The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued new guidance on how employers can properly use software, algorithms and artificial intelligence-driven decision-making tools when screening job applicants and selecting candidates.

The EEOC has grown concerned about possible adverse impacts of these technologies that can help employers with a wide range of employment matters, like hiring decisions, recruitment, retention, monitoring performance, and determining pay, promotions, demotions, dismissals and referrals.

The guidance follows the EEOC’s recent announcement that it would pursue enforcement of violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other statutes under its jurisdiction arising from use of AI in employment decisions.

Employers are increasingly using algorithmic decision-making tools in various stages of the employment process. Examples include:

• Resume scanners that prioritize applications using certain keywords,

• Monitoring software that rates employees on the basis of their keystrokes or other factors, and

• Testing software that provides “job fit” scores for applicants or employees.

The new guidance includes a series of questions and answers to help employers prevent the use of AI and other technologies from leading to discrimination on the basis of on race, color, religion, sex or national origin, in violation of Title VII.

Here are the main points of the guidance:

Responsibility: Employers are ultimately responsible for discriminatory decisions rendered by algorithmic decision-making tools, even if they are administered by another entity, such as a software vendor.

Assessment: Employers should assess whether their use of technology has an adverse impact on a particular protected group by checking whether use of the procedure causes a selection rate for individuals in the group that is “substantially” less than the selection rate for individuals in another group.

The selection rate for a group of applicants or candidates is calculated by dividing the number of persons hired, promoted or otherwise selected from the group by the total number of candidates in that group.

For example: Consider a situation where 100 white individuals and 50 Black individuals take a personality test that is scored using an algorithm as part of a job application, and 60 of the white applicants and 15 of the Black applicants advance to the next round of the selection process. Based on these results, the selection rate for whites is 60/100 (equivalent to 60%), and the selection rate for blacks is 15/50 (equivalent to 30%). This may indicate adverse selection.

If an employer is in the process of implementing a selection tool and discovers that using it would have an adverse impact on individuals of a protected class, it can take steps to reduce the impact or select a different tool, per the guidance.

If an employer fails to adopt a less discriminatory algorithm than that which was considered during the implementation process, it could result in liability, according to the EEOC.

The takeaway

Employers using algorithmic decision-making tools for employment decisions need to take the same care as they do when making employment moves without assistance from technology.

Businesses should not blindly implement these technologies without considering possible adverse decision-making that could lead to violations of the law and prompt litigation and regulatory action by the EEOC.

Experts advise that you move forward carefully and work with the vendor to ensure the technology doesn’t get your organization in trouble.

BGES Group, located in Larchmont, N.Y. are New York Construction Insurance Specialists that represent 50+ companies and all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs!  We offer every coverage you need including property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability and group health.  We are extremely responsive, responsible, trustworthy, fast, minimize your insurance headaches, we don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and when you call, text or email, whatever time of day, even weekends, we are ARE THERE to help YOU!

BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being cancelled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, payrolls misclassified, whatever your issue, we can help!  We have special programs for: Auto Service, Contractors (especially New York), Limousine Services, Logistic Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, Truckers, we can help ANY tri-state business owner.  We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that if we can get you in, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability and can cover multi-state operations. Program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits too.

In addition, we offer all personal insurance coverages including home, auto, boat, jewelry, fine arts, life, disability, health and long-term care.  When was the last time you got a complete check up for all your coverage needs?   We are extremely caring and would love the chance to help you with your personal insurance needs.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Using AI in employment decisions

A young African woman mine worker wearing protective wear is looking at the camera with coal mine equipment in the background

Employees who have been on the job for less than a year account for one-third of workers’ compensation claims, according to a new report.

Injuries suffered by new workers in their first year on the job account for nearly 7 million missed workdays a year due to injury, according to the “2023 Injury Impact Report” by The Travelers Companies, which examined more than 1.2 million workers’ comp claims from 2016 to 2020. The report found that time on the job and an employee’s age were the main drivers of both workplace injury frequency and the cost of those claims.

The findings should serve as a reminder that when employers take on new workers they put a premium on safety that includes proper training and supervision. As well, employers need to put a premium on safety for their aging workers, who may be near or even past retirement age, as many Americans are staying on the job longer.

