As the cost of commercial auto insurance continues climbing at unprecedented rates, any business with vehicles has to make sure that it has procedures and policies in place to reduce the chances of its drivers causing accidents.

When a business entrusts a vehicle to an employee, it is literally putting its assets on the line. 

You should set these no-exception rules for drivers:

• Always wear seat belts.
• No driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• No mobile phone use while driving.

You should also set guidelines for employees to follow when they use company vehicles, such as:

Limit their non-business use of vehicles – If employees take company cars home with them, you should set reasonable limits on personal use.

Allow plenty of time between meetings and assignments – This will make it less necessary for employees to speed.

Park vehicles wisely – Instruct workers to park vehicles in well-lit areas, and to lock them.

Weeding out trouble

You should also try to make sure that you don’t put people in driving positions that are risky.  You can:

• Check prospective employees’ driving records before hiring them.
• Not let staff with poor records drive.
• Annually check driving employees’ records.
• Require employees to report accidents they have when they are off the job.
• Be on the lookout for employees with short tempers, as they may be prone to road rage.
• Provide occasional driver training for employees who drive, especially drivers of large commercial vehicles.

But, even with all the preventive measures in the world, an accident will occasionally happen. You should prepare your drivers for that event.

Develop procedures for what a worker should do after an accident. Keep copies of the procedures handy in vehicle glove boxes.

Post-accident procedures

• Remain at the scene.
• Call the police if there are injuries.
• Gather information from the other driver (name, address, insurance information, license plate number) and any witnesses.
• Report the accident to a designated person within the company.

If one of your employees is involved in an accident, report the accident to us or your insurance company as soon as possible.

Follow the conditions listed in the insurance policy. Check with us if you do not know what they are.  Follow the insurer’s instructions for getting repair estimates and communicating with physicians.

Your insurance company may be able to help. Many insurers offer loss-prevention guidance for their customers. 

Businesses can reduce their risks and control their costs by working with their insurers and following the simple steps set out above.

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.

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

New York State has long been a proponent of ensuring that its residents are well-protected in times of disability or the need to care for a loved one. The New York State Disability Benefits Law (DBL) and the Paid Family Leave Act (PFL) Insurance are two significant components of the state’s commitment to social security. These programs provide financial support when individuals face disability, whether due to illness or injuries, as well as when they need to care for a family member. This article explores the intricacies of the New York State Disability and Paid Family Leave Act Insurance, including the weekly benefit amount, differences between coverage options, and the role of organizations like BGES Group in providing ancillary coverages.

Weekly Benefit Amounts

One of the key aspects of the New York State Disability and Paid Family Leave Act Insurance is the weekly benefit amount provided to eligible individuals. Under the DBL, employees who are covered can receive a maximum benefit of $170 per week. However, this amount can be increased depending on the insurance company providing the coverage. Many insurance providers offer coverage options that allow individuals to increase their weekly benefit, often up to $340, $510, or even more. The ability to customize the coverage is a significant advantage for those seeking higher levels of financial protection.

Differences Between DBL and PFL Coverage

It is essential to distinguish between New York State Disability Benefits Law (DBL) and Paid Family Leave Act (PFL) Insurance, as they serve different purposes and have distinct eligibility criteria.

1. DBL Coverage: DBL insurance primarily provides wage replacement for employees who are unable to work due to a non-work-related injury or illness. This coverage is available to most employees in New York State, with a few exceptions. DBL benefits can last up to 26 weeks, with the weekly benefit amount mentioned earlier, which can be enhanced by choosing the right insurance provider.

2. PFL Coverage: Paid Family Leave (PFL) insurance is designed to offer job-protected, paid time off to employees who need to care for a family member with a serious health condition or to bond with a new child. PFL benefits are also available to most employees and can be taken in full or in part, up to a certain limit. While the benefit amount under PFL is not as high as some DBL enhancements, it provides a crucial safety net for families during significant life events.

Ancillary Coverages Through BGES Group

The BGES Group plays a crucial role in ensuring that New York contractors and employees have access to essential ancillary coverages beyond the standard DBL and PFL insurance. These additional coverages can provide comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

1. In-Hospital Daily Benefit: This coverage provides a daily benefit for hospital stays, helping individuals offset the expenses associated with medical treatment. It can be particularly useful for covering co-pays, deductibles, and other healthcare-related costs.

2. Accident Insurance: Accident insurance offers financial support in the event of an accidental injury. This coverage can help cover medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and other costs resulting from accidents.

