safety – 91 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:52:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.5 /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-cropped-favicon-512x512-1-32x32.png safety – 91 32 32 AM Best Affirms 91’s “A” (Excellent) Rating Based on a Successful 2025 /blog/am-best-amerisure-a-excellent-financial-rating/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 /?p=8707 Read more]]>
AM Best Affirms 91’s “A” (Excellent) Rating Based on a Successful 2025

Farmington Hills, Mich., March 30, 2026 — 91 Insurance is proud to share that AM Best has reaffirmed the company’s “A” (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating with a stable outlook, demonstrating 91’s continued financial strength and its ability to deliver on commitments to policyholders and agency partners. 91 has received the A (Excellent) rating for more than 25 years!

The rating and outlook underscore 91’s financial stability supported by three consecutive years of improvement in our core business operating ratio and net income, which has generated strong surplus growth. The elimination of future earnings drag from legacy asbestos liabilities was another positive to the continued stable outlook. This transaction further strengthens our balance sheet and enables continued strong returns from our core business.

“AM Best’s recognition validates the progress we’ve made strengthening our core business and balance sheet,” said Chris Spaude, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

“91 is well positioned to continue our mission of creating exceptional value for our agencies, policyholders, and employees.”

AM Best reviews and rates more than 16,000 insurance companies worldwide, evaluating insurers on creditworthiness, balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile. Additional information about AM Best’s ratings and methodologies is available at .

About AM Best

Founded in 1899, AM Best is the world’s first credit rating agency and the largest specializing in the insurance industry. What began as a one-room office in New York City has grown into a globally recognized authority on insurer creditworthiness. AM Best’s credit ratings provide forward-looking, independent, and objective assessments of insurers, issuers, and financial obligations.

About 91 Insurance

91 is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. 91 has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit amerisure.com.

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The Patient Safety Triangle: Smart Strategies for Reducing Healthcare Worker Injuries in Long-Term Care /blog/patient-safety-triangle-smart-healthcare/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:29:13 +0000 /?p=8661 Read more]]> In healthcare, some of the most important work happens in those routine moments.

A nurse helps a someone sit up after surgery. A physical therapist steadies someone learning to walk again. A caregiver gently shifts a patient to ease discomfort or prevent complications during the recovery process.

These movements are part of daily care, and among the most physically demanding tasks in modern workplaces—especially in long-term care settings and senior living communities, where caregivers support residents with daily mobility needs over extended periods of time. For these organizations, the question becomes clear: How can we help protect the people who spend their careers protecting others?

“When injuries happen in healthcare, they rarely come from one dramatic moment,” said Ed Sowers, Risk Management Service Specialist at 91.

“More often, they’re tied to routine movements repeated throughout the day. The organizations that manage that risk best look at the entire system—how the room is designed, what equipment is available, and how teams support each other during patient care delivery.”

Where Patient Handling Risk Really Begins

Healthcare professionals perform some of the most physically demanding work in any industry. Moving a patient from bed to chair, assisting with rehabilitation, or repositioning someone to prevent pressure injuries are essential parts of care—but they can also place significant strain on caregivers. In long-term care communities, these movements often happen repeatedly throughout the day for the same residents, increasing cumulative physical demands on staff. that manual lifting can expose workers to spinal forces that exceed recommended safe limits, especially when mechanical support or team assistance is limited.

Unlike many industries, healthcare cannot remove these tasks from the workflow; mobility assistance is a necessary part of treatment. This is especially true in senior living facilities, where supporting activities of daily living is central to resident care. As a result, the workforce experiences some of the over most private industries, with musculoskeletal disorders among the of missed workdays. Many of these injuries are linked to handling tasks such as lifting, repositioning, and transfers and, when injuries occur, the impact reaches beyond the individual caregiver. Staffing pressure increases, workflows may slow, and care environments become increasingly more complex.

The Triangle

Protecting caregivers is essential to protecting patients. aligns ergonomics, lifting equipment, and team-based support to make patient movement safer and more efficient. By replacing high-risk manual tasks with safer systems, healthcare facilities may reduce injuries while creating a more comfortable and dignified experience for those in recovery or receiving treatment.

The model centers on three interdependent elements: Ergonomics, Equipment, and Staffing.

