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Team-building exercises in the workplace can help build trust among employees, improve camaraderie, and increase collaboration, innovation, and morale. These are many of the same goals that DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs aim to achieve, so it&rsquo;s well worth integrating DEI into your next team-building event.
In fact, when organizations incorporate DEI into team-building events, they can help to foster a greater understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of employees, which in turn can cultivate greater empathy and respect.1
DEI team-building ideas
There are many ways to not only celebrate diversity at your organization, but also cultivate a better appreciation for and understanding of DEI within your organization. Here are some DEI themed ideas to consider incorporating into your next teambuilding event:
Guest speakers: Bring in guest speakers who specialize in DEI topics, such as cultural awareness, understanding stereotypes, and unconscious bias. Events can be held in person or online but be sure to leave time afterward for questions and discussion among employees.2
DEI book club: A fun way to explore different viewpoints is through a book club, where books are chosen based on DEI themes such as race, gender, disability, etc. Make sure the books selected are engaging (you don&rsquo;t want it to feel like homework) and give employees plenty of time to read the book (at least a month). Then hold an in-person or virtual meeting to discuss.3
Team-building games: Games aren&rsquo;t just fun; they can be educational. A trivia session, for example, can be done either in-person or with remote teams. By divvying employees up into teams and encouraging friendly competition, the event will be more engaging&mdash;helping employees retain what they learn. The idea is to highlight lesser-known facts about DEI to encourage discussion and learning.4
Celebrations: Year-round, organizations can honour observances such as Black History Month (February), Mental Health Awareness Month (May), Pride Month (June) and Women&rsquo;s History Month (October), as well as a diverse range of religious and cultural holidays.5 These could be ideal times to share educational resources, demonstrate allyship, and amplify the voice of non-profits or charitable organizations working in this space.
Volunteer: Another option is to offer volunteer opportunities for employees&mdash;as a team&mdash;in the community, such as serving food to the unhoused or helping at a charity event, which can create camaraderie while fostering greater understanding and empathy for others.
<h4>Sovereign: DEI in action</h4>
Sovereign Insurance put DEI into action during a team-building event at its 2023 Claims Conference in Calgary, which brought together 52 team members from across Canada. The conference&rsquo;s theme, &lsquo;The power of connection,&rsquo; emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with peers and with the community.
One of the highlights of the conference was a team-building activity that included participants simulating accessibility challenges. By experiencing first-hand the limitations of loss of sight, hearing, or touch, the team gained a better understanding of the widespread need for differently abled and disability accommodations.
The team also built wheelchairs for the Calgary Drop-in Centre, to create a meaningful and tangible impact for the community. As a result, nine wheelchairs were donated to those in need, and the team was proud to show their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
&ldquo;For our Claims Conference, we wanted to select an activity that allowed us to both collaborate as a team and reflect upon our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities,&rdquo; says Larissa Maclean, Assistant Vice-President of Claims at Sovereign Insurance.
&ldquo;The challenge activities supported our ongoing commitment to DEI, allowing us to gain insight into the challenges faced by those who are differently-abled, and resulted in the donation of nine wheelchairs to a local organization&mdash;a win-win!&rdquo;
These activities were organized through <a href="https://www.outbackteambuilding.com/">Outback Team Building &amp; Training</a>, a team building and employee training provider in North America that offers more than 60 team-building and training solutions endorsed by thousands of corporate groups across North America.6
&nbsp;
Sources:
1 &ldquo;15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities&rdquo; (Teamland, accessed Jan. 16, 2024). <a href="https://www.teamland.com/post/fun-diversity-team-building-activities">15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities (teamland.com)</a>
2 Angela Robinson; &ldquo;18 Virtual Diversity And Inclusion Activities For Workplaces&rdquo; (teambuilding.com, Oct. 24, 2022). <a href="https://www.teamland.com/post/fun-diversity-team-building-activities">15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities (teamland.com)</a>
3 Collin Waldoch; &ldquo;Diversity and inclusion Team Building Activities (10 Options), (Water Cooler Trivia, Apr. 1, 2022). <a href="https://www.watercoolertrivia.com/blog/diversity-and-inclusion-team-building-activities">Diversity And Inclusion Team Building Activities (10 Options) (watercoolertrivia.com)</a>
4 &ldquo;15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities&rdquo; (Teamland, accessed Jan. 16, 2024). <a href="https://www.teamland.com/post/fun-diversity-team-building-activities">15 Fun Diversity Team Building Activities (teamland.com)</a>
5 Grace He; &ldquo;Diversity and Inclusion Activities &amp; Ideas for the Office in 2024&rdquo; (teambuilding.com, Dec. 12, 2023). <a href="https://teambuilding.com/blog/diversity-and-inclusion-activities">Diversity and Inclusion Activities &amp; Ideas for the Office in 2024 (teambuilding.com)</a>
6 Outback Team Building, accessed Jan. 16, 2024. <a href="https://www.outbackteambuilding.com/">The #1 Corporate Team Building Company | Outback Team Building</a>

DEI-themed ideas for your next team-building event

Purpose And Impact

In a traditional industry like insurance, change can sometimes happen at a gradual pace. But there&rsquo;s one emerging technology many businesses might be wise to move quickly on: Generative AI.
Hailed as a transformative force in business, Generative AI (GenAI) refers to deep-learning models that can generate high-quality text, images and other content based on the data they were trained on.1 While GenAI&rsquo;s roots trace back to the early days of artificial intelligence in the 1950s, the technology burst on the public scene in 2022, when OpenAI launched a consumer-facing GenAI tool called ChatGPT.2
In the insurance sector, experts say GenAI is &ldquo;fundamentally reshaping everything from underwriting and risk assessment to claims processing and customer service.&rdquo; More specifically, GenAI tools &ldquo;have the potential to automate processes, enhance customer experiences and streamline claims management, ultimately driving efficiency and effectiveness across the industry.&rdquo;3
In the Canadian Underwriter 2024 National Broker Survey, sponsored by Sovereign Insurance, brokers were asked how beneficial certain changes or investments have been in their organizations. Just over a fifth (21%) of respondents said using artificial intelligence and machine learning tools such as ChatGPT have been highly beneficial to them. Brokers were also asked how beneficial certain investments and actions have been for strengthening their business. Twenty-two percent of brokers indicated AI and machine learning tools have been highly beneficial on that front.&nbsp;
While it&rsquo;s still early days for generative AI, there&rsquo;s no doubt brokers and carriers alike are thinking about how they can harness the power of GenAI across their operations. Here&rsquo;s a look at a few key areas where the sector can leverage AI.&nbsp;
Claims management: For carriers, one promising application is in claims management, says Ricky Chan, Senior Solution Architect at Sovereign Insurance. &ldquo;Generative AI can help automate claims processing and assessment, which in turn increases adjusters&rsquo; productivity, allowing them to focus their expertise on more complex claims,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;
Underwriting: GenAI can also help inform underwriting decisions. As Accenture notes, the technology highlights risk control analysis insights to show loss prevention measures in place and the effectiveness of those controls. Generative AI can generate a comprehensive narrative of the overall risk and its alignment to the carrier&rsquo;s appetite and book, as well as identify and source missing data.4
Submissions: For brokers, GenAI has a variety of promising use cases, such as submission preparation and client Q&amp;As. According to Accenture, the effort required to identify adequate coverage and prepare submissions can be dramatically reduced through GenAI. Specifically, the technology can prompt the broker on the types of questions they should ask based on what is known about the insured, the industry the insured operates in, and the risk profile of the insured&rsquo;s company compared to others. In addition, GenAI could identify potentially overlooked up-sell or cross-sell opportunities.5
Information and knowledge: For any company, GenAI can make day-to-day work life easier by performing administrative tasks and knowledge gathering, an area that Sovereign is currently exploring. &ldquo;There are substantial positive impacts to day-to-day operations, such as summarizing information and meeting minutes, intelligent information search and ease of access of information,&rdquo; says Ricky.&nbsp;
Chad Hunter, Vice-President, Information Technology at Sovereign Insurance, adds that Sovereign &ndash; like many companies &ndash; uses a handful of different platforms and domains, including e-mail, OneDrive, SharePoint and Microsoft Teams. By using a natural language chatbot or co-pilot tool, the company&rsquo;s knowledge and data could be streamlined. For example, &ldquo;instead of underwriters having to go to several different spots looking for knowledge, they could use the chatbot&hellip; and behind the scenes, that generative AI model will go to all the different areas and provide real-time responses,&rdquo; explains Chad.&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s next for GenAI? Beyond just talking about the possibilities of the technology, many companies in the insurance space &ndash; Sovereign included &ndash; are now testing and learning. Looking ahead, Deloitte notes that as generative AI moves from possibilities to practicalities, choosing the right use cases, selecting appropriate tools, getting to scale, and accurately measuring progress will all be important steps.6

