WINTER
PL A N N I NG GU IDE
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INTRODUCTION
How Winter Storms Form
PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR WINTER WEATHER
Emergency Preparedness Review
Anticipation
Preparation
Supplies
Power Outages and Storm Surges
Emergency Preparedness Plan
Future Preparation
Winter Weather Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Falls
AFTER THE STORM
Controlling Workers’ Comp Risks During Storm Recovery Efforts
Snow Shoveling
Shoveling Snow Safely
Snow Blowers
Safe Operation of Snow Blowers
Operation of Heavy Snow Removal Equipment
Info for Workers
Info for Policyholders
Acknowledgements
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This material is being provided to you as a service of The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company for informational purposes only and
is not intended, nor shall it be relied upon, as a comprehensive statement of all possible work-related hazards to your employees
or of the federal, state or local laws as which may be applicable to your business. It is your responsibility to develop and implement
your loss prevention policies. You should direct questions concerning specific situations to informed and appropriate advisors.
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INTRODUCTION
Rhode Island is no stranger to extreme winter weather conditions. Winter storms can range from a
moderate snow over a few hours to Nor’easters, capable of producing blizzards with blinding, winddriven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low
temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.
One of the primary concerns is winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and
communications services to your business, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and
extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.
The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths
are indirectly related to a storm. People die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia
from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.
This preparedness guide explains the dangers of winter weather and suggests life-saving action you
can take. With this information, you can recognize winter weather threats, develop an action plan to
protect your employees and be ready when severe winter weather threatens your business.
How Winter Storms Form
There are many ways for winter storms to form;
however, all have three key components.
COLD AIR: For snow and ice to form, the
temperature must be below freezing in the clouds
and near the ground.
MOISTURE: Water evaporating from bodies of water,
such as a large lake or the ocean, is an excellent
source of moisture.
LIFT: Lift causes moisture to rise and form clouds and
precipitation. An example of lift is warm air colliding
with cold air and being forced to rise. Another
example of lift is air flowing up a mountain side.
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Stay Informed
Keep Ahead of the Storm
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio and television for the latest winter storm warnings,
watches and advisories. NOAA Weather Radio is the best means to receive warnings from the National
Weather Service.
The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts warnings and forecasts that can be received
by NOAA Weather Radios, which are sold in many stores. The average range is 40 miles, depending on
topography. Purchase a radio that has a battery back-up and a Specific Area Message Encoder feature, which
automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued for your county or parish. Remember to listen to
your local officials’ recommendations and to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest winter storm information.
What to Listen For
The National Weather Service issues outlooks, watches,
warnings and advisories for all winter weather hazards.
Here’s what they mean and what to do. Use the
information below to make an informed decision on
your risk and what actions should be taken.
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to
identify snowfall rates.
BLIZZARD: Winds of 35 mph or more with snow
and blowing snow reducing visibility to less than
¼ mile for 3 hours or more.
BLOWING SNOW: Wind-driven snow that reduces
visibility. Blowing snow may be falling snow and/
or snow on the ground picked up by the wind.
WHAT TO L ISTEN FOR
OUTLOOK
WATCH
Winter storm conditions are possible in
the next 2-5 days. Stay turned to local
media for updates.
Winter storm conditions are possible
within the next 36-48 hours. Prepare now!
WARNING
Life-threatening severe winter conditions have
begun or will begin within 24 hours. Act Now!
ADVISORY
Winter weather conditions are expected to
cause significant inconveniences and may be
hazardous. If you are cautious, these situations
should not be life threatening.
SNOW SQUALLS: Brief, intense snow showers
accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant.
SNOW SHOWERS: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some
accumulation is possible.
SNOW FLURRIES: Light snow falling for short durations with little or no accumulation
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PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR WINTER WEATHER
Human nature keeps us from thinking about preparing for the storm until the rain or sleet is bearing down,
and by then it’s too late. But remembering all-too-recent scenes of destruction from our area’s storms
can be an opportunity to take steps to protect your employees and your business. Heavy accumulations
of ice and snow can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers. Ice can
disrupt communications and power for days while utility companies repair extensive damage. Even small
accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses
are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces. Snow and ice are a threat to your
business and your employees.
Plan Ahead
Determine your greatest risk potential. It might come from loss of heat, frozen pipes (which can burst,
causing water damage), or loss of access caused by icy conditions. What would happen if you had to shut
down your business for several days? Look at the building where you do business and assess the property
damage risks. If you do this early enough, you’ll have time to make structural upgrades that can prevent
possible future storm, wind, water or earthquake damage.
