Language barriers can present real threats to worker safety, particularly in certain industries that employ a larger share of non-native English speakers.

Only 57% of U.S. agricultural workers in 2019 were born in this country, including Puerto Rico, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. One-quarter of construction workers in 2020 were foreign-born.

Occupations in these industries can be among the most dangerous. Language barriers that prevent effective communication about safe work practices present a significant problem for achieving workplace safety.

OSHA requires employers to train their workers on:

• Injury prevention by performing tasks safely.
• Injury protection by wearing protective clothing and gear.
• Necessary steps after an injury occurs.

Unfortunately, language barriers make effective training on these topics difficult. OSHA requires employers to provide training to employees in “a language and vocabulary” they can understand.

However, simply providing signs and written instructions in non-English languages is not enough.

What employers can do

Here are some measures you can consider taking to overcome language barriers to workplace safety:

Training programs — Depending on how proficient workers are in English, you can modify safety training by:

• Providing training interpreters for workers with low proficiency.
• Speaking more slowly and clearly enunciating words for those who are more proficient.
• Providing visual aids and demonstrations.

Pairing — Have low English-proficiency workers pair with experienced workers who can demonstrate safe practices and supervise their progress.

If resources are limited, this can be done for the first days or weeks of the person’s employment. The more dangerous the work, the longer the pairing arrangement should ideally last.

Interpreters — If a large percentage of the workforce does not speak English, consider hiring interpreters to be on-site. Interpreters can relay instructions and warnings from supervisors to workers in words they understand, while also responding to supervisors in English with worker questions and concerns.

Written content translation — Provide written instructions in multiple languages, appropriate to the specific workforce, for workers who are literate. Keep in mind, however, the possible differences in dialects.

Pay to have employees learn English — If it is within your budget, consider paying for English classes for workers who need them. This may make communication easier and improve employee loyalty.

Hire multilingual employees — Look for employees who, for example, speak both English and Spanish. This puts less of the burden on the non-English speaker and may make the workplace feel more inclusive.

The takeaway

Ideally, language differences should not prevent employers from giving opportunities to earn a living to those who do not speak English.

Providing a workplace that is safe for all employees will reduce workers’ compensation benefit costs and help you hire and retain desirable employees.

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

A jobsite crawling with bulldozers, cranes, scrapers and tractors can sometimes feel like a danger zone. However, with the proper heavy equipment safety guidelines in place, you can reduce risk and ensure your workers head home unscathed every day.

There are three main ingredients to safe heavy equipment operation: safe equipment, proper training and a safe attitude, and constant awareness of all jobsite activities.

If heavy equipment operators are armed with these three tools, they’ll have no problem playing it safe. Read on to learn more about these and other essential safety factors for operating heavy equipment on the worksite.

Use dependable equipment

OSHA puts a heavy emphasis on the safety features of heavy equipment. But, there’s much more to keeping equipment safe than just inspecting the machine’s safety features. After all, countless things can go wrong with this complex equipment, and these problems can lead to some major risks on the jobsite.

It’s extremely important to create customized inspection checklists for each unique piece of equipment. Safety experts recommend that heavy equipment operators conduct a pre-operational walk around and pre-start-up (in-cab) inspection before starting work to ensure the following are all working properly:

• Service, emergency and parking brakes
• Headlights
• Taillights and backup lights
• The horn.

Of course, these are just a few of the items that should be included on the checklist. You should create customized checklists for each piece of equipment based on both OSHA guidelines and the information provided in the equipment operating manual.

Steer clear of jobsite dangers

Heavy equipment operators should be aware of all jobsite activities so they can avoid potential dangers. That’s why it’s critical for equipment operators to walk through site activity checklists each day.

Here are a few obstacles and activities for operators to stay on the lookout for:

• Overhead lines: Many fatal occupational injuries occur due to contact between large jobsite equipment and overhead lines. That’s why equipment operators must exercise extreme caution when working near overhead power lines.