Sources&nbsp;
1 IBM, &ldquo;<a href="https://research.ibm.com/blog/what-is-generative-AI">What is generative AI?</a>&rdquo; April 20,2023 2 Medium, &ldquo;<a href="https://matthewdwhite.medium.com/a-brief-history-of-generative-ai-cb1837e67106">A Brief History of Generative AI</a>,&rdquo; Jan. 7, 2023 3 EY, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/insurance/how-insurers-can-leverage-the-power-of-generative-ai">How insurers can leverage the power of generative AI</a>,&rdquo; Aug. 28, 2023 4 Accenture, &ldquo;<a href="https://insuranceblog.accenture.com/3-ways-insurance-underwriters-gain-insights-generative-ai">3 ways insurance underwriters can gain insights from generative AI</a>,&rdquo; March 21, 2024 5 Accenture, &ldquo;<a href="https://insuranceblog.accenture.com/5-key-generative-ai-use-cases-in-insurance-distribution">5 key generative ai use cases in insurance distribution</a>,&rdquo; Feb. 13, 2024 6 Deloitte, &ldquo;<a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/consulting/us-state-of-gen-ai-report-q2.pdf">Now decides next: Getting real about Generative AI</a>,&rdquo; April 2024

Why the insurance sector should keep step with GenAI 

Hot Topics

Managing Risk

Even the most advanced technologies and significant investments in cybersecurity can&rsquo;t fully protect businesses from a major cyber risk: their own employees.
In the 2024 Voice of the CISO report by cybersecurity firm Proofpoint, 74% of survey respondents said human error is their most significant risk when it comes to cyberattacks. This finding is echoed in a 2023 study by Verizon, which found that human error is indeed a factor in 74% of total breaches, despite ongoing efforts by enterprises to strengthen their defences and increase training in cybersecurity.1,2
Employee training can fall short for several reasons: distractions in the workplace, a lack of awareness about the critical role employees play as the first line of defence, and the challenge of staying on top of the evolving threat landscape, to name a few.3
Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face an even bigger challenge: They might not have the resources to conduct employee training in the first place, relying instead on third parties to support their security measures. This can be a costly mistake.
Despite the perception that cybercriminals only target large corporations, certain types of attacks, such as social engineering, are more frequently aimed at small businesses. These companies are typically not financially prepared for an attack, and it could even put them out of business. According to IBM&rsquo;s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach on organizations with fewer than 500 employees is US$3.31 million.4,5
<h4>Simple steps for employee training in SMBs</h4>
While it may not be feasible for SMBs to regularly conduct extensive employee training sessions, mitigation strategies don&rsquo;t have to be complex. There are simple and cost-effective measures that can be easily understood and adopted, making it possible for SMBs to strengthen their cybersecurity efforts.
Make employees aware of the critical role they play: First and foremost, employees must understand the &ldquo;why.&rdquo; According to a 2023 survey by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, many employees underestimate the role they play in being cyber safe at work and the impact of potential cyberattacks on their employer. Nearly half (47%) believe technology plays more of a role in protecting their workplace from cyber threats than they do; 30% believe their employer is solely responsible for protecting the organization from cyber threats; and 31% do not believe cyber criminals would target them.6
Whether it&rsquo;s in the form of interactive workshops or channels like emails and posters, employers should regularly communicate security awareness to staff. When they are aware of the importance of cybersecurity and their role in safeguarding their company, employees are more likely to take this issue seriously and report suspicious activities.7,8
Educate employees about common and evolving threats: Educating staff about different types of cyberattack, how to spot them, and how to respond to them is crucial for protecting against breaches. Recognizing phishing tactics, for example, includes identifying suspicious emails, unusual requests, and fake websites. Staff should also be clear on who to contact if they encounter a suspicious message. In a social engineering attack, cybercriminals may mimic the writing style of a CEO to trick an employee into sending money. In this case, businesses should have dual controls in place, meaning a second person should verify the request.9,10
As part of awareness training, SMBs can take advantage of free online resources, such as webinars, toolkits, articles and e-learning courses from cybersecurity organizations like the <a href="https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/small-medium-businesses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canadian Centre for Cyber Security</a> and the <a href="https://www.unb.ca/cic/webinars.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity</a>, the Government of Canada&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/resources/get-cyber-safe-guide-small-businesses#C7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get Cyber Safe</a> platform, as well as cybersecurity firms.
Other ways to keep employees informed are through newsletters with tips, news about recent threats and best practices; informal lunch-and-learn lessons where employees can share news and insights; and a database or guidebook where employees can stay up to date on the latest threats and find answers to their cybersecurity questions.11,12,13
Nurture a cybersecurity culture: A strong culture of cybersecurity &ndash; meaning it&rsquo;s entrenched in the company&rsquo;s values &ndash; is essential. SMBs should lead by example, showing the company is committed to cybersecurity at all levels. This makes employees more likely to follow suit. Since employee engagement is a key element of building a cybersecurity culture, business leaders should also recognize and reward employees who demonstrate good practices.14
Another way to build a strong cybersecurity culture is to speak employees&rsquo; language. Experts advise communicating in plain language, avoiding technical jargon and focusing on practical advice employees can use daily. For example, rather than using the term &ldquo;multi-factor authentication,&rdquo; they can explain there is an extra layer of security when logging in.15
Additionally, fostering open communication and a &ldquo;no-blame culture&rdquo; is essential. Employees should feel comfortable asking questions, reporting suspicious emails and voicing concerns without fear of reprisal.16
While SMBs may face resource constraints, the cost of not investing in cybersecurity &ndash; even in the simplest of ways &ndash; is far greater. By prioritizing employee awareness and creating a strong cybersecurity culture, businesses can turn their weakest link into their strongest line of defence.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sources
1 Proofpoint, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.proofpoint.com/us/newsroom/press-releases/proofpoints-2024-voice-ciso-report-reveals-three-quarters-cisos-identify" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Proofpoint&rsquo;s 2024 Voice of the CISO Report Reveals that Three-Quarters of CISOs Identify Human Error as Leading Cybersecurity Risk</a>,&rdquo; May 21, 2024
2 Verizon, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.verizon.com/about/news/2023-data-breach-investigations-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023 Data Breach Investigations Report: frequency and cost of social engineering attacks skyrocket</a>,&rdquo; June 6, 2023
3 Skillsoft, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.skillsoft.com/blog/why-security-training-fails-and-how-to-fix-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why Security Training Fails And How To Fix It</a>,&rdquo; June 3, 2022
4 &nbsp;StrongDM, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.strongdm.com/blog/small-business-cyber-security-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">35 Alarming Small Business Cybersecurity Statistics for 2024</a>,&rdquo; Feb. 1, 2024
5 Business.com, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.business.com/articles/smb-budget-for-cybersecurity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Cost of Cybersecurity and How to Budget for It</a>,&rdquo; Aug. 13, 2024
6&nbsp; Insurance Bureau of Canada, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/in-focus/ibcs-research-suggests-business-owners-and-employees-could-be-putting-their-organizations-at-risk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Are you cyber savvy? IBC&rsquo;s research suggests business owners and employees could be putting their organizations at risk</a>,&rdquo; Nov. 6, 2023
7 LinkedIn, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/you-need-communicate-security-awareness-your-ob68f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You need to communicate security awareness to your employees. What are some effective ways?</a>&rdquo;
8 FasterCapital, &ldquo;<a href="https://fastercapital.com/content/Train-your-employees-on-cybersecurity.html#The-Importance-of-Cybersecurity-Training-for-Employees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Train your employees on cybersecurity</a>,&rdquo; June. 4, 2024
9 Pure IT, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.pureit.ca/five-ways-small-businesses-can-stop-a-cyber-breach-from-ever-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Five Ways Small Businesses Can Stop A Cyber Breach From Ever Happening</a>&rdquo;
10 Teal, &ldquo;<a href="https://tealtech.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-training-for-employees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 Ways to Promote Employee Cybersecurity Awareness Training</a>,&rdquo; July 25, 2024
11 Mitnick Security, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.mitnicksecurity.com/blog/remote-security-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Remote Security: 5 Cyber Security Tips for Employees and Businesses</a>,&rdquo; Feb. 22, 2024
12 The AME Group, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.theamegroup.com/headlines/engage-employees-to-increase-cyber-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Engage Employees To Increase Cyber Safety</a>&rdquo;
13 &nbsp;Compyl, &ldquo;<a href="https://compyl.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-training-for-small-business/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Getting Started With Cyber Security Awareness Training for Small Business</a>,&rdquo; Sept. 5, 2024
14 Babylon Solutions, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.babylonsolutions.com/cybersecurity-guide-for-small-businesses-how-to-protect-your-company/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cybersecurity Guide for Small Businesses: How to Protect Your Company</a>,&rdquo; Oct. 7, 2024
15 SMB Solutions: &ldquo;<a href="https://www.smbsolutions.com.au/10-easy-steps-to-building-a-culture-of-cybersecurity-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 Easy Steps to Building a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness</a>,&rdquo; Aug. 23, 2024
16 Tripwire, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/cultivating-cybersecurity-culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cultivating a Cybersecurity Culture</a>,&rdquo; Jan. 23, 2024