Calculate the cost of business interruptions for one week, one month and six months. Once you’ve done
that, you’ll be able investigate insurance options or build a cash reserve that will allow your company to
function during the post-disaster recovery phase. It’s also a good idea to develop professional relationships
with alternative vendors, in case your primary contractor can’t service your needs. Place occasional orders
with them so they regard you as an active customer when you need them. Review your insurance coverage. Contact your agent to find out if your policy is adequate for your needs.
Consult with a business insurance expert to advise you on the right coverage for your situation. When
buying insurance, ask “How much can I afford to lose?” It’s a good idea to know the value of your property.
Build a crisis communications plan so you’ll be able to make sure your staff, customers, vendors and
contractors know what’s going on. Establish an email alert system. Make sure you have primary and
secondary email addresses for your employees, and everyone you do business with. Create a Facebook
page and use Twitter to keep the public aware you’re still in business and in the process of recovering after
the disaster.
Stay informed and listen to local officials. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established
in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given
by local emergency management officials.
Emergency Preparedness Review
A helpful list of questions to evaluate your plan and its execution
With thousands of businesses affected by the damaging impact of winter storms, business owners or
managers should take time to consider how well or poorly they prepared for storms. The following
questions may help evaluate how well organized and equipped you were to withstand the potential
impact on your business and workforce, and it may assist you in preparing for future emergencies.
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Anticipation
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Did you adequately anticipate the potential damage caused by the storm for your
area of the state?
Did you anticipate power outages or storm surges that took place in your location?
Preparation
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Did you begin preparing before the winter storm season started or did you wait until
a storm was about to strike?
If you waited to begin preparing until a storm was imminent, did you consider the
stress this may have caused you and your workforce?
Were you able to gather the necessary supplies to weather the storm?
If you lacked pre-planning for your business, did this cause your personnel to lack
adequate time to prepare for themselves and their families?
Supplies
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Were the emergency supplies you gathered for your business the correct type of
supplies you needed?
Were there other supplies you did not have and should consider having on hand for
future storms?
Were your supplies adequate or should you consider larger quantities in the future?
Power Outages and Storm Surges
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If you suffered electric power outages or power surges, did you adequately anticipate the
duration and impact this had on your business?
Did you possess proper back-up power sources?
Did you secure an alternate operating location (or locations) to allow your business to
function at a basic level?
Did the storm and loss of power compromise any important business data or documents
needed to operate your business effectively?
Emergency Preparedness Plan
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Did your organization have an emergency preparedness plan in place?
If you had a plan, did you follow it thoroughly? Or did you not have a plan in place and simply
prepared or reacted the best way you knew how?
If you followed a plan, did you evaluate how well you and your personnel performed each
aspect of the plan?
Was your plan adequate to sustain operations and protect your business and employees?
Was the plan's implementation performed as well as anticipated?
Did you identify any areas of your emergency preparedness plan that need improvement?
Are there procedures that should be added to your plan as a result of your storm experience?
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Future Preparation
Having an effective emergency preparedness plan is vital to the operations of your business or
organization. Take time to examine all of the disaster and recovery scenarios you have witnessed
 both good and bad  and use this knowledge to help develop a plan for the future. It will be
your guide to ensuring a systematic approach to storm preparations, with the primary goal of
minimizing the impact of any catastrophic event on your business operations and your personnel.
Develop the best solutions available for your unique situation. Request input from your employees
on how best to prepare for future emergencies. Once your plan is written, educate your personnel
on each step of preparation and execution to allow for effective implementation .
Winter Weather Injuries
Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold. Add to that number vehicle accidents
and fatalities, fires due to dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities – and you
have a significant threat. Threats, such as hypothermia and frostbite, can lead to loss of fingers
and toes or cause permanent kidney, pancreas and liver injury and even death. You must prepare
properly to avoid these extreme dangers. You also need to know what to do if you see symptoms
of these threats.
A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or
sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. People can become trapped at home, at work or in
a car, without utilities or other assistance. The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on
a community or region for days, weeks or even months. Attempting to walk for help in a winter
storm can be a deadly decision. Injuries are all too common in extremely cold weather.
According to National Weather Service about 70 percent of injuries during winter storms result
from vehicle accidents and about 25 percent of injuries result from being caught out in the storm. Some of the common hazards associated with working in winter storms include:
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Driving accidents due to slippery roadways
Slips and falls due to slippery walkways
Hypothermia and frostbite due to the cold weather exposure
Being struck by falling objects such as icicles, tree limbs, and utility poles
Electrocution due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines
Falls from heights (e.g. falls from roof or skylights while removing snow)
Roof collapse under weight of snow (or melting snow if drains are clogged)
Burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure
Exhaustion from working extended shifts
Dehydration
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the primary cause of workers' comp-related injuries and deaths. Driver
education, vehicle preparations and planning are keys to a safe trip.
