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Specialty Lines
Since CCAP's insurance and member services programs have been designed based on member requests, we've always been driven by what the members want and need. From the beginning members were involved on study committees to help decide whether and how to proceed, choose the design of the program, pick advisors and more. Here are the ways we continue to seek your ideas, advice and ways we can improve:
Active boards of directors - each major program has a board of directors composed of county commissioners, chief clerks, solicitors, administrators and other county staff. All must be from counties which are members of the program, and no member can have more than one person on the board. The boards meet regularly and make critical decisions about the program, and also receive input from our reinsurance brokers, auditors, investment advisors, actuaries and other independent professionals.
Member surveys - our major programs conduct annual member surveys via email, and the results are provided unedited to the boards of directors and staff.
Annual membership meetings - PCoRP, PComp, PELICAN and COMCARE PRO members meet once a year and receive an update on the program and also elect board members. The members also must approve any changes to the program's bylaws.
Use of local insurance producers - several of our programs utilize local insurance producers to provide additional service and advice to the members. We meet with the producers every year and they provide input and advice.
Defense Counsel surveys - for those programs where we provide legal defense, once a claim has closed you
will get a survey to let us know how your defense counsel performed.
CCAP conferences - CCAP staff who are responsible for program administration are always present at CCAP conferences to meet with members and discuss issues and service.
Finally, you know where we are - it is easy to contact us with questions, suggestions and even complaints. Don't know who to send them to? Just use the
[email protected]
email address and we will get the information to the correct person.
Keep us on our toes - it is how we make sure your programs provide the service you want!
Make sure you contact us when you need help with something,
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OMNIA Partners Webinar
CCAP has been a longtime sponsor of the U.S. Communities™ Government Purchasing Alliance. U.S. Communities and National IPA have recently announced that they have rebranded as OMNIA Partners, Public Sector.
The successful integration of these unified cooperatives under one name allows OMNIA Partners to shape the future of purchasing with unparalleled scale, experience and expertise.
OMNIA Partners continues to make significant resource investments to bring additional value to county employees and counties. For more information about OMNIA Partners,
click here
to watch a webinar!
Questions regarding OMNIA Partners should be directed to
Travis Brown
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Regional Manager, Appalachian Mtn. for OMNIA Partners.
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Home Visit Safety
Home visits can be a very stressful situation for county employees. We have received reports for everything from personal attacks, dog bites, and walking into active drug manufacturing operations. For these and many more reasons, it is essential the home visitor be adequately prepared. Below are some items to consider when conducting home visits.
- Stay in touch. Set up a call-in procedure with your office.
- Keep valuables out of sight. Carry as little as possible. It's best to put valuables in the trunk before you leave on an appointment so as not to advertise what you have and where you put it.
- Know exactly where you're going. If you've never been in a certain location, drive around the area first. This helps you familiarize yourself with alternative routes if you need them for safety.It also gives you advance knowledge of areas that could pose more risk than others.
- Keep a buffer zone. It's best to leave at least a car length in between you and the car in front of you whenever you stop. This provides you with some space to maneuver in if you're in danger.
- Be strategic. Drive with your doors locked. Park in a well-lit, visible area. It's best to back your car in for leaving in a quick and less-obstructed way.
- Dress professionally and functionally. Make sure your clothes and shoes provide you with ease of movement and are appropriate for weather conditions.
- Set expectations. Discuss mandated reporting requirements and program expectations during your initial contact with your client(s).
- Establish parameters. Make it clear that you have a schedule to keep and are expected elsewhere later. This puts in some parameters ahead of time in case you must leave for any reason.
- Be aware of others. Be mindful of others in the apartment/house for confidentiality and safety reasons.
- Ask about pets. It's best to call ahead of time to see if there are any pets. Do you have allergies? Is the person's pet friendly or not? Request all pets be segregated from the meeting area.
- Be aware of signs of intoxication. If someone is impaired such as with drugs or alcohol, leave. You can always reschedule.
- Try to keep a clear path to the door. Know your means of exit. You may leave from a way different than the way you came in.
- Guard your privacy. Do not give out personal information. Beware of bumper/ window stickers on your car, as well as any other potential identifiers.
- Be mindful of your presence on social media. Monitor your privacy settings on sites like Facebook. Also avoid sharing things that could provide others with information about you, your family, where you live, and so on.
- Listen to your internal warning signals. Leave if you don't feel safe.
