You’ve heard the old adage about people not learning from history being doomed to repeat it? This is certainly applicable to the safety programs of businesses. If accidents are to be avoided, the business must learn how and why they happen in the first place. It’s only through this knowledge that businesses can prevent alike accidents from reoccurring.

An accident investigation should be devised in a manner that will thoroughly and objectively gather information, not assign blame and carelessly point fingers. Accidents are rarely the result of one solitary causative agent. In fact, they generally involve a multitude of direct and indirect factors that result in human failure, mechanical failure, and/or poor work environment. Once a thorough investigation is completed, the business should effectively be able to develop new training and safety protocols to prevent the same incident from happening again. Here are ten tips to assist you in thoroughly conducting an investigation into an accident:

1. Always make sure any injured individuals receive appropriate first aid treatment and medical care.
2. Don’t disturb the area where the accident took place.
3. Secure the accident area.
4. Ensure the site is safe before beginning an investigation, but begin the investigation as soon as it is safe to do so to make sure that evidence hasn’t been disturbed and the incident is fresh on the minds of witnesses.
5. The safety program should define employee protocol for dealing with an accident site.
6. The safety program should also have an investigation guideline and checklist to ensure proper protocol adherence.
7. Materials needed to conduct an investigation should be readily available – camera, video recorder, personal protective equipment, notepads, pens and markers, accident and incident forms, checklists, measuring tape, evidence containers, and so forth. These should be used to thoroughly document the site of the accident, gather and record information, and preserve evidence.
8. All witnesses should be documented immediately and interviewed as soon after the accident as possible.
9. Anyone that used the equipment involved or that was near the accident scene just before or after the accident should also be documented immediately and interviewed as soon as possible.
10. Objective questions should be asked in a manner that will give a comprehensive snapshot of the accident, events leading up to the accident, and the conditions of the environment surrounding the accident. This should include supervisory instruction, equipment condition, work protocol, weather conditions, and such.

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Unhappy with Your Workers’ Compensation Company, Pricing or Service?  Want to Get Away From Invasive Audits?   We Represent 10+ Companies and Can Offer You the Best Policies, Excellent Pricing, GREAT Service and EXPERT Advice!  You Will Deal with One (1) Person That When You Call or Email, Will Be There to Help Day and Evening!  Forget Dealing With Big, Factory Companies or Computer Systems!  We Have Special Programs for the: Auto, Construction, Limousine Service, Manufacturer and Transportation Industries.  Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853…Be Treated Like a V.I.P.!  

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From the above, the business should be able to analyze the collected information and evidence and determine how and why the accident occurred. From there, the business will be able to create or adjust safety and training protocols to prevent future accidents.

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group

Employers should always make it a top priority to provide workers with a safe working environment. That said, accidents can still happen, even when employers strictly enforce safety practices and employees strictly adhere to them. Incidents happen due to a breakdown, departure, or failure in the acceptable method of performance. When an accident does unfortunately occur, the incident investigation report will serve in several important objectives. So, it’s vital that a timely and thorough incident investigation takes place.

The Purpose Of Incident Investigation

The main purpose of an incident investigation is for the employer to learn why the breakdown happened and determine procedures that could be put into place to prevent it from reoccurring. The employer should gather and examine the data they collect to figure out where and why the departure from acceptable behavior happened. Employers can learn from errors and increase future productivity from knowing if there was any indication of the breakdown prior to it occurring, or if there was any possible point that the breakdown could have been interrupted and stopped.

Legal liability is another purpose of investigating the incident. During the investigation, the employer will gather information that could be paramount in mounting a possible defense against any resulting lawsuit(s). The defense team in such lawsuits will build their strategy based on the what, when, who, where, why, and how of the incident, data that’s often revealed during the incident investigation.

How Should The Investigative Process Take Place?

The investigative process will begin as the scene of the incident is reviewed and examined. This can provide an exact reason, or possible scenarios, as to why the incident happened. Pictures should be taken of the incident scene. The pictures can later be compared to blueprints, diagrams, or drawings of the area to help determine what chain of events led up to the incident occurring.

Now, it’s time to question all witnesses that may have information leading up to, during, or just after the incident. You can use forms created by regulatory agencies or internally created forms to guide the questioning process. Either way, using the completion of the form as a format for the questions asked will help to maintain objective questioning of witnesses, no matter who is asking or being asked the questions. It’s human nature for most people to immediately form assumptions and theories following the incident. Keep in mind that this type of non-factual information is useless and adds nothing to the validity of the investigation.