3. Group Life Insurance: Group life insurance provides a financial safety net for an employee’s family in the unfortunate event of their passing. It can help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to beneficiaries.

4. Critical Life Insurance: Critical life insurance is designed to offer coverage in the event of a critical illness diagnosis, such as cancer or a heart attack. It provides a lump sum payment to the insured, helping them cope with medical bills and other associated costs.

BGES Group: A Trusted Provider

For decades, BGES Group has been a trusted provider of New York State DBL coverage, offering the best companies and quick issuance of certificates. Their commitment to facilitating the insurance process for New York contractors is crucial, as contractors often have unique needs when it comes to insurance coverage. The ability to access customized DBL and PFL insurance through BGES Group can be a game-changer for those in the construction industry, providing them with the financial protection they need in case of disability.

Conclusion

The New York State Disability and Paid Family Leave Act Insurance programs are vital components of New York’s social safety net, offering financial support to employees during times of disability and when they need to care for family members. While the standard weekly benefit for DBL is $170, this can be increased through the selection of the right insurance provider. Moreover, organizations like BGES Group go the extra mile to provide ancillary coverages that can further protect employees and contractors. In-hospital daily benefit, accident insurance, group life insurance, and critical life insurance are all additional options that can be tailored to meet individual needs. BGES Group’s expertise in the field and quick certificate issuance make them a valuable partner for New York contractors seeking comprehensive insurance coverage. Ultimately, the combination of DBL, PFL, and ancillary coverages ensures that New Yorkers have access to the financial protection they need when it matters most.

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.

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

In 2023, New York contractors are facing unprecedented challenges when it comes to securing workers compensation insurance. Several insurance companies have chosen to halt the sale of new policies in the state, while also non-renewing existing accounts. This worrisome trend appears to be escalating due to decreasing insurance rates and a surge in claims, many of which involve fraudulent activities. However, amidst this challenging landscape, there is a ray of hope for contractors – the BGES Group.

With a commitment to offering alternative options, BGES Group represents 15 insurance companies, making them well-equipped to tailor the right policy to meet the unique needs of contractors in New York. Here are some of the innovative solutions they offer:

1. **Pay-As-You-Go Option**: BGES Group’s Pay-As-You-Go plan requires just a $200 upfront payment, followed by monthly payments based on your past months payrolls. This flexible approach empowers contractors to manage their insurance costs more effectively.

2. **Combined Payroll and Workers Compensation Plan**: For the past 22 years, BGES Group has provided a comprehensive solution that combines payroll services with workers compensation insurance. What sets this plan apart is that the payroll company also owns the workers compensation company. This synergy allows for competitive pricing, as one rate can offset others. This plan is particularly beneficial for contractors in challenging fields such as interior demolition and roofing. This plan has been around for 24 years.

3. **Assisting High-Risk Contractors**: BGES Group specializes in helping contractors who may have experienced a run of bad luck, with significant losses on their record. They have successfully assisted contractors with substantial claims, ensuring that they can obtain coverage at rates comparable to their previous premiums. Whether you’re a general contractor or a specialist in a high-risk field, BGES Group knows how to navigate the complexities to your advantage.

BGES Group has been a trusted partner for New York contractors for decades, and they understand the intricacies of the system. What sets them apart is their commitment to exceptional service. They’re known for answering the phone promptly, issuing certificates within minutes, and responding to emails and texts without delay. Their expertise and dedication are unmatched, making them the go-to organization for contractors facing issues like policy cancellations, audit disputes, unfair policy fees from brokers, or misclassified payrolls.

For contractors in New York, dealing with the evolving landscape of workers compensation insurance has become a complex task. However, the BGES Group stands as a beacon of support, offering innovative solutions, expert guidance, and unmatched customer service. If you’re a contractor looking for a reliable partner to navigate the challenges of workers compensation insurance, BGES Group should be your first choice.

To learn more about how BGES Group can assist you, contact Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or email bgesgroup@gmail.com. They’re ready to help you find the right insurance solution for your contracting business.

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.

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

No company owner wants to undergo a workers’ compensation audit, but they are a fact of life if you run a business and have employees.

Unfortunately, many audits don’t go smoothly and sometimes your insurer may make mistakes. Missouri-based Workers’ Compensation Consultants, which helps employers through the workers’ comp audit process, recently listed the 10 most common audit mistakes that insurance companies make.

