Tag Archives: high-risk occupations

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

MEDICAL INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR HIGH-RISK OCCUPATIONS (GUEST POST)

The importance of having a medical insurance is apparent to most employees who consider this as a factor in determining which company to work for. However, some occupations offer greater risks than regular jobs that require employees to report to the office at 9am to 6pm.

These occupations include active duty military personnel, skydiving instructors, fishermen, offshore oil workers, flight instructors, civilian contractors in dangerous areas, firefighters, construction workers, police officers, pilots, and scaffold workers. Because these occupations are considered “high-risk occupations,” or occupations that carry higher risk in terms of death, disease, injury or disability occurrences, it could be difficult to get insurance for these positions, and insurance companies will usually charge higher premiums for these jobs as opposed to jobs that have less risks involved.

Although most insurance companies do not offer policies for high risk occupations, there are still some insurance companies that specialize in giving these occupations coverage. Here are some high risks occupations that some insurance companies provide special coverage for:

1.     Journalists

–          Some insurance companies provide international life and accident insurance with an international coverage for reporters, TV crew and production team who are stationed at remote areas, war zones and politically unstable locations that might be far away from areas that offer sufficient medical assistance. Journalists also get medical cost benefits for treatment, evacuation and repatriation if ever they should go through an accident, illness or a terrorist attack. Another insurance that journalists may avail of is the kidnap and ransom insurance for reimbursing ransom payments if this ever happens. Finally, a high risk travel insurance can protect journalists from accidents and can ensure that they get proper medical care when they’re travelling. The travel insurance can also ensure that possessions and flights of the insured are covered.

2.      Oil and Gas Employees

–          Similarly, suppliers, contractors and employees of oil and gas companies can benefit from international life and accident insurance, which can provide protection for death and give financial help for injured or permanently disabled employees. Oil and gas employees may also get the international disability insurance, which can provide income to the insured if they are temporarily disabled, or provide a lump sum for those who are permanently disabled. Meanwhile, the international medical insurance is also helpful in providing oil and gas employees or contractors with medical assistance near R&R stopovers and rigs. Since the oil and gas industry is prone to claims from the public for environmental accidents, it is also advisable to get the international liability insurance to protect companies from claims.

3.     Overseas Contract Workers

–          Employees who work overseas at remote locations where insurance is not valid should avail of the personal accident insurance, which can give them protection from death, dismemberment, and disability. As employees who work at high risk regions, overseas workers should also get international travel insurance to get coverage for areas where terrorism or political strife is prevalent. Another insurance plan ideal for overseas workers is the international medical insurance which may be used to cover medical costs of treatment, evacuation and repatriation brought about by either illness, accidents or terrorist attacks. It is also advisable to get a worker compensation scheme for local and expat workers.

4.      Security

–          Private security employees who are working in the Middle East and other areas where there are high risks of terrorism should get an international life and accident insurance able to provide coverage for death or give compensation to employees that are injured or permanently disabled while working overseas. It is also a must to get international medical insurance to get medical care right where the security employee is working overseas or at home where the risk is just as high. Another essential insurance coverage is the defense base act insurance, which can help out employees if their security company provides services to the US government.

5.     Logistics

–          For those involved in logistics work in areas that have wars, political strife, or possible terrorism, the primary concern is getting an international life and personal accident insurance that can cover disability as well as death protection for drivers, staff, and other members of the crew in transit. Just as importantly, medical expenses coverage should also be a must to get through accidents, illnesses or terrorist activities. It is also ideal to get a kidnap and ransom insurance for when logistics employees transport sensitive products and items.

After learning about the possible insurance options available for those who have high risk occupations, you are now ready to find the right insurance companies that offer these packages. Note that these specialized, high-risk occupation insurance policies could be more costly than regular insurance policies. To minimize costs for high-risk occupation medical insurance policies, try looking at group insurance policies.

 

Author Bio:  Article Written by Cristina Beltran – a blogger & writer at Compare Hero, Malaysia’s leading comparison website. This portal helps individuals in making the best decision by comparing rates from different finance and insurance providers.

General Safety Issues

NEARLY ONE-FIFTH OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURY RESULTS FROM WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (GUEST POST)

by Michael Pines

There’s no doubt that our work can contribute to a great degree of satisfaction – or dissatisfaction – in our lives. The people we work with a large part of our world, whether we like it or not. So when work life is disrupted, our tolerance is tested – and, at times, broken. But sometimes the job itself is bad and can present opportunities for violence if the job is high-risk for robbery, theft, or other crimes. 

A new report issued by the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) says that nearly 17 percent of occupational injury in 2011 resulted from violence accounted by persons in the workplace. Included in the findings are fatalities based on homicides or suicides due to the individual’s working environment. 

The study further explained that the occupations themselves were a large contributing factor in whether the job was at risk for workplace violence. Sales positions were mostly cited with first-line supervisors and retail employees including cashiers as the most common type of occupation to experience workplace violence. 

Occupations such as law enforcement and management were also cited as common industries where workplace violence is sustained. 

How does workplace violence occur? 

The most common reason workplace injury occurs is because of robbery, theft, or other crimes that can put the employee at risk. Convenience stores, banks, and gas stations are most commonly at risk for workplace violence or injury. 

But those are not the only kinds of occupations that can put employees at risk. Bad working conditions, altercations with coworkers, or just being someone’s boss can contribute to workplace violence. 

Creating a pleasant and safe working environment. 

Finding a good job in all aspects is the first and most obvious step in creating a pleasant work environment. But, if for whatever reason you are unable to find another job right now, consider the following ideas to help make the most of your work situation. 

Keep to yourself. The Golden Rule applies in this instance, and if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Office gossip can lead to a difficult working environment not only for you, but especially for the recipient. Show up to work, do your job, and do your best to keep away from the “juicy stuff.” 

Speak up to your supervisor. If your working environment is causing stress or presents a danger, it’s important to speak up to your supervisor. Physical dangers like cutting corners or not following safety protocols should immediately be brought to the attention of your supervisor. If no action is taken, you can escalate your concerns to the Occupation Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). 

Follow safety procedures. Safety protocols for cash deposits or closing out a register are created with your safety in mind. Employees with high-risk jobs like convenience store cashiers or gas station clerks should always follow safety protocols. Minimize the cash available after dark and post notices. Maintain adequate lighting throughout your surroundings including the parking lot. Know your escape route if a robbery should occur. Safety measures like these are designed to keep you safe and to ultimately save your life. 

About Michael Pines

Michael Pines founded the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC, in San Diego in 1992. He is an accident and injury prevention expert in San Diego, and on a campaign to end senseless injury one blog at a time.