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Planning to Drive in Snow and Ice
As a general rule, urge your employees who drive to:
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Check the weather reports the night before. If snow is in the forecast, give yourself plenty of
time for traveling and expect delays.
Plan ahead and call your destination or appointment to let them know you may be delayed.
Keep driving to a minimum during adverse winter weather conditions.
Plan to drive on well-maintained roadways.
Recognize that winter road conditions require slower travel speeds.
Only use cellular phones in the event of an emergency and never while driving.
Recognize that driving in snow causes fatigue.
Vehicle Tips
r Clear the snow off your entire vehicle, including the roof and hood, to prevent snow or ice
from flying onto other vehicles while driving.
r Clear headlights and taillights each time you enter the vehicle to help you to see and be seen.
r Keep your windshield wiper reservoir full of anti-freeze fluid, not water.
r Replace worn or improperly working wiper blades early in the season.
Driving Tips
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Most importantly, reduce your speed. Your vehicle will behave much differently on ice and
snow. Posted speed limits are intended for ideal road conditions. Slow down considerably
during snowy or icy conditions.
Increase your following distance to four car lengths. This will allow greater time for you to
react in slippery conditions and will also help to keep your windshield clear of flying spray or
ice from the car in front.
Accelerate, brake and turn gradually. Sudden braking, acceleration and turning can lead to a
loss of traction and loss of control.
Be aware of shady spots where ice and snow may still be present such as under bridges and
overpasses.
Take extra caution behind or around snowplows. Operators may need to make sudden stops
or maneuvers to avoid obstacles or stranded vehicles.
Do not attempt to pass snowplows working in tandem in front of you.
Be alert during very windy conditions. Blowing snow can cause white-out conditions
even during the daylight hours. If possible, pull over during these conditions until weather
conditions improve.
Be familiar with how your anti-lock brakes function in slippery conditions.
Avoid the use of cruise control in snowy or icy conditions or during inclement weather.
See Beacon Mutual’s “Winter Driving Techniques” safety alert at
www.beaconmutual.com/Documents/SA.20.04.01.pdf
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Slips and Falls
As we endure another New England winter, all employers should be proactive in preventing harmful
winter slip-and-fall accidents. Falls are the second most common type of accidental injury in Rhode Island.
With nearly two-thirds of slip-and-fall incidences occurring on snow/ice and wet surfaces, it is imperative
to “winterize” your facility before an accident occurs. Such slips and falls can result in severe head injuries,
broken bones, debilitating back injuries and other sprains and strains.
Statistically, the average slip-and-fall claim results in an expense of over $5,600. Therefore, preventing slipand-fall accidents should be a high priority for every employer.
To help you prevent winter-related injuries, and control your workers’ compensation costs, the
Beacon recommends the following:
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Institute a formal “winterization“ program to ensure that you are well prepared to offer the
safest possible environment for your employees.
Assign a maintenance staff member or other employee to be responsible for the overall
coordination and monitoring of your winterization program. Additional employees can be
assigned to supervise specific areas within your facility such as parking lots or entrances.
Educate all employees as to the danger of slip-and-fall hazards. Provide information and/or
instruction on preventing slip-and-fall accidents, such as how to be more aware of “black
ice” conditions and utilizing proper footwear.
Prepare to adjust or modify operational procedures that may expose employees to
seasonal hazards. For example, employees who regularly enter and exit the building
during icy conditions should be curtailed from carrying large loads.
Encourage all employees to report slip-and-fall conditions immediately to their supervisor.
This includes the interior and exterior conditions as well as high traffic areas around the
perimeter of the property. For example, a public sidewalk or bus stop.
Winterization Checklist
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All snow and ice is removed before employees arrive for their respective work shifts.
An inventory of snow/ice removal supplies such as shovels and ice melt is maintained and
managed.
All interior traffic areas are monitored for potential slip/fall conditions particularly during
high transitional periods such as between shifts and lunch breaks.
Liberal use of mats and/or caution signage is used in areas observed to be wet or
potentially slippery.
All exterior public areas are monitored for potential icing conditions throughout the
workday, including parking lots, sidewalks, entrances and stairs. Special attention should
be given to areas that receive little sunlight during the day.
Liberal use of snow melting agents is used on exterior traffic areas. Ample supply is
available to retreat as needed during the day.