The list highlights a common problem and how you can detect the mistakes to avoid being stuck with a massive audit bill. Insurance companies allow you to review the audit with your broker. If you notice that you have received an audit bill that is obviously overstated, you should contact us.

Here are the things to look for when reviewing an audit by your insurance company:

Wrong class code – Misapplication of job classifications occurs in many workers’ comp audits. With hundreds of job classes to choose from, mistakes can happen. Talk to us and review your old policies to see if any of your class codes have changed.

X-Mod is changed – After your insurer finishes the audit, it will use the information to calculate your premium. When that happens, it has to include your X-Mod to get the right rate. But sometimes the insurer may use an incorrect X-Mod. Check carefully.

Subcontractors are counted – Sometimes insurers will include subcontractors as employees, which results in a new audit bill to account for the additional “employees.” But if they are genuine subcontractors, they should not be counted. Often, uninsured contractors will be included as employees. Make sure to use insured contractors only.

Disappearing credits – Most policies will have some sort of premium credits or other modifiers. Sometimes during audits, the insurer will remove them when recalculating the premium they think you owe. Watch out for missing credits and other modifiers if you get an audit bill, like:

• Premium discount
• Schedule credits
• Deductible credits
• State-specific credits

Audit worksheets missing – If the auditor fails to provide you with audit worksheets, which are used to compile your payroll and other audit information, you should ask to check their work. They will provide you with the information you need to carry out such a check.

Your rates changed – The rates you are charged at the beginning of your policy period must remain the same for the entire policy period. If your base rates have changed, the insurer may have made a mistake.

Separation of payroll – Depending on your industry, you may or may not be able to split your employees’ payroll between job classifications (like cabinet installers and sheetrock hangers). This is a pinch point when errors can occur. If the auditor says you are not allowed to split job classifications even though you have in the past, your audit may be in error.

Unexpected large premium due – If you get a significant bill for your insurance company after your audit, the auditor may have made mistakes, particularly if you know that your employment has remained relatively stable and you’ve had no significant claims, if any. If it seems out of whack, call us. 

Payroll data doesn’t match – If there is a discrepancy between your payroll data and what you see on the audit, a mistake may have been made. Try to match the payroll on the audit with that generated by your accountant. If the insurer made a mistake, you could end up paying for phantom payroll numbers.

No physical audit – There are three types of audits:

• Mail audit
• Phone audit, and
• Physical audit

The mail and phone audits are prone to errors since neither you nor your staff likely have any experience in premium auditing. If you have a big bill after a mail or phone audit, mistakes could have been made. 

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 insurance, 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.

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

With the widespread availability of ride services, such as Lyft and Uber, there is no reason to drive to your holiday party, especially if you drink. 

The cost of driving under the influence can be well over $10,000, and it can also cost you your career. Worse yet, if you seriously injure or kill someone, you can spend time in jail. It’s just not worth it — the cost of a ride or taxi service is a drop in the bucket compared to what an alcohol-related conviction can cost you.

Ride sharing services are easy to use if you have a smartphone. All you need to do is download the apps for Lyft or Uber or an app that dispatches to taxi companies.

You need to enter your credit card information, which makes the system efficient, as no money changes hands and your credit card is billed. You then program in your home or location address and your destination address, and with a push of a button, the first nearby driver to respond will pick you up.

The apps typically will tell you about how many minutes it will take for the driver to arrive, and you should get a text message when your driver is approaching. The systems are transparent; they provide you with your route map and total cost. It also will be difficult for a driver to manipulate the system to charge more. You are also prompted to rate your driver; drivers with low ratings will, in most cases, lose their contract.

There are additional benefits: there is no need to park your car, pay for parking, or park at a distance; these services take you to the front door.

In some cases, you can choose to upgrade to a black car or an SUV, such as with Uber; these services typically cost more, but if you want to go in style or have a number of people in your party and need a bigger vehicle, this may be an option.

In some locations, these apps offer a carpool system where you share the ride with another party. These are typically limited to two people per party and two parties per car; they use the service to match parties who are picked up nearby and are going to nearby destinations. Those who choose this carpool option pay a fraction of what the actual ride cost due to sharing the vehicle.

With the availability of these services, it is unwise to even think of drinking and driving. At some point, drinking and driving will catch up with you. You already purchased your smartphone; you can now use it to your advantage to safely enjoy yourself, stay out of serious trouble, and easily get around. 

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.