The Patient Safety Triangle: Smart Strategies for Reducing Healthcare Worker Injuries

Ergonomics

Ergonomics focuses on designing healthcare environments that help support safer movement. This includes patient room layouts that allow proper positioning during transfers, workflows that support assisted movement, and training that reinforces safe body mechanics. In both senior living and long-term care facilities, this may also include room configurations that accommodate mobility aids and support frequent repositioning throughout the day. Recent federal workplace safety guidance as an important component of healthcare injury prevention.

“When caregivers have space to move properly and understand how to position themselves during patient handling, the strain on the body drops significantly,” Sowers explained. “Ergonomics helps make safe movement the natural way the work gets done.”

Hospitals that incorporate ergonomic design into patient handling programs fewer lifting-related injuries and greater confidence among caregivers assisting patients with mobility.

Equipment That Supports Safer Patient Movement

Training and workplace design are essential, but safe patient handling also requires the right tools. Mechanical lifts, transfer devices, slide sheets, and adjustable beds are in healthcare environments. These tools help caregivers reposition or transfer patients while reducing the strain associated with manual lifting.

Staffing

Even with ergonomic design and advanced equipment, safe patient handling depends on teamwork; many transfers require two caregivers working together to safely reposition or assist a patient. And when staffing levels are stretched, caregivers may feel pressure to handle these tasks alone, often raising the risk of injury; continues to highlight staffing support as a key factor in safe handling programs.

“Patient movement is rarely meant to be a solo task,” Sowers noted. “When caregivers have the support of their team, they can follow safe procedures rather than rushing through physically demanding movements.”

Adequate staffing allows care teams to move more deliberately, communicate clearly, and assist one another during potentially difficult mobility tasks.

When Safety Systems Work Together

The strength of the Patient Safety Triangle becomes clear when ergonomics, equipment, and staffing operate not as isolated solutions, but as parts of a coordinated system.

In healthcare facilities that approach patient handling this way, safety is built into the environment itself. to allow caregivers to move and position themselves properly during transfers. Mechanical lifts and transfer devices are readily available where patient movement occurs. Care teams receive practical training in and have the staffing support needed to work together when tasks require more than one set of hands.

Over time, these systems begin to reshape the rhythm of care. Transfers become more deliberate. Caregivers can move with greater confidence. Patients may feel more stable and secure during moments that can otherwise be physically and emotionally vulnerable.

Safety, in these environments, is not treated as a separate initiative or an afterthought. It becomes part of the everyday workflow, supporting caregivers while strengthening the overall resilience of the healthcare organization.

Strengthening Healthcare Safety

When healthcare organizations treat patient handling as a system rather than a series of individual tasks, the benefits may extend well beyond injury reduction. Over time, these practices can help strengthen more than safety metrics. They support workforce resilience, preserve valuable clinical expertise, and help healthcare organizations maintain the steady, high-quality care patients depend on every day—especially in environments where continuity of care and caregiver well-being are critical to resident outcomes. They support workforce resilience, preserve valuable clinical expertise, and help healthcare organizations maintain the steady, high-quality care patients depend on every day.

At 91, this work happens alongside agents and healthcare policyholders every day—translating real-world operational insight into practical safety strategies designed to protect caregivers and strengthen healthcare organizations.

To learn more about how 91 helps healthcare organizations strengthen safety programs and protect their teams, visit 91.com.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in each article are for general informational purposes only.

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Stronger Safety: The Power of Worker Well-Being /blog/stronger-safety-worker-well-being/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:14:30 +0000 /?p=8656 Read more]]> Every day, workers across construction sites and industrial operations keep our communities stronger moving forward—building infrastructure, producing essential goods, and helping power the economy. But in environments like these, risk doesn’t always announce itself loudly.

A worker slows their pace. Another pauses longer than usual between tasks. A supervisor notices someone losing focus while operating equipment. As the warmer months approach, these warning signs become more common across worksites preparing for the summer season ahead.

Increasingly, safety leaders recognize that heat exposure, fatigue, and mental strain are closely connected risks—factors that shape how workers concentrate and respond to hazards on the job. For organizations committed to protecting their teams, understanding that connection is becoming a key part of building safer workplaces.

Understanding the Risk

Across the United States, work outdoors, where physical exertion, protective equipment, and direct sunlight combine to intensify environmental stress throughout the day. Indoor environments are not immune either. Warehouses and processing facilities can trap heat and humidity, creating conditions where workers experience sustained thermal strain even without direct sun exposure.