Empowering employees to help prevent cyberattacks

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On any given day, construction workers face dangerous situations, whether they&rsquo;re working at heights, being exposed to environmental hazards, or operating heavy machinery. In a sector with inherent risks, keeping employees safe is job No. 1 for construction companies.
Today, new technologies are reshaping &ndash; and even revolutionizing &ndash; safety on construction sites. With the right digital investments, construction companies can elevate their safety measures, helping to keep workers out of harm&rsquo;s way and prevent costly downtime.
Here&rsquo;s a look at three game-changing tech solutions that can make construction sites safer:
1. Wearables that monitor workers&rsquo; health and watch for outside hazards.
Essential safety gear like hard hats and work boots have gotten an upgrade with wearable technology. Wearables can track workers&rsquo; health, detect environmental hazards, locate workers in the event of an accident, and more.1
For example, smart hard hats are equipped with sensors that can detect dangerous levels of noise, gases, or other safety issues, and alert the wearer through sound or visual signals. Some models have built-in navigation systems to help workers safely find their way around a job site.2
Smart boots are equipped with pressure-detection sensors that can detect falls or shocks sustained by workers and call for help automatically.3 With GPS technology, smart boots can also track the wearer&rsquo;s location in case of an accident, so emergency personnel can reach them quickly. Some models of smart boots illuminate with LEDs to help make it safer to work in the dark.4
Another valuable safety tool for construction workers is smartwatches, which can track and monitor various health indicators. For example, heart-rate monitoring can detect signs of fatigue and let users know if it&rsquo;s time to take a break.5
2. For big heights and tight spots, send in the drones.
With an ability to spot safety hazards and perform risky human tasks, drones are becoming an indispensable safety tool. These crewless, aerial vehicles can go extremely high and navigate tight spots, while taking high-quality images and videos. When drones are deployed, construction workers who might normally do inspections at great heights, or climb scaffolding to take measurements, can stay safely on the ground.6,7
Drones can also be used to survey large construction sites for hazards to ensure worker safety. For example, thermal-imaging sensors attached to drones can detect and notify workers of gas leaks and other harmful chemicals on the site.8 
In addition to protecting workers, drones can be used to provide surveillance to help keep sites secure. For example, thermal imaging can prevent unauthorized people from entering a job site. The drone can send an alert if it detects someone going where they shouldn&rsquo;t. The location of tools and materials can also be verified remotely, allowing construction companies to identify unauthorized activity on a project.9,10
3. AI (Artificial Intelligence) and analytics make equipment maintenance predictive.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making inroads across many industries &ndash; and construction is no exception. One revolutionary use of this technology is predictive equipment maintenance, which offers significant advantages over the traditional approach of preventative maintenance. Rather than repair machines on a predetermined schedule, predictive maintenance uses a data-driven approach. This helps companies address potential failures before they occur &ndash; a game-changer since equipment failures can pose significant safety risks to workers on construction sites.11
AI-enabled equipment can analyze large amounts of data, and predict and detect equipment failures, with the help of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors integrated into the machinery. Pressure or temperature sensors collect real-time information about equipment, tracking features that could indicate performance issues. AI analyzes the data and looks for indications that something could go wrong. It also alerts users if it detects an issue.12,13
AI can also facilitate proactive maintenance. Equipment data can be analyzed to determine the best time for maintenance tasks, considering factors such as usage patterns, operating conditions, and historical performance.14 For example, by applying machine learning to historical patterns, AI might deduce that a specific bearing on a crane&rsquo;s motor is likely to malfunction within a certain time frame. An alert lets the maintenance team rectify the issue because it leads to a significant breakdown or safety incident.15
While technology alone can&rsquo;t solve every safety issue on a construction site, it has an increasingly significant role to play. Companies that embrace new solutions will make strides towards building a safer environment for their hard-working crew members.
&nbsp;
Sources 
1,6,8Nearby Engineers, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/how-technology-is-making-construction-safer">How Technology is Making Construction Safer</a>&rdquo; 2,3,5 DOZR, &ldquo;<a href="https://dozr.com/blog/wearable-technologies-in-construction">The Best Wearable Technologies For Construction Workers</a>,&rdquo; Dec. 29, 2022 4 Openwage, &ldquo;<a href="https://openwage.com/wearable-technology-promoting-health-in-construction/">Wearable technology: Promoting health in construction</a>,&rdquo; Sept. 30, 2022 7,9 Go Codes, &ldquo;<a href="https://gocodes.com/iot-improving-construction-safety/">6 Ways IoT Improves Construction Safety</a>&rdquo; 10 Fluix, &ldquo;<a href="https://fluix.io/blog/benefits-using-drones-construction">7 Benefits of Using Drones in Construction</a>,&rdquo; Dec. 22, 2022 11,12 Utilities One, &ldquo;<a href="https://utilitiesone.com/the-impact-of-predictive-analytics-on-construction-equipment-maintenance">The Impact of Predictive Analytics on Construction Equipment Maintenance</a>,&rdquo; Oct. 8, 2023 13 Innovation &amp; Tech Today, &ldquo;<a href="https://innotechtoday.com/how-can-ai-enabled-construction-equipment-improve-sites/">How Can AI-Enabled Construction Equipment Improve Sites</a>?&rdquo; 14 Utilities One, &ldquo;<a href="https://utilitiesone.com/the-role-of-artificial-intelligence-in-construction-equipment-maintenance">The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Construction Equipment Maintenance</a>,&rdquo; Oct. 11, 2023&nbsp; 15&nbsp; The National Law Review, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.natlawreview.com/article/future-construction-ai-and-predictive-maintenance-part-1">The Future of Construction: AI and Predictive Maintenance Part 1</a>,&rdquo; July 25, 2023