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Unhappy with Your Workers’ Compensation Company, Pricing or Service?  Want to Get Away From Invasive Audits?   We Represent 10+ Companies and Can Offer You the Best Policies, Excellent Pricing, GREAT Service and EXPERT Advice!  You Will Deal with One (1) Person That When You Call or Email, Will Be There to Help Day and Evening!  Forget Dealing With Big, Factory Companies or Computer Systems!  We Have Special Programs for the: Auto, Construction, Limousine Service, Manufacturer and Transportation Industries.  Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853…Be Treated Like a V.I.P.!  

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All the gathered information will be carefully analyzed by the investigator to determine what elements are explainable and what elements still need an explanation. The chronology of the chain of events will be explored. Then, the actions of those involved are looked at along side concurrently occurring actions to see if any of the concurrently occurring actions had any bearing on the incident.

Following the analysis, the investigator will make a written report that contains a description of the incident, the circumstances and elements that led to the incident occurring, why the incident occurred, and any recommendations to prevent it from reoccurring. The report should accompany the physical documentation collected by the investigator.

While an incident investigation is initially about investigating, it makes little sense to know the what, how, and such of the incident if nothing is done to prevent it from reoccurring. So, the last stage of the incident investigation is about implementing the recommended changes suggested in the final report. For optimal success during the implementation stage, the employer should assign a task force to ensure that the recommendations are put into place, supported from the top down, and are subsequently followed by everyone.

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group

Business owners from all industries know that they have controllable costs and fixed costs. Owners hold on to their financial books with clasped hands and hope for the best outcome when it comes to fixed costs. However, owners can proactively work on getting control over their controllable costs, but it does take an effort. One such controllable cost that business owners can work on is workers’ compensation.

You’ll need to start by understanding that managing your worker compensation expenses won’t involve a one-step solution, but rather a multi-faceted approach to the overall issue.

Begin before the claim is filed. You might have heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure or a stitch in time saves nine, meaning that it’s easier to forestall a problem now than fix the results once it happens. Nothing is truer when it comes to managing and containing controllable costs. If you want to control your workers’ compensation costs, then you must develop a systematic procedure for reporting, monitoring, and correcting workplace behaviors that are considered unsafe. It’s important that these procedures are a priority for all your employees, not just a responsibility held by your management team.

An analysis should be done to determine the potential risks of a given job, such as musculoskeletal issues created by a workstation design being ergonomically incorrect or injuries caused by repetitive stress or movements. Of course, the workers actually performing the job are ideal choices to be directly involved in such an analysis. Do keep in mind that this analysis will only be as effective as the method used to collect the findings. The analysis should be done in a structured setting and at a designated time. It should include your senior management, first-line supervisors, and a set number of representatives from the department staff. The participants should be presented with a problem and given sufficient time to brainstorm for potential solutions to the problem. At the conclusion of the meeting, the staff should be told when they will be notified of what and when the chosen solution(s) will be implemented. In the meantime, you can use feasibility studies to help you determine which solutions will be most workable and practical for your business. In order to ensure that quality improvements are continuous and have the greatest impact on your workers’ compensation numbers, these brainstorming meetings will need to be a regularly ongoing practice.

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Unhappy with Your Workers’ Compensation Company, Pricing or Service?  Want to Get Away From Invasive Audits?   We Represent 10+ Companies and Can Offer You the Best Policies, Excellent Pricing, GREAT Service and EXPERT Advice!  You Will Deal with One (1) Person That When You Call or Email, Will Be There to Help Day and Evening!  Forget Dealing With Big, Factory Companies or Computer Systems!  We Have Special Programs for the: Auto, Construction, Limousine Service, Manufacturer and Transportation Industries.  Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853…Be Treated Like a V.I.P.!  

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New employees should undergo safety training and existing employees should undergo refresher safety training. Some employers tend to skimp on refresher training, but just keep in mind that it’s often the seasoned workers that have performed the same job over and over for an extended period of time that feel most comfortable taking the shortcuts that create safety hazards. During your safety training, you might also consider adding some of the most common unsafe practices seen in your industry and actually hold a demonstration as to why they should never be part of an employee’s work practices.