For decades, workplace safety programs have focused primarily on visible hazards—equipment, fall protection, machine guarding, and other physical risks present on nearly every jobsite. Those protections remain foundational but, as temperatures begin to climb heading into the spring and summer months, organizations achieving the most consistent safety outcomes are expanding their focus to include something equally important: worker well-being and human performance.

Rising Temperatures, Rising Risk

Extreme heat offers a clear example of why this shift matters.

, more than 33,000 workers experienced serious heat-related injuries or illnesses that required time away from work. Nearly 1,000 workers have died from occupational heat exposure since the early 1990s, a stark reminder of how dangerous extreme temperatures can be. Research how environmental stress can gradually erode focus and stamina during physically intensive work, where even subtle declines in concentration can increase the likelihood of incidents.

Employers are responding by strengthening workplace heat safety and heat stress prevention strategies that help workers stay protected throughout the workday. Programs often include:

Hydration and Cooling Practices

providing workers with cool drinking water and encouraging approximately one cup every 15–20 minutes during hot conditions, along with access to shaded or air-conditioned recovery areas where employees can cool down and lower body temperature during breaks.

Acclimatization Protocols

Because new or returning workers are particularly vulnerable, federal safety guidance gradually increasing workloads and heat exposure over a 7–14 day period so the body can safely adjust to hotter environments.

Work–rest Cycles and Task Rotation

Adjusting physically demanding work during peak heat hours—shifting heavier tasks to earlier morning hours or rotating employees between high- and lower-intensity duties—helps reduce cumulative heat strain and fatigue during prolonged exposure.

Environmental Monitoring and Early Response

Tracking humidity and temperature allows supervisors to modify schedules, increase rest breaks, or pause work when conditions become unsafe. Consider heat index-monitoring and clear response plans into daily jobsite safety planning.

When Fatigue Begins to Build

Heat rarely operates alone. Fatigue and mental strain can compound physical stress—reducing alertness and slowing the reaction times workers rely on to perform safely on active jobsites. Long work hours, irregular schedules, and physically intensive tasks can of workplace errors and injuries, particularly in industries where employees operate heavy equipment or perform precision work requiring sustained concentration.

More often than not, fatigue itself builds gradually—after extended shifts, consecutive days of heavy workloads, and prolonged exposure to heat—eroding the focus and situational awareness crews depend on to stay safe. Workers may begin moving more slowly or miss small but important details that normally guide safe decision-making.

When those conditions combine with environmental heat stress, the likelihood of mistakes increases. Employers are encouraged to as a manageable risk so potential issues can be identified and controlled before they lead to incidents.

“When supervisors are trained to recognize signs of fatigue, heat stress, or distraction, they can step in early and redirect the situation before it becomes a loss,” said Sean Yakicic, Risk Management Expertise Specialist at 91.

Effective fatigue risk management programs include:

PLAN scheduling strategies that support adequate recovery time between physically demanding shifts

TRAIN supervisors to recognize behavioral indicators of fatigue or cognitive overload

ROTATE tasks and adjust workloads during periods of high environmental stress

LISTEN and reinforce open communication practices that encourage workers to report fatigue or mental strain early

Supporting Mental Well-Being on the Jobsite

While heat and fatigue often receive the most attention during the summer months, mental well-being is increasingly recognized as another important factor shaping workplace safety. Demanding schedules, physically intensive labor, and high-risk environments can place sustained pressure on workers, sometimes affecting concentration and decision-making in ways that are not always immediately visible.

continues to highlight this connection, noting that workplace stress and mental health challenges can strongly influence productivity and overall safety performance—particularly in industries where employees must maintain a focused and constant situational awareness.

In response, many organizations are strengthening jobsite practices that support both psychological well-being and operational safety, including:

  • Supervisor awareness and behavioral observation, helping frontline leaders recognize early signs of distraction, stress, or cognitive overload that could affect safe performance.
  • Open communication and peer support, creating an environment where workers feel comfortable raising concerns early—without stigma or hesitation.
  • Thoughtful job planning and realistic scheduling, helping reduce unnecessary pressure that can compound fatigue and mental strain on the jobsite
  • Access to confidential , including employee assistance programs and mental health services promoted through workplace health initiatives.

Building a Stronger Safety Culture

Creating safer jobsites is about more than policies or compliance—it’s about culture. When organizations pay attention to the conditions that workers face each day, they reinforce a simple but powerful message: people come first.