Workers should assume that all overhead lines are energized unless electrical utility authorities have indicated otherwise, and that they are visibly grounded and appropriately marked. OSHA provides specific requirements for the safe use of equipment near overhead lines.

• Barricades: Barricades must be used on any worksite where heavy equipment is in operation. These barricades help to notify workers where equipment is in use so that they can stay out of the area and avoid serious injury.
• Hand signals: If a crane is operation on a jobsite, the crane operator and the signaler must know the hand signals that are required by OSHA. These hand signals can be used for other types of equipment, as well.

Ensure safety with well-trained workers

A jobsite is only as safe as its workers. That’s why it’s so important to employ only well-trained, safety-conscious workers for work at a heavy equipment site. You should also conduct regular training, such as tailgate sessions before a shift starts.

According to OSHA requirements, jobsites, materials and equipment should undergo frequent and regular inspections by “competent persons” designated by the employer. It takes training to be a competent worker.

It’s important to train your employees on proper equipment inspection and operation safety. After all, your workers’ lives could depend on it. For more information, visit the OSHA website at www.osha.gov.

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 employers are testing new hires in physical jobs to establish a baseline in case they ever file a workers’ comp claim down the road.

The aim is to establish what physical ailments and pain the new hire already has, so if they are injured you can find out if they aggravated an existing injury or it’s just an existing injury that’s flaring up. And if done correctly, baseline testing doesn’t infringe on the worker’s rights or health privacy.

Baseline testing should not be confused with physical evaluations that are conducted after a job offer, but prior to placement, to ensure the new hire doesn’t have physical constraints that would keep them from performing their job. The data in a baseline evaluation cannot be used for that.

In fact, the data collected in baseline testing is kept sealed from the employer.

How it works

Baseline testing is best conducted on workers in physical jobs.

Baseline tests measure the signals traveling in the nerves and muscles, and include the use of electromyography. The tests are non-invasive and often include range-of-motion testing.

Employers that send their employees for testing cannot view the test results unless the information is needed to confirm or refute a subsequent injury.

If a worker files a claim for a soft-tissue or repetitive motion injury, the employer can order a second test, which will be used by the insurance claims adjuster or treating physician to compare to the baseline test. If there is no change in pathology, the claims administrator can deny the claim and the chances are high it won’t be contested.

To avoid problems with singling out specific workers or disabilities, you should perform this testing on the entire workforce – or at least in all of your physical jobs.

Under the law, you can order baseline testing at any time on any employee, and not just when they are hired.

The good thing about the testing is that it can identify legitimate claims. Since there is a baseline, when doctors compare and see a change in pathology, they can order treatment and workers’ comp insurance pays for it and the worker’s time away from work.

On the other hand, a second test can show irrefutable evidence that there was no chain in pathology and so the injury that the worker is claiming is likely not work-related.

Savings

Anecdotally, employers that use baseline testing see tremendous results in their workers’ comp claims.

According to an article in Business Insurance, Wisconsin-based Marten Transport since starting baseline testing in 2015:

•          Has seen its rate of soft-tissue injury claims for new hires drop from 3.3 per 100 new hires to 1.4.

•          Has had only three of the 37 claims filed by new hires in their first six months showing actual injuries beyond soft-tissue pain that was documented when they began working.

Marten Transport conducts the tests as part of its employment agreement and uses a third-party company to carry them out.

The non-profit organization, the Gatesway Foundation, started using baseline testing by contracting with California-based Emerge Diagnostics to rein in its spiraling workers’ comp costs.

It had been experiencing a high share of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (soft-tissue) claims, like injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal discs.

The year prior to implementing baseline testing, the foundation’s developed claims losses were $1 million. In the first six months of the next policy year, prior to implementing the program, the foundation’s developed losses were $500,000 but, in the latter half of the year – after implementation – losses had dropped to $30,000.