3 tech solutions to improve construction site safety 

Lithium batteries power many parts of everyday life. They&rsquo;re increasingly used in everything from smartphones and scooters to power tools and machinery. On a larger scale, they&rsquo;re used in energy-storage systems that provide backup electricity for utilities companies and commercial facilities.
While lithium-ion batteries provide many benefits &ndash; they have long lifespans, provide constant power, and are lightweight, to name just a few &ndash; they also pose a risk of fire and explosion.1
As the use of lithium-ion batteries becomes more widespread, and facilities increasingly rely on them for their own power supplies, companies need to take a close look at how to protect themselves.
To get started, here is an overview of lithium batteries, the risks they present, and how to mitigate them:
<h4>What are lithium batteries?</h4>
The term &ldquo;lithium battery&rdquo; refers to one or more lithium cells that are electrically connected. Lithium cells store and release power by converting chemical energy into electrical energy using lithium ions or lithium metal.2 
Lithium metal batteries are generally non-rechargeable and are often used in consumer products like calculators, pacemakers, remote car locks, and watches.3 Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and are used in devices such as mobile phones, electric vehicles, laptops, and power tools, as well as materials-handling equipment like forklifts.4,5
<h4>What are the risks?</h4>
Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe but, like any energy storage device, they pose health and safety risks. Thermal runaway &ndash; a process that can cause overheating &ndash; is often considered the greatest hazard related to lithium-ion batteries.6
With thermal runaway, the temperature and pressure inside the battery cells increase faster than the heat can be dissipated. This can happen for many reasons, such as external heat sources (for example, open flames and heaters), short circuits, or damage to the battery. 7 Damage can occur by physical impact (for example, being dropped or punctured), improper charging, or exposure to certain temperatures (hot temperatures and below freezing).8
Thermal runaway may result in the release of corrosive, flammable, and toxic liquids, and gases, which can be harmful to people. Fire or explosion can be caused by the intense heat and flammable liquids and gases from the battery.9
<h4>How can facilities with limited amounts of lithium-ion use and storage mitigate risks?</h4>
Reducing risks related to lithium-ion batteries requires a comprehensive look at proper use, storage, transportation, disposal, and more. Here are just a few recommendations:
<ul>
<li>Lithium-ion batteries should be stored at charge levels below 50%. Fully charged batteries have a higher energy density and greater risk of generating significant heat from short-circuiting due to internal defects. Batteries should also be stored at temperatures between four and 27 degrees Celsius.10 </li>
<li>Establish minimum distances between battery charging stations and any combustible materials. Stations for charging large-format batteries should be separated from other combustibles by at least three feet. Small-format batteries, like the ones used in power tools, should be set on a firm surface, and separated from combustibles by at least one foot.11</li>
<li>Regularly inspect batteries for signs of damage, such as bulging/cracking, hissing, leaking, or rising temperature. If there are signs of damage, safely remove the battery from service and discard in a fire-resistant bin, separate from other waste batteries.12,13</li>
<li>Make sure your workplace&rsquo;s ventilation and fire protection systems comply with applicable legislation, including building codes and fire codes, as well as occupational health and safety regulations.14</li>
</ul>
<h4>What are battery energy storage systems?</h4>
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) enable energy from renewables, like solar and wind power, to be stored and then released when the power is needed most, for example, during a weather-related outage. Lithium-ion batteries are the technology of choice for large-scale plants to help electricity grids ensure a reliable supply of renewable energy.15
In Canada, this emerging technology is part of governments&rsquo; plan for more clean energy. For example, a new battery storage project in Ontario &ndash; Oneida Energy &ndash; aims to help the province have a &ldquo;reliable, affordable and clean electricity supply.&rdquo; The storage facility will draw and store electricity off-peak and return the power to the electric grid when electricity demand is higher.16
There are promising uses for BESS in the commercial sector as well. Commercial buildings and factories can set up their own energy-storage systems to provide power during outages and to lower electricity costs. Cost savings are achieved when a business draws energy from the grid for battery storage when hourly costs are low, and then uses that stored energy when grid costs are high (a concept called &ldquo;peak shaving&rdquo;).17 McKinsey &amp; Company believes BESS has the potential to reduce energy costs by up to 80%.18
<h4>What are the risks of battery energy storage systems?</h4>
Fires caused by thermal runaway is the chief concern with battery energy storage systems. This can be caused by physical damage, manufacturing defects, improper use, and excessively hot storage temperatures. Storing large amounts of batteries together makes this situation more dangerous. The fire caused by a single battery can create a chain reaction of battery failure, which can lead to an explosion if enough batteries fail and produce heat and gas.19
<h4>How can organizations mitigate risks?</h4>
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and other expert organizations provide numerous standards, guidelines, and recommendations for battery energy storage systems. Companies are encouraged to consult comprehensive resources such as <a href="https://www.nfpa.org/product/nfpa-855-standard/p0855code">NFPA 855</a> (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage System and <a href="https://ulse.org/news/ulse-publish">UL 9540</a> (Standard for Safety of Energy Storage Systems and Equipment), as well as information from their insurance partners and other experts.
Here are just a few recommendations to prevent fires:
<ul>
<li>One early intervention is a battery management system (BMS), which can prevent damage to the battery cells due to overcharging. A BMS also calculates the charge remaining on the battery, monitors the temperature, and monitors for short-circuits and faulty connections. If the system detects any abnormalities, it shuts the battery down, which protects the cells from damage. A gas detection system can also be employed to shut down faulty cells, activate a ventilation system, and sound alarms.20</li>
<li>Thermal imaging can be used to monitor the battery cells and prevent thermal runaway. Thermal cameras allow operators to detect temperatures in real time and quickly identify any issues. Thermal imaging is also a useful tool for detecting manufacturing defects in lithium-ion batteries. For example, a hot spot in the battery cell may indicate a defect that&rsquo;s causing the battery to generate excess heat. Early detection allows corrective action to be taken.21</li>
</ul>
See: <a href="https://www.sovereigninsurance.ca/advice-and-tools/managing-risk/risk-resilient-thermal-imaging">Risk Resilient: Thermal Imaging: Electrical &amp; Mechanical Applications</a>
<ul>
<li>To prevent large and lengthy fires, NFPA 855 requires energy storage systems to be grouped into small segments and spaced apart. Since battery energy storage systems typically consist of multiple vertical racks, the aim is to contain the fire to a single rack through proper spacing, as well as the installation of a sprinkler system.22</li>
</ul>
See: <a href="https://www.sovereigninsurance.ca/advice-and-tools/managing-risk/fire-safety-plan">What should be included in your fire safety plan?</a>
<ul>
<li>Develop an emergency response plan specifically for lithium-ion fires. These fires have unique attributes and are difficult to extinguish and sometimes need to just burn out. Water or foam may appear to put out fires quickly, but they can reignite as breached cells are met with oxygen. It&rsquo;s advisable to keep sprinklers running and move batteries to safe burnout areas.23</li>
</ul>
While the chance of a fire related to lithium-ion batteries is low when guidelines and best practices are followed, there are no guarantees. Reach out to your broker or insurance partner for guidance on how to best protect your facility.
&nbsp;
Sources 
1 Schumacher Electric, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.schumacherelectric.com/blog/the-benefits-of-lithium-ion-batteries/">The Benefits of Lithium-ion Batteries</a>,&rdquo; May 5, 2023
2,12 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), &ldquo;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/shib011819.pdf">Preventing Fire and/or Explosion Injury from Small and Wearable Lithium Battery Powered Devices</a>,&rdquo; June 20, 2019
3,4 Transport Canada, &ldquo;<a href="https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/tc/T86-30-2016-eng.pdf">Transportation of Dangerous Goods: Did You Know That Lithium Batteries Are Dangerous Goods?</a>&rdquo; March 2016
5 Modern Materials Handling, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.mmh.com/article/where_lithium_batteries_will_make_gains">Where lithium batteries will make gains</a>,&rdquo; Oct. 4, 2022 
6,8,9,14 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), &ldquo;<a href="https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/battery-charging-lithium-ion-batteries.html">Battery Charging &ndash; Lithium-ion Batteries</a>&rdquo;
7 Safety Skills: An HSI Company, &ldquo;<a href="https://safetyskills.com/lithium-batteries/">Lithium Batteries: Safe Handling, Storage and Disposal</a>&rdquo;
10,11,13 T&Uuml;V S&Uuml;D, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.tuvsud.com/en-us/-/media/regions/us/pdf-files/whitepaper-report-e-books/tuvsud-lithium-ion-battery-storage-and-handling-white-paper.pdf">Protecting Your Facility From Lithium-Ion Battery-Related Fires &amp; Explosions</a>&rdquo;
15 National Grid, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-is-battery-storage">What is battery storage</a>?&rdquo;
16 Government of Canada, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2023/02/governments-of-canada-and-ontario-working-together-to-build-largest-electricity-battery-storage-project-in-canada0.html">Governments of Canada and Ontario Working Together to Build Largest Electricity Battery Storage Project in Canada</a>&rdquo;
17 Daily Commercial News, &ldquo;<a href="https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/technology/2023/04/inside-innovation-battery-storage-for-commercial-buildings-comes-into-its-own">Inside Innovation: Battery storage for commercial buildings comes into its own</a>,&rdquo; April 19, 2023
18 McKinsey &amp; Company, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/enabling-renewable-energy-with-battery-energy-storage-systems">Enabling renewable energy with battery energy storage systems</a>,&rdquo; Aug. 2, 2023
19 &nbsp;Control Fire Systems, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.controlfiresystems.com/services/battery-energy-storage-fire-suppression-systems">Battery Energy Storage Systems Fire Suppression</a>&rdquo;&nbsp; 
20 StatX, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.statx.com/whitepaper/fire-suppression-battery-energy-storage-systems/">Fire Suppression in Battery Energy Storage Systems</a>&rdquo;
21 MoviTherm, &ldquo;<a href="https://movitherm.com/knowledgebase/understanding-the-risks-of-fire-in-battery-storages/">Ensuring Safety in Lithium-ion Battery Storages</a>&rdquo;
22 National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Journal, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/nfpa-journal/2020/01/01/nfpa-13-january">NFPA 855 and sprinkler protection for energy storage systems</a>,&rdquo; Jan. 1, 2020&nbsp;
23 T&Uuml;V S&Uuml;D, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.tuvsud.com/en-us/resource-centre/stories/lithium-ion-battery-fires-myth-vs-reality">Lithium-ion Battery Fires: Myth vs. Reality</a>&rdquo;