Workers between the age of 35 and 49 account for 31% of all injuries, the highest of all groups. Workers aged 50 to 59 account for another 25% and those 60 and older, 13%.

Additionally, the cost of claims increases the older the workers get, with injury claims for employees aged 60 or older costing about 140% more than those of workers aged 18 to 24.

Employees in their first year on a job, regardless of their age or industry experience, account for 34% of all claims.

With those findings in mind, here are some workplace safety tips for new and aging workers.

New workers

Workplace safety experts recommend that companies implement comprehensive new-employee safety training programs based on best practices in workplace safety to prevent injuries and keep costs in check.

Training should be specific for the tasks they perform, as well as general for other work areas they may be exposed to on the job.

Training — Before they even start working, they should be trained on safety, and shown how to complete their tasks and what not to do. Employees should repeat the procedures or tasks until you feel confident they can do their job safely.

Conduct regular follow-up training as they are learning the ropes in the job. Encourage them to ask questions and drum home the importance of not taking risks or shortcuts. They should know they won’t be reprimanded for asking for help if they need it or have concerns about performing a task on their own.

Provide a clear safety policy — All of your safety policies should be put on paper and distributed to each new employee. You should have them read it thoroughly and sign off after having done so. You should go over the information in the policy in training as well, in order to reinforce it.

Hazard identification — Employees should be encouraged to identify hazards and report any concerns to management. Don’t reprimand an employee who speaks up about a possible hazard.

Older workers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends the following to help aging workers:

• Give workers a say in their schedule, work conditions, work organization, work location and tasks.

• Match tasks to abilities. Use self-paced work, self-directed rest breaks and less-repetitive tasks.

• Rotate job functions. Jobs that require repetitive physical activity can be hard on the body, and this is especially true for older workers. Rotating job functions to exercise different muscles and reduce stress on overused muscles can help older workers maintain productivity.

  Rotate job functions among workers to ensure that older employees are able to perform their duties safely.

• Provide and design ergo-friendly work environments. This includes workstations, tools, floor surfaces, adjustable seating, better illumination where needed, and screens and surfaces with less glare.

• Provide health promotion and lifestyle interventions, including physical activity, healthy meal options, tobacco cessation assistance, risk-factor reduction and screenings, coaching, and on-site medical care.

• Require aging workforce management skills training for supervisors. Include a focus on the most effective ways to manage a multigenerational workplace.

BGES Group, located in Larchmont, N.Y. are New York Construction Insurance Specialists that represent 50+ companies and all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs!  We offer every coverage you need including property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability and group health.  We are extremely responsive, responsible, trustworthy, fast, minimize your insurance headaches, we don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and when you call, text or email, whatever time of day, even weekends, we are ARE THERE to help YOU!

BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being cancelled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, payrolls misclassified, whatever your issue, we can help!  We have special programs for: Auto Service, Contractors (especially New York), Limousine Services, Logistic Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, Truckers, we can help ANY tri-state business owner.  We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that if we can get you in, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability and can cover multi-state operations. Program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits too.

In addition, we offer all personal insurance coverages including home, auto, boat, jewelry, fine arts, life, disability, health and long-term care.  When was the last time you got a complete check up for all your coverage needs?   We are extremely caring and would love the chance to help you with your personal insurance needs.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Builder injury accident falling scaffolding to the floor. Basic first aid training for support accident in site work, Safety team help employee accident.

If one of your employees had a serious medical emergency while at work, would your staff know how to respond?

Unfortunately, most U.S. employees are not prepared to handle cardiac emergencies in the workplace because they lack training in CPR and first aid, according to the American Heart Association.

The AHA found that most workers do not have access to CPR and first aid training, and half could not locate an automated external defibrillator at work.

The findings reflect the poor preparation many people have for dealing with a medical emergency and, since we spend one-third of our day at work, the chances are high at someone at some point may have a medical emergency in your workplace.

Some key findings from the study:

• 55% cannot get first aid or CPR and defibrillator training from their employer. And even if employers do offer this training, it’s often either one or the other.

• 50% cannot locate the defibrillator at work. In the hospitality industry, that number rises to 66%.

The AHA also interviewed corporate safety managers, who pointed out the need for more frequent training. The survey found that:

• 33% of safety managers said that first aid, CPR and defibrillator training only became important and was offered after an incident demonstrated the need.