“The organizations that consistently perform well understand that safety isn’t just about policies or compliance—it’s about people,” said Yakicic. “When we pay attention to the conditions workers face, we create environments where employees can stay focused, support one another, and perform at their very best.”

As warmer months approach and workloads intensify, preparation and awareness help crews stay focused, resilient, and ready to work safely. For more practical strategies and expert insights to help strengthen your safety program, visit 91.com.

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Proven Strength: How Women in Construction Are Reshaping the Industry’s Future /blog/proven-strength-women-in-construction/ Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:32:00 +0000 /?p=8633 Read more]]> Across the United States, the construction industry has long proven essential to the nation’s progress, employing work in construction, building the roads, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and infrastructure that daily life depends on. The scale of that work is reflected in the nation’s current investment—more than —an extraordinary level of activity that underscores both the opportunity and the pressure carried by those responsible for delivering it.

Even in periods of strong growth, construction remains shaped by constraints. Workforce shortages persist, timelines shift, and operational risk is constant. Safety, in particular, remains central to every project. Construction accounts for roughly —more than any other industry—reinforcing how much depends on preparation, communication, and leadership at every level.

It is within this environment—defined by consequence, responsibility, and sustained demand—that more women are choosing to build their careers.

Recent statistics paint a promising picture of growth and inclusion in the construction workforce., construction employment grew by an impressive 133,000 jobs—with women contributing 18,000 of these new positions. This means that approximately 1 in every 7 construction jobs, or just over 14% of the workforce, is now held by women. Even as the industry navigates fluctuations in job openings—from a record high of about 450,000 early in the year to around 300,000 by September—the steady influx of talented women helps ensure that the sector remains vibrant, resilient, and full of opportunity.

A Proven Legacy

Women in Construction Week, held annually during the first full week of March, was established in 1998 by the , to recognize that evolution. NAWIC itself began decades earlier, in 1953, when women working in construction formed an organization to support advancement in a field where opportunity was often limited.

Since then, the industry has changed dramatically—but its demands have not softened. Construction continues to require technical expertise, operational discipline, and leadership capable of managing inevitable uncertainty. Projects can unfold over months or years, shaped by variables that cannot always be predicted; stability depends on people who can sustain focus and make sound decisions over time.

The growing presence of women across construction roles—from project management and engineering to safety leadership and skilled trades—reflects the industry’s ongoing adaptation to those realities. Their contributions strengthen the workforce not simply by increasing its size, but by reinforcing its capacity for coordination and long-term continuity.

Safety, Stability, and the Work Behind the Work

Safety improvements across the construction industry have come through sustained effort—through safety training, planning, and a stronger understanding of risk. While the work remains inherently demanding, progress over time reflects the impact of leadership committed to protecting workers and strengthening operational discipline.

“Women in construction bring a unique blend of resilience, intuition, and care to some of the toughest work out there. Every day, women help shape safer environments and stronger teams by showing up with focus and compassion,” said Ashley Parker, Risk Management Manager at 91. “It’s an honor to be part of a community of women who continue to elevate the construction industry and the people who depend on it.”

For construction businesses, maintaining that stability requires more than internal effort. It depends on partners who understand how projects unfold in real conditions—helping identify risk early, respond when circumstances change, and support continuity over the life of the work. This need has grown more pronounced as and projects have become more complex, increasing the importance of proactive risk management and coordination across teams.

91 has long partnered with construction businesses and the agencies who serve them, providing risk management expertise and claims support that help organizations navigate uncertainty and keep projects moving forward. That partnership supports construction professionals not only when disruption occurs, but in the day-to-day effort required to operate safely and meet their commitments.

Construction has never been defined solely by the structures it produces, but by the people willing to take responsibility for building them—and by the partnerships that help sustain that work. recognizes those professionals whose proven strength continues to shape an industry essential to how our communities function and grow.

To learn more about 91’s construction expertise and agency partnerships, visit our website. You can also explore Women in Construction Week® events, helpful resources, and unique industry perspectives at:

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in each article are for general informational purposes only.

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Hidden Risks We Miss: 6 Often Overlooked Cold-Weather Hazards /blog/risks-6-often-overlooked-cold-weather-hazards/ Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:14:00 +0000 /?p=8571 Read more]]>

Winter safety conversations often begin — and end — with what we can see: icy sidewalks, snow-covered parking lots, slick roads. Those risks are real. But many of winter’s most disruptive workplace safety hazards don’t arrive with drama or visibility. They settle in quietly, embedded in familiar routines and indoor spaces where people spend most of their day.

