The ALS Group Risk Management Articles

We manage more than a quarter billion dollars of premiums for a diverse range of clients around the globe. 

Risk and Insurance for Film Productions Part 2: The Expenses are Adding Up

One of the most expensive predicaments a film production (especially the big-budget type) can face is a delay.  When you consider the scheduling of a large scale production, and the amount of money that goes into cast, crew, equipment, locations, permits, food, vehicles, etc. for each day of filming, a simple accident, especially, the film’s star getting injured can result in tremendous expense.

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80 Percent of Companies are not Effectively Managing Risk. Is Yours One of Them?

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that fewer than 20 percent of executives say their companies are effectively managing risk. Companies often have a process in place to identify and monitor risks, but fall short when it comes to implementing practices to manage those risks as part of the overall strategic plan. There can be a number of reasons for this shortcoming, including not having a dedicated internal risk management department or lack of qualified risk management professionals in the existing talent pool. As a result, companies that fall into the 80 percent need to begin to develop a sound risk management program as the company could be exposed to

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Doing Business Abroad: Unique Risks Require Unique Risk Management Advice

There are many challenges a company will face when considering a new business venture. Those challenges multiply exponentially when the business venture is outside the United States. The risks for organizations when doing business abroad can be both significant and many. Having a clear execution plan and due diligence team that is familiar with these types of ventures are an essential hedge against surprises that could impact the company’s strategic goals.

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Risk and Insurance for Film Productions: Part 1 – An Introduction

Entertainment insurance provides coverage for the film industry and its producers. It is a large sub-section of the insurance and risk management world with its own unique exposures and coverages. The film industry in the United States is a big business generating $522 billion in revenue in 2013. According to Statista, that number is expected to rise to $632 billion in 2014. As revenue rises, so do film costs, with even “low budget” production costing several million dollars. These high costs bring high exposures! There are tight deadlines, a lot of moving parts and many people performing a variety of roles, both on the set and in the production offices.

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Safety and OSHA Compliance

As stated in my May Blog, there are many regulations an organization needs to implement and maintain in order to be in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and avoid fines and risks associated with not being compliant.

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Data Breach – A Complicated Issue Where No Two Attacks Are The Same

When looking at a company’s risk, one of the most overlooked aspects is how it manages its informational security. In their most recent Data Breach Investigations Report, Verizon was able to classify 92% of the millions of breaches over the past few years into nine basic patterns. It would be a reasonable assumption that these nine patterns of attack would be the same across the business landscape. Unfortunately this is not the case as the sophistication of the attacks change depending on a company’s industry. As an example representing both the Financial and the Energy/Utilities Sectors, the highest type of breach was web app attacks. This occurred as the retail

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Claims Handling: How to Turn Lemons into Lemonade

One of the most misunderstood areas of the insurance business is claims handling. Often mishandled, this function is the reason companies buy insurance. To be certain the following four key elements are being managed effectively, there are several points to remember when evaluating your claims management program: 1. Do you have an excellent working relationship with your carrier and intermediary [broker or third party administrator (TPA)], including a written agreement on roles, responsibilities (key performance indicators – KPI’s) and communication?

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Workplace Safety & Loss Prevention NYS Code 59

Is your gross payroll more than $800,000? Do you know what your experience modification, or “mod” is? Is it above a 1.20 rating? If you answered yes to these questions then understanding the Industrial Code Rule 59 (“ICR59”) Program will save you money.

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How to have a successful ERM process

A few weeks ago I attended the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Roundtable Summit held by NC State University. Although there were many speakers from a number of different industries, the same theme resonated throughout the day. The theme was, in order for any organization to have a successful ERM process it must foster thoughtful discussions between those who are tasked with ERM. As we have mentioned previously, it is easy for ERM to become just another “compliance check-box.” However, encouraging a challenging dialogue among team members can certainly help your organization move past the “check-box” mentality.

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Risk Management and Safety

Safety in the workplace is something that is often thought of relative to construction sites and manufacturing facilities.  However, it is just as important to focus on safety at an office as it is at a construction site.  business. Even the smallest details should not be overlooked, as the most insignificant accident could result in financial damage for both the owner individually, and the company as a whole.

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Our areas of expertise include:

  • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
  • Cyber Security & Cyber Liability Insurance
  • Construction Management
  • Customized Risk Management Assessments (RMAs)

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