http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/ (c) 2007 john-henshall.co.uk All Rights Reserved Henshalls Insurance Brokers are delighted to annouce the launch of their new website. The new website will provide a range of new features designed to help customers obtain information quicker, renew their insurance policies online via a secure payment system. The new website is designed to fit within Henshalls Insurance Brokers current "Personal Service" approach ensuring that all quotes are personalised to the individual client. We hope to expand it over the next few months to include more information on various insurance issues, and also enhance our commitment to the community with links to important local sites and information. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/new-website-launched-2007-05-06.php Sun, 06 May 2007 00:00:00 BST Henshalls continued their annual support of Newport in Bloom this week when they helped to sponsor a new italian-themed garden on Stafford Road. The feature was designed by local volunteer Derrick Eve, who had already designed a similar feature in his own garden.    Heart of England in Bloom (Newport) committee members wanted to enhance the entrance to the town previously covered by poor weedy grass.   "The feature needed to be aesthetically pleasing, interesting, and fitting in well with the surrounding landscape.  All-year interest was considered to be important, with the planting requiring the minimum of maintenance. "With global warming and the prospect of more long hot dry summers, the use of drought-resistant plants needed to be investigated." "You can only be impressed that such a lovely feature is so practical.    Newport is very lucky to have such a talented and dedicated team looking after the town\'s Heart of England in Bloom project.    The town looks fantastic every summer, and makes you proud to live and work here" said Martin Pitchford, Director at Henshalls.       http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/newport-in-bloom-2007-05-15.php Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 BST Henshalls are pleased to announce today the signing of an exclusive partnership agreement with the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce to provide competitive commercial insurance cover designed specifically for Chamber members. The Chamber Risk Insurance (CRI) scheme, an innovative protection package, offers Shropshire Chamber members exclusive access to highly competitive property and liability cover tailored specifically for small and medium sized enterprises. Shropshire Chamber will deliver the scheme in conjunction with Newport-based Henshalls who celebrate 40 years in business this year. Henshalls Director, Tony Conlon, comments: “Chamber Risk Insurance offers bespoke insurance solutions designed to give small and medium sized businesses the quality of cover previously the preserve of only large corporates. We are delighted to be working with the Chamber to provide enhanced cover to smaller organisations who need the added value that CRI offers. The insurance is provided by AIG Europe (UK) Limited, a member company of AIG, one of the world’s leading insurance and financial services organisations. AIG is also the principle sponsor of Manchester United. AIG Europe is working in partnership with Henshalls to provide discounted rates to Chamber members under the CRI scheme.                                          Left to right: Dave Williams and Tony Conlon of Henshalls, Nick Graham of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, and Craig Newey-Jones of AIG Insurance.  Picture courtesy of Digital Images UK, Copyright Peter Newton. Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Chief Executive, Nick Graham, said: “Too many small businesses in Shropshire put their organisations at risk by under-insuring or worse still, not insuring at all. More often it is the Ostrich syndrome that is chiefly responsible for businesses folding simply because the leadership fails to properly understand the risks to which they are exposed. “It is a fact of business life that the unthinkable does happen. The figures on business recovery after a crisis make sober reading. Eighty percent of businesses in the affected by a major incident either never reopen or close within 18 months. Fire, flood, contamination and employee injury are all devastating events that have affected Shropshire business recently. “Reason indeed, that we are proud to be among the first Chambers in the area to offer our membership this superb scheme in conjunction with one of the County’s leading brokers. Henshalls will work closely with us to actively promote the scheme and I fully anticipate a strong take up on the offering.  It also provides an added incentive for businesses to join the Chamber and secure the benefits and discount attached to the scheme.” Chamber members can visit www.henshalls.com and follow the links to the CRI page or email chamberriskinsurance@henshalls.com for full details of the CRI scheme and on-line quoting. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/henshalls-launch-shropshire-chamber-risk-insurance-2007-06-10.php Sun, 10 Jun 2007 00:00:00 BST Henshalls contribution to this year\'s Carnival is to underwrite the cost of bringing the vibrant Samba band, Sambassadors, to delight and entertain Carnival crowds this year. Henshalls Finance Director, Mark Freeman, comments: “As a former Carnival Committee Treasurer I know how much hard work goes into creating a wonderful showcase event for the people of Newport to enjoy. “The Carnival committee deserve huge thanks from the town for their unrelenting commitment and energy. Henshalls has supported this fantastic Newport event one way or another for many years and we are particularly pleased to add a bit of ‘Ai Caramba’ with Samba in this our 40th anniversary year.”    Louise Williams of the Carnival Committee and Mark Freeman of Henshalls looking forward to the big day! Carnival organiser, Lorraine Pilgrim says: “Sambassadors is a superb community band based in Bath who will bring the Latin party spirit to the Carnival with their highly infectious party mood and music. I’m sure everyone just want get up and dance when they see them.” “Henshalls provides the Carnival’s public liability insurance cover. We are very appreciative of the fact they are always so willing to give something back. We value their support, advice and expertise.” The Newport Carnival takes place on Saturday 9th June 2007 in Newport. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/its-samba-time-2007-06-10.php Sun, 10 Jun 2007 00:00:00 BST Henshalls Insurance Brokers is backing this years Olde Tyme Market in Newport - big style. The Newport-based broker has agreed to fund the Fayre’s professional stilt walker, Brett Sirrell. A hugely skilful and talented entertainer who has appeared on TV, Brett will bring 8 feet-worth of teeteringly high value fun to the event. Burbury, one of Brett Sirrell\'s characters Henshalls Finance Director, Mark Freeman, comments: "Our customers tell us Henshalls stands head and shoulders above other insurance providers. We thought what better way to shout about that fact in an entertaining way. The event organisers were aware of Brett\'s exceptional talent so we said "great, bring him to the party!"" John Conyerd, Victorian Street Fayre organiser adds: "The Newport Victorian Street Fayre and Henshalls each share a 40th anniversary year in 2007. We are delighted Henshalls chose to support the event by helping us bring in a truly terrific professional entertainer. "Henshalls too, has a long association with the town and contributing to a great event for Newport by entertaining Novaportans, many of whom are loyal Henshalls customers, seems entirely fitting. We are very grateful for their generosity." The Newport Victorian Street Fayre takes place on Friday 15th June in St Mary Street in Newport between 6 and 9 pm. Henshalls staff will also participate in the Victorian Street Fayre on the night with a stall, the proceeds of which will go to local charities. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/12th-june-2007-2007-06-11.php Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:00:00 BST Henshalls has been shortlisted for an award for their Contribution to the Community, in the forthcoming Shropshire Chamber & Shropshire Star Business Awards 2007. Director Tony Conlon was keen to praise the staff for the nomination. "We do put in alot of effort at senior level supporting local community organisations by sitting on boards or contributing in some way, but we are also proud to have a staff with a fantastic appetite for helping others, not just in their daily work but outside as well, whether it is raising money for charity or simply helping out where needed". http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/henshalls-shortlisted-in-county-business-awards-2007-06-21.php Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 BST Henshalls is delighted to announce the appointment of Anthony Hughes as a commercial account executive. Anthony is an experienced broker, and has been a popular character in the local insurance industry all his working life. Dave Williams of Henshalls welcomed the appointment, saying "Anthony is a great signing! He is bringing with him a wealth of experience, and boundless energy. He will play a key role in the continued expansion of Henshalls, and I\'m looking forward to working with him for a long time to come". Dave and Anthony will be at the Shropshire Chamber Business Solutions Evening at the Buckatree Hotel tomorrow to advise people about the new Chamber Risk Insurance product available exclusively from Henshalls http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/expansion-continues-....