Agent News

Angle: March 2020

March, 2020

Message from Mike V

Good morning agent partners,

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continues to spread and attract significant media and public attention, we want to provide you with assurance that, as your workers’ compensation partner, we have worked diligently to ensure we are prepared to conduct business without interruption during this evolving health situation.

Helping to protect our mutual customers is our highest priority. We’re encouraging business owners to carefully evaluate their business continuity plans and continue to direct them to the most up-to-date resources on COVID-19 – including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Please visit our Response to COVID-19 webpage for answers to questions we’re hearing most often, a message regarding payment exceptions and other key COVID-19 information as it relates to Third Coast Underwriters.

Protecting our policyholders – our shared customers – has never been more important. Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership as we work together to keep workplaces safe.

Stay safe and healthy.

Mike Valiante
Vice President
Business Development, Underwriting and Data Analytics

TeleCompCare

3CU is committed to providing our customers the resources necessary to help keep their employees safe and assist them when injuries occur at work. Our telemedicine program, TeleCompCare®, provides injured workers quick 24/7 access to triage nurses who are trained to offer assessments, refer you to medical care when appropriate and give you a convenient option to connect with a telemedicine occupational physician via live video conference over your computer, tablet or smartphone.

For more information, please visit our TeleCompCare® webpage or contact your business development consultant.

Online Learning Opportunities for Agents

Did you know that in addition to classroom learning, the AF Group Agency Education team also delivers an innovative curriculum focused on the foundational concepts of workers’ compensation virtually? It’s true – the team offers an interactive approach to learning, providing insurance professionals with a unique opportunity to gain valuable insurance knowledge from anywhere, at any time. Agents have the chance to develop at their own pace through our WebCE® online courses and an extensive library of e-learnings, covering subjects from retail and manufacturing to health care, construction and more. For more information, visit our website.

Ergonomics for Your Home Office

With millions of jobs requiring work from home availability, it’s important to remember the ergonomic principles to improve the “fit” between the worker and the workspace. A practical approach considers the match between the person, the equipment they use, their work processes and the work environment. A person’s capabilities, physical attributes and work habits must be recognized to improve ergonomic factors in the workplace.

A practical approach considers the match between the person, the equipment they use, their work processes and the work environment. A person’s capabilities, physical attributes and work habits must be recognized to improve ergonomic factors in the workplace.

Tips to keep in mind as you prepare to work from home:

  • Find adequate lighting. Ensure your space has both natural and artificial light sources. Make sure lighting is not shining directly on you or your monitor.
  • Improve your circulation. Set reminders to step away from your desk to stretch or take a short walk.
  • Minimize storage and clutter. Clutter around your work area is not just a distraction, but a trip and fall exposure too.
  • Get a full night of sleep. According to healthline.com, a good night’s rest has been linked to improved productivity and concentration and improved immune function.
  • Make sure your workstation fits you. Assess your home office space to ensure that your workspace meets your needs – especially when new furniture, equipment or tasks are introduced.

Watch this quick demonstration of proper office ergonomics and learn other workstation safety tips and stretches to help prevent repetitive motion injuries. Office Ergonomics – Video