In nearly every industry and sector, there is potential for error and unforeseen circumstances. It is critical for businesses that are involved in the selling and distributing of products to implement and maintain a product liability program to reduce their company’s overall risk.

A product liability program is a set of policies and procedures a business puts in place to reduce the risk of product-related injuries and lawsuits. The program should be designed to identify and control hazards, train employees on safe product use, and respond to product-related incidents.

How to Create a Product Liability Program

To create a product liability program, a business should first assess its risk. This involves identifying the types of products it makes or sells, the potential hazards associated with those products, and the likelihood of those hazards causing injuries. The business should also consider the potential costs of product liability claims, including medical expenses, lost wages and legal fees.

Once the business has assessed its risk, it can develop a product liability program to address those risks. The program should include the following elements:

• Hazard identification and control: The business should identify and control any hazards associated with its products. This may involve redesigning products, adding warnings or instructions, or providing training to employees and customers.
• Employee training: The business should train its employees on safe product use. This training should cover the potential hazards associated with the products, as well as the proper procedures for using and maintaining them.
• Incident response: The business should have a plan in place to respond to product-related incidents. A plan should encompass procedures for reporting incidents, investigation, and corrective action.

Product Liability Across Functions

When building a product liability program, the business should also include multiple business functions. This should always include the following departments:

• Engineering: The engineering department should be responsible for identifying and controlling hazards associated with products.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing department should be responsible for implementing the hazard controls identified by the engineering department. Note, this function may also encompass quality control, if assigned to the manufacturing department.
• Quality Control: The quality control department should be responsible for ensuring that products meet safety standards.
• Sales and Marketing: The sales and marketing department should be responsible for providing customers with accurate information about the risks associated with products.
• Customer Service: The customer service department should be responsible for responding to customer inquiries about product safety.

By including multiple business functions in its product liability program, a business can help to reduce the risk of product-related injuries and lawsuits.

Keys to Program Success

Once the product liability program has launched, there are important steps to take to ensure it continues to run effectively and efficiently. Consider these tips for creating and maintaining a successful product liability program:

• Ensure the program continues to be tailored to the specific risks of your business.
• Obtain input from all relevant departments when developing and reviewing the program.
• Train employees on the program and ensure that they understand their responsibilities.
• Review the program regularly and make changes as needed.
• Keep records of all product-related incidents and take steps to prevent future incidents.

By following these critical steps, businesses can help to protect themselves and their employees from the possible financial and reputational costs of product liability claims.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in this article are for general informational purposes only. Further, this information may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

Preventable injuries, commonly known as “accidents,” are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, . Join us in observing National Safety Month as we work together to highlight the leading causes of preventable injury and death in order to create healthier, safer environments at home and in the workplace.

Promoting Safety in the Workplace

This year, the following weekly topics will be highlighted during National Safety Month:

Week 1 – : By prioritizing workplace safety, employers can stay prepared and create a positive and productive environment for their employees. This includes implementing robust safety protocols, providing proper training, and maintaining equipment. Organizations can also use this month to review safety policies, conduct risk assessments, and engage employees in safety initiatives to ensure a safer work environment for everyone.

Week 2 – : It may come as a surprise that the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2021, 44,486 people died in falls at home and at work, according to . For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death. Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important for employers to plan ahead, assess the risks and be sure to use proper, well-maintained equipment. Observational safety programs can also help to reduce the risk of falls at work.

Week 3 – : Every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure and, in some cases, these injuries can be fatal. To avoid hazardous heat exposure, employees should:

• Consume adequate fluids (water and sport drinks)
• Work shorter shifts or split shifts
• Take frequent breaks
• Quickly identify any heat illness symptoms
• Wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Week 4 – : Even in familiar surroundings, employers need to be looking for dangers in the workplace. Keeping an eye out for hazards and performing routine building safety measures can help organizations identify and avoid them before an injury occurs.

Moving Forward

As a leading provider of property and casualty insurance, 91şÚÁĎÍř aligns with the principles of National Safety Month by offering comprehensive risk management solutions and insurance products tailored to specific industry needs—all of which enhance workplace safety, minimize potential losses, and protect your bottom line. This month serves as a reminder that investing in safety is not just a legal obligation, but a responsible choice that benefits everyone involved.