-2007-07-10.php Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 BST Henshalls is proud to reveal that we have obtained a unique album cover signed by Elvis Presley as the headline lot in it\'s 40th Anniversary Charity Auction next month. The album, \'A Date With Elvis\', was recorded in 1959 when the \'King\' was serving as a GI in Germany.   Not only has Elvis signed the album cover, he has also written some letters and numbers after his signature. "We were quite puzzled what the code and drawing might mean", said Mark Freeman, Director at Henshalls.   "In the end I emailed the official Elvis Fan Club in America, and they replied almost immediately to confirm that they referred to the 1st Medium Tank Battalion (Patton) 32D Armor 3D Armored Division (Spearhead), and he had also drawn the division\'s logo". The Album cover and the vinyl LP are in a beautifully framed presentation frame along with a certificate of authenticity from Our Price plc. Henshalls has also secured a huge number of excellent donations for the auction which takes place from 7pm on Friday 7th September 2007 at the Royal Victoria Hotel in Newport, Shropshire to celebrate Henshall\'s 40th year of trading.[PLUGIN:DOWNLOAD]14[END:PLUGIN:DOWNLOAD] "All proceeds from the auction will go to two local charities - The Newport Cottage Care Centre, and Newport\'s S.A.F.E.R. Scheme (Shropshire Ambulance First Emergency Response)" explained Community Liaison Officer Elsa Mackay. Numbers are limited, so entry is by ticket only, which can be obtained free from Henshalls. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/20th-august-2007-a-date-with-elvis-presley-2007-08-22.php Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 BST When we totted up a total of over £7,000 immediately after the auction we were absolutely delighted, though a little disappointed that our headline lot, an Elvis album signed by \'The King\' himself, did not reach the reserve price. However, the final sum raised in our Charity Auction received a welcome boost a week later.    Unknown to us, one of the First Aid Response team attending the event was a huge Elvis fan and had been patiently waiting for the Elvis lot so that he could make a bid.   Unfortunately, \'Tex\' Talbot was called away on duty and missed it! As soon as he heard that it had not been sold, he contacted us and we were able to sell it to him for the asking price. We have now been able to present cheques for £4183 each to The Newport Cottage Care Centre and The Newport SAFER Scheme. Thanks once again to our staff, The Royal Victoria Hotel, David Brettell, and those local businesses, clients and friends who so generously donated or bought lots, or helped us organise the event. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/15th-october-2007-charity-auction-success-2007-11-19.php Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Car insurance firms are rejecting a thousand claims a year as some parents and children lie to save money, says the Financial Ombudsman Service. A fraud called "fronting" occurs when a young person has a car in their own name, but the insurer is falsely told that a parent is the main driver. Premiums are cut by hundreds of pounds but claims are rejected as the driver is told they are not properly insured. The young drivers can also find themselves in court.Some insurance firms are being criticised for not doing more to stop the fraud during online application processes. Why do people \'front\'? Insurance can often cost a young driver who owns a car more than a thousand pounds a year, because they have not built up any no-claims bonus and they are seen as a far greater risk than older drivers.But if a parent is put down as the main driver on the insurance policy, it can significantly lower the price.Daniel, a student at a university in South West London, told Radio 4\'s Money Box how his mother "fronted" for him when he passed his test at the age of 17. "It was quite expensive to be the main driver and to actually be insured as the first driver.I had to get my mum to put me on her insurance in order to make it more affordable." Any act of deception to try to get a lower insurance premium... is tantamount to fraud Adrian Webb, esure "It saved about £500. Everything was registered in her name but the car did actually belong to me." If an insurance company believes "fronting" has taken place, it can refuse to pay any claim. The young driver can then be treated as driving without insurance and face a fine with six points penalty points on their licence. Adrian Webb from the insurers esure, says parents and their children should resist the temptation to "front".The truth is, any act of deception to try to get a lower insurance premium with your insurance company is tantamount to fraud." The insurers\' remit But critics question whether the insurers themselves are doing enough to discourage fronting or giving adequate warnings to people that they might be committing insurance fraud. I believe it is the insurers\' fault Paul, Norwich During the online application process some, some firms - including esure, Churchill and the Post Office - allow a car owned by a young person to be insured by a parent who then puts their child down as an occasional driver. Other companies insist that the owner of the car and the main driver must be the same on the insurance application, so there is less risk of "fronting". The insurance industry itself will not reveal any figures on how many claims it is turning down, but the Financial Ombudsman Service says it is dealing with between 100 and 200 fronting disputes each year, and that indicates that firms will be dealing with around 1000 such cases annually. Be warned Peter Hinchcliffe, the lead insurance ombudsman, says in many cases customers have a difficult task to show they have not been "fronting"."This is a question of the evidence, so if you are the parent and you have said you are the main driver and the car has been in an accident, or stolen, at your son or daughter\'s university, you have got a lot of work to do to explain how that has come about." Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/7052569.stmPublished: 2007/10/20 09:33:09 GMT http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/20th-october-2007--fos-warning-re-fronting-2007-11-21.php Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Norwich Union has warned fleet managers of commercial vehicles that poor vehicle maintenance and inspection procedures could be the focus of an investigation by the police and/or the HSE should a serious accident occur.To minimise risk and assist fleet managers with their duty of care requirements, Norwich Union has devised a series of top tips to help prevent potential crashes or breakdowns: Complete a full and detailed daily check of the vehicle (and trailer where appropriate), including a final walk around check. Ensure that any defects discovered are rectified before commencement of any journey. Pay particular attention to lights, tyres and load security Ensure clear all round vision is maintained at all times. Check that windows on the vehicle are clean (inside and out), the wiper fluid reservoir is full with the correct strength of washer fluid and the wipers and blades are in good working order Scratches on a windscreen can potentially obscure the driver\'s vision when they are hit by headlights from on-coming traffic Ensure that tyres are free from defects, have the legal amount of tread and that they are set at the correct pressure for the vehicle type and the load carried - all in accordance with the vehicle manufactures specifications Ensure wherever possible that work patterns are planned to minimise the likelihood of driver fatigue Drivers should not drive for more than two hours without taking a break. Ideally drivers should be encouraged to take short, frequent breaks during journeys whilst staying within the driver\'s hours rules It is a well-known fact that certain activities such as walking and stretching triggers the sympathetic nervous system and helps keep drivers alert Drivers should remain hydrated and drink plenty of water to help concentration, and have adequate supplies of water in their vehicle Completely avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before attempting any journey Avoid the use of sleeping pills or other medication that could cause drowsiness as