• 33% of safety managers said lives had been saved at home and at the workplace as a result of training provided at work.

• 75% of safety managers said injuries or medical conditions had been treated in the workplace with this training.

• 36% of safety managers felt it would be valuable to offer training more frequently than every two years (the current requirement).

What you can do

Under OSHA’s General Industry medical and first aid regulation, employers must ensure that either medical treatment for all injured employees is in “near proximity” or that a person at the workplace is “adequately trained to render first aid.”

If an employer determines that medical services are not in near proximity, then first aid training must be provided to ensure that someone with such training is available during all shifts.

Employers can contact organizations such as the American Red Cross or a local private institution for training.

First aid training typically includes one-time, short-term treatments like:

• Cleaning minor cuts

• Treating minor burns

• Applying bandages

• Using non-prescription medicines.

While OSHA does not require that you have someone on staff who knows CPR and how to use a defibrillator, having someone skilled in those areas is a good idea.

For many industries, OSHA recommends CPR and defibrillator training as a best practice but doesn’t require it, except for a few high-hazard industries.

The AHA recommends that all employers offer first aid, CPR and defibrillator training because it can save lives.

If someone suffers a heart attack at work they have only a 5 to 7% chance of surviving while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. Workers who receive immediate defibrillation, however, have up to a 60% survival rate one year after cardiac arrest, according to the AHA.

Safety experts recommend having at least one person on every shift that is trained in CPR and how to use a defibrillator. In fact, the more employees who are trained, the better.

All employees should know who on staff is trained so they can fetch them in case of an emergency.

The best approach is to have a full staff training manual on first aid, CPR and use of defibrillator, which you should consider keeping in your office.

Everyone in the office should know where the nearest defibrillator is located. It should be in a conspicuous place, like hanging on a wall.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group, located in Larchmont, N.Y. are New York Construction Insurance Specialists that represent 50+ companies and all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs!  We offer every coverage you need including property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability and group health.  We are extremely responsive, responsible, trustworthy, fast, minimize your insurance headaches, we don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and when you call, text or email, whatever time of day, even weekends, we are ARE THERE to help YOU!

BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being cancelled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, payrolls misclassified, whatever your issue, we can help!  We have special programs for: Auto Service, Contractors (especially New York), Limousine Services, Logistic Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, Truckers, we can help ANY tri-state business owner.  We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that if we can get you in, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability and can cover multi-state operations. Program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits too.

In addition, we offer all personal insurance coverages including home, auto, boat, jewelry, fine arts, life, disability, health and long-term care.  When was the last time you got a complete check up for all your coverage needs?   We are extremely caring and would love the chance to help you with your personal insurance needs.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Man labor worker had accident on the floor at the production line of CNC machine factory. Engineer man walk to that area and support him on injured. Safety in industrial factory. Injury at work”n”n

While injuries and deaths that occur while someone is carrying out their work on behalf of their employer are compensated by workers’ comp coverage, not all workplace injuries or deaths are compensable, as a recent court case shows.

In the case, a heating and air conditioning technician died of a heart attack while working in an attic. But his wife was denied workers’ comp death benefits by the insurance company and a workers’ comp judge on the basis that the heart attack was not related to work.

The decision by the judge was appealed and a state court recently ruled that this was not a case for workers’ comp benefits despite the wife’s argument that the employer knew the technician was feeling bad when he arrived at work and should not have sent him to work in an attic space.

But the case could have gone the other way had the technician’s supervisor acted differently.

In the case of Lisa Kelly vs. Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board in Pennsylvania, the technician, upon arriving at work, told his supervisor that he was feeling weak, tired and had a kink in his neck from sleeping poorly the night before.

His supervisor told him that he could take the day off if he was feeling poorly, but Kelly said he would continue working. Still, the supervisor gave him a light duty assignment in consideration of how he was feeling.

While the technician was laying a thermostat wire in the attic of the building, other workers heard moans and climbed the 15-foot ladder to investigate. They found the technician lying incoherent on the floor thrashing around on the drywall between the trusses, and making babbling sounds while bleeding from his head, face and leg.

An ambulance transported Kelly to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The autopsy findings revealed the presence of coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, atherosclerotic heart disease, and ischemic heart disease.

Kelly’s widow filed a workers’ comp claim for survivors’ benefits, claiming his heart attack had occurred as a result of his employment.