What does a workplace wellness program look like? Here’s a short list of some of our employees’ favorite wellness offerings:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Tuition reimbursement
• Reward and recognition programs
• Stand-up desks and ergonomic workstations
• Free flu shots
• Community volunteer programs
• Financial seminars
• Charitable matching gift programs

All of these offerings, and more, are part of 91şÚÁĎÍř’s newly refreshed well-being program — BE Well 360°.

We asked a few of 91şÚÁĎÍř’s well-being experts to share more about the importance of workplace wellness programs and how 91şÚÁĎÍř is embracing wellness in the workplace. Check out what they had to say below!

Erin Buddie, 91şÚÁĎÍř’s AVP of human resources operations, on the importance of workplace wellness programs:
“The benefits of comprehensive workplace wellness programs are numerous. Research indicates these programs can raise employee engagement, increase productivity and contribute positively to company culture. According to the American Psychological Association, 89% of employees at companies that support well-being efforts are more likely to recommend their company as a good place to work. While total wellness for each employee cannot be achieved overnight, companies should be making an effort to foster a healthy working environment for their employees. When employers take wellness into account, the long-term positive impact on overall employee health is undeniable.”

Karen Champine, 91şÚÁĎÍř’s manager of benefits and compliance, on the company’s newly refreshed well-being program:
“BE Well 360° is designed to address five aspects of overall well-being. These include: physical wellness, financial security, social and emotional balance, professional development and a sense of community. The program provides a broad range of meaningful initiatives that support overall well-being. From on-site chair massages to complimentary financial seminars, employees are offered various resources that focus on all-around wellness. When our well-being program was refreshed in early 2019, we introduced 31 employee wellness ambassadors. With these ambassadors located at various offices across the country, we’ve seen a notable increase in participation, as well as overall enthusiasm for the program. Monthly wellness activities are held at the corporate level, sponsored by the human resources team, but what’s really exciting is the growth of local wellness activities, planned by our employee ambassadors. A wellness program that is influenced and supported by the employee population is what every company should strive for – and I’m proud to say that’s what we’ve accomplished at 91şÚÁĎÍř!”

Yvonne O’Connor, 91şÚÁĎÍř claims consultant and BE Well 360° ambassador, on office wellness activities:
“As the wellness ambassador for the Chicago Core Service Center, one of 91şÚÁĎÍř’s smaller offices, I’m always trying to think of new ways to engage our team in wellness activities beyond the companywide initiatives. It’s a bit challenging for our team because many employees in the Chicago office work remotely, but we’ve found ways to embrace workplace wellness without being in the same room – or even the same building. My favorite so far was the month-long step challenge our office held in May. Throughout the month, we recorded our steps in a shared spreadsheet. We watched each other progress and provided encouragement to each other along the way. Thanks to BE Well 360°, the small but mighty Chicago team felt empowered to BE Well and took an amazing 1,897,333 steps!”

Are you interested in working for a company that cares about you and your success? Place yourself amongst people who share a commitment to professional growth, community, and innovation. to view 91şÚÁĎÍř’s current job openings.

In today’s professional environment, there are unique ways businesses can help their employees focus on health. In fact, companies that focus on health can see – including enhanced productivity, strengthened company culture, lowered burnout, and reductions in turnover.

Ergonomic Safety
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), also known as an ergonomic injury, can affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons, according to the . Workers can be exposed to ergonomic-related risk factors from performing their day-to-day tasks, such as sitting, heavy lifting, bending, reaching, pushing/pulling heavy loads, and performing repetitive tasks.

Ergonomic injuries can include strains and sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back injuries. These injuries can be reduced at work by promoting ergonomic health as part of an overall safety program, including encouraging employees to stretch and flex each day, conducting ergonomic evaluations, maintaining observational safety, ensuring proper use of equipment. Companies can also consider implementation of artificial intelligence wearables to evaluate and improve worker behaviors.

Mental & Emotional Health
More organizations are realizing the benefits of employee health and the prevention of burnout. Initiative-based and physical health programs can help keep employees safe, healthy and motivated.

Businesses can encourage employees to participate in anti-burnout initiatives that encourage physical and mental breaks through the implementation of free resources and events such walking or running clubs and meditation or therapy sessions. Companies should also consider providing an allowance to assist in meeting these physical and mental health-related goals. This can cover some of the costs for gym memberships, exercise equipment, fitness streaming services, or wearable applications.

