A . I . M . Mutual specialists are tracking these trends closely . In Connecticut , the American Hotel & Lodging Association projects jobs will still be down from 2019 levels by 5,900 through year-end , according to the Connecticut Mirror . The tally is higher in Massachusetts , where hospitality jobs are down by 34.1 %, followed closely by Vermont at 27.6 %, compared to prepandemic levels .
Amy Landers , Executive Director of the Lakes Region Tourism Association in New Hampshire , cites labor and housing shortages as the biggest concern for the state ’ s hospitality industry , which reports a strong summer season and high demand going into the fall and holidays .
“ Many of the businesses that are normally open seven days a week had to close a few days to accommodate staffing levels ,” she said . “ Others weren ’ t open 100 %. We are working with many regional and statewide organizations to address workforce issues for 2022 .” On the plus side , she adds that guests have embraced changes made last year , such as online ticket sales and check-ins , which helps keep services in place . INJURY PREVENTION STRATEGIES
At A . I . M . Mutual , Injury Prevention & Worksite Wellness consultants develop a wide range of online and industryspecific safety resources , such as food safety guides , proper lifting techniques , and ways to avoid burns and lacerations . Most small hospitality businesses don ’ t have dedicated safety professionals on staff so these resources are especially valuable .
Virtual and phone consultations never stopped and are now supplemented by in-person visits . The IPWW team alerts hospitality accounts to the most frequent types of accidents , namely slip-and-falls , lifting , and material handling . Consultants also help with putting workplace violence education in place , an increasingly common request . They custom design services in the best way possible for each business .
The benefit of a hospitality group , like the one in Vermont , is that services can be further targeted with training and webinars . Working with Green Mountain Safety Consulting , a Vermont loss control group affiliated with Hickok & Boardman , the team delivers sessions on key topics like new employee orientation best practices , ergonomics , and Workers ’ Comp 101 to engage and support members of the group . NEW BUSINESS
A . I . M . Mutual underwriters actively assist brokers and their hospitality clients as renewals come up in addition to reviewing new business submissions for the sector .
With an appetite for the hospitality class of business , A . I . M . Mutual is looking to explore opportunities in other New England states . If you are a broker with a relationship with a hospitality association in your state , contact us at aimmutual . com / brokers / new-broker-form online or call any member of our underwriting team .
PATRICIA COUTU , CIH , CSP is a Supervisor for Injury Prevention & Worksite Wellness and has been with the A . I . M . Mutual consulting team since 2014 . She is a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional . She earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and maintains a Journeyman Electrical License through the state of New Hampshire . Patricia also serves on the Board of Directors of the Northern New England National Safety Council , which takes an active role in safety initiatives in Maine and New Hampshire .
MARK BROUGH is a Senior Underwriter for A . I . M . Mutual , specializing in workers ’ compensation for New England region accounts . He has been in the insurance industry for more than 30 years — primarily in commercial lines — working on both the agency and carrier sides of the house . He has an extensive background in managing and underwriting commercial lines accounts and is also an experienced account executive / producer .
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