Lithium-ion batteries: Safe handling and storage

In the business world, 2020 will go down in the history books as the year of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Ignited by a social uprising over racial injustice in the United States, organizations around the globe pledged to build more diverse and equitable workplaces.1 Fast forward to today and there are signs that DEI&rsquo;s dominance is waning in many sectors, including insurance.
The 2024 Canadian Underwriter Brokerage DEI survey, sponsored by Sovereign Insurance, shows some concerning data points along these lines. The survey asked nearly 300 insurance brokers about numerous aspects of DEI, including how they feel about these efforts. Overall, 21% believe DEI&rsquo;s time is nearly up: 13% say it&rsquo;s a trend or passing fad their organization is participating in somewhat, while 6% &ldquo;disapprove&rdquo; of DEI and agree it&rsquo;s a trend or passing fad that&rsquo;s on its way out. An additional 2% are actively opposed to DEI initiatives.
At the other end of the spectrum, 47% of brokers indicate they &ldquo;appreciate&rdquo; DEI, viewing it as a strategic imperative. An additional 8% &ldquo;adore&rdquo; DEI and view it as a fundamental value. Nearly one quarter (24%) &ldquo;accept&rdquo; DEI, believing it&rsquo;s needed for compliance, brand reputation and employee engagement.
While DEI isn&rsquo;t about to disappear overnight, many organizations across different industries are pulling back on their efforts. Research and advisory company Forrester predicts organizational DEI investments will fall from 33% in 2022 to 20% by the end of 2024. The firm believes that in the wake of cuts that disproportionately affect DEI teams, &ldquo;too many companies will default to &lsquo;check the box&rsquo; efforts such as heritage days, leading to performative &ndash; rather than substantive &ndash; DEI programs.&rdquo;2
<h4>What&rsquo;s to blame?</h4>
There are numerous theories on why support for DEI is sliding. In the view of human-capital industry analyst Josh Bersin, DEI has &ldquo;played an unwitting but central part in the culture wars,&rdquo; which were brought on by declining trust in institutions, growing inequalities and the proliferation of technology. <a href="https://hrprofessionalsmagazine.com/2024/02/03/is-dei-going-to-die-in-2024/">As he writes in an opinion piece</a>, there&rsquo;s also a perception that DEI programs are &ldquo;woke&rdquo; and prioritize ethnicity and gender over achievement and ability. As a result, lawsuits in the U.S. have been filed against firms with diversity hiring programs, scholarships and internships.3
For DEI strategist and consultant Lily Zheng, waning interest isn&rsquo;t the culprit. Rather, <a href="https://hbr.org/2024/04/what-needs-to-change-about-dei-and-what-doesnt">as she writes in Harvard Business Review</a>, &ldquo;most organizations never integrated the many goals, programs, and initiatives spun up following 2020 into their core operations and never created the organizational infrastructure needed to turn a &lsquo;commitment&rsquo; into a reality.&rdquo; In other words, DEI programs that were started from employee demand wilted over time because they were never translated into organizational demand.4 
<h4>The risks of cutting back</h4>
Back when many programs were developed in 2020, DEI wasn&rsquo;t just viewed as the right thing to do. Many companies were moved by research demonstrating a strong business case for diverse and inclusive workplaces, from increased innovation to improved financial performance.
See: <a href="https://www.sovereigninsurance.ca/advice-and-tools/purpose-and-impact/can-an-organization-be-successful-without-addressing-diversity">Can an organization be successful without addressing diversity?</a> 
In the Canadian brokerage sector today, agreement on DEI being critical to success is dropping, but still high. In this year&rsquo;s survey, 75% of brokers agree that diversity must be addressed to be a successful business, down from 84% in 2023 and 91% in 2022. (This finding does not include 36% of respondents who describe their organizations as &ldquo;leading&rdquo; in diversity. The others labelled their organizations&rsquo; DEI culture as &ldquo;not started&rdquo; at 18%, &ldquo;beginning&rdquo; at 23%, and &ldquo;aspiring&rdquo; at 23%.) The survey also found that only three in 10 brokers (29%) in &ldquo;non-leading&rdquo; organizations are concerned about the risk posed by the lack of diversity in their firm. This level of concern has stayed stable from 2023 after dropping seven percentage points from 2022.
For those who agree DEI is vital for success, the top risks for not addressing diversity are losing access to the best talent (35%), losing good employees (30%), and lack of diverse perspectives and strong teams (30%).
Experts would agree those threats are real for any organization considering cutting back on its DEI efforts. The wide-ranging impacts include recruitment and retention challenges, missed innovation and creativity, declines in employee morale and engagement, lost productivity and profitability, and reputational damage.5,6
<h4>How to refocus on DEI </h4>
The question for proponents of DEI is how to bring the focus back to this important topic and ensure diversity is enmeshed in their organizations for the long term. While there may be waning interest and even pushback on DEI, this is an opportunity to rethink approaches and look for ways to improve.
See: <a href="https://www.sovereigninsurance.ca/advice-and-tools/purpose-and-impact/dei-momentum">How to maintain momentum on DE&amp;I</a>
At this point in the collective DEI journey, experts suggest organizations collect data on what is working and what&rsquo;s not. This can be done through employee surveys, listening sessions and talking to people across the organization to get a read on the current state of DEI.7 As DEI expert <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/transforming-challenges-opportunities-new-dei-2024-berthine-imzqe/">Berthine Cr&egrave;vecoeur West states</a>, &ldquo;The evolving DEI landscape in 2024 demands a more rigorous approach to measuring success, moving beyond surface-level diversity counts to assessing inclusivity, equity in advancements, and the impact on corporate culture.&rdquo;8 
Armed with data and insights, organizations can then tailor their investments to reflect the unique experiences and needs of their workforce, advises Aparna Rae, an educator and DEI consultant. Rather than running one-off DEI training sessions, leaders should focus on sustainable initiatives, policy changes, equitable processes, and continuous learning and development programs.9 She believes leaders should also articulate a clear and sincere stance on important social and political issues to enhance employee trust and loyalty and to support a positive workplace culture. &ldquo;Remember, the goal is to create a culture where diversity is celebrated, equity is pursued, and inclusion is the norm.&rdquo;
This article is part one in a three-part series on diversity and inclusion, based on Canadian Underwriter&rsquo;s 2024 Diversity and Inclusion survey. Stay tuned for next instalments covering diversity in leadership and the rise in polarization. 
Sources 
1 Harvard Business Review, &ldquo;<a href="https://hbr.org/2022/11/to-sustain-dei-momentum-companies-must-invest-in-3-areas">To Sustain DEI Momentum, Companies Must Invest in 3 Areas</a>,&rdquo; Nov. 4, 2022
2 Forrester, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.forrester.com/blogs/predictions-2024-future-of-work-employee-experience/">Predictions 2024: An EX Recession and an AI Revolution Reshape the Future of Work</a>,&rdquo; Oct. 26, 2023
3 HR Professionals Magazine, &ldquo;<a href="https://hrprofessionalsmagazine.com/2024/02/03/is-dei-going-to-die-in-2024/">Is DEI Going to Die in 2024</a>?&rdquo; Feb. 3, 2024
4 Harvard Business Review, &ldquo;<a href="https://hbr.org/2024/04/what-needs-to-change-about-dei-and-what-doesnt">What Needs to Change About DEI &ndash; and What Doesn&rsquo;t</a>,&rdquo; April 9, 2024
5 LinkedIn, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dei-cuts-have-consequences-raven-solomon/">DEI Cuts Have Consequences</a>,&rdquo; Oct. 10, 2023
6&nbsp; Forbes, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2022/10/13/five-reasons-to-not-cut-your-dei-budget-even-in-a-recession">Five Reasons To Not Cut Your DEI Budget, Even In A Recession</a>,&rdquo; Oct. 13, 2022
7 Greater Good Magazine, &ldquo;<a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_keep_diversity_equity_and_inclusion_initiatives_alive_at_work">How to Keep Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Alive at Work</a>,&rdquo; Oct. 30, 2023
8 &nbsp;&nbsp;LinkedIn, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/transforming-challenges-opportunities-new-dei-2024-berthine-imzqe/">Transforming Challenges into New Opportunities: The New DEI Paradigm in 2024</a>,&rdquo; March 7, 2024
9 Forbes, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/aparnarae/2023/12/01/advancing-dei-in-2024-strategies-for-leaders-and-changemakers">Advancing DEI In 2024: Strategies For Leaders And Changemakers</a>,&rdquo; Dec. 1, 2023

Is DEI in the workplace a passing fad?