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Employees are trained as to the potential dangers of slip and fall hazards and are
encouraged to use appropriate footwear.
All employees are encouraged to report any slip and fall hazards they may observe
throughout the day.
Most slip and fall injuries are preventable. Taking the necessary precautions and encouraging
employees to be alert and report hazardous conditions can prevent a very costly injury this
winter season.
See Beacon Mutual’s “Preventing Slips & Falls” safety alert at
http://www.beaconmutual.com/Documents/SA.19.04.01.pdf
Falls
Heavy snow can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, stranding commuters, closing
airports, stopping the flow of supplies, and disrupting emergency and medical services.
When working at elevations, especially around ice and snow, keep in mind the following fall
prevention and protection guidelines:
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Accumulations of snow can cause roofs to collapse and knock down trees and
power lines. The cost of snow removal, repairing damages, and the loss of business can
be severe.
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Jobs that require workers to be on roofs should be left to professionals whenever
possible and never more so than during winter conditions.
See Beacon Mutual’s “Safe Work Practices on Snow Covered Roofs” safety alert at
http://www.beaconmutual.com/Documents/SnowRemovalfromRoofs.pdf
Injuries Due to Wind & Cold
Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and
elderly people are most susceptible. What constitutes extreme cold varies in different parts of
the country. In the South, near freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold. Freezing
temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation. Pipes may
freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat. In the North, extreme
cold means temperatures well below zero. Ensure that workers are properly dressed for
extremely cold conditions with particular attention focused on body extremities.
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Wind Chill is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin. As the
wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body
temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill; however, cars, plants and other objects are not.
Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of -20° Fahrenheit (F) will
cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in
extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip
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of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical
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re-warm affected areas. However, if the person is also
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showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core
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before the extremities.
Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. It can kill.
For those who survive, there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems. Warning signs
include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness
and apparent exhaustion. Take the person’s temperature. If below 95°F, seek medical care immediately.
If medical care is not available, warm the person slowly, starting with the body core. Warming the arms
and legs first drives cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure. If necessary, use your body
heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing and wrap in a warm blanket covering the head and neck.
Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee or any hot beverage or food. Warm broth is the first food
to offer. Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and
elderly people are most susceptible.
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AFTER THE STORM
Controlling Workers' Comp Risks During Storm Recovery Efforts
As businesses go through a winter storm cleanup, repair and reopening, employees may be asked to
perform tasks which they are unaccustomed to doing, only do infrequently and for which they are not
trained or physically fit to perform. Work conditions change drastically after winter storms and other
natural disasters. In the wake of a winter storm, response and recovery workers will face additional
challenges, such as downed power lines, downed trees, and high volumes of snow and ice, often
while performing an otherwise familiar task/operation. Here are some tips to help you avoid needless
accidents and injuries that happen during recovery efforts. Taking a little time to train employees in the
following areas will pay off in a big way.
Snow Shoveling
Most people recognize that snow shoveling is very hard work. While shoveling snow can be good
exercise, it can also be dangerous for workers who take on more than they can handle. Even shoveling
small amounts of snow and ice can put severe stress on your heart, other muscles and spine. Snow
shoveling can place excessive stress on spinal structures. These stresses are a common cause of low
back strains, a leading reason for workers’ compensation claims.
Shoveling Snow Safely
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Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful.
Anyone with a history of heart trouble should not shovel snow.
Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
Take it slow. Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure
dramatically; so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.
Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet,
packed-down variety.
Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.
Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a
large one.
Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and "sitting"
into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso
and thighs can do the work for you.
Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel
tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need
extra attention during winter's cold. Wear a turtleneck sweater, cap, scarf, face protection,
mittens, wool socks and waterproof boots.
Consider buying a snow blower. When used correctly, a snow blower will put far less strain
on your back than snow shoveling.
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Snow Blowers
Snow blowers are safe when used properly. However, each year, workers suffer maiming injuries
or amputations of their fingers or hands due to the improper handling of snow blowers. Common
causes of these injuries are:
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Snow clogging the exit chute of the machine
Workers not noticing that the impeller blades are rotating even though the machine is off
Operator attempting to clean the clogged exit chute with their hands - hands coming in
contact with the rotating blades, resulting in severe injury
Safe Operation of Snow Blowers
Anyone operating a snow blower or asking an employee to operate a snow blower should be
thoroughly familiar with safe operating guidelines. Below are tips for safely operating a snow blower.
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Employees will be properly and thoroughly trained before attempting to do any work
with the snowblower.
Before operating the snowblower, inspect the area in which you are going to clear
snow. Remove debris and other obstacles the snowblower might strike or throw, as
that may cause injury or damage to the snow blower.
