Tag Archives: plan ahead

General Safety Issues

FIRST, SAFETY!

As we begin the year 2014, think about the many plans that are on your list.  First, we make those New Year’s Resolutions.  That usually last maybe two weeks, (especially the one about losing weight!)    We all have much to look forward to in the coming year.  And we need to focus on the positive, living a good life, and not worrying about things that are out of our control.  

Today is a good day to talk about safety.  Safety should be the first item on everyone’s agenda.  From the time you get up in the morning, preparing for the day, make up your mind that this day will be a safer driving day.  When you leave for work , depart a little earlier than usual so you won’t be stressed getting to work on time.  That’s the safe way.  Drive as though your life depends on your control of your vehicle – because it does.  Don’t talk on your cell-phone and definitely do not text!  Those messages can wait. 

Don’t take unnecesssary chances.  Is there anyone out there that can honestly say they haven’t pulled their vehicle into another lane and almost caused an accident?  Or ran through the yellow light, rather than waiting for the green?  What if someone else going the other way does the same thing?  You may not reach your destination at all.

Once you arrive at work, get started.  There’s no need to visit about what just happened, because you are now on someone else’s time.  If the job you perform is hazardous, use the appropriate safety gear that your company has furnished you.  It won’t be their fault if something flies into your eye because you didn’t wear your safety glasses.  You know what you are expected to do, so keep safe while you do it. 

Businesses should have an agenda to keep their employees safe at all times.  Each New Year is an ideal opportunity to assess the company’s safety plan, and convey it to all employees.  Plan training on a regular basis; things change and we all get in the habit of doing things a certain way, when there may be a new, easier, faster, and safer way.  Safety leaders could make this year’s resolution to include their employees in the design of their safety program; let them know how important their cooperation is to the company and their co-workers. 

Safety posters play a large part in encouraging employees to work safely.  They may be humorous or serious, either way, they convey a very important message.  

The employees of Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety wish each one of you a very safe, healthy, and successful New Year.  It is our hope that newfound peace will be attained in parts of the world that are in strife.  The most important wish of all is that our troops can return home safely.  Their duties require them to perform their job all the while staying safe! 

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

TIPS FOR SAFELY WORKING ABROAD

The thought of being sent overseas by your company sounds pretty exciting –  a chance to see a new part of the world, sampling new types of food, and working alongside foreign employees.  

First, some serious planning should be done in order to avoid surprises later on.  Research all that you can ahead of time, so you will be better prepared.  Companies have information that is helpful to their employees and will make arrangements for their lodging, transportation, meals, etc. ahead of time.  

It is important to know the support systems that are there for foreign workers, such as emergency service facilities.  Being informed of what services are available for U.S. citizens or other working foreigners is very important. 

One can find websites on the internet that describe the conditions for travel to just about every country in the world.  There are definite warnings on which countries to avoid, as listed by these alert levels: 

  1. Do not travel;
  2. Exercise normal safety precautions;
  3. Reconsider your need to travel;
  4. High degree of caution. 

Companies could be held responsible as a result of their employees’ causing an accidental injury or death in the course of performing their duties.  The employer is responsible for ensuring that the working conditions of their employees are safe, including the security of the buildings in which they will be working.  They are also responsible for guaranteeing the level of the employee’s experience, the type of work to be done, and risk level for injury.  Also, they must ensure that the physical condition of the worker is good. 

Every company that regularly sends employees on business trips abroad needs to assess its insurance program to assure that these employees are adequately protected if they become sick or injured. Companies with employees living abroad need to be even more attentive about the insurance protection and support services they provide. 

Normally, the employee’s domestic health insurance will not be accepted by a foreign provider.  A travel assistance program can ensure that a sick or injured employee is put in contact with the best available medical care; therefore, specialized insurance is necessary to guarantee that coverage is available anywhere in the world an employee may need medical assistance.

Other reminders:  During your time off:

  • Don’t go to places that look unsafe;
  • Take a buddy or go with a group;
  • Don’t become a victim of crime; leave your valuables at home;
  • Leave your passport in the hotel safe (so you can get home);
  • Make a photocopy of your passport to keep with you at all times;
  • Make a photocopy of the passport to leave with family;
  • Pack medicines in their original containers, take extra glasses, etc;
  • Pack all the gear you need to perform your job.
  • Know where your American embassy is;
  • Leave a family contact person’s name with your employer;
  • Observe local laws and customs – you are subject to local laws in foreign countries.