Accidents happen quickly and without notice. Therefore, we have listed some important tips to remember if you are faced with a motor vehicle incident. Use this kit as a tool to aid you in making a claim in the event of a motor vehicle accident.&nbsp;
To use a digital version of this tool, click the "Download Tool" button above. Once the PDF file is downloaded and opened in Adobe Acrobat Reader, click the "Fill &amp; Sign" button in the right column to start digitally filling the PDF file.

Automobile Accident Reporting Kit

In the event of a cyber-attack, properly prepared businesses take immediate action, whether it&rsquo;s putting their IT team on the case, or calling in experts like a cyber breach coach. While having a response plan in place is vital to mitigate risks such as business interruption, regulatory fines, or legal costs, there&rsquo;s another critical side to the cyber security coin: prevention.&nbsp; With shifts in our work lives and technology usage, new cyber risks have emerged. For example, a recent study found that 82% of IT leaders believe their company is at greater risk of phishing attacks when employees are working remotely. 1 In addition, with many employees using personal devices for work, IT professionals are worried about security risks such as downloading unsafe apps, malware infections and software updates.2 In this changing landscape, it&rsquo;s crucial for businesses of all sizes to take a proactive approach to cyber protection. Having the right safeguards in place can help prevent a range of cyber losses &mdash; from data breaches and theft of intellectual property, to financial losses stemming from social engineering, ransomware, and other attacks.&nbsp; Here&rsquo;s a look at key measures that can help protect your business from cyber losses: Employee training programs and simulations: Human error&mdash;meaning an unintentional action or lack of action that allows a cyber incident to take place&mdash;is behind nearly all successful data and security breaches.3 That&rsquo;s why employee training and education is so vital: it can help you avoid cyber incidents and strengthen your organization&rsquo;s overall cyber security culture. 4&nbsp; The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends organizations consider education and training topics such as: creating unique passphrases and complex passwords for all accounts; using the internet and social media safely in the workplace; using approved software and mobile applications; and identifying malicious emails. 5 You can then put that training to the test with attack simulations. These allow you to see how employees would respond to different types of attacks, in real-world situations. For example, a phishing test sends employees a fake malicious email and/or a fake website to see if they&rsquo;ll open attachments and/or click on the links, or if they report the suspicious email.6 Vulnerability scans and penetration tests: On the IT side, you can test your organization&rsquo;s defenses with vulnerability scans and penetration tests. Vulnerability scanners are automated tools that allow organizations to check if their networks, systems and applications have security weaknesses that could expose them to attacks. 7&nbsp; Common vulnerabilities include substandard backup and recovery; weak authentication management; and poor network monitoring, among others. 8 Penetration testing, also known as a &ldquo;pen test&rdquo; or &ldquo;ethical hacking,&rdquo; goes beyond vulnerability scanning. Using a mix of automated tools and manual techniques, a penetration test identifies vulnerabilities and then attempts to exploit those vulnerabilities. 9 To illustrate the difference between vulnerability scans and penetration testing, a cyber security firm uses this analogy: A vulnerability is like walking up to a door, checking to see if it&rsquo;s unlocked, and stopping there. A penetration test not only sees if the door is unlocked, but also opens the door and walks right in.10 Cyber security consultants: While cyber breach coaches help organizations deal with the aftermath of a cyber-attack, cyber security consultants are often hired to build the right defenses. These experts provide a range of services, including IT systems auditing, system monitoring, building firewalls and helping organizations stay compliant with government regulations.&nbsp; Cyber security consultants are typically involved with every employee contact point for company data, including devices, applications, data storage and internal networks. Knowing how staff interact digitally allows these experts to identify potential weaknesses and plan for how to protect against them.11 As risks evolve, a proactive approach to cyber protection is crucial. When planning your defense strategy, it&rsquo;s important to consider insurance coverage that&rsquo;s specifically designed to address the unique and emerging risks to your business.&nbsp; The Sovereign Secure TechPro product suite offers a new Policy wording that includes Technology E&amp;O and Cyber Liability with enhanced first and third party liability coverages. This new modular product offers flexible coverages adapted to the unique and emerging risks to Canadian businesses &ndash; giving policyholders more of what they need and less of what they don&rsquo;t. So not only is their policy comprehensive, but they&rsquo;re getting great value too.&nbsp; Contact your broker to learn more.
&nbsp;
 
&copy;2021 The Sovereign General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators group of companies. Sovereign&reg; is a registered trademark of The Sovereign General Insurance Company. Not all advertised products may be available in all jurisdictions. For full terms and conditions, including coverage limitations and exclusions, please refer to the policy wording. The Sovereign General Insurance Company is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, accuracy and security of the personal information that we collect, use, retain and disclose in the course of conducting our business. Visit sovereigninsurance.ca or call toll free at 1-800-661-1652 to learn more.
 Sources
1,2 Tessian, <a href=" https://www.tessian.com/blog/hybrid-working-cybersecurity-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;How hybrid-remote working with affect cybersecurity,&rdquo;</a> Sept. 2020 3 Hacker News, &ldquo;<a href="https://thehackernews.com/2021/02/why-human-error-is-1-cyber-security.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why human error is #1 cyber security threat to businesses in 2021</a>,&rdquo; Feb. 4 2021 4,5 Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, <a href="https://cyber.gc.ca/en/provide-employee-awareness-training" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Provide employee awareness training,</a>&rdquo; Feb. 16 2021 6 Dashlane, <a href=" https://blog.dashlane.com/phishing-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to run an effective phishing test at work</a>, March 7 2020 7, 9 Rhino Security Labs, &ldquo;<a href="https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/penetration-testing/need-vulnerability-scan-penetration-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Do I need a vulnerability scan or penetration test?</a>&rdquo; 8 Logsign, &ldquo;<a href=" https://www.logsign.com/blog/what-are-the-types-of-cyber-security-vulnerabilities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What are the types of cyber security vulnerabilities</a>?&rdquo; 10 Control Scan, <a href="https://www.controlscan.com/penetration-tests-vulnerability-scans-different/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Penetration tests vs. vulnerability scans: What&rsquo;s the difference?&rdquo;</a> 11 EC-MSP,<a href=" https://www.ecmsp.co.uk/it-blog/cybersecurity-consultant-for-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> &ldquo;What can a cyber security company do for your business?&rdquo;</a>

