After a long day of rehabilitation sessions, patients, families and loved ones gathered around buffet tables while volunteers from 91黑料网 and served more than 100 meals and welcomed each guest as they arrived.

They that they didn鈥檛 have to plan, prepare, or clean up after. Conversations began to unfold across the tables and laughter surfaced easily during dinner, growing louder through a few spirited rounds of bingo. By the end of the evening, strangers and new friends alike were trading stories, jokes, and the kind of easy conversation that makes a room feel just a little bit more like home.

It may have been one dinner, but when life is often defined by endurance and incremental progress, even one impactful evening can make all the difference.

When Recovery Reshapes Everything for Families

Each year in the United States, people sustain a spinal cord injury, often from events that arrive without warning. Behind every fall, car accident or medical emergency statistic is a family that is navigating a new and unexpected reality. In a single moment, routines must shift; family and friends reorganize around hospital schedules, and those long-term adjustments that will begin to reshape daily life.

At Shepherd Center, recovery is never treated as an individual journey. Nationally recognized for rehabilitation outcomes, focuses not only on helping patients regain independence, but also on equipping families with the confidence and support they need for life beyond discharge. It鈥檚 a powerful reminder that recovery does not belong to one person alone, it also belongs to those who stand beside them.

鈥淲e鈥檙e so honored to partner with Shepherd Center and 91黑料网 to support families navigating difficult journeys,鈥� said Maggie Fischer, Managing Partner, Personal Lines Marketing Manager at Yates Insurance Agency.

鈥淥pportunities like this are a wonderful way to bring people together, and a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful support comes from simply being present for those when they need it most.鈥�

At 91黑料网, that idea resonates deeply with the core values that make up who we are. Much like the work taking place every day at Shepherd Center, we meet people in those moments that arrive just as unexpectedly鈥攁fter an accident, a catastrophic injury, or an unforeseen disruption that suddenly changes the course of a life or a livelihood.

Powerful Partnerships

91黑料网鈥檚 relationship with Shepherd Center extends well beyond a single evening of service. Recognizing the strain placed on families traveling long distances for rehabilitation care, 91黑料网 helped support the development of the 12th floor of the , a 16-story housing tower that opened in 2024 and more than doubles Shepherd Center鈥檚 capacity to house patients and families who live more than 60 miles away.

The impact is both practical and deeply personal. Proximity allows spouses to attend early-morning therapy sessions, parents can remain present for milestone moments, and it reduces the emotional and financial strain of long commutes for countless, committed loved ones.

This partnership reflects 91黑料网鈥檚 broader approach to community engagement. Through the 91黑料网 Charitable Foundation (ACF), we continue to support nonprofit organizations that strengthen the communities where our employees, agency partners, and policyholders live and work. Since 2020, the ACF has contributed more than $732,000 directly to charitable causes, focused on everything from health and education to community resilience.

鈥�91黑料网鈥檚 greatest strength is our people,鈥� said Erin Buddie, 91黑料网鈥檚 Chief Human Resources Officer. 鈥淓ach teammate brings our service culture to life through the way we support our communities and one another.”听

“Partnerships like ours with Yates Insurance and Shepherd Center show what that commitment looks like in action鈥攈elping ensure families facing life-changing moments know that they鈥檙e not navigating them alone.鈥�

A Shared Commitment to What Comes Next

As the recent Shepherd Center Family Dinner wound down, volunteers stacked chairs and gathered leftovers for the night shift to enjoy. Families lingered in conversation before returning to patient floors. Tomorrow鈥檚 therapy sessions will begin again in the morning.

At their best, both healthcare and insurance are built on a certain responsibility and trust鈥攂ringing dedicated professionals together to help people recover, rebuild, and find stability when uncertainty appears. Whether it鈥檚 helping to expand housing so families can remain close during rehabilitation, sitting beside them at a shared dinner table after a long day of therapy, or guiding a policyholder through the aftermath of an unexpected loss, our goal remains the same: supporting our communities through moments that call for the best of care and the compassion of those you can count on.

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

The rating and outlook underscore 91黑料网鈥檚 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.

