October 21, 2008

Consultant Recommendations Save You Money, Improve Processes

If your clients have ever wondered why they received "recommendations" from Anchor Risk Management, you may have wondered, too. What are they for? Is there a problem with the case?

Actually, anytime that happens it's a great opportunity to cement your relationship through the value-added services we provide. Our recommendations present ways to improve processes related to safety and efficiency so your clients can be more successful. In most cases, employers aren't even aware they have a problem.

Think of it this way: you've written three drafts of an important letter, but just as a precaution, before you send it to your client, you ask Mary to take a look at it. She hands it back with a red arrow pointing to an obvious typo. But it wasn't obvious to you because you had seen it so many times, it appeared normal.

What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

Anchor knows employers involved in the day-to-day operation of their businesses may overlook the obvious for the same reason: they need a fresh set of eyes to look at things for them. A full-time safety director undoubtedly would notice things the owner might not see or be aware of - if the company had one.

Anchor Risk Management maintains a staff of certified safety professionals and professional engineers to provide safety reviews for policyholders of The Combined Group. They also are available on a fee basis to companies who are not our clients.

When Anchor's safety professionals offer guidance in the form of recommendations, they are providing your clients valuable professional advice that can help them improve operations, have a safer workplace and be more productive.

Anchor Provides Specific Guidance

Anchor Risk Management consultants often submit recommendations as a result of phone calls or on-site visits with policyholders. The recommendations may concern administrative controls, such as required record keeping or developing forms to document events, or they may involve physical hazard controls, such as guarding equipment, or proper design of stairs and ladders.

We do not penalize policyholders if our recommendations aren't implemented by the due date. We set due dates as a way of reminding employers there is a safety-related matter that requires their attention.

Because our recommendations are substantive, it usually is in the best interests of the employer to implement them by the target date, or call Anchor Risk Management for further assistance. If during such discussion we find a recommendation not to be feasible, we work with employers to develop alternative approaches.

The bottom line? Anchor's recommendations help your clients improve productivity and reduce the likelihood of losses. As their agent, you provide your clients the benefit of certified safety professionals without the cost of additional staff.

For any questions about Anchor's recommendations, or to learn more about our services, please contact Bill Propes anytime at bpropes@combinedgroup.com, or call toll-free 1-800-275-3193.