Return to Work Programs
Even with proactive measures in place, injuries and accidents can still occur at work. A successful return to work program can help employees feel engage and prioritized as they focus on health and recovery.

After an injury, workers may need physical therapy, occupational therapy or other rehabilitation before they are able to fully function in their jobs again. But rather than not working at all, they may be able to perform light-duty work for several weeks or months until they can return to their full job demands.

Early return-to-work programs provide opportunities for all parties — the employer, employee and medical providers — to coordinate and identify accommodations, modifications or light-duty work, and place workers in these modified assignments. Workers who perform light-duty activities while recovering are generally more optimistic about their health and .

Learn More

The World Health Organization has several resources available for businesses to recognize and celebrate World Health Day. To learn more, visit the .

According to the , lung cancer is responsible for more fatalities than colorectal cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer combined. In fact, The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 132,000 men and women have died from lung cancer this year.

Lung Cancer Risks at Work
While smoking tobacco is the most common cause of lung cancer, work-related exposure to carcinogens is also a leading cause of lung cancer. The World Health Organization recently reported that one in ten lung cancer deaths is caused by risk factors at work. These factors can include such as asbestos, soot, tar, radon, welding fumes and arsenic.

Symptoms of lung cancer may not be apparent right away and can include a persisting cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, bone pain and headaches, .

Businesses in high-risk industries can take steps to help prevent lung cancer risks for their workers:

• Be aware of hazards on the job, such as the presence of asbestos or other toxins
• Require proper usage of masks and/or respirators to prevent inhalation or ingestion
• Consider , such as ventilation systems to remove air particles
• Encourage a healthy and smoke-free workplace, as the combination of exposure to carcinogens and smoking can greatly

Learn More
As part of the annual recognition, the American Lung Association offers a and other tools and resources to learn and share information about lung cancer research and prevention.

Creating a wellness program and implementing other safety measures into the workspace can have fantastic results for a business. With that in mind, more firms may want to take these steps if they haven’t done so already, so they too can reap the rewards of a motivated, healthy workforce. In order to achieve that goal, here are some tips and trends related to employee fitness.

Improved worker health can benefit the company
Creating an effective wellness program can be one of the best ways to promote employee engagement and turn distracted workers into highly productive ones, according to a recent survey conducted by Virgin Pulse, titled “The Business of Healthy Employees 2014: A Survey of Workplace Health Priorities.”

For the study, Virgin Pulse looked at more than 350 organizations and nearly 4,000 employees, with the goal of learning about the affect of wellness programs on the workforce. The results indicated that these measures can be a fantastic way to not only improve staff members’ health, but also boost productivity and increase profits for the company itself.

“We’re in the midst of an engagement crisis,” noted Chris Boyce, CEO of Virgin Pulse. “Overall employee disengagement is being reported at 70 percent in the U.S. and even higher globally. That means even on a good day, your employees aren’t tapping their full brainpower or reaching their full productivity potential. Making an investment in employees and demonstrating a commitment to them and their well-being is a straightforward way to help employees make daily changes that lead to sustainable healthy behaviors and improvements in workplace engagement and productivity.”

Moreover, participants reported wellness programs can bring in better potential hires, as well as impart a positive change to the company’s culture. Even so, Virgin Pulse explained that some firms are missing out on ideal opportunities regarding wellness programs, including incentives offered via the Affordable Care Act.

More companies look to boost health
Across the country, many companies are quickly realizing the benefits of using wellness programs and other incentives to improve worker health and reduce both insurance claims and costs.

According to The Economist, a number of corporations have started to alter how they approach health and wellness. For example, many firms to employees who hit healthy goals, such as quitting smoking or eating better. On a similar note, many more are starting to penalize workers for not reaching those same benchmarks. For instance, GE Capital’s Connecticut-based office forbids smoking on the property, and the on-site gym comes equipped with personal trainers.

GE Capital isn’t alone, The Economist explained. A number of large corporations, including YMCA, Walgreens and Express Scripts, have started to offer health incentives to employees as a way to control costs and keep workers in better shape. However, this trend may not stop there. More firms could start to turn to harsher methods to encourage healthy behavior, such as a financial penalty for gaining too much weight.

Wellness programs have proven to be effective, affordable means to improve employee health. While companies have a number of options at their disposal, creating a plan that will provide guidance here could drastically reduce insurance costs and improve productivity.