What makes these hazards easy to overlook is also what makes them costly. They develop gradually, compound over time, and affect judgment, balance, and performance long before an incident occurs.

Here are six often overlooked cold-weather hazards — and why recognizing them matters.

  1. Cold Stress and Slip Risks Don’t Stay Outside

Cold stress is often associated with outdoor crews, yet it can affect workers indoors as well — particularly in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, loading docks, and older buildings with inconsistent heating or frequent air exchange.

Prolonged exposure to cooler temperatures can reduce circulation, stiffen muscles, slow reaction time, and impair coordination, even when conditions don’t feel extreme. Because these effects develop gradually, they’re easy to dismiss until reduced dexterity and delayed responses increase the likelihood of strains, handling errors, or secondary incidents.

Winter hazards also tend to follow workers inside. Snow, slush, and moisture tracked through entrances can create slick conditions in lobbies, corridors, stairwells, and break areas — spaces that feel familiar enough to lower awareness. Surfaces that appear dry may still lack traction, particularly during peak traffic periods when mats shift, floors are cleaned frequently, or moisture accumulates unnoticed. consistently shows slips, trips, and falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries involving days away from work, with winter conditions contributing to seasonal increases.

Effective winter workplace safety depends on recognizing how indoor conditions and routine traffic patterns change over time — and adjusting housekeeping, matting, lighting, and expectations before minor exposure turns into a preventable injury.

  1. Dehydration Is a Winter Risk — Not a Summer One

Hydration often falls off the winter safety radar, yet occupational health research shows dehydration risk can increase in colder months. Workers lose fluids not only through sweat, but through respiration — and dry winter air accelerates that loss. Lower humidity, dry skin, and a diminished thirst response all contribute, the body’s ability to retain water and leaving many people chronically dehydrated through winter.

that dehydration can contribute to fatigue, reduced concentration, and higher injury risk, especially in physically demanding or safety-sensitive roles. Managing winter dehydration means treating hydration as a year-round safety control, reinforcing access, reminders, and expectations so fatigue and focus don’t quietly erode safe performance.

  1. Carbon Monoxide Exposure Is a Quiet Winter Threat

Winter conditions increase the risk of , particularly as facilities seal up to retain heat and portable heaters, furnaces, generators, and idling vehicles are used more frequently. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and early symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and nausea are often mistaken for fatigue or illness, allowing exposure to continue longer than it should.

Federal and state safety agencies that enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces — including vehicle cabs, trailers, maintenance areas, and loading bays — are especially vulnerable during colder months. Snow-clogged exhaust systems can also cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside running vehicles.

Because carbon monoxide doesn’t present obvious warning signs, it remains one of winter’s most dangerous and underestimated risks. Managing it effectively requires ventilation awareness, equipment maintenance, and monitoring practices that account for seasonal exposure changes — even in spaces that typically feel controlled.

  1. Winter PPE Can Create New Challenges

Additional layers are essential in cold weather, but they can also interfere with movement, visibility, and grip if not evaluated carefully. Bulky clothing may restrict range of motion. Gloves can reduce dexterity. Face coverings can affect visibility or the fit of eye and head protection. emphasizes that personal protective equipment must function as a system, particularly when conditions require layering.

For flame-resistant or arc-rated clothing, improper layering can also compromise protection if moisture isn’t managed correctly or incompatible materials are worn together. Winter PPE should support the task at hand — not simply add layers — ensuring protection, mobility, and control work together rather than against one another.

  1. UV Exposure Increases When Snow Is on the Ground

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure doesn’t disappear in winter — and in some environments, it intensifies. Snow can reflect up to , increasing exposure for outdoor workers, drivers, and equipment operators even on cold or overcast days.

Because workers are dressed for warmth, winter is often underestimated. Yet exposed areas such as the face, neck, ears, and hands remain vulnerable. Reflected UV rays can also contribute to eye strain and temporary vision impairment, affecting depth perception and situational awareness.

Managing winter UV risk means accounting for environmental reflection and visual strain in planning, reinforcing eye protection and awareness so glare and reduced visibility don’t compromise safe decision-making.