She backed up this claim by stating that he didn’t have any health problems, didn’t complain about chest pain, never saw a heart doctor and wasn’t on any medication. But she did acknowledge that her husband had smoked a pack a day for the last 30 years.

The company denied the claim and she took the case before a workers’ comp judge, and later to appeal at the state court level.

Why the employer is not on the hook

The court noted that the plaintiff had failed to show the two underpinnings of a workers’ comp claim:

• That the death arose in the course of employment, and

• That the death was related to employment.

While it’s indisputable that the heart attack happened at work, the court said the evidence showed that the heart attack was not related to his work.

Kelly’s supervisor and other workers all said that the work the technician had been assigned was not strenuous work, like much of the other work they engage in.

The doctor said that the autopsy indicated that the technician had been suffering from insufficient blood flow to the heart eight to 12 hours before coming to work, and that he was at risk for a heart attack regardless of what he had done that day.

The takeaway

Workers’ comp attorneys say this case could have gone the other way had the supervisor not acted appropriately. In this case, he did the right thing by offering to send Kelly home for the day and, when the worker refused, he was instead assigned light duty.

While employers are responsible for keeping their workers’ safe, they cannot do much about their underlying health problems.

BGES Group, located in Larchmont, N.Y. are New York Construction Insurance Specialists that represent 50+ companies and all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs!  We offer every coverage you need including property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability and group health.  We are extremely responsive, responsible, trustworthy, fast, minimize your insurance headaches, we don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and when you call, text or email, whatever time of day, even weekends, we are ARE THERE to help YOU!

BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being cancelled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, payrolls misclassified, whatever your issue, we can help!  We have special programs for: Auto Service, Contractors (especially New York), Limousine Services, Logistic Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, Truckers, we can help ANY tri-state business owner.  We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that if we can get you in, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability and can cover multi-state operations. Program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits too.

In addition, we offer all personal insurance coverages including home, auto, boat, jewelry, fine arts, life, disability, health and long-term care.  When was the last time you got a complete check up for all your coverage needs?   We are extremely caring and would love the chance to help you with your personal insurance needs.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Builder injury accident falling scaffolding to the floor. Basic first aid training for support accident in site work, Safety team help employee accident.

If you own a business or commercial property, consider how easily you could absorb events like these:

• You own an apartment building with a porch that does not have railings. One of your tenants falls from it. Recovery from her injuries requires months of physical rehabilitation. A court awards her $3,000,000.

• The poorly-maintained brakes on an asphalt truck fail. The truck strikes the back of the car in front of it, causing a woman riding in the car to suffer serious hand injuries. The truck’s owner settles with her for $1,500,000.

• A man dies after an air conditioner falls on him. The building owner settles with his estate for $3,900,000.

• A woman slips and falls on some tiles as she is exiting a cafe. She receives a damage award of $5,700,000.

• A child collides with an uprooted cable and loses an eye. The owner of the premises settles with her mother for $2,600,000.

Incidents like these are rare, but they are always possible. They can drive companies out of business or property owners into bankruptcy without sufficient financial protection. That is why every business and property owner should consider purchasing an umbrella liability insurance policy.

An commercial umbrella liability policy covers a business after it has used up its “primary” commercial general liability (CGL) or business automobile liability insurance. For example, suppose the owner of the asphalt truck had an auto liability insurance policy that pays up to $1,000,000 for bodily injuries and property damage in a single accident. After the insurer pays out the full amount, the truck’s owner still owes $500,000. The umbrella would cover the remainder.

Sometimes, multiple claims in one policy term can use up a business’s primary insurance. CGL insurance normally provides one amount of coverage (such as $1,000,000) for a single occurrence and another (such as $2,000,000) for all losses that occur during the policy’s term. Suppose the owner of the property with the uprooted cable had $2,000,000 of coverage for all losses, and its insurer had already paid $1,500,000 before the accident with the child. The primary insurer would pay only  $500,000. If the premises owner has an umbrella, the umbrella insurer would pay the rest, up to the amount of insurance the business bought.

Umbrellas provide $1,000,000 or more of coverage. The cost of each additional $1,000,000 coverage is a fraction of the cost for the first $1,000,000. For example, the additional cost of buying $2,000,000 instead of $1,000,000 might be 40 percent of the cost of $1,000,000; the cost of going from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 might be 30 percent of the cost of $1,000,000; and so on.