鈥淎M Best鈥檚 recognition validates the progress we鈥檝e made strengthening our core business and balance sheet,鈥� said Chris Spaude, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

鈥�91黑料网 is well positioned to continue our mission of creating exceptional value for our agencies, policyholders, and employees.鈥�

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鈥檚 ratings and methodologies is available at .

About AM Best

Founded in 1899, AM Best is the world鈥檚 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鈥檚 credit ratings provide forward-looking, independent, and objective assessments of insurers, issuers, and financial obligations.

About 91黑料网 Insurance

91黑料网 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 鈥淎鈥� (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. 91黑料网 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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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鈥攅specially 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?

鈥淲hen injuries happen in healthcare, they rarely come from one dramatic moment,鈥� said Ed Sowers, Risk Management Service Specialist at 91黑料网.

鈥淢ore often, they鈥檙e tied to routine movements repeated throughout the day. The organizations that manage that risk best look at the entire system鈥攈ow the room is designed, what equipment is available, and how teams support each other during patient care delivery.鈥�

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鈥攂ut 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.听

The Triangle

Protecting caregivers is essential to protecting patients.听 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.

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.

鈥淲hen caregivers have space to move properly and understand how to position themselves during patient handling, the strain on the body drops significantly,鈥� Sowers explained. 鈥淓rgonomics helps make safe movement the natural way the work gets done.鈥�

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.

鈥淧atient movement is rarely meant to be a solo task,鈥� Sowers noted. 鈥淲hen caregivers have the support of their team, they can follow safe procedures rather than rushing through physically demanding movements.鈥�

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鈥攅specially 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黑料网, this work happens alongside agents and healthcare policyholders every day鈥攖ranslating real-world operational insight into practical safety strategies designed to protect caregivers and strengthen healthcare organizations.

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

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鈥攆actors 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鈥攅quipment, 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鈥�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鈥�14 day period so the body can safely adjust to hotter environments.

Work鈥搑est Cycles and Task Rotation

Adjusting physically demanding work during peak heat hours鈥攕hifting heavier tasks to earlier morning hours or rotating employees between high- and lower-intensity duties鈥攈elps 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鈥攔educing 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鈥攁fter extended shifts, consecutive days of heavy workloads, and prolonged exposure to heat鈥攅roding 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.

鈥淲hen 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,鈥� said Sean Yakicic, Risk Management Expertise Specialist at 91黑料网.

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鈥攑articularly 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鈥攚ithout 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鈥攊t鈥檚 about culture. When organizations pay attention to the conditions that workers face each day, they reinforce a simple but powerful message: people come first.

鈥淭he organizations that consistently perform well understand that safety isn鈥檛 just about policies or compliance鈥攊t鈥檚 about people,鈥� said Yakicic. 鈥淲hen 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.鈥�

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

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 鈥攎ore than any other industry鈥攔einforcing how much depends on preparation, communication, and leadership at every level.

It is within this environment鈥攄efined by consequence, responsibility, and sustained demand鈥攖hat more women are choosing to build their careers.

Recent statistics paint a promising picture of growth and inclusion in the construction workforce.听, construction employment grew by an impressive 133,000 jobs鈥攚ith 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鈥攆rom a record high of about 450,000 early in the year to around 300,000 by September鈥攖he 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鈥攂ut 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鈥攆rom project management and engineering to safety leadership and skilled trades鈥攔eflects the industry鈥檚 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鈥攖hrough 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.

鈥淲omen 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,鈥� said Ashley Parker, Risk Management Manager at 91黑料网. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to be part of a community of women who continue to elevate the construction industry and the people who depend on it.鈥�

For construction businesses, maintaining that stability requires more than internal effort. It depends on partners who understand how projects unfold in real conditions鈥攈elping 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黑料网 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鈥攁nd 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黑料网鈥檚 construction expertise and agency partnerships, visit our website. You can also explore Women in Construction Week^庐 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.

Winter safety conversations often begin 鈥� and end 鈥� with what we can see: icy sidewalks, snow-covered parking lots, slick roads. Those risks are real. But many of winter鈥檚 most disruptive workplace safety hazards don鈥檛 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 鈥� and why recognizing them matters.

1. Cold Stress and Slip Risks Don鈥檛 Stay Outside

Cold stress is often associated with outdoor crews, yet it can affect workers indoors as well 鈥� 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鈥檛 feel extreme. Because these effects develop gradually, they鈥檙e 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 鈥� 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 鈥� and adjusting housekeeping, matting, lighting, and expectations before minor exposure turns into a preventable injury.