  1. Fatigue Builds Faster in Winter

Shorter daylight hours, disrupted sleep patterns, and the added physical effort of working in cold conditions all contribute to . Over time, fatigue affects judgment, reaction time, and situational awareness. continues to link fatigue with increased injury risk across industries — particularly in roles requiring sustained attention, decision-making, or physical coordination.

Because fatigue develops quietly, it can be one of winter’s most underestimated risks. Managing it requires anticipating its cumulative impact — adjusting schedules, workload, and supervision so quiet declines in alertness don’t translate into errors, slowed reactions, or serious incidents.

Turning Awareness Into Action

What these hazards have in common is subtlety. They don’t always announce themselves, and they rarely feel urgent in isolation. But together, they shape how work unfolds throughout the winter season.

Organizations that manage winter risk effectively tend to reassess conditions regularly — indoors as well as outdoors — adjust expectations for pace and equipment performance, and reinforce awareness around cold stress and fatigue. They treat cold-weather workplace safety not as a checklist, but as an operational reality.

At 91, Risk Management teams work alongside agents and policyholders to help identify these less visible exposures and translate them into practical, site-specific action — before winter conditions disrupt people or operations.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in each article are for general informational purposes only.

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Hidden Exposure: Why Radon Belongs on Your Safety Radar /blog/hidden-exposure-radon/ Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /?p=8541 Read more]]> Much of today’s work happens indoors, where hidden risks can quietly build over time. Across construction trailers, manufacturing floors, healthcare campuses, and office wings, employees spend long hours inside buildings that were often built decades ago, expanded in stages, or adapted for new uses over time. That makes workplace radon exposure and indoor air quality part of the workday—whether anyone notices it or not. During (January 24–30), it’s a timely reminder to think about how long-term indoor air exposures like radon affect worker health.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from soil and rock. It moves upward through the ground and enters buildings through foundation cracks, floor drains, sump pits, and utility openings. Once inside, it can accumulate—especially in lower levels or enclosed spaces—and long-term exposure carries serious health consequences.

Health officials radon contributes to about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause among people who have never smoked.

Where Time Indoors Shapes Risk

Radon risk is less about job title and more about time spent inside buildings.

Healthcare professionals working extended shifts. Manufacturing teams operating near ground level. Construction crews occupying newly enclosed or temporary structures as projects progress. In each case, exposure potential increases simply because people are present for long stretches in spaces where radon can build up.

Environmental data that nearly 1 in 15 U.S. homes has elevated radon levels, and similar conditions have been documented in schools, hospitals, offices, and industrial facilities across all 50 states. Radon levels can vary widely—even between buildings next door to one another—making testing the only reliable way to understand risk.

A Hidden Risk That Builds Over Time

Radon’s impact isn’t immediate. Its risk grows gradually, over years of exposure, which is why public health experts emphasize early identification and control.

To put the risk in human terms: for every modest increase in long-term radon exposure, the chance of developing lung cancer rises noticeably. International health authorities that sustained exposure at higher levels can raise lung cancer risk by roughly 15–20%, depending on duration and concentration—similar to adding another long-term health risk into the environment where people spend much of their working lives. From a workplace perspective, that makes radon a measurable and manageable risk—especially when addressed early.

“Radon often comes into focus during renovations, expansions, or changes in how space is used,” said Eric Austin, Risk Management Expertise at 91. “Those moments create a natural opportunity to test, assess, and address exposure as part of a broader safety conversation.”

From Testing to Confidence

Public health guidance is consistent on one point: testing is the only way to know radon levels. Short-term tests offer an initial snapshot, while long-term testing provides a clearer picture of ongoing exposure. Radon exposure at work most often occurs in areas closest to the ground—such as basements and lower levels—particularly where ventilation is limited. Because radon has no smell or visible warning signs and levels can change over time, periodic testing of occupied ground-level spaces is essential.

When elevated levels are identified, proven mitigation techniques—such as improved ventilation or sub-slab depressurization systems— indoor radon levels by as much as 99% when properly designed and installed. Reviewing test results against established action levels helps organizations determine when these straightforward steps can significantly reduce exposure and protect employees’ long-term health.

At 91, Risk Management teams help agents and policyholders consider environmental risks like radon alongside more familiar workplace hazards. That may include guidance on when testing makes sense, how to interpret results, and how indoor air quality fits into broader risk management strategies for construction, manufacturing, and healthcare operations.

This is where awareness turns into confidence—and prevention becomes practical.