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

Some 22 million Americans are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work each year, and occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses and is permanent, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Hearing loss can have substantial adverse impacts on workers, including their interpersonal relationships and general quality of life. Besides often causing permanent damage to workers, hearing damage is costly as these cumulative injuries are covered by workers’ compensation.

And OSHA also requires that employers protect workers if their workplace noise levels exceed 85 decibels.

For an idea of the scope of the problem, private industry workers suffered 14,500 hearing loss cases in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Dangers from hearing loss include:

• Workers with hearing loss often have trouble localizing sounds or hearing warning signals, which puts them at risk of accidents.
• Hearing loss impedes communication and can lead to isolation in social situations, impediments in career progression, reduced autonomy, poor self-image, fatigue, frustration and depression.
• Tinnitus can disrupt sleep and concentration. That in turn increases fatigue, reduces alertness, degrades performance, and potentially increases risks for accidents on and off the job.

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your employees.

Prevention programs

Noises over 85 decibels (dB) warrant the use of protection. For reference, normal talking is 60 dB, city traffic is 85 dB and a rock concert or a tractor are about 100-115 dB. Without proper protection, prolonged noise exposure in a factory setting can compound the hearing loss incurred from everyday noises.

OSHA requires employers to protect workers in work areas where the probable exposure to noise equals or exceeds an eight-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 dB.

An effective hearing conservation program should include:

Regular, ongoing sound monitoring — Employers can use sound-level meters to measure sound intensity at a specific moment, and dosimeters to measure employees’ average exposure to noise over a period of a time. By monitoring and recording sound levels throughout a workplace, employers can help their workers understand which areas pose the greatest risk of hearing damage.

Audiograms — Employers can use audiograms to check their employees’ hearing to identify any changes. This starts by taking a baseline audiogram 14 hours or more after the worker was last exposed to occupational noise.
After that, the employer can conduct annual audiograms to identify changes by comparing the results to prior tests. If there is a notable change, employers can assess hearing protection methods and make changes as needed.

Employee training — This is a fundamental step helping employees understand the danger of hearing loss and the steps needed to prevent it. Conduct noise training sessions at least annually, and remind them periodically throughout the year about prevention and other issues, like the areas of the workplace that are the noisiest.

Protective equipment — OSHA requires employers to furnish their workers with protective equipment like ear plugs and earmuffs when the noise level exceeds 85 dB. Make sure you have different styles and shapes as one size does not always fit all.

The takeaway

Hearing damage is a serious matter and can drastically reduce a person’s quality of life as well as the ability to be alerted to dangers. Besides the physical damage of hearing loss, employees can file workers’ comp claims for treatment that can last for years.

And if that’s not enough, OSHA takes this type of injury seriously and failing to protect your employees can result in fines.

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.

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 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is seeing a wave of retaliation complaints by employees. Retaliation charges accounted for more than 35% of all charges filed with the commission in fiscal year 2022.

Retaliation means any adverse action that you or someone who works for you takes against an employee because they complained about harassment or discrimination. Any negative action that would deter a reasonable worker in the same situation from making a complaint qualifies as retaliation. 

Employees who participate in an investigation of any of these problems are also protected. For example, you cannot punish an employee for giving a statement to a government agency that is looking into a discrimination claim.

Employment law attorneys say that the increase is in part because employees who sue for retaliation have a higher degree of success than those who bring a regular discrimination charge. It’s important that all employers train their managers and supervisors to not retaliate against workers making complaints, as the result can be a costly lawsuit.

Thanks to a precedent-setting case, Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railroad vs. White, while an employee alleging discrimination must prove that they suffered a “materially adverse employment action,” a retaliation plaintiff only needs to show that the employer undertook some action that may dissuade them from making or supporting a charge.

Employment law experts recommend that employers do the following:

Set clear and unambiguous policies

1. Your company policy should clearly state that retaliation is not permitted.
2. The policy should describe the parameters of inappropriate conduct as well as you can define them.
3. Put the policy in writing.
4. Set reporting and grievance procedures, including the person to whom the employee can report a retaliation complaint.
5. Have staff sign an acknowledgment of receipt of your policy.

Investigate complaints promptly

1. Remember that anyone who participates in an investigation is likely protected from retaliation (not just the employee who makes a complaint, but witnesses as well).
2. Communicate results of the investigation to the grievant.
3. Take effective remedial measures, including carefully reviewing all disciplinary measures before imposing them. You should also ensure that disciplinary actions are consistent with past practices.