well as long periods of sleep before any journey. Ensure drivers are fully awake and not under the influence of anything that could affect driving performance Drivers should never drive tired; tiredness significantly increases the risk of having an accident/crash. If drivers experience any symptoms of excessive tiredness, it could be due to the underlying sleep condition known as sleep apnoea The hallmark symptom of sleep apnoea is excessive daytime sleepiness, Extracted from Stragic Risk October 2007 http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/1st-november-2007--top-tips-for-fleet-managers-2007-11-21.php Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Commercial rates set to rise by up to 10%. Norwich Union (NU) and AXA are set to increase commercial lines rates by as much as 10% from 1 November. The rises will apply across a broad range of commercial classes, including property and fleet, and could signify the beginning of a hard market. AXA said it would be introducing rate increases of between 5% and 10% to guard against more significant hikes in the future. NU said it would increase rates by an average of 5% across many of its commercial lines. NU director of trading Janice Deakin said further increases would follow. “This is not a flash in the pan. Concerted rate increases will follow in 2008.” The move follows the insurers’ declaration in August that they would be increasing commercial rates in the wake of the summer floods. At the time they were reluctant to map out a specific timetable. Allianz is also looking to raise commercial rates. Chris Hanks, Allianz commercial general manager, said the insurer was in discussions with brokers to test their reaction. He said: “An increase of between 5% and 7% is the target – but it depends on the reaction we get from our brokers. “If we get the opportunity, we will do it.” Hanks said Allianz had already increased fleet rates by 3% in September. He added that further rate hikes of between 6% and 10% could be expected across the market by the end of next year. But other insurers, including Zurich , have said they have no immediate plans to apply flat-rate increases across their commercial lines books. Royal & SunAlliance would not comment on rate movement. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/5th-november-2007---predicting-changes-in-the-insurance-market-2007-11-28.php Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT WITH EFFECT FROM THE 1ST JANUARY 2008 THE NOTIFICATION OF ANY ADDITION, DELETION OR CHANGE OF VEHICLE MUST BE WITHIN 7 DAYS. As you are already aware the owner of any vehicle that is used on any road to which the public have access has a legal responsibility to register the details of the vehicle on the Government\'s Motor Insurance Data Base. Currently it is necessary to notify the Data Base of any addition, deletion or change of vehicle within 14 days. The need to enter details on the Data Base applies to vehicles that are owned by the policyholder and any vehicle that is in the policyholders custody and control for a period of more than 14 days. Although temporary vehicles in the policyholders possession for less than 14 days do not have to be recorded on the Data Base the Policyholder should keep their own register of such vehicles for a period of not less than 7 years. Where an insurance company is updating the Data Base on behalf of the Policyholder they are now insisting that they are advised of any adjustment to the schedule of vehicles on or before the date of the change. If the Policyholder is responsible for making their own amendments to the Data Base it is advised that all amendments are notified within 7 days with immediate effect to ensure that such a system will be in place by 01/01/2008. When a motor insurance policy is due for renewal the insurance companies will now lapse the policy automatically if they have not had instructions to renew the contract on or before the renewal date. However, if the policy premium is paid by Direct Debit, the insurer will in most cases renew the policy unless they have been instructed otherwise. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/28-11-07---mid-requirements-january-2008-2007-11-28.php Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT HENSHALLS EXPAND INTO COUNTY TOWN!!   We are pleased to announce the opening of our new office in Shrewsbury. This new base will be headed up by Director, Dave Williams and newly recruited Commercial Account Executive, Anthony Hughes. Both Dave and Anthony are Shrewsbury lads and look forward to this exciting new venture in the County town. The offices are located in Brassey Road, off Old Potts Way (opposite the Cinema). Please email Dave for further details – dwilliams@henshalls.com   Dave and Anthony will be operating from both the Newport and Shrewsbury offices and are still contactable in the usual manner. KINGSLAND WEALTH MANAGEMENT  The move coincides with Henshall’s recent affinity partnership agreement with Kingsland Wealth Management (KWM), who are also located in Brassey Road. KWM are a well known and a highly reputable Independent Financial Adviser, recently obtaining chartered status. We had no hesitation selecting KWM. We identified that they adopt a similar customer focused approach to all their clients and are well qualified to provide the services and products our clients require. We look forward to working with them. To view the Kinglsand Wealth Management webiste click here : www.kwmonline.co.uk http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/14-12-07---henshalls-expand-into-shrewsbury-2008-01-02.php Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT NOW IS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY : BUT LET’S ENJOY IT RESPONSIBLY Most people have got the message about not drinking and driving. Our corporate message is always “nil is the only safe amount of alcohol when driving”, as even small amounts of alcohol will impair driving performance. The problem with alcohol is it increases confidence and therefore we are not aware of the reduction in our driving performance.  Our message to you this Christmas is to be more aware of the “morning after”. Most of us will be celebrating Christmas with parties, hosting dinners etc and will organise taxis and lifts from friends, but what about the next day? With the strengths of our favourite alcohols, lagers, wines etc increasing, pub measures are also on the increase ie spirit measures have increased from 25ml to 35ml and fortified wine (port, dry martini etc) have increased from 50ml to 75ml, we are consuming 50% more alcohol without realising. The same is true when we look at a typical wine glass. We are typically today served a 250ml glass of wine which would contain 3.5 units of alcohol, which is enough to take a female to the drink drive limit on one glass of wine. So with the drinks getting stronger and the increased volumes we consume due to the larger glasses and larger pub measures, how does this impact the next day? For 1 unit of alcohol ie half a pint of a draught bitter or mild, it would take 30 minutes for 80% of the alcohol to be absorbed into our system. The remaining 20% will take another 30 minutes for absorption. Post absorption it then takes 1 hour for the liver to break down the alcohol and eliminate it from the body. There are a number of factors that will influence this ie body mass, gender, fluid retention in the body, whether you have consumed a meal and the efficiency of your liver function. In other words it is not a precise science. However, this is a good guide which will tell you that for half a pint of ordinary beer you need to allow 2 hours for it to be removed from the body, a pint would take 3 hours, however a pint of stronger lager ie Stella, would take 4 hours.  We all consume alcohol at a much greater rate than the body can eliminate it. The consequence of this will mean that this Christmas many people will be driving the next day above the legal limit. Our advice is to celebrate Christmas, but when attending parties make a plan not to drive the next day, allowing a minimum of 12 hours, but preferably 24 hours from the time that you stop drinking before you think about driving again. Don’t become one of our statistics of the 10,000+ convicted drink drivers that we put through education courses post sentencing at court. A recent survey that we conducted asking at what time of day was you stopped by the Police, almost 20% reported the “morning after” either driving to work or even worse driving for their employers at the time. A sobering thought! For further details please contact TTC Group on the number above or visit the website www.ttc-uk.com. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/13-12-07---drink-drive-the-morning-after-2008-01-02.php Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Christmas is coming. Thieves will be looking to businesses to provide them with extra Christmas presents. Please deny them this opportunity at your business. Use this document as a checklist. World wide crisis, metal thefts – safeguard your raw materials and scrap When you shut down for Christmas lock away everything, you can. E.g. Laptops. Leave no cash on the premises. Leave till drawers open or remove them. Close and lock external doors, close Fire Doors. Remove spare door keys from the premises or lock them away securely. Check all windows are closed and valuable property is screened. Park vehicles securely at your premises if possible. Remove vehicle keys from the premises or lock them away securely. Cancel deliveries that may come during the holiday period. Do you need someone to call in and move your post? Ensure you leave no rubbish outside your premises that can be used to start fires. Remove anything outside that might help a criminal to break in. Ensure your key holder list with Police Stations and Alarm Companies is up to date. Ensure you have updated your internal key holder and call out lists. Back up all your computer systems and store a copy of your data off premises. When you return after Christmas ensure your computer virus software is updated before downloading email or using the Internet. NEW YEARS RESOLUTION “I am going to make all these crime prevention measures part of my normal working practices”. To assist you to keep this New Year resolution visit: http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/yourbusiness and download the booklet. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/10-12-07---telford-business-against-crime-2008-01-02.php Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Under recent legislation strict liability is imposed upon the owners and occupiers of land for the cost of \'cleaning up\' if the land is found to be contaminated or pollution occurs as a result of the use of the land, both past and present. That is a risk that all owners and occupiers of land face and a risk assessment should already have been carried out to establish whether the risk of contamination existing, or pollution occurring, warrants expenditure on Pollution Liability cover. It should be understood that the vast majority of Property and Public Liability insurance policies specifically exclude the risks of Pollution or contamination unless the loss is a result of a sudden, fortuitous, unforeseen and identifiable event. That exclusion leaves property owners or occupiers exposed to claims arising from gradually operating causes such as seepage and leaks. To bridge that gap in cover it is possible to arrange a separate insurance policy referred to as either Pollution Liability cover or Environmental Impairment cover. For those Policyholders that consider themselves at risk Pollution Liability cover is readily available, but most Companies or individuals, who own or occupy property, do not consider themselves at risk as the property was built on a site without history of contamination and there is little hazard involved in their occupation of the land. The risk of gradual pollution is considered minimal and those carrying out the risk assessment are happy to rely on their existing insurance for the sudden and unforeseen occurrences. HOWEVER THAT SITUATION MAY ALL HAVE CHANGED DUE TO A RECENT LEGAL CASE The case of BARTOLINE LTD v ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE has unfortunately ended with an out of Court settlement before going to appeal. The initial judgement was in favour of Royal & Sun Alliance and the inconclusive outcome does leave other policyholders open to the risk that other insurers may attempt similar repudiations of cover. Bartoline Ltd experienced a severe fire at their premises on the 23rd May 2003. During attempts to put out the fire, chemicals used in the business were washed into a local watercourse. The Environment Agency imposed clean up costs on Bartoline, who in turn sought protection from RSA under their Public Liability cover. RSA repudiated the claim on the grounds that costs imposed by the Environment Agency could not be considered as a claim for damages by a third party. Even though the Court case was inconclusive, any owner or occupier of land should now revisit their risk assessment for pollution and contamination. They need to decide whether they should now have Pollution Liability insurance not only to protect against liability arising from gradually operating causes but also to avoid the potential gaps in standard Public Liability cover that have been exposed by the Bartoline case. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/04-12-07---pollution-liability-2008-01-02.php Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Received by Martin Pitchford (Pictured) I had the need to write to you, to thank you very much for the recommendation for the fleet insurance and to include the breakdown cover at extra cost. Unfortunately one of my vehicles had a breakdown abroad that could not be repaired and needed to be brought back to the UK urgently due to the load we were bringing back. The breakdown recovery turned up within an hour of the call recovered the driver back to Brussels and put him in a Hotel for the night. They then paid for a taxi back to the garage in the morning to continue his onward journey back to the Port of Zeebrugge. The recovery company put him on the boat back to the UK. A UK recovery team collected the driver at the Port of Hull and returned him back to our local garage so the vehicle could be fixed. I felt I needed to put this letter together, like everything in business you do not want to spend extra money on additional cover as you think it will never happen to you but I’m extremely happy I did, and you think that there is a catch with the policy, there certainly was not with this. Many thanks again and I hope this letter helps you think that it makes everything worth it.   David Keates Director DK Logistics Ltd http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/01-12-07---testimonial-2008-01-02.php Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT  CYBER CRIME   When Company executives meet to discuss risk management Cyber Crime is probably not very high on the agenda. That is hardly surprising as the Media coverage of Cyber Crime is normally restricted to incidents involving major corporations or Government departments. Little publicity is given to the risks that even the smallest business using a computer system can face. Potentially crippling problems can arise not only in respect of the disruption of the users own business but also due to claims made against the business as a result of the effect the crime has had on customers or suppliers. We suggest that the management of any company using a computer system should consider whether the company is exposed to any of these risks…… The propagation of virus or other destructive software. The effects that it would have on the company’s own systems and the repercussions of spreading the problem to customers or suppliers via E-Mail or the internet. Harmful software written or downloaded by disgruntled employees. Loss of reputation due to the loss of or disclosure of third party data. Inadequate security on the system allowing malicious tamper. Employees using the system to misappropriate funds. Employees misusing internal E-Mail to send defamatory, abusive, pornographic or discriminatory messages. There are very few companies that do not face at least at least two of these risks and measures should be put in place for prevention, limitation and recovery. As with most Risk Management Insurance is an important option.                                     http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/cyber-crime-2008-01-23.php Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER AND CORPORATE HOMICIDE ACT 2007       The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act was given Royal assent on 26 July 2007. The offence will come into force on 6 April 2008 and will be called corporate manslaughter in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and corporate homicide in Scotland. The law will make Companies, not Directors, liable for any deaths due to a general breach of the duty of care by the Company. Individual Directors will not be personally liable, as this new manslaughter offence will apply to corporations, including public bodies. The Bill has come as a severe disappointment to some Trades Unions as it fails to include clauses which would allow the imprisonment of Company Directors, if their negligence has led to the death of a worker. However, the new law could see unlimited fines if it were found that a death followed a serious failing by senior Managers. There are no new duties or obligations under the Act, nor is the new offence part of health and safety law. It is, however, specifically linked to existing health and safety requirements. Companies and organisations that take their obligations under health and safety law seriously are not likely to be in breach of the new provisions. Nonetheless, companies and organisations should keep their health and safety management systems under review, in particular, the way in which their activities are managed or organised by their senior management. The offence is concerned with corporate liability and does not apply to directors or other individuals who have a senior role in the company or organisation. However, existing health and safety offences and gross negligence manslaughter will continue to apply to individuals. Prosecutions against individuals will continue to be taken where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so. Penalties will include unlimited fines, remedial orders and publicity orders. A remedial order will require a company or organisation to take steps to remedy any management failure that led to a death. The court can also impose an order requiring the company or organisation to publicise that it has been convicted of the offence, giving the details, the amount of any fine imposed and the terms of any remedial order made. The publicity order provisions will not come into force until the Sentencing Guidelines Council has developed relevant guidance. The Act will not be retrospective, it comes into force on 6 April 2008 and will only apply to deaths that occur from that date. Deaths that occur before 6 April 2008 will be covered by the current law on corporate manslaughter. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/10-01-08---corporate-manslaughter-bill-2008-01-23.php Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT   Tony Conlon, Director, Henshalls Insurance Brokers issued advice this week for householders affected by the recent floods... "The sooner the damage is reported, the faster insurers can get experts into your home to assess the damage. However, it can sometimes take several months for properties to dry out and for residents to be able to return to their homes." "There are simple precautions that those affected by flooding can take to help minimise the damage and personal devastation floods can cause" :- What you can do BEFORE a flood actually happens: 1 - Listen out for warnings on your local radio and TV 2 – Check weather forecasts for the next 2/3 days 3 – Call the Environment Agency Flooodline 0845 988 1188 for information and advice, particularly, if you are in affected areas What you can do when a flood  is predicted: 1 - Alert  your neighbours, particularly, the elderly and elderly relatives 2 - Move pets, vehicles, valuables and items of sentimental value to safety 3 - If you have any delicate items, seal them, in water-proof plastic bags and move them upstairs if possible 4 - Use sandbags, or, bags filled with earth, or flood boards, to protect door openings place. 5 - Plug sinks/baths/toilet bowls and weigh down your plugs with a sandbag or other heavy object. 6 - Disconnect washing machines and dishwashers to prevent back-flow and plug any connected pipes e.g. with cloths or towels 7 - Be ready to turn off gas and electricity  and unplug all electrical items and move them upstairs, 8 - Place easily-moved furniture, upstairs, if possible, 10 - Co-operate with emergency services and local authorities – they have emergency planning in place for floods and be prepared to be evacuated to an emergency shelter 11 - Fill a vacuum flask with a hot drink and keep other items to hand such as a torch, warm clothing, a battery-operated radio (tune to the local station for updates) and a mobile phone (if you have one) 12 - Find your insurance documentation (buildings & contents) and keep it handy for useful helpline numbers Clearing up after a flood:   Once the water has subsided and your home is given the all-clear, there are a number of ways you can make your home ready to re-occupy as soon as possible. We recommend that you take the following action: A - phone your broker, or, insurer for advice, the quicker the loss, or, damage is reported to your insurers, the sooner it can be assessed. However, it can sometimes take several months for properties to dry out and for residents to be able to return to their homes." B - Lift, if you can, any flood-damaged carpets to allow floors to dry, but don\'t throw them out  as your insurer may wish to see them. If you can’t lift them photograph them C - Use a low heat to gently dry things out, eg, a hair dryer, but, be careful, since, using a high heat can cause further damage D - Safety first - take care not to use electrical sources of heat near floodwater and wear protective clothing E - If you are drying out your home using the central heating system alone, make sure the rooms are well ventilated., BUT, make sure your valuables and home contents are secure and DON’T leave your home unoccupied with windows open. F - If your claims adviser suggests using a dehumidifier, make sure doors and windows are closed G - Be patient - taking time to dry out your home properly could save time when it comes to redecorating H - Once the floodwater has gone, take the advice of your claims adviser before you start redecorating. You will need to let brickwork dry out for some months before you redecorate I - Don\'t throw anything away, UNLESS THERE IS A RISK TO HEALTH, since, a claims adviser/assessor may need to assess damage to your belongings for valuation purposes and to see if it is possible to repair them To Minimise a Recurrence   Consider flood-resistant repairs with the person handling your claim e.g. replacing carpets or wooden floors with tiled floors. More information on flood-resistant repairs is available from the Environment Agency  http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/20-01-08---floods-2008-01-23.php Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT It has been a difficulty for some years in deciding who was an employee. The HSE have recently issued guidelines that they would use in judging whether a worker was an employee and the Revenue & Customs have issued more extensive guidelines. The latter publication is aimed more at ensuring the correct taxation is paid rather than for duty of care and consequent liability. There are a number of tests to be considered. In Lane v Shire Roofing Co Ltd the Court of Appeal particularly looked at the question of control. “ First the element of control was important: who laid down what was to be done, the way in which it was to be done, the means by which it was to be done and the time when it was to be done? Who provided, hired and fired, the team by which it was done, and the materials, plant, machinery and tools used? The control test might not be decisive, for instance in the case of skilled employees with discretion to decide how their work should be done. In such cases the question was broadened to whose business was it? Was the workman carrying on his own business, or was he carrying on his employer\'s? The answer to that question might involve looking to see where the financial risk lay, and whether and how far the workman had an opportunity of profiting from sound management in the performance of his task. Those questions had to be asked in the context of who was responsible for the overall safety of the men doing the work. Here the defendants had agreed that they were. That answer was not decisive, although it might be indicative, because ultimately the question was one of law and the defendants could be wrong as to where the legal responsibility lay.” He had visited the site with a representive of the defendants and had discussed what was necessary in the way of plant, ladders and scaffolding, to do the job. It was agreed that the defendants would pay the plaintiff an all-in fee for the job. The plaintiff had taken all his personal roofing and carpenty tools but had provided no materials. He took his own ladder. While carrying out the work he had fallen from the ladder and suffered the injuries which had caused serious brain damage. In deciding that Mr Lane was an employee, or that the defendants owed him a duty as an employee, one of the drivers was the desire to ensure he received compensation for his injuries. The tests applied by the Revenue and Customs are slightly different than those applied by the HSE but as the HSE comment “even if someone is self-employed for tax purposes they may be classed as an employee for other reasons”. It is quite possible that a worker could be self-employed one day and an employee the next depending on the nature of the work and how it is being performed. Similar problems can arise with agency workers where there are a number of possible employment arrangements for agency workers: the worker may not be an employee at all; the worker may be an employee of the agency/business; the worker may be an employee of the company (the client). If the company (client) pays the agent for the worker and the agency then pays the worker, this will point away from the worker being an employee of the company (client). If the contract between the worker and the agency states that there may be periods when no work is available and there is no obligation to find work for the worker or for the worker to accept it, this will point away from a relationship of employment between the agency and the worker. However, whether or not the worker actually is an employee will depend on all the details of the relationship between the parties (particularly the terms of the