Overall, it reduced claims costs by $316,544 and the program cost $9,200 – a return on investment of 3,441%.

The takeaway

As mentioned, workers in physical jobs are the best candidates for baseline testing. That includes both light and heavy manufacturing, construction, agriculture, cleaning services and movers, to name a few.

But it could also be applied to any job that involves any type of repetitive motion, even without physical exertion.

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

Studies show that for every major workplace injury or fatality, there are nearly 10 minor injuries – and more than 30 accidents that lead to property damage.

Capturing data even on minor incidents that may seem trivial in isolation can be critical in informing efforts to prevent much greater dangers in the future. A big part of that effort involves ensuring businesses maintain a complete set of data.

Managers at all levels should focus on solid and thorough documentation. Here is where management’s main effort should be concentrated:

Don’t ignore minor incidents. Document all of them. Even if you have avoided injuries and severe property damage so far, keeping careful records may provide critical risk management insights – and enable managers to take action to prevent accidents before they occur.

Identify patterns. Do minor incidents seem to happen in the same area? Involve the same or similar machinery? Are they in the same department or under the same manager? Careful record-keeping is a valuable tool for identifying patterns.

Discourage presenteeism. Workers who come to work sick may be taking medications that increase the risk of incidents. Workers are not robots: Sick or distracted workers may make serious or deadly mistakes. To prevent this, have a sustainable sick day policy and encourage workers to take time off when needed – especially in dangerous occupations.

Encourage reporting. Studies have shown that the vast majority of minor incidents are not properly reported or recorded.

One study found that 85% of workers told researchers they had experienced work-related symptoms, 50% had experienced persistent work-related medical symptoms and 30% reported they had lost time from an incident or from a repetitive motion injury – yet only 5% of workers told researchers they had formally reported any of these incidents.

When asked why they didn’t report safety incidents, workers cited a number of reasons:

• Fear of reprisal
• Poor management response to prior reports
• Fear of losing their job or being transferred to a less desirable position
• Belief that pain or another medical symptom was a normal consequence of work activity or ageing.

Maintain OSHA-required injury logs. By federal law, most employers must maintain the following safety documents:

• OSHA Form 300 –  Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
• OSHA Form 300A – Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
• OSHA Form 301 – Injury and Illness Incident Report

Employers with 10 or fewer employees at all times during the preceding calendar year are exempt from the federal requirement, though many states may impose more stringent requirements.

Record near misses. Often, near misses – in which property damage, injury or fatality were narrowly avoided – can provide data that’s just as valuable as for incidents resulting in actual damages or injuries. This information can prove vital to informing prevention efforts.

Perhaps most importantly, carefully documenting all safety incidents and near misses, however minor, may help establish a culture of safety throughout the organization. 

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

Insurers are increasingly using social media to track down workers who are perpetrating workers’ comp and other liability fraud by faking injuries or staying on the dole after they have healed. 

Investigators are increasingly making use of Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other online social media sites to nab claimants who are fraudulently trying to collect payments. But while social media can be a goldmine of information on claimants, investigators have to act ethically and should do so quickly, experts say. 

If an injured worker posts pics of themselves being active on Facebook, it gives investigators quick, actionable evidence for their probes. But that’s only if the images are shared publicly and not just with their friends. 

Workers claiming disability payments gift investigators evidence when they post photos of themselves being fit and active on Facebook, for example, but only if the images are shared publicly, experts say.

While insurers are doing their part, employers are also getting in on the action. According to a report in the trade publication Business Insurance, one large grocery chain conducts social media research for auto and general liability claims and other employers research the social media profiles of all injured workers who have workers’ comp lost-time claims.

Many firms have started using social media investigation software that can quickly help them find an individual’s address, phone number and their relatives or associates by indexing sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

And while many people share their personal information and posts with friends, some post everything publicly. But, by researching the profiles of a claimant’s family and friends, investigators usually can find pictures and other information that has been publicly shared about the claimant on other people’s pages.

