ARU's advanced loss control processes are designed to help predict and prevent avoidable losses and protect both our carrier clients and their insureds. It is one of the primary reasons why ARU remains a sustainable solution with a strong appetite in a market that continues to narrow. Today, we're taking you behind the scenes of our loss control process and the experts that drive our innovative approach.
Recently Ryan Lay, Loss Control Manager, and Chris Frechette, President and COO of Agribusiness Risk Services (ARS), our subsidiary specializing in claims administration, convened in the Southeast to inspect a Poultry Processing facility. Like most agricultural operations, poultry processing involves specialized equipment and machinery that require niche expertise for effective operational inspection. Ryan has 11 years of Property and fire safety experience, with a dedicated focus on the agricultural sector. Chris has more than three decades of claims experience and executive leadership with both carriers and TPAs at the national level. While Chris does not usually attend inspections, at ARU, we leverage claims data to make informed and proactive underwriting and loss control decisions. Claims often provide valuable insights into lessons learned from past exposures and emerging risks. Given the historically challenging nature of agricultural operations, the collaboration of our loss control and claims management teams is an essential component of our pooled expertise approach.
Ryan and Chris kicked off their inspection with a preliminary discussion with the operation’s owners to gain insights into the facility’s processes and potential challenges. They then suited up in compliance with the facility’s safety guidelines and embarked on a tour of the entire plant. During the inspection, they focused on key operating areas, such as processing lines, machinery, electrical and mechanical systems, refrigeration, fire suppression, safety equipment, chemical and hazardous material storage and handling, and more, to collect vital information, utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as drones and thermography.
Ryan commented, “A loss control inspection is conducted for every new policy and periodically for renewal policies at ARU. In Poultry Processing operations, the most elevated risk factors typically include equipment failure and fire risks associated with processing lines. Our goal during inspections isn't to pinpoint every minor issue but to identify critical hazards—such as electrical problems and other potential risks—that could lead to costly losses if left unaddressed.”
A team of experts will analyze the data Chris and Ryan collected to create a loss control letter documenting their findings, identifying issues, and recommending solutions to prevent losses and minimize operational downtime. Chris said, “The least expensive and least disruptive claim is the one that is avoided. Having niche expertise and specialized professionals like Ryan conduct these inspections adds tremendous value for ARU’s policyholders.”
At ARU, we believe that proactive risk management goes beyond simply assessing hazards; it's about empowering our clients to operate with greater confidence and resilience. Our loss control and claims teams work in tandem to provide actionable insights and preventative strategies that help mitigate risks unique to agricultural operations. By investing in advanced inspection technologies and leveraging the specialized expertise of professionals like Ryan and Chris, we continue to enhance the value we bring to our policyholders and foster a safer, more sustainable environment for all involved.
To learn more about ARU's specialty Property insurance products, visit www.agrisku.com.
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