An umbrella may also cover some losses the primary policies do not. In those situations, the business will be required to pay a stated portion of the loss (such as $10,000) before the insurer will pay.

Any business may have a catastrophic unforeseen accident. An umbrella policy will help it survive at a relatively low cost. It is a wise purchase for any business or property owner.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group, located in Larchmont, N.Y. are New York Construction Insurance Specialists that represent 50+ companies and all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs!  We offer every coverage you need including property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability and group health.  We are extremely responsive, responsible, trustworthy, fast, minimize your insurance headaches, we don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and when you call, text or email, whatever time of day, even weekends, we are ARE THERE to help YOU!

BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being cancelled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, payrolls misclassified, whatever your issue, we can help!  We have special programs for: Auto Service, Contractors (especially New York), Limousine Services, Logistic Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, Truckers, we can help ANY tri-state business owner.  We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that if we can get you in, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability and can cover multi-state operations. Program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits too.

In addition, we offer all personal insurance coverages including home, auto, boat, jewelry, fine arts, life, disability, health and long-term care.  When was the last time you got a complete check up for all your coverage needs?   We are extremely caring and would love the chance to help you with your personal insurance needs.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

When you obtain workers’ comp for your business your initial premium rates are based on your company’s payroll and the average cost of insurance in your particular industry.  This premium rating will continue until your business becomes eligible for an experience rating.  An experience rating will take into account the amount of claims filed in order to determine your loss ratio compared with your industry average.  In general, an employer will need to be insured for at least two consecutive policy years to become eligible for experience rating.  Simply put, if your company follows safety prevention and files fewer claims than expected the amount of your premium will be positively affected.

Businesses can reduce their workers’ compensation costs in other ways.  One method is to split payroll for an employee who performs two different tasks, each one governed by a different risk classification.   Separate payroll records must be kept and duties specifically identified.  If an employee splits time equally between office work and a higher risk job duty, you could potentially decrease this employee’s risk factor by 50 percent for as much as half the workday.

The same can be said for classifying workers correctly.  Misclassification is a common oversight leading to higher worker’s comp premiums.  The National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides more than 700 job classifications in a publication called the Scopes Manual.  Most states use this manual as the basis for their classification schedules.  Since workers’ compensation premiums are directly impacted by your reported job classifications, it is well worth your time to verify both your company and employees are classified correctly.  Keeping track of changes in job duties throughout the year is also important. If an employee is promoted to a less risky position, your premiums will be lowered accordingly.

Since your workers’ compensation premiums are based on payroll you may be able to reduce your payroll totals by deducting overtime pay.  Some states will allow you to make this conversion for purposes of calculating your payroll.  Again it is important to keep detailed records to produce accurate payroll data.

Approximately thirty-one states allow employers to reduce their premiums by paying a deductible that is generally between $100 and $5,000.  Your state insurance department or insurance broker can inform you if this is an option for your business.

It is also important to maintain an excellent safety record.  Utilize proper equipment and clothing to prevent accidents and injuries.  Be sure to train employees well in safety practices and procedures.  Create a safety manual for all employees.  And always follow the Occupational Health and Safety Administration guidelines related to your business.

Since many states have different regulations that govern workers’ compensation it is important to consult expert advice in this area.  An experienced agent that understands your business can work as your advocate with an insurance company, guide you through the classification process, and lead you to credits that lower your premium.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group, located in Larchmont, N.Y. are New York Construction Insurance Specialists that represent 50+ companies and all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs!  We offer every coverage you need including property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability and group health.  We are extremely responsive, responsible, trustworthy, fast, minimize your insurance headaches, we don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and when you call, text or email, whatever time of day, even weekends, we are ARE THERE to help YOU!

BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being cancelled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, payrolls misclassified, whatever your issue, we can help!  We have special programs for: Auto Service, Contractors (especially New York), Limousine Services, Logistic Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, Truckers, we can help ANY tri-state business owner.  We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that if we can get you in, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability and can cover multi-state operations. Program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits too.

In addition, we offer all personal insurance coverages including home, auto, boat, jewelry, fine arts, life, disability, health and long-term care.  When was the last time you got a complete check up for all your coverage needs?   We are extremely caring and would love the chance to help you with your personal insurance needs.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

The engineer talks to the contractor to supervise and plan the work.