contract document) and the application of the criteria detailed in the “Contract of Employment” section above. Employment status must be determined from full consideration of all the evidence i.e. not only any relevant documents but also all the relevant evidence about the dynamics of the working relationship between the parties including what was said and done. In one case , it was held that there was no contract of employment where: the agency was not obliged to find work; there was no obligation to accept work; the worker was free to register with other agencies; and there was no holiday pay. The court considered that the relationship lacked the elements of continuity and care associated with a contract of employment. In another case, the court held that there was no contract of employment between the agency and the worker where the worker was placed at a client company continuously for three years because the terms of the contract indicated that is was not a contract of employment and it was agreed that there would be periods between assignments where no work would be available. If a company exercises day to day control over an agency worker, case law indicates that even though the agency remunerated the worker there would be no contract of employment between the worker and the agency The courts have made clear that agency/temporary workers can be employees of their agency or the company where they are placed. In one case, it was stated that no general rule existed preventing an employment agency worker from being an employee of the agency. Where, as in that case, the worker\'s relationship with the agency was governed wholly by a written contract, employment status depended on the court\'s construction of those terms. There were factors pointing both towards employment: the existence of a grievance procedure; weekly payment with tax and national insurance deductions; a duty of faithful service. and factors pointing away from employment: the worker was described as a `self-employed worker not under a contract of service; no holiday or sick pay.   The court decided that the totality of the terms of the contract created an employment relationship, regardless of the label given by the parties. As can be seen there is no one clear cut test as to whether a worker is an employee or not and who his employer might be. Each case has to be decided on its own individual facts and although in many cases it will be clear particularly for labour only sub-contractors there will always be grey areas. Courts in looking at liability for injuries sustained by workers have tended to decide in favour of employment knowing that the claimant would be more likely to recover damages and that such damages would be covered by insurance. Liability Position It is not really the purpose of this paper to look at the different liabilities that may arise depending on whether the person is an employee or a self-employed or independent sub-contractor but generally speaking the duty owed to an employee will be greater than that owed to the independent sub-contractor. Normally an employer will be vicariously liable for the acts of employees in the course of their employment but probably not for sub-contractors if he has exercised reasonable care in selecting them. The company is likely to be vicariously liable for the acts of agency workers carrying out their duties for him during the course of their work. Insurance Position Liability policies will normally define what is meant by an employee within the terms of the policy. The definition will often include persons hired or borrowed, labour masters or anyone supplied by him, any person engaged by labour only sub-contractors or any self-employed person working on a labour only basis under the control or supervision of the insured as well as any person under a contract of service with the insured. Some policies will also mention agency workers plus work experience or training schemes. It is important where the policy defines employees as such that any declaration of wages/ payments follows that definition or a different definition is agreed between the insurer and the insured. Where the Employers Liability and Public Liability Risks are placed with different insurers or under different policies the definition of employees should be the same to avoid any potential gaps in cover. It is not only liability policies that may be affected. Under Business Interruption policies it should be made clear whose cost are included as employees. An agency worker maybe treated in the books as a temporary worker and a non-employee but if he has been working there continuously for 3 years he may have acquired rights to redundancy and other employment rights. Similarly for Travel and Personal Accident and other policies for the benefits of employees it should be made clear whether these are to be applied to “temporary” workers. In most cases third party motor contingency cover will be granted under the Public Liability policy but if any separate cover is arranged or if there is an “Occassional Business Use” policy then again the application to whether this is to be applied to the extended definition of “employees” needs to be agreed. This is a constantly changing area both in how the law is developing and how people are “employed”. The EU are involved in extending employment legislation to “temporary” workers and more changes can be expected in the future. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/23-01-08---employers-liability-v-public-liability-2008-01-23.php Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT As part of Henshalls ongoing relationship with Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, we have recently enhanced our position as the Chamber\'s appointed insurance broker by joining the Chamber Patron scheme. The Chamber Risk Insurance (CRI) scheme, an innovative protection package, offers Shropshire Chamber members exclusive access to highly competitive property and liability cover tailored specifically for small and medium sized enterprises. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/patrons-of-shropshire-chamber-2008-03-03.php Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Planned increases in civil penalties for employers of illegal workers came into force on 29th February 2008. We put out a warning last November concerning planned increases in civil penalties for employers of illegal workers. These increases will now come in to force with effect 29th February 2008.  So be warned! The negligent hiring of illegal workers  - fine up to £10,000 EACH worker. Knowingly hiring illegal workers           - Unlimited fines and/or up to two years imprisonment. Negligent hiring occurs when an employer hires an illegal worker without actually knowing he/she was illegal at the time of hiring. The amount of the actual fine will depend upon what checks the employer carried out; how thorough they were; how they co-operate with the Border & Immigration Agency and whether or not they had been fined previously. Employers will be excused from liability if they have checked and copied the documents specified in the statutory lists.  http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/01-02-08-illegal-workers---new-penalties-2008-03-03.php Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT You may think that your car insurance gives you full cover to drive other vehicles, We doubt it! It’s O.K. I’m covered to drive under my policy  You will be O.K. I’ve got any driver cover  Two very commonly used statements which are rarely true.  ‘DRIVING OTHER CARS EXTENSION’ It is a commonly held belief by the insuring Public that if they have a motor insurance policy that it will cover them to drive someone else’s car. Not all motor policies have a ‘Driving Other Car’ extension and even if the extension is given, the extent of the protection varies. The extension is rarely given to drivers under 25 and is often removed from the policy for certain occupations such as the Motor Trade or Entertainment industries. Underwriters may also remove the extension if the policyholder has a history of accidents or motoring offences. If the extension is shown as applicable on the Certificate of Insurance it is still no guarantee that the cover will be operative as the Certificate has to be read in conjunction with the policy document.  The first point to remember is that even when the extension is applicable the cover is only sufficient to meet the requirements of the Road Traffic Acts. Effectively that means that there is no cover at all for any sort of damage to, or theft of the vehicle being driven. To make life more difficult, insurance companies do not use the same wordings or apply the same conditions. Although there is nothing in their certificate of insurance to indicate the restriction the policy of one leading insurer restricts the use of the vehicle being driven under the extension to Social Domestic and Pleasure. Some insurance companies now exclude the use, under the extension, of a vehicle belonging to a family member. Even more onerous is the restriction of the extension to vehicles that have a separate insurance policy in force. The following new wording on certificates is being recommended by the Association of British Insurers to combat deliberate uninsured driving. ‘Excluding use to secure the release of a motor vehicle(s) other than the vehicle(s) identified above by its registration mark, which has been seized by, or on behalf of, any Government or Public Authority.’ This means that if someone has been using a vehicle that is not on the Motor Insurance Database as an insured vehicle, relying on the DOC extension of their own insurance with this type of certificate wording, they would not be able to get the car released from police custody and it would stand a chance of being crushed. The best advice we can give now is……. ‘Do not drive a car that you have not personally insured without checking that there is an insurance policy in force for the car, and that you are allowed to drive under that policy. If you choose to rely on your own insurance you must still check that the car is currently insured and be fully aware of the extent of the cover you have under your own policy. ‘ANY AUTHORISED DRIVER’ This is another very commonly misunderstood insurance term. Very few standard private car insurance policies now give ‘Any Driver’ cover. Insurance Underwriters wish to know who is likely to drive the insured vehicle and requires full details of any facts which may affect their decision to accept the risk and influence the premium and terms applicable. Those facts are known as ‘Material Facts’. Most private car polices are now restricted to named drivers but even those loosely termed as ‘Any Driver’ are still subject to onerous conditions. When the initial quotation for the policy is provided details have to be given of previous accidents, motoring offences, criminal offences, infirmities or disabilities and occupations. That information and any other ‘Material Fact’ has to be given in respect of the drivers named and any other person who to the policyholder’s knowledge will drive the vehicle. Even under an ‘Any Driver’ policy if a driver uses the vehicle without such ‘Material Facts’ being disclosed there is a real possibility that the cover would be invalidated. Our advice is……….. Do not allow anyone to drive your car unless you know them well and have disclosed all ‘Material Facts’ to your insurance company. If you are uncertain what would be a ‘Material fact’ speak to your insurance broker. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/driving-other-cars---are-you-covered-2008-03-03.php Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT We are about to make a chocoholic’s dream come true by raffling a 7 Kilogram Easter Egg!   Standing at nearly 2 feet tall, it is the biggest egg we have ever seen. Elsa Mackay, Personal Insurance Manager, is keen to thank Magna Specialist Confectioners of Telford who donated the egg free of charge.   “I rang them to ask if there was a special egg that we could buy to raffle for charity.   I couldn’t believe it when they gave us this – It’s so heavy I nearly dropped it!    It is proving very popular too - one of my colleagues told some of her clients about it yesterday and they immediately bought 10 tickets each!” Tickets are available from our office in Newport High Street and cost only £1 each.   The draw will take place on Thursday 20th March, and all proceeds will go to The Anthony Nolan Trust. Last year we raised over £8,000 at a 40th Anniversary Charity Auction which was split between two Newport charities. The Anthony Nolan Trust takes back lives from leukaemia by providing lifesaving donors for patients in need of a bone marrow transplant.   Since 1974 they have helped to give over 5,800 children and adults a new chance of life.           http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/05-03-08---monster-easter-egg-charity-raffle-2008-03-05.php Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT   It may not just be a lack of awareness that is making a comeback. A recent conference in Vienna, calling for a worldwide ban on the use of chrysotile (a type of asbestos), was disrupted when it emerged that a pro-asbestos conference was being held in the same venue. The pro-asbestos conference was organised by the asbestos industry with a view to promote the opinion that asbestos isn\'t dangerous – hard to believe, given the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. According to the anti-asbestos conference organisers, a big problem is the aggressive worldwide lobby of the asbestos industry, which focuses increasingly on developing countries now that asbestos is completely banned in more than 40 countries. Asbestos has been banned in the UK for a few decades now, but workers are still exposed to it all the time. Two companies were fined this week after two employees, who were working on a derelict barn, fell through a fragile asbestos ceiling. The employees suffered severe spinal injuries and multiple fractures – but how long will they have to wait to see if the exposure to asbestos has caused any lasting damage? It is predicted that by 2010 some 10,000 people in Britain will die every year from exposure to asbestos, more than twice the number of road accident deaths. There are up to six million tonnes of asbestos in schools, hospitals, ships, offices and factories - and the homes we live in. Asbestos has been the main cause of occupational ill health from about 1950 onwards and is still the greatest single work-related cause of death from ill health. And yet still people may be unaware of the risk, as the launch of the new HSE campaign shows. Asbestos may be the hidden killer – the facts about the damage it can do, however, should be anything but hidden. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/asbestos-the-hidden-killer-2008-05-21.php Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 BST Protecting against the risk of non-payment, and the failure of a customer to pay their trade credit debts, is becoming increasingly pertinent. And this is where credit insurance comes in. Credit insurance is suited to all manner of businesses, regardless of whether they are trading nationally or internationally. In terms of size they can also be anything from annual turnovers of £250,000 right through to the turnovers of the largest multinationals. Credit insurance provides an early warning that a business is in financial difficulty, allowing a customer time to withdraw from the relationship on a structured basis, reducing exposure gradually. Another positive aspect of credit insurance is that it assists businesses with targeting their sales effort, focusing on profitable buyers and markets, and avoiding financially weak customers or politically unstable export territories. It can also be used to provide greater security to a lender for trade or export finance, and thereby provide greater access to finance. Having credit insurance as part of a credit management strategy helps businesses develop and obtain a competitive edge, while at the same time building relationships and credibility with their customers by enabling them to trade \'safe in the knowledge\' that they are protected against bad debt. Information provided by:  Euler Hermes is the world\'s premier credit insurer, offering solutions for the management of trade receivables, from credit insurance and financing of trade receivables to bonding and guarantees. Euler Hermes is a subsidiary of AGF and a member of Allianz. www.eulerhermes.com http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/15-04-08---credit-insurance-2008-05-21.php Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 BST The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has marked the 25th anniversary of the seatbelt with a reminder to drivers of the importance of wearing one. Since the first seatbelt law was introduced in 1983, 50,000 lives have been saved through motorists wearing them. However 370 unnecessary deaths still occur on UK roads every year through motorists not wearing a seatbelt. The main culprits for driving without a seatbelt are van drivers and their passengers with RoSPA research identifying that only 69% of van drivers and 58% of their passengers regularly wear a seatbelt. Head of Road Safety at RoSPA, Kevin Clinton, said, "We need to understand why they are still not getting the message and to ensure there are regular targeted campaigns so that deaths and injuries continue to reduce." "It may be that some people simply forget to wear their belts and need to be encouraged to get into the habit. Others may not feel they are necessary or that it is not \'cool\' to wear one. Perhaps it is time to consider giving drivers three penalty points when they fail to wear their belts." Inormation provided by: http://www.mpwrisksolutions.com/ http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/03-03-2008---van-drivers-reminded-to-wear-seatbelts-2008-05-21.php Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 BST The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently reminded companies