It's obvious that a retail operation has to be open for business in order to sell goods. If you need foot traffic to get customers in the door, you need to be open. And, so do the larger businesses around you. Do people stop by your store after seeing a movie at the theater next door? Is a bulk of your sales from sports fans attending a game at the arena down the street? Retailers are generally dependent on other businesses to be successful and keep the doors open. When one of these operations

If you operate in the metal industry, we don't need to tell you that your business and your workers face unique hazards. We can help make sure you have the right protection. State Auto has a sophisticated risk review and management process focused on your industry.  Learn more about our insurance solutions for the metal industry.  State Auto Insurance makes no representations or guarantee as to the correctness or sufficiency of any information contained herein, nor guarantees results based

Businesses in the food industry face unique hazards and risks. State Auto has a sophisticated risk review and management process focused on the food industry. Learn more about our insurance solutions for the food industry. 

Working in the commercial insurance business, I've seen - or heard - too many stories about people getting hurt or damaging products when using a forklift. If you Google forklift injuries in the past year, you'll see far too many news stories of people dying or getting severely hurt. Yet, forklifts are so common - and critical - for distributors of any product (and a lot of other types of businesses). Forklifts help move that product from point A to point B in a fast and easy way. People in

There isn't a distributor or wholesaler out there that doesn't understand the importance of proper lifting technique. Better yet, there isn't an employee, distributor or wholesaler that wants a back injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million workers suffer from back injuries each year, which represents one quarter of all lost time workers' compensation claims. Not only does the employer not want their workers to suffer back pain, but it can also result in very

You can probably list a handful of major companies that have been affected by a data breach. Here's what you need to know to protect your own business.  We want your business to be prepared to take action without being devastated by the costs. Get online resources: State Auto customers can access the eRiskHub for materials and support.   State Auto Insurance makes no representations or guarantee as to the correctness or sufficiency of any information contained herein, nor guarantees

When customers leave their car at your auto body shop for repair, they likely have a lot on their mind. Either they've recently been in an accident, or they've had a breakdown of some sort that leads them to need your services. You know what may NOT be on your customers' minds? The risk of something happening to their vehicle while at your shop. Yet things happen while vehicles are being serviced. A mechanic might accidentally back one vehicle into another during a test drive, or a vehicle

Your attitude toward grocery shopping usually depends on how hungry you are and how much time you have. The trip can be either tedious or deliciously tempting, relaxing or terribly stressful. To try to keep you happier and hopefully get you to buy more groceries, stores have recently had a focus on the customer experience. Grocery stores are making changes, ensuring that our weekly visits are not only pleasant and enjoyable but also safe and comforting. Whether you're visiting your local

  State Auto Insurance makes no representations or guarantee as to the correctness or sufficiency of any information contained herein, nor guarantees results based upon use of this information. State Auto does not warrant that reliance upon this document will prevent accident and losses or satisfy federal, state and local codes, ordinances and regulations. The reader assumes entire risk as to use of this information.

Smooth is a very important word when it comes to auto body paint jobs. You want to avoid that orange peel effect and get a beautifully smooth finish. You also want the process itself to go smoothly, so you don't end up with a fire or explosion in your paint spray booth. A smooth operation at your auto body service shop starts with meeting the current codes and standards from the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®). Specifically, NFPA 33 is the code that provides requirements to reduce