Train managers and supervisors

Finally, you should train managers and supervisors and ensure they understand your policies.

Make sure they understand who is protected from retaliation (participants, complainants, and even persons related to the complainant in some cases).

They should also understand what constitutes retaliatory conduct and, if they are unsure, they should speak to your human resources manager.

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.

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

It is good news that small businesses are thriving, with many of them enjoying growing sales over the last two years. The bad news is that their insurance protection has not kept pace, according to a recent report. That means an accidental loss could undo all the progress they’ve made, or even threaten their survival.

The report by specialist insurance company Hiscox found that 75% of small businesses do not have sufficient insurance. It revealed some unsettling truths:

• General liability insurance protects against lawsuits for bodily injuries, property damage, and personal and advertising injuries. Only two-thirds of small businesses had this coverage, while 100% of them may face these lawsuits.
• Less than half have insured their business property, such as machinery, equipment and tools.
• Only one-third carry workers’ compensation insurance, which every state but Texas mandates. This coverage pays for the cost of providing required benefits to injured workers. The employer owes the benefits to the worker whether or not there is insurance.
• Even fewer carry professional liability insurance, which protects against lawsuits alleging mistakes in giving professional advice.

Coverage confusion

Many business owners also do not understand what their insurance policies cover. Fewer than one in five could correctly describe what a general liability policy covers, according to the report. Many were surprised to learn that their property insurance does not cover damage caused by earthquakes or floods.

Despite all this, most business owners recognize that they need insurance. More than two-thirds of those surveyed said they bought coverage out of concern about the potential consequences of uninsured losses. Only 20% said they bought it because a law or business partner required them to.

Most also recognize that they don’t know what they don’t know, so they seek expert help. Seven in 10 business owners used an insurance agent to buy coverage because of the agent’s expertise.

More than half said that agents are the most helpful source of information; the rest said insurance companies’ websites were helpful sources.

What small firms can do

To make sure they have the insurance protection they need, the report recommends business owners take three steps:

• Do your homework before buying or renewing policies. Research the various coverages online or get expert advice from us.
• When you work with us, provide complete and accurate information about your business. It can be tempting to withhold some information in the hope of keeping the premiums low. You should resist that.

We need a complete picture of your business to match you with the right coverages provided by the right insurer. Also, an insurance company may deny coverage for a claim or even cancel a policy because the policyholder did not disclose key information.

• Review your insurance program at a minimum once every two years; more often if revenue or payroll have risen or fallen by 20% or more. Your business is always changing; the business’s insurance needs will, as well.

The takeaway

You put everything you have into growing your business. Not having the right insurance could cost everything you’ve worked so hard for.

Getting sufficient coverage will help you protect your most valuable asset — your business.

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.

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

More and more employers are banning cell phones in the workplace because they are distracting enough to be a serious safety issue for workers.

The Digital Distraction & Workplace Safety study, issued by Screen Education, reported that survey 14% of employer respondents said at least one accident had occurred at their workplace because an employee was distracted by their smartphone.  These accidents had serious consequences:

• 59% caused property damage
• 50% caused injury or death

Surprisingly, 47% of respondents said they had in place cell phone restrictions, meaning that the employees were flouting the rules when they caused the accident.

Companies are wising up. General Motors has banned all employees, including its CEO, from walking around with their mobile phones while talking, texting or using other smartphone functions. That’s a smart policy. In busy workplaces, safety should be your primary concern.

Consider the following:

Industrial machinery and phones don’t mix

OSHA bars the use of cell phones in construction regulations pertaining to cranes and derricks, but the hazard exists across any dangerous equipment. 

Some workers should absolutely not have their mobile phones on and within reach, such as powered industrial truck operators, forklift drivers and machinery users. If you have any of these among your workforce, you should strictly ban the use of mobile phones in any capacity during the use of industrial equipment.

You may consider extending the ban to include all other employees who regularly work around that equipment, particularly when they are walking or moving product to and from the warehouse. Also, if any staff from your office are in the work area, they too should refrain from using their phones while walking.

The biggest dangers

When people are using cell phones in an operational environment, it impedes their ability to recognize and react to hazards, particularly moving equipment like forklifts.

Some of the accidents that respondent cited in the Screen Education survey include:

• “(Someone) was on their phone and the elevator door (closed)…their jacket got stuck…which made that person’s collar choke them and leave a red mark.”
• “Someone was distracted by (their) phone when their arm was crushed by a press.”
• “A patient fell because someone was listening to music and didn’t hear the alarm.”
• “We had one employee in a company car texting and driving…(he) rolled the car off a cliff.”

