The Role of Workers' Compensation in Scrap Metal Recycling
Tropolis is an innovative insurance broker dedicated to empowering independent insurance agencies with the tools, technology, and support for accelerated growth. This article is part of a series featuring insights and stories from our valued Tropolis partners and employees.
Workers' compensation insurance is essential for businesses in the scrap metal recycling industry, where physically demanding tasks and hazardous environments contribute to an injury rate nearly twice the national average. Common injuries from sharp materials, heavy machinery, and repetitive strain underscore the need for effective coverage to protect both employees and employers.
At Fishman Agency, we understand these unique risks and provide tailored policies that safeguard both workers and the business’s bottom line. Our deep expertise in scrap metal insurance, strengthened by long-standing partnerships with top carriers, enables us to offer competitive, comprehensive coverage—from workers' compensation to commercial auto and liability insurance.
As a proud member of ReMA (formerly ISRI), we support the National Association of Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers, affirming our commitment to the industry. At Fishman Agency, we know your business and stand ready to protect it.
A Legacy Rooted in Innovation and Personal Service
Ben Fishman, known fondly as "Benji," opened his first office in downtown Detroit, serving primarily first-generation business owners. In fact, Ben wrote his first scrap metal yard in 1932. His commitment to personalized service and expertise laid the foundation for a multi-generational business. As the fourth generation, I continue that legacy, drawing on nearly a century of experience passed down through each family member who has led Fishman Agency.
Each generation has added a unique perspective: Ben’s pioneering spirit, my grandfather Mitchel’s visionary approach to scrap metal insurance, my father Del’s commitment to excellence, and now my own dedication to merging tradition with modern advancements. This heritage allows us to serve a client base that includes children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren of our original clients. Their histories are interwoven with ours, and it’s a privilege to be part of their continued success.
Meeting the Unique Needs of Scrap Metal Recycling Businesses
My grandfather, Mitchel Fishman, began writing insurance for scrap metal dealers in the early 1960s. He was a visionary who recognized the unique risks of the scrap metal industry, such as employee safety and equipment hazards, and created an insurance program that addressed these specific challenges. This made him a pioneer in the field and positioned Fishman Agency as a trusted provider for scrap metal recycling businesses.
Mitchel was also ahead of his time in adopting technology to enhance our service. He implemented one of the first computerized systems for managing commercial insurance accounts in the Midwest, utilizing punch cards to streamline processes. His commitment to innovation still drives us today as we offer comprehensive insurance coverage for scrap metal dealers, including general liability, property, pollution, and, most importantly, workers' compensation.
Evolving with Technology in the Insurance Industry
Technology has evolved significantly since my grandfather’s day. While he used typewriters and carbon paper, we now leverage advanced software to manage and present insurance options efficiently. Fishman Agency’s proprietary system allows us to generate customized proposals and policy documents, ensuring even complex policies, like those for scrap metal recycling facilities, are presented in a clear and understandable format.
Our platform also allows us to create personalized reports that highlight areas of potential savings and risks, empowering business owners to make informed decisions about their insurance coverage. This balance of technology and personal service enables us to continue providing a hands-on, responsive approach to our clients’ insurance needs. Technology is a powerful tool to enhance service, but it does not replace the personal relationships that have defined our agency’s success.
Supporting a Growing Industry
With the scrap metal industry projected to grow at around 7% annually through 2030, driven by sustainability efforts and demand for metals like aluminum and steel, our expertise in risk management helps clients keep pace with the industry’s rapid evolution and complexity. From navigating federal, state, and local environmental regulations to meeting stringent safety standards, we support businesses in staying compliant and protected.
At Fishman Agency, we balance innovation with time-tested principles, maintaining the values and personal relationships that have defined our success for nearly a century. Our dedication to scrap metal recycling insurance and workers' compensation means that we are always seeking new ways to serve this dynamic industry. If your business operates in the scrap metal industry, we’d love to be a part of your story, just as we’ve been a part of many others for decades.