A Week to Reassess What Matters

Radon Awareness Week is a reminder that workplace safety extends beyond what’s visible or immediate. It includes the conditions people experience every day, over time, inside the buildings where work gets done. Organizations that address radon proactively protect long-term health, strengthen trust with employees, and demonstrate leadership that looks beyond the obvious.

To learn how 91’s Risk Management experts can help you assess and address radon risks in the workplace, visit 91.com or connect with your Risk Management expert.

The information provided in this newsletter does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in each article are for general informational purposes only.

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91 Appoints Amjed Al-Zoubi as Chief Information and Data Officer /blog/amjed-al-zoubi-appointed-cido/ Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000 /?p=8547 Read more]]>
91 Appoints Amjed Al-Zoubi as Chief Information and Data Officer
Amjed Al-Zoubi, Chief Information
and Data Officer at 91

Farmington Hills, Mich., January 10, 2026 — 91 has appointed Amjed Al-Zoubi Chief Information and Data Officer (CIDO), broadening his leadership responsibilities as the company continues to strengthen how insight, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) inform decision-making across the organization.

In this capacity, Al-Zoubi will lead 91’s analytics and AI efforts, aligning technology, information, and security capabilities in support of the company’s long-term strategy. His work will focus on turning complex information into clear, actionable insights—supporting underwriting, claims, and operational teams—while advancing responsible AI use, sound data practices, and cybersecurity.

“I am pleased to announce that Amjed Al-Zoubi will be taking on an expanded leadership role as our new Chief Information and Data Officer,” said Greg Crabb, President and CEO of 91. “This appointment reflects 91’s commitment to harnessing the power of data, analytics, and AI to help better serve our agents and policyholders.”

Al-Zoubi’s appointment builds on 91’s continued investment in analytics-driven insight and digital platforms—helping teams make more informed decisions, respond more quickly to risk, and deliver consistent service.

“I’m very proud to step into this expanded role and energized by the opportunity ahead,” said Al-Zoubi. “Our focus is not just on advancing technology, but on making data more meaningful and usable for the people making critical decisions every day. When analytics and AI are aligned with business strategy, they become powerful tools for clarity, consistency, and long-term performance.”

With this evolution, 91 continues to build on a disciplined approach to innovation—using insight and technology to support informed decisions, strong partnerships, and lasting value for the policyholders and communities we serve.

About 91 Insurance

91 is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. 91 has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit 91.com.

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Focused on What Matters: OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Citations in 2025 /blog/focused-on-oshas-top-10-citations-2025/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:45:16 +0000 /?p=8515 Read more]]>
Focused on What Matters:  OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Citations in 2025

Most workplace injuries don’t come from rare, catastrophic events. They often occur in familiar moments — climbing a ladder, servicing equipment, moving materials, or working at height on a busy day. When pace and routines speed up, even the strongest safety practices can lose focused attention.

That reality is reflected in this year. For the 15th straight year, fall protection leads the list, followed by hazards tied to everyday work across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare environments.

Taken together, these citations paint a clear picture of where risk continues to surface in routine work — not because safety is ignored, but because it can be challenged by changing conditions, time pressure, and familiarity.

Focused on Where Risk Shows Up

  1. Fall Protection – 5,914
  2. Hazard Communication – 2,546
  3. Ladders – 2,405
  4. Lockout/Tagout – 2,177
  5. Respiratory Protection – 1,953
  6. Fall Protection Training Requirements – 1,907
  7. Scaffolding – 1,905
  8. Powered Industrial Trucks – 1,826
  9. Eye and Face Protection – 1,665
  10. Machine Guarding – 1,239

These patterns align with broader national injury trends. Recent federal labor that falls, overexertion, and contact with equipment continue to account for a significant share of serious workplace injuries and days away from work — disrupting operations and affecting workers across industries.

Where Focus Becomes Action

Organizations that see progress treat this list as a working guide. They stay close to how tasks are performed, refresh training as conditions change, and reinforce expectations before issues arise. That might mean revisiting ladder setup and inspections after schedules shift, reinforcing lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance periods, or re-emphasizing fall protection as crews rotate or job sites evolve.

That same approach shapes 91’s engagement across the safety landscape — including active participation alongside organizations like the (NSC), where emerging research, real-world data, and field-tested solutions help inform how safety is practiced — not just documented.