Cyber loss prevention: How to mitigate cyber risks to your business

For commercial business owners, few things are more frightening than the thought of a fire ripping through their workplace. The potential loss of business and damage to property pales in comparison to the risk of losing lives.&nbsp; Most workplace fires can be avoided if the right precautions are taken. But if a fire does occur, a fire safety plan can minimize the impact, as it identifies specific actions that should be taken. Not only is a fire safety plan essential to help keep people safe, it&rsquo;s also the law in many cases. In Canada, fire safety plans are required by provincial regulations and local fire codes for certain types of buildings and occupancy types.1&nbsp; While plans should be tailored to the specific property or business, generally they must detail: a safe and orderly way for occupants to evacuate the building; proper maintenance and housekeeping required to prevent fires; and how to minimize damage should a fire occur. Typically, owners have to submit their plan to their local fire department for review and approval.2 There&rsquo;s no time like the present to brush up on your current fire safety plan, or familiarize yourself with the essentials if you need to create one. To that end, here are some key requirements and best practices to help ensure your people and your business are protected.&nbsp; Regularly train employees on emergency procedures: Your employees must be aware of what to do in a variety of fire emergencies. Staff training should include instruction on: where the fire alarm pull stations and exits are located; procedures for sounding the alarm; how to alert the fire department; potential fire hazards; how to use portable fire extinguishers; procedures for evacuating the building quickly and safely; and where the exits and muster points (or meeting places) are located. In addition to instructing new hires, be sure to retrain existing staff at least annually.3 Appoint fire wardens: Designated fire wardens are specially trained volunteer employees who help implement the fire safety plan. Fire wardens&rsquo; responsibilities include instructing employees on emergency procedures; checking safety equipment, such as extinguishers and exit doors; alerting authorities in the event of a fire; helping people evacuate quickly and safely; and more. There should be one fire warden for each floor or area (or more to cover absences).4&nbsp;&nbsp; Install highly visible signs: While your employees may be trained on what to do in the event of a fire, they&rsquo;ll likely need visual cues to orient themselves in an actual emergency. Fire safety plans require evacuation diagrams that highlight exits, directional areas, pull stations and more. Diagrams must be permanently affixed to the wall near elevators and exits.5 Inspection and testing of exit signs and emergency lighting should be performed and documented annually.&nbsp; &nbsp; Other signage tips are: ensure exits and other evacuation signs are large enough to be seen from a distance, and illuminated so they can easily be seen in a power outage.6 Avoid displaying too many signs in close proximity, as this can increase the chance of confusion and vital information being overlooked. In addition, post warning signs to remind people to take precautions around hazardous areas of your workplace.7&nbsp; Practice, review, and revise: Fire drills put your fire safety plan into action, ensuring that your employees are familiar with what to do and can evacuate in an orderly fashion. Fire drills should be conducted at least twice a year (or as required by your local jurisdiction). The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommends observing the response to fire drills and adjusting the plan as necessary to ensure its effectiveness.8 Aside from fire drills, your fire safety plan as a whole should be reviewed every year, especially if there are any changes to the layout, content or headcount of your workplace. If there are any changes to your plan, you must notify your local fire department.9 Reviewing and revising your plan will not only help you be prepared in the event of an emergency, it will give everyone in your workplace peace of mind.&nbsp; 
Sources
1,2,8 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, &ldquo;Fire Protection&rdquo;&nbsp; 3,9 Brantford Fire Department, <a href="https://www.brantford.ca/en/living-here/resources/Documents/FireSafety/FireSafetyPlan-Guideline.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Standard Template for Fire Safety Plan Development&rdquo;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; 4 Fire Monitoring of Canada Inc., &ldquo;The importance of designating a fire warden in your office<a href="https://www.fire-monitoring.com/the-importance-of-designating-a-fire-warden-in-your-office/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&rdquo;</a>&nbsp; 5 Township of Muskoka Lakes Fire Department, &ldquo;<a href="https://muskokalakes.civicweb.net/document/78051/" title="" target="">Guidelines to Developing a Fire Safety Plan</a>" 6 ProFire Safety Services, &ldquo;How to plan a fire evacuation plan for your business,&rdquo; July 3, 2022&nbsp; 7 Glendining Signs, <a href="https://www.glendining.co.uk/blogs/health-safety-signs-in-the-workplace" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Health safety signs in the workplace&rdquo;&nbsp;</a>

What should be included in your fire safety plan?

Designed specifically with Fleet Managers in mind, use this report template to track your fleet's accident and incident trends to support your drivers in upholding safe and responsible driving practices. Included in this template: are three different registers to help you track trends in your fleet: an Accident/Incident Register, a FMCSA Accident Register and a Violation Register To download the Excel Template, click the &ldquo;Download Tool&rdquo; button above.

Accident/Incident Register

Designed with fleet managers in mind, the Auto Risk Management Toolkit offers helpful resources to protect and support your drivers and help prevent road risks before they happen. The toolkit includes: The benefits of defensive driver training
While preventing accidents to keep people safe is the most compelling benefit of defensive driver training, there are several other benefits.&nbsp; Find out what defensive drivers look out for, the key benefits of defensive driver training, and some key defensive skills and techniques to keep your drivers, and fleet, safe. The importance of pre-hire road tests When hiring new drivers, applicants with years of trucking experience can look great on paper. However, regardless of a candidate&rsquo;s work history, it&rsquo;s crucial for fleet owners and operators to conduct a pre-hire road test to ensure the driver&rsquo;s skills and professionalism are up to speed. Learn what&rsquo;s involved and how to put your drivers to the test.&nbsp; Fleet preventative maintenance checklist template This checklist tracks the periodical mechanical inspections required for your commercial power units and trailers, to help you ensure that critical safety functions have been inspected and managed appropriately. It also keeps a log of the maintenance history of your inspected equipment, so that you can track maintenance/repair trends. Non-commercial vehicle pre-trip inspection checklist template This checklist provides a list of critical items for a driver to check on the vehicle prior to the start of the shift or workday. Completing this checklist not only helps ensure the vehicle is safe to drive, it may also help prevent costly on-road breakdowns. Liquid bulk trucks &amp; trailers: product offloading best practice infographic When offloading product from a liquid bulk truck/trailer, it&rsquo;s critical that drivers remain at the controls. Remind your drivers of this important best practice with this pictogram &ndash; and optional decal!