A return-to-work program should also be in place so that employees with a claim can stay connected to their workplace; be apprised of the employee memos, newsletters, and bulletins; and return to work ready to go.

In closing, part of your multi-faceted approach to controlling workers’ compensation should also include an annual assessment of your workers’ compensation package and the carrier. You should know what the fees paid are for the benefits provided and what the cost to operate is in comparison. Research what various carriers are currently offering and do a comparison against what you already have in place to see if there are any cost savings available from changing carriers.

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation insurance, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around a third of all workers’ compensation claims are filed by employees only on the job for a year or less, with 13% being filed by an employee in their first three months of employment.

You can evaluate the statistics as they relate to your own company’s claims by sorting your employees into two categories – those employed longer than one year and those employed less than a year. Once all your employees have been sorted into the two groups, you can determine the frequency of claims per 100 employees from each group. If a large section of your workforce is aging and working physically demanding jobs, then you may find that your long-term employee group may have more claims. However, most employees will find that it’s their shorter-term employees that have the higher claim frequency.

It’s the lack of experience and training that’s one of the main culprits behind shorter-term employees having a higher claim frequency. The good news is that as they get more work hours under their belt and receive additional classroom and/or on-the-job training, they will gain experience and knowledge about safety hazards and become more safety conscious as they perform their job tasks.

Another factor causing new hires to be more prone to accidents is their personality traits and habits. Some workers may have a personality that leaves them with a tendency to ignore the rules. Other workers may simply believe that they should be left to their own devices if they get their work done on time. There are also certain employees that are prone to using short cuts. Maybe it’s in their nature, or maybe from habit, but either way they do it without regard to the risks involved.

As far as personality factors go, one of the best solutions will be to pre-screen applicants so that you can help avoid hiring someone that doesn’t demonstrate habits and personality traits conducive to your ideal working environment. The two types of pre-screening tests are: behavioral assessments and personality measures.

Behavioral assessments will ask an applicant extremely direct questions, such as about personal drug use and theft. It’s easy to mistakenly assume that the applicant would just lie and answer the question as it should be answered. However, behavioral assessment questions are so blunt that the applicant is often caught not paying attention and will automatically answer the questions honestly without even thinking about it or realizing they’re admitting to a bad behavior. The behavioral assessment will allow you to know the exact nature of the risk the applicant poses.

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Unhappy with Your Workers’ Compensation Company, Pricing or Service?  Want to Get Away From Invasive Audits?   We Represent 10+ Companies and Can Offer You the Best Policies, Excellent Pricing, GREAT Service and EXPERT Advice!  You Will Deal with One (1) Person That When You Call or Email, Will Be There to Help Day and Evening!  Forget Dealing With Big, Factory Companies or Computer Systems!  We Have Special Programs for the: Auto, Construction, Limousine Service, Manufacturer and Transportation Industries.  Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853…Be Treated Like a V.I.P.!  

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Personality tests will examine an applicant’s personal characteristics, attitude, and opinions. The questions are much more indirect than a behavioral assessment. The responses can help you evaluate and rank various job applicants based on the possible risks they pose.

In closing, using both tests together can be a very potent risk control tool. Employers that utilize such pre-screening tests also find that they can save significantly from both better avoiding hiring an applicant that’s not very likely to stick with the job -and- from potentially reducing their number of workers’ compensation claims.

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation insurance, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group

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

Minor Injury, Major Claim

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

Falsified/Exaggerated Claims

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

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

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

Observing Patterns

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

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

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

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

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Unhappy with Your Workers’ Compensation Company, Pricing or Service?  Want to Get Away From Invasive Audits?   We Represent 10+ Companies and Can Offer You the Best Policies, Excellent Pricing, GREAT Service and EXPERT Advice!  You Will Deal with One (1) Person That When You Call or Email, Will Be There to Help Day and Evening!  Forget Dealing With Big, Factory Companies or Computer Systems!  We Have Special Programs for the: Auto, Construction, Limousine Service, Manufacturer and Transportation Industries.  Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853…Be Treated Like a V.I.P.!  

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Claim Reduction

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

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

Cost Mitigation

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

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

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

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

Wellness, Don’t Be Afraid

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

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group

How can managing your workers’ compensation claims process protect every employee?