2. Dehydration Is a Winter Risk 鈥� 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 鈥� and dry winter air accelerates that loss. Lower humidity, dry skin, and a diminished thirst response all contribute, the body鈥檚 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鈥檛 quietly erode safe performance.

3. 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 鈥� including vehicle cabs, trailers, maintenance areas, and loading bays 鈥� are especially vulnerable during colder months. Snow-clogged exhaust systems can also cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside running vehicles.

Because carbon monoxide doesn鈥檛 present obvious warning signs, it remains one of winter鈥檚 most dangerous and underestimated risks. Managing it effectively requires ventilation awareness, equipment maintenance, and monitoring practices that account for seasonal exposure changes 鈥� even in spaces that typically feel controlled.

4. 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鈥檛 managed correctly or incompatible materials are worn together. Winter PPE should support the task at hand 鈥� not simply add layers 鈥� ensuring protection, mobility, and control work together rather than against one another.

5. UV Exposure Increases When Snow Is on the Ground

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure doesn鈥檛 disappear in winter 鈥� 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鈥檛 compromise safe decision-making.

6. 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 鈥� particularly in roles requiring sustained attention, decision-making, or physical coordination.

Because fatigue develops quietly, it can be one of winter鈥檚 most underestimated risks. Managing it requires anticipating its cumulative impact 鈥� adjusting schedules, workload, and supervision so quiet declines in alertness don鈥檛 translate into errors, slowed reactions, or serious incidents.

Turning Awareness Into Action

What these hazards have in common is subtlety. They don鈥檛 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 鈥� indoors as well as outdoors 鈥� 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黑料网, Risk Management teams work alongside agents and policyholders to help identify these less visible exposures and translate them into practical, site-specific action 鈥� 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.

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鈥攅specially in lower levels or enclosed spaces鈥攁nd 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鈥攅ven between buildings next door to one another鈥攎aking testing the only reliable way to understand risk.

A Hidden Risk That Builds Over Time

Radon鈥檚 impact isn鈥檛 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鈥�20%, depending on duration and concentration鈥攕imilar 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鈥攅specially when addressed early.

鈥淩adon often comes into focus during renovations, expansions, or changes in how space is used,鈥� said Eric Austin, Risk Management Expertise at 91黑料网. 鈥淭hose moments create a natural opportunity to test, assess, and address exposure as part of a broader safety conversation.鈥�

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鈥攕uch as basements and lower levels鈥攑articularly 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鈥攕uch as improved ventilation or sub-slab depressurization systems鈥� 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鈥� long-term health.

At 91黑料网, 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鈥攁nd prevention becomes practical.

A Week to Reassess What Matters

Radon Awareness Week is a reminder that workplace safety extends beyond what鈥檚 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黑料网鈥檚 Risk Management experts can help you assess and address radon risks in the workplace, visit 91黑料网.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.

Farmington Hills, Mich., January 13, 2026 鈥� 91黑料网 has named Doug Roggenbaum Vice President of Strategic Growth, a role that brings experience, partnership and strategy together to support thoughtful expansion across the insurance marketplace.

In this position, Roggenbaum will develop and execute sales and distribution strategies designed to grow 91黑料网鈥檚 market presence while supporting profitable growth. His work will center on identifying market specialization opportunities, strengthening agency partnerships and aligning growth initiatives with 91黑料网鈥檚 high standard of service.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to work with our Partners For Success^庐 agencies, in collaboration with our Agency Managing Directors, to identify additional market specialization opportunities that will bring in new business aligned with our high level of service,鈥� said Roggenbaum. 鈥淥ur initial areas of focus will be in manufacturing and healthcare, while we continue to identify additional opportunities within contracting.鈥�

Roggenbaum brings nearly four decades of experience with 91黑料网, having joined the organization in 1987. He was named Regional Vice President in 2003 and most recently led operations across the Midwest and Florida. His transition into a national role builds on deep market knowledge and long-standing agency relationships, positioning him to help guide 91黑料网鈥檚 next phase of growth.