Is everything possible being done to protect your company from the costly impacts of workers’ compensation claims? As an employer, you know that injuries will happen. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to prevent them by knowing the dynamics and some of the solutions recommended by the experts.

Minor Injury, Major Claim

It’s the small injuries that often result in big claims. Some statistics show that 80% of workplace injuries are inconsequential, meaning they just require first aid or a trip to a physician. Eight percent of such claims are sprains and strains to the neck, back and various joints. However, these types of injuries account for an estimated 80%-90% of the system’s costs. Major claims are likely to follow if the frequency of such seemingly inconsequential injuries isn’t addressed.

Falsified/Exaggerated Claims

Claims that didn’t actually occur or that occurred outside the workplace are only representative of a small fraction of claims. However, employers can implement tip lines, video surveillance, drug screenings both before employment and after accidents, and so forth to reduce false claims:

The larger problem is from exaggerated injuries. Employers can take these steps to address exaggerated claims:

* Get injured employees immediate and appropriate treatment.
* Even if duties need to be temporarily modified, get injured employees back to work as quick as possible.
* Ensure supervisors communicate with injured employees and convey their concern and support.
* Do as much as possible to reduce the disruption employees may face post-injury.
* Assess and address behavioral issues that could be driving an injured employee’s disability.

Observing Patterns

Experts have recognized that there are patterns of reoccurring claims within groups, such as among certain industries or particular groups of employees. For example, more injuries may be seen in equipment operators that don’t receive proper eye screenings.

Overweight employees tend to have more injuries than those of an average weight. The healing of injuries may be longer and more difficult among diabetic employees.

Overexertion, meaning doing too much; too fast; and/or too frequently, is one of the primary causes of sprain and strain injuries. This often comes from an employee demanding more of their body than it’s capable of doing. The challenge is that this is a human behavior. Studies have shown that the majority of workplace injuries are from unsafe acts, not unsafe conditions. In other words, even in the absence of workplace hazards, injuries will happen.

Additionally, there are also patterns of reoccurring fraudulent and exaggerated claims, such as an employee that seems to repeatedly have accidents.

Claim Reduction

Begin at the hiring process, ensuring that potential employees are capable of doing the physical and mental demands you’ve listed in the applicable job description. It’s important to understand that injury prevention must be embraced at the leadership level to be effective. Statistics show employees are most likely to have injuries when they feel their management doesn’t care. You may also consider:

* Excellent workplace safety programs.
* Efficient communication programs that allow you, injured employees, and insurance adjusters to easily communicate.
* A post-injury protocol, specifying the immediate reporting of an injury to appropriate personnel.
* Routing injured employees to seek medical care from a provider specializing in occupational injuries.
* Staying in touch with both the injured employee and their medical provider, making sure that you communicate your concern and care to the employee as they recover and accommodate any physical restriction recommended by the provider upon their return.

Cost Mitigation

Employers can take several routes to reduce the financial impact of claims. Transitional duty programs that enable an injured employee to continue some capacity of working as they recover would be one example. Research shows that around 40% of employers don’t currently have a transitional duty program.

Another example would be referencing treatment guidelines to determine typical recovery times for various injuries. This information can be used to approximate how long it should take an injured employee to be treated and recover.

Employers may consider having an on-site clinic for employees to go for both acute injuries and everyday health issues.

Partnering with a physical therapy network may be a consideration. Research has shown that companies affiliated with physical therapy networks see injured employees returning to full-duty work 30% faster.

Wellness, Don’t Be Afraid

Lastly, some employers are apprehensive about implementing wellness programs because they’re concerned that participation itself may cause injuries. However, the risk of such is far outweighed by the many benefits of a wellness program, including claim-related benefits like healing faster and being able to resume work sooner. Remember, the success of any program comes from it being accepted from the top down.

BGES Group, located in Larchmont, N.Y. are New York Construction Insurance Specialists that represent 50+ companies and all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs!  We offer every coverage you need including property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability and group health.  We are extremely responsive, responsible, trustworthy, fast, minimize your insurance headaches, we don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and when you call, text or email, whatever time of day, even weekends, we are ARE THERE to help YOU!

BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being cancelled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, payrolls misclassified, whatever your issue, we can help!  We have special programs for: Auto Service, Contractors (especially New York), Limousine Services, Logistic Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, Truckers, we can help ANY tri-state business owner.  We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that if we can get you in, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability and can cover multi-state operations. Program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits too.

In addition, we offer all personal insurance coverages including home, auto, boat, jewelry, fine arts, life, disability, health and long-term care.  When was the last time you got a complete check up for all your coverage needs?   We are extremely caring and would love the chance to help you with your personal insurance needs.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

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If employees are hurt on the job, workers’ compensation coverage will protect them. This coverage pays for lost wages, medical bills and any other related expenses workers incur while recovering. Since the number of scams with this type of insurance are very small, it is safe to assume that the majority of employees are honest about getting hurt. Another incentive for this is the requirement that a doctor must provide an assessment. If an employee were not really hurt, a doctor may be able to identify a false claim. However, some scam artists slip through the cracks, and the damage they cause is substantial enough that it costs billions of dollars every year. In addition to this, some employers skip paying premiums. Both offenses are considered workers’ comp fraud.

Although the scam rate is lower for workers’ comp than it is in other areas of insurance, the perpetrators are causing premiums to increase for everyone. This is costly for honest workers and businesses alike. When dishonest employees make bogus claims about injuries, their motives vary. One of the most common motives is free money. In most cases, the workers claiming to be injured have other jobs or secret businesses they use for additional income. Another motive is free vacation time. Many workers want to collect money and have time off to enjoy traveling, hobbies or other activities.

How Bogus Claims Work
There are several different ways workers can make claims and get away with their lies. The following paragraphs outline some of the most popular methods they use.

Exaggerated Injuries
If a worker is using this method, he or she will have a very minor injury. It may be a slight pain in the back, wrist or any other location. However, he or she will embellish the injury’s severity enough to take time off of work. After taking time off, the worker will usually claim that it is taking a long time to recover in order to collect more money.

Off-Site Injuries
People who get hurt while they are off the job may wait until they return to work to file a claim. They may fake an incident that would result in the same injury they sustained while away from work.

Fake Injuries
In some cases, workers may fabricate the details of a nonexistent injury. Some of the most popular scams involve soft-tissue damage. Back and neck problems are common claims. Since some of these are hard to disprove, employers may have to pick up the tab for a such a worker’s dishonesty.

While these are the most common methods used, some workers may use an old injury or malingering to gain money. With old injuries, workers pretend the damage is new in order to get out of work or to get paid for treating injuries they may not be able to afford to treat otherwise. Malingering is abusing the system by staying home longer than necessary.

Stolen Premiums
In some cases, workers compensation fraud is committed by business owners who reduce the premiums they owe. Such premium scams may be hard to detect. If businesses use this method, they often hide their swindles behind covers, tax records, dummy companies or fake accounting records. Although the number of bogus claims made each year exceeds the number of premium scams, the scams have a much larger financial impact. One scam alone can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If a scam lasts for several years, the total may reach into the millions.

Whether businesses are avoiding paying premiums, lying about the number of workers on the payroll or lying about workplace safety, workers comp fraud is a serious offense. Lying claimants and crooked doctors also face serious consequences if they are caught. Employers can fight back by being insured properly, making the workplace safer and making the environment at work a happy place for employees. To learn more about this type of fraud and how to prevent it, discuss concerns with an agent.

BGES Group, located in Larchmont, N.Y. are New York Construction Insurance Specialists that represent 50+ companies and all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs!  We offer every coverage you need including property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability and group health.  We are extremely responsive, responsible, trustworthy, fast, minimize your insurance headaches, we don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and when you call, text or email, whatever time of day, even weekends, we are ARE THERE to help YOU!

BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being cancelled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, payrolls misclassified, whatever your issue, we can help!  We have special programs for: Auto Service, Contractors (especially New York), Limousine Services, Logistic Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, Truckers, we can help ANY tri-state business owner.  We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that if we can get you in, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability and can cover multi-state operations. Program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits too.

In addition, we offer all personal insurance coverages including home, auto, boat, jewelry, fine arts, life, disability, health and long-term care.  When was the last time you got a complete check up for all your coverage needs?   We are extremely caring and would love the chance to help you with your personal insurance needs.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

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