Potential property damage

Distracted cell phone usage is known to cause workers to accidentally misuse equipment or machinery, which can result in either small or serious damage to company property.

Furthermore, the cost of replacing damaged property can have a major financial impact on your organization and possibly be at your expense.

Reduced productivity

Cell phone usage can have adverse effects on warehouse production levels and the individual performance of your employees.

People who are on their phones could be working instead and, if someone is involved in social media banter or watching an amusing video on YouTube, it’s easy for them to ignore important matters that come across their desks.

What you can do

Create a policy that explicitly explains when and where employees may use their mobile phones while on the job.

Some companies ban cell phones altogether, particularly call centers where employees’ devices are collected at the beginning of the day and kept in lockers until breaks.

Consider the following for your rules:

• Mobile phones are barred for employees when performing on-site job-related tasks.
• Answering calls, texting, checking social media or using the Internet are all activities that fall under dangerous cell phone usage.
• Set parameters for when and where employees are allowed to use their phones.
• Consider restricting types of media and videos.
• Hold employees accountable to productivity levels. Note that time spent on the phone on personal matters is keeping them from focusing on their jobs.

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.

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

Increasing construction project delays are combining with a hardening market for builder’s risk and liability insurance to create headaches for project owners and contractors.

If your project suffers from delays, you may find it difficult or costly to extend the length of your insurance coverage as insurers have tightened their underwriting policies and some have stopped underwriting construction projects altogether.

Owners need to understand the insurance marketplace and take steps in advance to keep insurance issues from throwing a monkey wrench into a project. 

Delays weigh on contractors

Contractors report several reasons for delays:

• Projects are increasingly complicated and have long durations.
• Initial budgets and estimated timelines may prove to be inadequate or over-optimistic.
• The process of obtaining permits can take years, particularly if there are environmental concerns about the project.
• Increasingly volatile weather conditions are setting some projects back, as hurricanes, floods and wildfires can prevent work from starting or damage work already completed.

Insurers’ response

This is happening at a time of persistently tight insurance market conditions. The size of court damage awards is growing. More frequent and intense storms have sent the cost of property damage losses soaring.

Some insurers have responded by reducing their appetites for insuring construction projects, while others have pulled out of the construction market entirely.

Those that remain are hiking rates, increasing deductibles and self-insured retentions, and adding provisions that reduce the scope of coverage.

In a state like New York with a difficult legal environment, it can be a struggle to obtain adequate coverage at affordable premiums.

Consequently, when an insurer is asked to extend the coverage expiration date for a construction project, the agreement may come with these unpleasant strings attached.

Also, the project budget likely did not contemplate increases in insurance costs and uninsured loss costs midway through the process. 

What you can do

Solving these problems is not easy, but there are things that can be done to address them, as follows:  

Identify solid insurers — At the beginning of the process, owners and contractors should work with their insurance brokers to identify insurers with long track records of providing construction coverage.

Some insurers may jump in and out of markets, depending on how profitable they appear at the time. Multi-year construction projects require insurers who will not exit the market when their profit margins slip.

Where one or more of the project’s insurers have departed the market, it is impossible for the project owners to negotiate a solution. However, if the insurers are still willing to offer coverage, those that have solid, long-standing relationships with owners and contractors may be willing to negotiate terms satisfactory to all.

Negotiate automatic extensions — Owners and contractors should attempt to include automatic coverage extensions during negotiations for the original policies.

These projects involve multiple insurers providing different layers of coverage and it’s important to try to negotiate these coverage extensions with all of them. If one insurer drops out, it may be possible to get some of the others to fill in the gap.

Consider a ‘captive’ — In some cases, contractors may have the option of turning to “captive” insurers to fund higher retentions and uninsured losses. A captive insurer covers the risks of its owners; companies sometimes create them because of tax and cash flow advantages.

Stay on schedule — Do all you can to stay on schedule, so you don’t run into insurance issues. This requires closer coordination among all the contractors and the subs and more attentive management of the project. That may mean additional outlays by the project owner, but staying on schedule is less costly than blowing through the completion deadline.

With the current supply-chain problems not easing anytime soon, the problem of project delays will likely continue. Insurance problems may complicate that further, but they can be managed.

Before your next project, call us so we can get the ball rolling early.

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.

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