Inspect the snowblower before operating it. Repair any damage and correct any
malfunction before operation. If you hit an obstacle while operating the snowblower,
stop the engine immediately, and check for damage. Damaged equipment may
increase the possibility of injury during operation.
Do not use the snowblower when visibility is poor. Under conditions of poor visibility,
there is a greater risk of striking an obstacle or causing injury.
Never use the snowblower to clear snow from a gravel road or driveway, as rocks may
be picked up and ejected. They may cause injury to bystanders.
Adjust the discharge chute to avoid hitting the operator, bystanders, windows and
other objects with ejected snow. Stay clear of the snow discharge chute while the
engine is running.
Children and pets must be kept away from the area of operation to avoid injury from
flying debris and contact with the snowblower.
To avoid overturning, be careful when changing the direction of the snowblower
while operating it on a slope. The snow blower may overturn on steep slopes if left
unattended, causing injury to the operator or bystanders.
Never clear snow across the face of a slope. Always turn toward the down side, when
turning on a sloped area.
Do not use the snow blower to remove snow from roofs.
Know how to stop the snowblower quickly, and understand the operations of all controls.
Never permit anyone to operate the snowblower without proper instruction. If
people or pets suddenly appear in front of the snowblower while it is in operation,
immediately release the auger and drive clutch levers to stop the snowblower and
avoid possible injury from rotating auger blades.
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13. If the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and use a wooden stock
to unclog it. Never put your hand into the snow discharge chute while the engine is
running; serious personal injury could result.
14. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not overfill the fuel tank and
make sure the filler cap is closed securely after refueling.
15. Never run the engine in an enclosed or confined area. Exhaust contains poisonous
carbon monoxide gas; exposure can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.
16. The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for a while after
stopping the engine. Be careful not to touch the muffler while it is hot. Let the engine
cool before storing the snowblower indoors.
17. While operating the snowblower, hold the handle firmly and walk, don’t run. Wear
suitable winter boots that resist slipping.
18. Always keep equipment in good operating condition.
19. Always keep guards and shields in place.
20. Always wear eye, face and hearing protection.
21. Always keep hands, feet and clothing away from the snowblower and discharge chute
when the auger is turning.
22. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Operation of Heavy Snow Removal Equipment
See Beacon Mutual’s “Snow Plow Safety” safety alert and use qualified operators who are certified,
trained and experienced using heavy construction equipment, such as bulldozers, backhoes,
dump trucks and other plows.
See Beacon Mutual’s “Snow Plow Safety” safety alert at
http://www.beaconmutual.com/Documents/SnowPlowSafety.pdf
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Info for Workers
If you are an injured worker with an open claim and are seeking information about your
claim status, medical or compensation payment, or need to supply us with a working
address and contact number, please call our Claims Department at 888-886-4450 or use the
“Contact Us Online” feature of Beaconmutual.com at
http://www.beaconmutual.com/code/contactusonline.aspx?FROM=CME
Info for Policyholders
If you are an employer with workers' compensation coverage through Beacon Mutual and
need assistance or need to supply Beacon with a working address and contact number,
please call our Policyholder Services Hotline at 888-886-4450. If you are a Beacon Mutual
policyholder and need to report a claim on an injured employee, there are several ways you
can report the claim to Beacon Mutual Insurance Company.
Online Claim Reporting: Beacon Mutual Insurance Company provides you with the ability
to report your claims online 24/7, when it is convenient for you. With this service, we will
again automatically file the First Report of Injury with the Department of Labor and provide
a copy to both you and your agent. Please click here to file your report online or go to
https://www.firstnotice.com/beaconmutual/workers_comp_loss.html
Reporting Claim by Telephone: Beacon Mutual Insurance Company has a 24/7 toll-free
claims reporting capability. By calling 1-888-886-4450 you can report an injury directly to a
Beacon representative. With this service, we will automatically send the First Report of Injury
to you, the Department of Labor and your agent. You will be provided with the claim number
immediately if your call is made during regular business hours (7:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).
Paper Claim Reporting: If you choose, you can complete a written First Report of Injury
and either mail it to Beacon’s Claims Department at One Beacon Centre, Warwick, RI 02886
or fax it to the Claims Department at 401-825-2980. You may click here to retrieve the form
or go to http://www.beaconmutual.com/documents/DWC_01_RI_0103.pdf
When using this option, please remember it is your responsibility to send a copy to the
Department of Labor and to your agent.
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Acknowledgements
The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company wishes to thank the following organizations for
their contributions to the preceding information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
US Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Ready.Gov
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