to ensure that they pay attention to trainees health and safety needs and that they are supervised properly. As many Year 10 students embark on their first forage into work experience with companies across the UK, this is a reminder that training and supervision of young workers is of utmost importance. The warning came after three companies and a manager were fined a total of £217,500 plus £125,000 costs at Manchester Crown Court for breaching health and safety law, following the death of a 17-year-old trainee scaffolder. The young man died in January 2004 after falling approximately 18 metres whilst working to construct a scaffold within a 20-metre high sewage digester tank. A young worker is anyone that you employ who is under 18 years of age. You should note that young people on work experience programmes are regarded in law as the employees of their work placement provider. Therefore if you take work experience students from local schools or colleges then they are regarded in law as your employees. When hiring a Young Worker (including work experience students), as an employer, you must carry out a risk assessment. Your risk assessment must specifically take into account the young person\'s possible lack of awareness of existing or potential risks, immaturity and inexperience. The extent of the risks identified in the risk assessment will also determine whether you should restrict the work of the young person. Generally young people below the age of eighteen years cannot do work which: Is beyond their physical or psychological capacity Exposes them to substances chronically harmful to human health e.g. toxic or carcinogenic, or has effects likely to be passed on genetically or likely to harm an unborn child Exposes them to radiation Involves risk of accidents which they are unlikely to recognise because of their lack of experience or training or sufficient attention to safety Involves a risk to their health from: extreme heat, noise or vibration. Commenting on this tragic case, brought by HSE, Chief Inspector of Construction Stephen Williams said - "All industries, especially the construction sector, rely on keen young people. However, employment opportunities must not come at the expense of young workers\' safety. With the number of apprentices in the workplace set to increase, it is critical that the work they are expected to carry out has been properly assessed and suitable controls put in place to ensure their health and safety. Managers and supervisors have to recognise that youngsters fresh to the workplace may well have a limited perception of the risks involved in the work". "This young man\'s death, at the very start of his working life was not only a tragedy, it was also entirely preventable. Had those responsible assessed the work properly and ensured that he was supervised at all times by a qualified scaffolder, then he would not have been killed".   http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/18-18-08---trainees-and-young-workers-2008-05-21.php Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 BST Police in Telford are warning householders to be vigilant and to keep their homes safe and secure during the summer weather. At this time of year a number of people leave doors and windows open as the weather heats up. But police are warning residents to think twice and to install security measures, including door chains and ventilation locks, to ensure their homes are well protected when windows and doors are opened. Police Constable Fred Jones, Crime Risk Officer for Telford, said it was important people heeded the advice to prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime. He said: "The summer months are upon us, which inevitably means that we all want to open doors and windows to allow the fresh air to circulate. "Unfortunately doing this may leave homes vulnerable for the opportunist criminal to enter properties. "However, there are products on the market that people can buy, which allow them to have their windows and doors open and still maintain a degree of security. "We would urge people to think about investing in these products and above all to remember to close their windows and doors when they leave the property." Products householders can buy include: . Door chains - Fit these to both front and back doors, allowing the doors to be open a short distance and no further . Ventilation Locks - Fitted to windows and these also restrict the opening distance so no one can reach or climb in . Motion Detectors - There is a wide range available from movement sensors that hang on door and window handles, to sensors that can be fixed to door and window frames to PIR sensors that can sit on a shelf. All of these detectors emit an alarm or chime to warn the occupant of the house and scare off the would-be intruder. All of these items are available from local DIY stores. For further crime prevention advice contact Constable Jones on (01952) 214830. Mail to: jetinder.dool@westmercia.pnn.police.uk or click the following link :- http://www.twpcm.org/rmwebportal/replytomesg.aspx?mesg_id> Telford Community Messaging   http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/22-05-08---crime-prevention-during-summer-months-2008-05-22.php Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 BST The importance of maintaining adequate insurance cover on your commercial insurance is often taken lightly by business owners. When considering adequacy of asset related sums insured, business owners generally have a good idea of the value of stock, computers, machinery, fixtures and fittings. Setting and agreeing the level of business interruption cover is possible by extracting information from profit and loss accounts and discussing estimated growth over the forthcoming period. Difficulties can arise when setting a buildings sum insured, which must reflect the cost to completely rebuild, to include demolition, debris removal and all fees. Is the property listed, does it have unusual features or in a difficult location for access? Business owners may have an idea of the market value of the building or what it cost to build when first constructed, but are they qualified to set the sum insured with any accuracy? Probably not. Too often, buildings related claim settlements are reduced because a business owner failed to set his sum insured correctly. Taking time and investing money in a professional survey can save £1000s in the long term. For example, a manufacturing client insisted on maintaining a buildings sum insured of £400,000, despite our recommendation they review. During the course of the year they suffered extensive impact damage by one of their own vehicles to an external wall of the building and costs to repair were finally agreed at just over £20,000. The appointed loss adjuster surveyed thoroughly and established a correct rebuild sum insured of £1,800,000. As a consequence, the settlement was reduced in proportion with the level of under insurance and finally agreed at £4,500. The cost to the client of failing to correctly insure his buildings was therefore just over £15,500!! We strongly recommend business owners review their buildings cover at least every 3 years (better every 2 years). Whilst Insurers will increase sums insured by index linking, often this does not reflect ever increasing construction costs. Consider the current increases in the cost of steel. If you feel a professional survey is required, Henshalls strongly recommend you contact local surveyors, Towler Shaw Roberts, who have recently completed a number of surveys on behalf of existing clients. Their input confirmed that sums insured were not adequate, indeed the one client was able to reduce his sum insured and save on premium spend. To contact TSR please follow the link below and contact Dave Heath at their Telford office. http://www.tsrsurveyors.co.uk/ http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/22-03-08-is-my-building-adequately-insured-2008-05-22.php Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 BST The company have an extremely proactive board of directors which has been bolstered recently by the appointment of Anthony Hughes to the board. 37 year old, Anthony joins the six-man boardroom team at Henshalls and will be instrumental in Henshall’s expansion plans working from the company’s Shrewsbury office. A vastly experienced commercial broker, Anthony commands a high reputation from his time spent working within the financial market around the county. “Anthony’s appointment is a significant step forward and strengthens our ongoing growth program” says director Dave Williams. “Our current high standing in the Shropshire market can only be enhanced by the experience and reputation Anthony brings with him and we are exceptionally pleased to have him on board”.   Anthony is a true Shropshire Lad having lived in Shrewsbury all his life where he proudly represents the town at hockey. http://www.john-henshall.co.uk/en/henshalls-news/henshalls--bolsters-ongoing-growth-program-2008-05-22.php Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 BST