Your company has entrusted you to represent them well and do a good job.  Stay safe!

 

 

General Safety Issues

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY: NEED-TO-KNOWS FOR PICKING THE BEST MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN (GUEST POST)

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 So you’ve managed to juggle a rewarding career while raising a healthy, happy family, and now it’s time to plan for the next exciting, new steps in your own life. The old saying remains true today, when you’ve got your health you’ve got just about everything, but are you really doing all you can to protect your health or are you waiting until something goes wrong to worry?

If you’re turning 65 soon or are looking after a loved one who already has, then I have some great news for you. There are a few simple, worry-saving precautions that can be taken to assure that if you get sick or hurt, your medical bills and needs will be taken care of. The following list of tips was designed for those who are on the fence when it comes to Medicare supplemental insurance and will help guide them in the right direction when it comes to picking the best Medicare supplemental plan to fit their needs. Waiting to apply for a Medicare supplement plan when something happens and or you need medical treatment; unfortunately, you’ve waited too long.

The following tips have been designed to help you safeguard your health and take control of any Medicare supplemental insurance decisions quickly and correctly so you can keep on enjoying life without worrying about how to pay for future medical procedures.

1. What is Medicare Supplement Anyway & Why Do I Need It? Upon turning 65 years old, most individuals become eligible for Medicare. Some individuals are eligible for Medicare before turning 65 due to a disability. Medicare will only cover a certain amount, however, leaving gaps where the individual has to pay the balance. In most cases this balance can be quite a bit, thus the necessity for a Medicare supplement plan. Medicare supplement plans—also called Medigap plans—will fill in the cracks of coverage that are left with just plain Medicare like deductibles and co-insurance not covered by Medicare.  

2. What Makes Me Medicare-Eligible? Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you (or your spouse) worked for at least 40 quarters, are 65-years old or older, and are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. If you are not 65 yet, you may still qualify for Medicare coverage due to a disability or are suffering from a disease like end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

3. How Do I Sign Up for Medicare? Signing up for Medicare is easier than you think. If you are enrolled in Social Security you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare and should get your card in the mail about three months before turning 65.

4. Where Can I Find Resources to Help Choose the Best Medicare Supplement Plan? There are a variety of government as well as private resources, the main one being Medicare.gov. The pros and cons of checking out Medicare.gov is that there is so much information on the site that the answer to your specific question is probably buried under tons of other information and could take forever to find. An easier method may be one of the local or national groups like the Senior Advisors Group where Medicare insurance specialists are standing by to assist you with specific questions regarding anything having to do with Medicare enrollment, choosing the best Medicare supplement plan, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D (prescription) plans.

5. What the Heck is Medicare Advantage and Why Am I Getting So Much Literature About It? Medicare Advantage plans are another choice that exist other than the traditional Medicare supplemental plan. Because insurance companies receive significant reimbursements when they enroll you in their Medicare Advantage plans, they will often overwhelm new 65-year olds with tons of information. Don’t be fooled! There are many more choices other than Medicare Advantage, including Medicare supplement plans and Medicare Part D—Medicare’s prescription drug plan. The important thing is you take time and choose the right plan to fit your specific needs.

6. What Are the Differences Between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans? There are many differences between these two choices, but the most important thing you need to remember when choosing the best Medicare supplement plan is that you cannot have both. Another main difference is that Medicare Advantage is typically a HMO or PPO while a Medicare supplemental plan is not. Another difference to consider when choosing a supplement plan is that while a Medicare supplement plan will cost a little more, it will give you more freedom and few (if any) co-pays. Medicare Advantage, however, may have restrictions on what doctors you can see and your co-pay will almost always be higher.

So now that you know the basics of Medicare and Medicare supplemental plans go ahead and make a phone call or two to a Medicare insurance specialist in your area and give yourself the gift of peace-of-mind. It really is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and protect your family.

Author Bio: Simone is a writer, researcher, and Philadelphia native whose focus is on health, Medicare, and travel. Her opinions and writings can be found on various industry blogs and forums.