Don’t Overlook the Economics of Ergonomics

Think your technology firm’s employees aren’t likely to get injured on the job? Think again. More than half of all workplace injuries are related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – musculoskeletal injuries that are common among those who engage in such repetitive motion activities as typing on a computer keyboard or working on a manufacturing assembly line.

“It’s easy for technology firms to overlook workplace safety issues,” says Toby Levy, Technology Industry manager, the Hartford. “Just because this is not a traditionally high-hazard industry does not mean that it’s risk free.”

Long days hunched over keyboards, or on the assembly line endlessly snapping in the same part, can lead to cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) and lower back aliments. In fact, nearly 60 percent of employees doing computer work say the have wrist pain. Here are some other common complaints:
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What To Look For In Technology Contracts

Agreements in the technology area are unique. Although many provisions in these agreements are substantially the same as those in other industries, many are quite different. These differences arise primarily because of the nature of computer technology and intellectual property often involved. Many Agreements in the technology area are entered into pursuant to the performance of computer software and equipment, installation, custom programming, software modifications and other software integration services.

Three of the most important provisions that should be included in every Technology Agreement are: (i) price and payment terms; (ii) service performance and delivery schedule; and (iii) product and service specifications. If the parties do not reach a complete understanding and agreement on these terms and clearly specify these terms unambiguously then the Technology Agreement will not successfully protect either party.
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Risk Management Tips for Technology Firms

How Better Contract Management Can Improve Your Firm’s Risk Management

Read it once, toss it in a desk drawer — and leave it to the lawyers to sort out if problems arise. Is this your company’s idea of contract management?

Fact is, contracts can be used to prevent problems from surfacing and to more effectively manage them when they do. What’s more, well-written contracts clarify agreements, improve project outcomes and create good working relationships between you and your clients, suppliers and business partners.

But contracts for high-tech initiatives, such as Web site generation, or software development present unique challenges. Because many of the projects are complex and are often mission critical for businesses, there are no precedents- and not approved languages. So they are ususally written from scratch or pieced together – and end up being overly vague or incredibly complex.
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Transporting Tech Goods Requires Sound Navigation

Unsavory characters. Unrelenting natural disasters. Unexplained explosions. Are these the elements of the latest action flick? Or the newest best-selling adventure novel?

No. They’re just some of the risks technology businesses may encounter when shipping goods. No matter what type of transportation you use, tech shipments are exposed to a number of dangers including theft, damage or loss.

The threat of theft is perhaps the most significant. According to a 2001 National Cargo Security Council report, $50 billion worth of goods worldwide is lost to cargo crime each year. About $5 billion of that includes goods stolen from U.S. technology manufacturers. And the majority of the theft takes place at terminals, transfer facilities and cargo consolidation areas.
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Super Stretch Technology and Software Service Providers Summary

SUMMARY OF COVERAGE LIMITS 

This is a summary of the Coverages and the Limits of Insurance provided by the Super Stretch Coverage form SS 40 61 which is included in this policy. No coverage is provided by this summary. Refer to coverage form SS 40 61 to determine the scope of your insurance protection.

Blanket Coverage Limit : $250,000
Blanket Coverages
Accounts Receivable
Computers and Media Debris Removal
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Technology and Software Service Providers Stretch Summary

SUMMARY OF COVERAGE LIMITS 

This is a summary of the Coverages and the Limits of Insurance provided by the Stretch Coverage form SS 40 12 which is included in this policy. No coverage is provided by this summary. Refer to coverage form SS 40 12 to determine the scope of your insurance protection.

Coverage Limit

Accounts Receivable – On/Off­Premises $ 25,000
Back Up of Sewer or Drain Water Damage
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