly or occasionally get disregarded. A business's risk management program is only as good as the amount of use it gets, and it's up to the company's leaders to make sure it gets used. Business owners ready to start a risk management program or ramp up one already in place should take the first step toward improving their company's attitude toward safety—an honest assessment of what needs to change. If an "attitude adjustment" is in order, make the promise to yourself and your employees today that you will invest the time and resources necessary to rise to the challenge of leading them toward a positive risk management culture. It's Our Business to Protect Yours® This publication is intended to provide general recommendations regarding risk prevention. It is not intended to include all steps or processes necessary to adequately protect you, your business, or your customers. You should always consult your personal attorney and insurance advisor for advice unique to you and your business. © 2008 Federated Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. 24 OIL PROPHETS SPRING 2013

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