Auto Risk Management Toolkit

Liquid Bulk Trucks & Trailers: Product Offloading Best Practice

The right candidate for your next job opening might be a person with neurodivergence&mdash;and you shouldn&rsquo;t hesitate to hire them.
&ldquo;Neurodivergence&rdquo; is a non-medical umbrella term that describes &ldquo;the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one &lsquo;right&rsquo; way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits,&rdquo; according to Nicole Baumer and Julia Frueh in an article for Harvard Health Publishing.1
Well-known forms of neurodivergence include dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People with neurodivergence often possess highly desirable employee attributes, including those that make them particularly desirable insurance sector candidates.
For instance, people with dyslexia are often creative thinkers who have strong entrepreneurial and interpersonal skills, making them well-suited for such roles as insurance agents and brokers, according to GAIN (Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity).2 In addition, GAIN says that:
<ul>
<li>People with ASD are often analytical thinkers with strong attention to detail, which could make them gifted actuaries and loss adjusters.</li>
<li>People with ADHD are good at multi-tasking and working under pressure, so they&rsquo;re often ideal project leaders and underwriters.</li>
<li>People with dyspraxia are problem solvers with good oral and interpersonal skills, so they&rsquo;re well suited to roles such as support services, insurance agents and financial advisors.3</li>
</ul>
However, when it comes to employment, there may be a few accommodations needed to set both the organization and the neurodivergent individual up for success. Leaders should seek to educate themselves about hiring and accommodating these individuals and even consider enlisting outside help.
<h4>Getting started</h4>
If you don&rsquo;t know where to start, there are plenty of resources and tools that can help. For example, <a href="https://readywillingable.ca/">Ready, Willing and Able (RWA)</a> is a national organization &ldquo;designed to increase the labour force participation of people with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum.&rdquo;4
RWA is funded by the federal government in partnership with <a href="https://inclusioncanada.ca/">Inclusion Canada</a> (formerly the Canadian Association for Community Living) and <a href="https://autismalliance.ca/">Autism Alliance of Canada</a> (formerly Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance), along with their member organizations. RWA can help with education, hiring and ongoing support.
The Inclusive Workplace is an RWA initiative that provides education, resources and tools for businesses and employment agencies, as well as employees with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum.5
<h4>Accommodating neurodiversity</h4>
There&rsquo;s no one-size-fits-all approach in accommodating neurodiversity. Since each person is unique, their required accommodations will be, too. Start by asking how they prefer you address their neurodiversity. Some prefer person-first language, such as &ldquo;a person with autism,&rdquo; while others prefer identity-first language, such as &ldquo;an autistic person.&rdquo;6
Also ask how you can accommodate them. For example, if an autistic person has sensory sensitivity, they may request noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions&mdash;and to feel psychologically safe. Other accommodations could include offering a wider range of resources and tools, revising the hiring and/or onboarding process, enacting policies to create a more inclusive work environment, or supporting a more tailored career path through specific learning and development opportunities.
<h4>Revising the hiring process</h4>
Looking for neurodiverse talent begins with casting a wider net for candidates. That means looking beyond traditional schools and employment agencies to include organizations directly connected with the neurodivergent community.
Neurodivergent individuals may process information differently, so job descriptions should use plain language, focus on the essential skills for the job and state the brokerage&rsquo;s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Job applications should use short, simple questions, and leave room for candidates to include additional information. In some cases, a portfolio or work example might be a better accommodation than a written description of experience.7
Job interviews should be held in spaces that are free of distractions and, if possible, multiple interviews on the same day should be avoided. A candidate may wish to bring a job coach, and it might be more suitable to demonstrate their ability to perform job tasks rather than describe this verbally.
<h4>Making small changes</h4>
Often, it takes only small changes to make workplaces more inclusive and conducive. For example, sensory sensitivities could be addressed by providing accommodations like noise-cancelling headphones, adjustable lighting, a private vs. open concept office space or allowing for several short breaks to manage sensory and emotional overload.
Leaders should communicate clearly, provide instructions both verbally and in writing, and give regular, constructive feedback. Peer or team support, mentoring, social skills training and job coaching can help neurodivergent employees develop stronger social and/or job skills&mdash;and help them climb the corporate ladder in step with their neurotypical peers.
Many of these accommodations require very few resources to implement. In return, organizations will benefit from diverse viewpoints and approaches while gaining employees with valuable skillsets.
&nbsp;
<h4>Sources:</h4>
1 Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd, and Julie French, MD; &ldquo;What is neurodiversity?&rdquo; (Harvard Health Publishing, Nov. 23, 2021). <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645">https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645</a>
2 &ldquo;Neurodiversity is essential to every insurance team&rdquo; (Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity, accessed Jan. 14, 2024). <a href="https://www.gaintogether.org/what-we-do.html">https://www.gaintogether.org/what-we-do.html</a>
3 &ldquo;Neurodiversity is essential to every insurance team&rdquo; (Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity, accessed Jan. 14, 2024). <a href="https://www.gaintogether.org/what-we-do.html">https://www.gaintogether.org/what-we-do.html</a>
4 &ldquo;Who We Are&rdquo; (Ready, Willing &amp; Able, accessed Jan. 14, 2024). <a href="https://readywillingable.ca/about/">https://readywillingable.ca/about/</a>
5 &ldquo;Latest Resources&rdquo; (The Inclusive Workplace, accessed Jan. 14, 2024). <a href="https://theinclusiveworkplace.ca/en/home">https://theinclusiveworkplace.ca/en/home</a>
6 &ldquo;Identity-First Language&rdquo; (Autistic Self Advocacy Network, accessed Jan. 14, 2024). <a href="https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/identity-first-language/">https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/identity-first-language/</a>
7 Michael Leopold; &ldquo;How to Optimize Job Descriptions for Neurodivergent Job Seekers&rdquo; (SHRM, March 23, 2023). <a href="https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/inclusion-equity-diversity/how-to-optimize-job-descriptions-neurodivergent-job-seekers">https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/inclusion-equity-diversity/how-to-optimize-job-descriptions-neurodivergent-job-seekers</a>

How brokerages and their insurance company peers can support neurodiversity

As Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives gain traction across sectors, Sovereign has embraced this movement &ndash; and invited its partners to join the journey.
In honour of Canada&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html">AccessAbility Week</a> last spring, Sovereign launched a nationwide contest, giving their brokers and partners the chance to win $20,000 in accessibility upgrades for their office space. The winner could choose how the funds would best enhance their space. Suggestions included: ergonomic furniture, such as office chairs or height-adjustable desks; improved signage (for example, in Braille); lighting (for example, dimmable lights or lighting adjusted to circadian rhythms); a corporate wellness room; AODA website compliance (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act); and plants to support biophilia &ndash; the idea that humans innately seek connections with nature and other living things.
The contest was inspired by Sovereign&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.sovereigninsurance.ca/diversityinclusionjourney">new redesign of its Calgary office space</a>, which includes accessibility features such as Braille signage, a gender-neutral washroom with a baby change table, enhanced green spaces, ergonomic workstations, adjustable lighting, a wellness room, accessible kitchen appliances and lower countertops, and more.&nbsp;
The winner &ndash; <a href="https://www.mhkinsurance.com/">MHK Insurance</a> in Edmonton &ndash; chose to &ldquo;go green&rdquo; with a biophilia project that included two feature walls and framed pieces that incorporated preserved moss.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been at our location in Edmonton since 1987, so an opportunity to invest in a place that we love and has become a landmark in our community was very exciting to us,&rdquo; says Jana Lumsden, Chief Financial Officer at MHK Insurance. &ldquo;We were just thrilled to win.&rdquo;
<img src="https://files.sovereigninsurance.ca/upload/mceu_83455656111707154947474_20240205124227.jpg" alt="A small seating area with black leather armchairs" /> <img src="https://files.sovereigninsurance.ca/upload/MHK Before 2_20240205124239.jpg" />&nbsp; (MHK Insurance office before installation)
For MHK Insurance, adding plant life to the office was a natural choice. &ldquo;Greenery in the workplace offers more than an aesthetic value,&rdquo; says Jana, who was part of a small committee that was formed to look at all the options and decide which one to implement.
In fact, research shows that in addition to improving indoor air quality, plants and greenery contribute to an environment of reduced stress, enhanced employee attitudes, and increased productivity. &ldquo;Even though we were looking for opportunities to beautify the office, we were also looking to honour the spirit of the contest, which was enhancing the lives of people in our organization,&rdquo; Jana says.
&nbsp;To carry out the biophilia project, MHK enlisted a local horticultural service company, <a href="https://greenjeansinteriorscape.ca/">Greenjeans Interiorscape</a>, which specializes in interior and exterior plant design, maintenance, and installations. The company crafted custom works of art using preserved moss, and the pieces were installed this past December.&nbsp;
<img src="https://files.sovereigninsurance.ca/upload/mceu_89438706221707155208319_20240205124648.jpg" alt="Two people in blue t-shirts and grey baseball caps are installing a plant walll" /> (Greenjeans installing moss walls at MHK Insurance office)
&ldquo;Moss walls are the perfect solution for adding green to a space,&rdquo; says Jennifer Mills, Design &amp; Estimating at Greenjeans. &ldquo;They provide a unique biophilic design element, promote calmness and wellness, and offer an aesthetically beautiful conversation piece.&rdquo; In addition, she adds that moss walls require minimal maintenance, help with noise reduction, and offer a healthier work environment by connecting staff to nature.
For the wall behind the reception desk at MHK, Greenjeans created three, 20-inch maple-framed hexagons, which were painted black and filled with various species of preserved moss and foliage. To play off the colours in MHK&rsquo;s logo, hints of charcoal and golden yellow reindeer moss were included.
For two feature walls &ndash; one in the reception area and one in the boardroom &ndash; Greenjeans created floor-to-ceiling mixed moss walls with various shades of green using different species of moss, as well as charcoal and golden yellow reindeer moss. To complete the design, five maple-framed hexagon accent pieces were incorporated in each as well, featuring elements like mini planters, mixed moss, and preserved foliage. In addition, framed hexagon accent pieces were created for MHK&rsquo;s Calgary office. While the concept of biophilia in the workplace was new to MHK, the company has an ongoing focus on employee wellbeing. Just last year, for example, MHK made a major investment in ergonomic office furniture. &ldquo;We pride ourselves on taking care of our employees and we&rsquo;re always looking for ways to provide a comfortable environment and enhance life at MHK,&rdquo; says Jana.&nbsp;
<img src="https://files.sovereigninsurance.ca/upload/mceu_362711431707155254089_20240205124734.jpg" width="197" height="351" /> <img src="https://files.sovereigninsurance.ca/upload/MHK Office After 2_20240205124746.jpg" alt="A plant wall next to a leather armchair" width="263" height="351" /> (Complete moss wals at MHK Insurance office)
That goes for employees and clients alike. Jana recounts that, just after the moss art was installed, a client walked into the reception area and commented on how beautiful the installations are. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a great conversation starter with clients, and the reaction in-house has been incredible as well,&rdquo; Jana says. &ldquo;People love the freshness and appreciate the art that it is. It&rsquo;s a spectacular addition to our office.&rdquo;

Sovereign’s AccessAbility Week contest winner upgrades the office with greenery

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