Although this is not a comprehensive list, it is a good starting point for a home visit preparation. If you require additional assistance with home visit safety program, please contact the Risk Control Department at (800)-895-9039; or email us at:
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Safety Resource Booklet
Did you know that CCAP's Insurance Programs offer a wide variety of safety resources to members at
no additional cost!? View our Safety Resource Booklet to learn about all the services offered!
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UC Trust Members:
Remember to Earn Your Five Percent Credit!
Just a reminder, participation in the 2019 Unemployment Compensation Trust Risk Control Incentive Program can earn members up to five percent credit toward each of the quarterly contributions for next year! As explained in the
program document
, members have the opportunity to participate via online training, onsite training, providing updated policies and procedures (as applicable) and by timely reporting of unemployment related matters. Member participation is verified through the completion of an
Activity Report
, which must be completed and submitted by Friday, September 13, 2019! Contact Desiree Nguyen at
[email protected]
with questions about the program.
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Wellness Matters
Dehydration Safety
We associate dehydration with summer, but the fact is, dehydration can happen any time, any place, and to any individual.
Dehydration -
Dehydration can happen quickly due to excess perspiration, hot weather, sun exposure, and lack of fluids throughout the day; however, mild dehydration can occur simply by not drinking enough water throughout the day. The body loses water every day by sweating, breathing, elimination, tears, and saliva. Lost liquid is usually replaced by drinking fluids or eating foods that contain water. When we get busy and forget to drink, or don't realize we are thirsty, mild dehydration can occur.
Signs of dehydration -
The first signs can be very subtle. You might feel tired or sleepy, have mild nausea, have trouble concentrating, or feel thirsty. If you ignore these signs, you might develop a headache, become dizzy, develop increased sleepiness and lack of energy, have dark urine, and even faint. If you continue to ignore symptoms, severe dehydration can occur. This is life threatening.
What to do -
If experiencing these mild symptoms, the remedy is easy. DRINK clear fluids such as water and electrolyte drinks. Continue to hydrate and monitor your urine. If you get that 3:00 pm slump, instead of a cup of coffee or tea, try drinking a bottle of water.
Prevent dehydration
- To prevent dehydration, don't wait until you are thirsty to drink. Keep in mind that by the time you are thirsty, you are already mildly dehydrated. Strive to drink six to eight glasses of water a day (eight glasses equal about two liters) and eat foods with a natural water content such as fruits and vegetables.
During periods of extreme heat, if you work outdoors, plan to exercise or play outdoors, pre-hydrate and boost your fluid intake. Monitor your body for signs of dehydration and make the appropriate modifications to prevent it.
Protect your employees
- Allow employees, especially those who work outdoors or in hot departments such as kitchens, laundry, and maintenance, opportunities to rest and rehydrate. Offer easy access drink stations and encourage drinking cool water every 15 to 20 minutes. Add unsweetened flavorings to improve flavor. If appropriate, allow employees to bring fruits and vegetables in small coolers to the job site. Educate employees on the causes and to recognize the symptoms of dehydration. Instruct them on how to protect themselves. Have a buddy system in place so workers can encourage each other to hydrate and to monitor one another for signs of dehydration. Supervisors should continuously reinforce the messages with ongoing training and visual reminders, such as posters. Have an emergency plan in place that includes procedures for providing affected workers with the proper medical care.
When our employees are properly hydrated, they are healthier, safer, and more productive, no matter what the weather or working conditions.
Do you have wellness information to share? Please contact
Jean Henry, RN, Risk Control Wellness Nurse.
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New Associate Members
Scantek, Inc.
www.scantek.info
Technology
With over 50 years of experience and many references, Scantek (www.scantek.info), provides document scanning, records management and consulting solutions for counties and municipalities throughout Pennsylvania, with affordable and easy-to-use document management software options. Scantek is a COSTARS-authorized business partner, and we are experts in helping you convert your paper files to secure, searchable electronic images to meet both your backfile and day-forward requirements. Teleosoft, Inc.
www.teleosoft.com
E-Government, Technology
Teleosoft provides comprehensive industry leading software solutions for county government. Our CountySuite sheriff and court products are implemented in over 40 counties in Pennsylvania. |
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Upcoming Events
August 4-7, 2019
CCAP Annual Conference and Trade Show
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading - Reading, PA
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Quote of the Month
"Dig for feedback on yourself. You need to have the courage to ask for feedback. You need to learn how you can learn how to grow. It is important that you are going to be a lifelong learner."
-Scott Cook
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