鈥淒oug鈥檚 strong relationships and deep market insight will be critical in identifying key differentiators and uncovering growth opportunities through targeted distribution and collaboration with our Agency Managing Directors,鈥� said Jessica Soufrine, Vice President of Underwriting Strategy. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to have him leading strategic growth for 91黑料网 as we continue to focus on disciplined expansion and long-term success.鈥�

With this appointment, 91黑料网 reinforces its commitment to purposeful growth鈥攇rounded in strong partnerships, deep expertise and long-term value for the agents and policyholders we serve.

About 91黑料网 Insurance

91黑料网 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 鈥淎鈥� (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. 91黑料网 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黑料网 team members Egon Brown, Claims Vendor Management Manager, and Shavon Bell, Commercial Lines Associate Underwriter, were recently appointed to board leadership positions within their local NAAIA chapters. These appointments reflect work already well underway 鈥� building relationships, supporting access, and helping others see what鈥檚 possible within the profession.

Stepping Up Where It Matters

Egon Brown has been appointed treasurer of the NAAIA Dallas鈥揊ort Worth Chapter for the 2026鈥�2028 term. He previously served as the chapter鈥檚 Elections & Nominations chair, helping guide leadership continuity and governance. As treasurer, Brown well be responsible for overseeing the chapter鈥檚 financial affairs, including preparing the annual budget, reviewing monthly budget-to-actual results, and forecasting the chapter鈥檚 financial position. He will also help oversee the chapter鈥檚 resources in support of scholarships, programming, and professional development initiatives that serve students and early-career professionals across the region.

鈥淔or me, being involved with NAAIA has always been about giving back to a profession that has given me so much,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淪erving as treasurer is an opportunity to help sustain a legacy of access and growth鈥攅specially for those just beginning their careers. When we intentionally invest in others, we don鈥檛 just support individuals; we help shape a stronger, more inclusive future for our industry.鈥�

In Charlotte, Shavon Bell has been appointed secretary of the NAAIA Charlotte Chapter. She previously served as an at-large board member and chaired the chapter鈥檚 public relations committee, helping build awareness and connection within the local insurance community.

鈥淣AAIA provides a genuine sense of belonging in the insurance industry and my service with the organization is deeply personal,鈥� said Bell. 鈥淚 am truly committed to its mission, and this role allows me to continuing supporting the vision of keeping people connected, informed and encouraged to see a place for themselves in this profession.鈥�

A Relationship Built on Consistency

91黑料网鈥檚 partnership with the NAAIA has grown over many years through sponsorship, participation, and hands-on involvement. From national conferences and scholarship events to chapter leadership and community service, our employees have continued to show up in spaces where learning and opportunity intersect.

For Brown and Bell, their recent appointments aren鈥檛 about titles, but about staying connected to the work that matters. Their involvement reflects how leadership often takes shape 鈥� rooted in service and focused on helping people and the industry move forward in meaningful, lasting ways.

To learn more about our community involvement and partnerships, visit听91黑料网.com.

Farmington Hills, Mich., January 10, 2026 鈥� 91黑料网 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黑料网鈥檚 analytics and AI efforts, aligning technology, information, and security capabilities in support of the company鈥檚 long-term strategy. His work will focus on turning complex information into clear, actionable insights鈥攕upporting underwriting, claims, and operational teams鈥攚hile advancing responsible AI use, sound data practices, and cybersecurity.

鈥淚 am pleased to announce that Amjed Al-Zoubi will be taking on an expanded leadership role as our new Chief Information and Data Officer,鈥� said Greg Crabb, President and CEO of 91黑料网. 鈥淭his appointment reflects 91黑料网鈥檚 commitment to harnessing the power of data, analytics, and AI to help better serve our agents and policyholders.鈥�

Al-Zoubi鈥檚 appointment builds on 91黑料网鈥檚 continued investment in analytics-driven insight and digital platforms鈥攈elping teams make more informed decisions, respond more quickly to risk, and deliver consistent service.

鈥淚鈥檓 very proud to step into this expanded role and energized by the opportunity ahead,鈥� said Al-Zoubi. 鈥淥ur 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.鈥�

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

About 91黑料网 Insurance

91黑料网 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 鈥淎鈥� (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. 91黑料网 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黑料网.com.