While this takes some time, they can usually find recent pictures or videos of anyone using this method, investigators say. 

Investigators are also using something called “geofencing.” The practice involves using GPS or radio frequency identification to search for public social media posts that were uploaded within a certain distance of an incident, like a car accident.

Sometimes they are able to locate photos of videos taken by bystanders who have 
publicly shared posts. And since most posts on Facebook, for example, use GPS to show location, this can be extremely useful to investigators. 

Often, they can even find potential witnesses to an incident. 

Use with caution
While social media can provide valuable information to prove insurance fraud or abuse, the key is to use this technique ethically. For example, investigators should not dupe someone into accepting them as a “friend” so they can then start rooting through their social media posts. 

At the same time, investigators should not try the same tactic with the individual’s friends or family members to gain insight. 

That said, if you are looking to control workers’ comp and litigation claim costs, you should add social media investigation into your tool kit if you suspect fraud. 

Experts advise employers to index information on claimants’ social media profiles as soon as possible after a claim is filed – and before they can edit their profile. 

Also, be aware that many applicant attorneys are warning their injured worker clients to not post on Facebook during their claims. 

Thomas Domer of the Domer Law firm in Wisconsin writes: “Use of a Facebook page poses real dangers for injured workers pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.

“Since Facebook is a public site, anything posted can be used by respondent insurance companies in claims denial. Even the most benign postings (birthday parties, family gatherings, etc.) can pose problems. For example, a grandparent lifting a 30 pound grandchild when doctors have imposed a 10 pound lifting limit could damage a claim.”

Social media busts
Here are two examples of social media investigations bearing fruit in regard to uncovering workers’ comp claims fraud.

The wayward nurse
A nurse in Ohio had filed for workers’ compensation after injuring herself on the job as an in-home care provider. But her employer smelled something fishy and did some research on her LinkedIn page, which showed she was performing the same kind of duties at three other employers as those that had caused her injury. 
So, while she was collecting workers’ comp benefits from one employer, she was still actively employed with others. After pleading guilty, she was ordered to pay back the $12,938 that had been paid to her in indemnity benefits – and was also sentenced to a year in jail. 

‘Disabled’ worker back on the job
A worker who was collecting workers’ comp benefits from an injury sustained on the job in Ohio was found to be working as a rescue technician for a company in Arizona, thanks to the pictures he had posted of himself on Facebook doing rapelling work. 
He pleaded guilty to fraud.

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

Are you due for a workers’ compensation premium audit? Audits are how insurance rates are determined, and it’s possible that an audit will uncover information that can actually save you money. In any case, it pays to be prepared. These five tips can help you get ready.

1. Let your broker know when there are changes in your staffing, payroll or areas of operation. This is important not just at audit time but all the time. Your rates are based on variable rating information, including the number of employees, job classifications, the states in which you operate, etc. Updated information results in more accurate premium assessments.
2. Get your records ready. Your auditor will need to see records such as federal and state tax returns, ledgers, checkbooks, contracts and employee or contractor tax documents. If you prepare your records in advance, you’ll speed up the audit process.
3. Make sure you break out various types of compensation in your records. For example, to set your premium, your broker considers pay but not contributions to employee benefits packages and other perks, so it’s important to make sure your records are clear on the various types of compensation. Also make sure overtime pay is clearly defined since it’s classified as regular pay for workers’ compensation insurance purposes.
4. Ensure that contractors have their own insurance. This is important not only from an audit standpoint but from a liability prospective as well. If an uninsured contractor has an accident while performing work on your behalf, you can be held liable. If an audit identifies contractors for whom you don’t have certificates of coverage, you can be charged for their premiums.
5. Remain on hand to answer questions. As your auditor reviews your material, he or she may have questions or need additional data. If you are available to provide answers, your audit will be completed more quickly.

By following these tips, you’ll be more prepared for your workers’ compensation premium audit. A fast, efficient audit process can save time for both you and your auditor, so it pays to be prepared.

