RISK MANAGEMENT BLOG

Municipal risk managers have significant responsibilities. Resident complaints, employee incidents, and a continuous stream of claims are just some of the challenges that are compounded by an inefficient system and the need to juggle priorities. Claims and risk automation allows the public sector to streamline their processes and achieve numerous benefits.

True to the peak of hurricane season, Hurricane Harvey has just caused an estimated $50 billion (or more) in damages in Texas, while Hurricane Irma's wrath and financial loss will be determined in the coming days and weeks. While the main concern for everyone is their safety, the safety of their loved ones and of their homes, businesses can be impacted just as forcefully from such powerful storms.

Lack of preparations can cost business owners thousands or even millions of dollars in damages.

There are many things you can do to prepare your business for storms, so you can focus on the safety of more important aspects of your life until all is calm again.

Over the past few weeks we've been covering topics such as "6 Reasons Data is Key for Risk Management", "Why All Risk Managers Should Use Data Analytics", and "Data Analysis Steps for Risk Managers". Data has been deemed today's most valuable asset: the "oil of the digital era". Now, let’s delve into some types of analysis that may be particularly helpful for your organization or risk team. 

Every organization, no matter the structure, nature of operations, or size, has reputational risk. All risks are significant in and of themselves, but resulting reputation damage can be even more catastrophic, as a reputation is one of a company’s biggest assets.

Sometimes all it takes is a rumour to make the public lose confidence in an organization, ending it quite quickly. As Warren Buffet said, “it takes 20 years to build a reputation, and five minutes to ruin it”.

If you think the cost of claims and incidents within your organization is too high, it’s time to address that problem.

But how can you know what steps to take when all you have is an overall number?

By breaking down occurrences by location, department, division, and so on, it will be easier to figure out the root of the problem and work towards solving it. That’s why it’s important to make these individual units accountable for their costs.