“OSHA’s Top 10 doesn’t surprise many of us—but it does remind us where risk continues to surface,” said Ashley Parker, Risk Management Manager at 91. “Most hazards emerge in everyday work, not isolated events. When leaders pair national insights with what front-line workers are actually experiencing, prevention becomes proactive instead of just compliant.”

Looking Ahead

OSHA’s Top 10 list offers clarity — not as a compliance exercise, but as a reminder of where focused attention delivers the greatest return. Each category represents an opportunity to strengthen habits, protect people, and support steady operations. When prevention is built into how work actually happens, these insights help organizations focus their efforts where they matter most.

91’s Risk Management experts work alongside agents and policyholders to translate these insights into practical, site-specific action—drawing from field experience, national safety research, and like those outlined in OSHA’s construction and general industry regulations

To learn how 91’s Risk Management team can help strengthen your safety program, reach out to your 91 Risk Management expert.

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91 Joins RISE Professionals Founding 50 /blog/amerisure-joins-rise-professionals-founding-50/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 /?p=8468 Read more]]>
91

Farmington Hills, Mich., January 6, 2025— 91 is proud to announce its selection as one of the members, a national distinction recognizing companies committed to developing the next generation of insurance talent. This invitation-only program brings together organizations stepping forward with purpose—investing in mentorship, collaboration and workforce innovation at a time of significant change in the sector.

“We all benefit when we make space for the next generation to grow,” said Steve Donnelly, Chief Service Officer at 91 and . “Joining the RISE Founding 50 allows us to support emerging leaders in a real, hands-on way—creating pathways for learning and long-term growth.”

As seasoned professionals retire and competition for skilled workers intensifies, insurers are being called upon to adopt sustainable approaches that help preserve continuity and prepare the workforce for what’s ahead. Backed by an 8,000-plus professional community, RISE connects employers and emerging talent—building opportunities for collaboration, leadership development, and industry-wide connection.

“When we invest in relationships and the growth of future leaders,” Donnelly said, “we’re not just developing talent; we’re helping shape a future for insurance that’s more inclusive, more resilient, and better prepared to support our policyholders.”

For 91, this partnership reinforces more than a century of investing in people and building empowered teams—continuing a legacy defined by powerful partnerships and a commitment to meaningful progress across the industry.

“RISE is creating the momentum our industry needs—spaces where professionals can learn boldly and grow into confident leaders,” said Erin Buddie, 91 Chief Human Resources Officer. “When we invest in people early and consistently, we strengthen the entire ecosystem—our teams, our partners, and the communities we serve.”

About 91 Insurance

91 is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. 91 has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit .

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Leading With Impact:91 Voices Shaping the Future of Insurance /blog/leading-with-impact/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:38:42 +0000 /?p=8489 Read more]]>
The 91 Guidewire Team accepts an Innovation Award at the 2025 Guidewire Connections Conference

Behind every meaningful change in insurance are people leading and willing to share what they’ve learned. 91’s expert employees regularly contribute their expertise to industry conversations—through articles, panels, and speaking engagements—helping translate real-world experience into ideas that strengthen the insurance experience for our agents and policyholders.

91 Guidewire Transformation Team – 2025 Innovation Award Winner, Guidewire Connections Conference, (Watch some of the 91 team talk about the impact of our Guidewire initiative

Steve Donnelly, Chief Service Officer – Elected Board Member, RISE Advisory Board,

Matt Latham, Purchasing Manager – Presenter and speaker, From Pitch to Approval: Building a Business Case for CLM,

Ryan Anderson, Risk Management Technology Manager – Presenter and speaker, Leveraging Technology to Improve Workplace Safety,

Kimberly Vaughn, Vice President of Claims – Presenter and panel member with the Topics included:

AI Wins and Wipeouts: Lessons from the Insurance Frontlines

Fireside Chat: Communication & Executive Presence

Strategic Litigation Management: Driving Efficiency, Controlling Costs, and Protecting the Brand

Meg Palchak, Loss Sensitive Programs Experience Manager – Winner, 2025 Guidewire All-Star Class, Guidewire

Ashley Parker, Risk Management Manager – Presenter and speaker,Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHS) Conference,

John Coffaro, AVP of Premium Audit – Presenter and panel member,Increasing Auditor Efficiency and Reducing Operational Strain and 91’s Payroll Validator,

Stay tuned for more in Q1! We’ll share the latest news, media mentions and speaking engagements from 91 right here on theNewsroomeach quarter.

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