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

Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for medical benefits and wage replacement when an employee is injured or killed on the job. When an injured employee accepts workers’ compensation payments, he or she legally gives up the right to sue the employer later for damages or negligence. This is commonly known as the compensation bargain, and it is meant to provide a compromise between the two sides. One of the problems solved by this bargain is employer insolvency. If employers did not have workers’ compensation insurance, they could lose their entire company to pay for damages awarded to an injured worker by the court. For this collective liability system to work, individual immunity is a necessity. It ensures the adequate compensation of injured parties.

Compensation plans may vary from one jurisdiction to another based on several factors. However, payments to injured claimants may be made on a weekly basis. In this instance, workers’ compensation is similar to disability insurance. It provides compensation to replace lost wages at the same rate or almost the same rate. Also, claimants receive compensation for their medical expenses. This insurance works similar to traditional health insurance when covering medical costs. If a worker is killed on the job due to unsafe conditions or negligence of the employer, the dependents of the deceased worker may collect benefits. When this happens, the insurance is structured similar to life insurance. It pays for funeral costs and other final expenses. 

It is important to note that workers’ compensation insurance is not similar to a judgment from a lawsuit. If an injured worker or the survivor of an individual who was killed on the job filed a lawsuit, other damages may be awarded. For example, compensation may be made for pain, suffering and punitive damages. With workers’ compensation insurance, these extra damages are not recognized. The coverage only pays for expenses directly related to the incident. Today, injuries may be verified by more than one medical professional. This is because workers’ compensation fraud has been on the rise in recent years. Dishonest doctors and other professionals have worked with people to fake injuries and create false documentation. The cost of fraud is then distributed to everyone who pays for workers’ compensation insurance. An agent can help by giving tips to prevent workers’ compensation fraud and tips for identifying it. To learn more about workers’ compensation coverage, discuss 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.

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

A recent study has found that injured workers are often left feeling frustrated and fending for themselves after they file a workers’ compensation claim.

The survey of injured workers by researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada found that workers reacted in a number of ways when experiencing “procedural” unfairness, frustration in how their claim is being handled, or poor communications from their claims adjuster or employer. Some give up, some react confrontationally, others quit.

The study confirms what other studies have shown: Employers need to be actively involved in helping workers navigate the workers’ comp system, keep in touch with them to lend assistance and provide support, including a feasible return-to-work program.

Otherwise, they risk having a disgruntled injured worker who may take longer to recover or secure the services of a lawyer. And once lawyers enter the picture, the more likely it is that their injury will drag out and the cost of the claim will increase substantially.  

The claims process can be confusing and unfair to injured workers. The amount of money they receive when they are not working and on the mend is less than their paycheck, and poor communications often leave them languishing and wondering when they can return to work.

Negative feelings

Many claimants have a number of negative emotions when embroiled in the workers’ comp claims process, including feeling:

• Confused,
• Angry,
• Frustrated,
• Unsupported,
• Abandoned
• Disappointed, and
• Wary.

Others did report some positive emotions, including determination and optimism.

Issues that caused negative feelings include:

• Uncertainty about how to access workers’ compensation programs.
• Reluctance to speak up about their claim for fear of losing their jobs.
• Not receiving adequate modified work so they can return to work early.
• Receiving inadequate medical care.
• Their employer trying to suppress the claim.
• Unresponsive claims adjusters.

What you can do

Throughout the recovery process, communication is the key. Maintaining contact with your employee and keeping in touch with the attending physician about available work will help reduce anxiety about returning to work.

For many workers that may mean modified work with restriction to avoid reinjury. You may also consider having them work from home, if feasible.

Encourage an injured employee to follow through with recommended care to avoid long-term complications whenever possible.

If your worker is not getting a response from their claims adjuster, offer to assist them.

Check in with your worker regularly and let them know their colleagues miss them and are hoping they’ll soon be back on the job.

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

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