Loss Control News
Insights in Action
Each month features a new insight into a key loss control topic—highlighting real-world risks, recurring failure points, and the patterns behind top loss drivers. The goal is to stay proactive: identifying issues early, sharing effective strategies, and helping insured operations reduce exposure before problems escalate. These posts are designed to be practical, relevant, and grounded in experience—supporting better outcomes through informed, preventative action.
Risk Watch: Stationary Object Auto Claims
February 2026
Did you know that over 1/3 of Risk Fund auto claims are avoidable? From FY20 - FY25, 40% of all Risk Fund auto claims were from drivers hitting a stationary object or parked vehicle, costing over $12,700,000! What if those objects had been a child, a coworker, or another person? Also, can you imagine how else that money could have been used? All of these are avoidable accidents. Help reduce these types of accidents by using the tips below:
Tips:
- Slow down & remove distractions – These collisions typically happened because the driver was in a hurry or distracted.
- Plan your trip – Think about your route before you leave: where are you going? How long will it take? Is there a way to avoid hazards like traffic, left turns, overpasses, etc.? Plan for any stops, weather, and potential traffic. If using a mobile device for navigation, enter all addresses into the device so they are ready to go!
- Check your surroundings & get to know the vehicle – Walk around the vehicle before entering. Look for any objects that you could hit while driving away like close cars, poles, signs, bollards, curbs, and people. Adjust your side and rear view mirrors and become familiar with the vehicle’s controls (HVAC, gear selector, cruise control, brake/parking brake, windshield wipers, defroster, radio, etc.) before driving. Clear the vehicle and windows of debris, ice, fog, or snow.
- Look at three main levels where objects can exist – 1) Ground level: check for items just below the driver’s view such as: small children, parking bollards, fire hydrants, curbs, guardrails, shoulder banks, rocks, potholes, etc.; 2) Eye level: watch for items visible from the driver’s seat that may have protruding parts not visible including signs, parked vehicles, building protrusions, gates, sally ports, dumpsters, etc.; 3) Overhead level: be aware of your vehicle’s height, particularly when driving under building overhangs/drive-thru’s, power lines, tree branches, awnings and overpasses. When in doubt about visibility or clearance, remember the acronym GOAL - Get Out And Look!
- Secure your cargo and put on your seatbelt – Put loose items securely away. Put mobile devices used for navigation in a mount or stable location. Only use hands-free technology, if you have to use it at all.
- Eliminate any distractions – Do not pick up your phone to text, talk, or search for something while driving. The call or text can wait!
- Avoid Fatigue – Do not drive drowsy. If you need a break, find a safe place to park and rest for 20 minutes. A brief rest can make all the difference between life and death!
Click the button below to learn more and view the Stationary Object Accident Training module for your agency.
Crossing Borders: Driving State Insured Vehicles Out of State
January 2026
One of the most common questions we receive at State Risk Management is about traveling out of Utah in a Risk-insured vehicle. Can we do it? Should we do it? Certain school districts and state agencies must travel briefly out of state to access other parts of Utah on a regular basis. These are covered trips and not a concern.
The bigger concern is when a covered vehicle is used to travel out of Utah for business or a school activity. The primary concern with these trips is that government immunity tort caps are NOT enforceable outside of the state. This means that if found liable, a claimant could sue your school or agency for any amount. This increases the risk to your agency or school and to the State Risk Fund. Here are some tips to reduce that risk and travel safely with adequate insurance:
Tips:
- Use a rental vehicle- the state has a contract with Enterprise Rent-A-Car that includes an additional $1 million in primary liability coverage.
- Charter buses for group travel whenever possible; this is the safest option and transfers the insurance risk to the charter company.
- If a charter bus is not feasible, use SUVs with proper seating and seatbelts.
- Do NOT use large passenger vans for students (See Large Capacity Van Rules linked below).
Reminders:
- Department directors, school superintendents, or university/college vice presidents must approve out-of-state use of state-owned vehicles.
- Drivers must complete Risk’s Defensive Driving Course every two years.
Resources:
State Travel Website
Phone: (800) 367-3230
Risk Training Modules by Entity Type
Large Capacity Passenger Van Protocol / Guidelines
Managing the Freeze: Essential Strategies for Snow and Ice Safety
December 2025
The majority of slip-and-fall incidents occur under snowy or icy conditions, posing significant safety and liability challenges for Facility and Risk Managers. Ensuring that your property is adequately prepared is not only a matter of public safety, it can be a legal and financial responsibility.
This guide provides a comprehensive framework for effective snow and ice management. It outlines proactive measures to reduce risk, emphasizes the importance of maintaining detailed snow and ice removal logs as a critical component of legal defense, and highlights practical techniques to minimize workplace and public hazards.
By implementing the strategies presented in this guide, agencies can strengthen compliance, safeguard employees and visitors, and preserve both financial resources and public trust throughout the winter season.
Click the "Read More" button below to learn more.
Stay on Your Feet: Preventing Slips, Trips & Falls
November 2025
The Utah Division of Risk Management provides best practice recommendations to reduce injuries and potential liability claims. Risk Management consistently identifies slips, trips, and falls as the leading cause of injury in state-owned and state-insured buildings, underscoring the critical need for proactive prevention. As a governing state entity, we are responsible for adhering to all applicable local and federal safety standards. While fundamental preventative measures—such as proper housekeeping, adequate lighting, and maintaining clear passageways—are always important, special attention should be given to the two areas most frequently causing accidents: wet/slippery surfaces and excessive changes in elevation.
As we approach a seasonal change, we anticipate an increase in potential hazards related to weather conditions. Please take this opportunity to remind all staff members to remain vigilant and prepared for these risks. We strongly encourage everyone to report or promptly address any safety concerns they observe within our facilities. Your active participation is essential in maintaining a safe environment for all.
For additional guidance, we recommend reviewing the information on wet/slippery surfaces and elevation changes by clicking the "Read More" button below.
Don't Risk It: Insurance Essentials for Parent Teacher Associations (PTA)
October 2025
Utah PTA is a non-profit, grassroots child advocacy association composed of parents, teachers, and students. As an affiliate of the National PTA, it operates at the local, council, and state levels throughout Utah. Local chapters play a vital role in organizing fundraisers, educational events, and volunteer efforts — all aimed at supporting student success and advocating for strong educational policies. However, with these activities come risks such as accidents, injuries, and misconduct, making proper insurance coverage essential.
It’s important for all K–12 schools and PTA leaders to understand that the Utah Division of Risk Management does not provide liability or property insurance coverage for PTAs or PTOs. PTAs must obtain and maintain their own insurance policies to protect against potential losses. While parents designated as official school volunteers are covered during school-sponsored activities, that coverage does not extend to PTA functions. The Utah PTA Administrative VP Handbook strongly recommends every PTA maintain General Liability insurance at limits consistent with governmental tort liability standards. Additional types of coverage — such as Medical Payments, Excess Accident, Directors & Officers Liability, Crime Insurance, and Property Insurance — help protect PTA leaders, members, and assets. Schools also require liability insurance for any PTA-hosted events held on school property that fall outside regular school activities. Since legal requirements and coverage limits may change annually, it's critical that PTAs stay informed and properly insured.
Click on the "Read More" button below to learn more about what types of coverage apply and when you need to go the extra mile to keep your schools and district protected.