The first step is to file the claim right away. To this end, have claim forms available to all supervisors. Some companies keep forms near the first aid kit alongside the OSHA log. Management must acknowledge the problem to correct it, so keep good records.

Keep any information regarding preferred doctors networks or nearest emergency care facility with the first aid kit. Maps to these facilities help in crisis management.

Because of the privacy laws, keeping records of employee health concerns (hypertension, diabetes, allergies to medicines) at the ready is tricky at best. Without making the records readily accessible by anyone, they need to be available to supervisors in an emergency.

The insurance company has a depth of claims experience that no insured can have. If not treated properly, some injuries worsen over time. The company has a right to investigate and guide treatment and rehabilitation. A delay in reporting that causes the situation to worsen may create coverage problems. Dutifully report all claims immediately.

Allow the insurance company to investigate the claim. Usually, if the claim results in only medical bills and no lost time, the company will not spend time finding causation; but your company management needs to understand the progression of events that leads to any loss.

Uncover the cause. Were safety appliances, equipment, and personal protection in place and used properly? When the employee was drug tested after the claim, was that an issue?

Use any claim as an opportunity to discuss safety at your next scheduled safety meeting. Discuss the following topics as collateral to the claim:

Assure employees the injury is covered by workers’ compensation and the injured will be cared for properly. If the injured is at work, have them report on the level of care.  Discuss the results of the investigation regarding the cause of the loss in neutral terms, but no personal information about the employee. This discussion is about future avoidance, not humiliation.  Remind employees of the drug testing policy and explain the policy aims to protect everyone.

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Unhappy with Your Workers’ Compensation Company, Pricing or Service?  Want to Get Away From Invasive Audits?   We Represent 10+ Companies and Can Offer You the Best Policies, Excellent Pricing, GREAT Service and EXPERT Advice!  You Will Deal with One (1) Person That When You Call or Email, Will Be There to Help Day and Evening!  Forget Dealing With Big, Factory Companies or Computer Systems!  We Have Special Programs for the: Auto, Construction, Limousine Service, Manufacturer and Transportation Industries.  Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853…Be Treated Like a V.I.P.!  

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If the insurance company investigation implies fraud, fake injury, review safety rules or regulations in a more generic form. Perhaps discuss slips, trips, and falls prevention as opposed to that specific incident.

Risk avoidance is your best measure against workers’ compensation injuries. Maintaining a safety culture with training, meetings, and management leadership keeps a workplace safer. Having proper paperwork and first aid readily available reduces the lost production effect of injuries.

The more prepared you are to handle an injury professionally, the more you protect your workforce. Manage ahead of the crisis with proper planning.

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group

We have new contractor general liability programs that if we can fit you into one of them, you can save up to 30+%!

The other day we obtained a quote for a contractor who was paying $60,000+ for their general liability coverage.  Our pricing came in at $41,000!  That’s a $19,000 savings!  We used higher payrolls too so the saving are actually greater!

How would you like better coverage for less money?

How would you like to get rid of some of the crazy exclusions you have in your policy?

How would you like to be serviced by an organization that specializes in construction insurance and when you call, get someone on the phone always?

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Unhappy with Your Workers’ Compensation Company, Pricing, Service?  We Represent 10+ Companies and Can Offer You the Best Policies, Excellent Pricing, GREAT Service and EXPERT Advice!  You Will Deal with One (1) Person That When You Call or Email, Will Be There to Help Day and Evening!  Forget Dealing With Big, Factory Companies or Computer Systems!  Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853…Be Treated Like a V.I.P.!  Note: We Have Special Programs for High Risk Contractors Such as Asbestos, Demolition and Roofers!  Call Today!  ________________________________________________________________________________________

When it comes to construction insurance, your broker really needs to know what they’re doing.  Surplus & Excess Line insurance companies design their own coverage forms and if you do not understand them, at time of claim you can end up without coverage.

For instance, “Blanket Additional Insured Endorsement,” some forms ONLY cover the entity you have a signed contract with.  But in contract it may require you cover 10 other entities that you do not have signed contracts with.  Unless you understand whose covered, you can be in for a rude awakening.  Forget your broker issued a certificate showing everyone is covered, what governs is the insurance policy contract.

With the state of the economy, getting insurance costs down is a good idea.

BGES Group can help you do that.  All we need for you to do is call.

Look what some of our clients have to say about us:

V Jakupi

Best Insurance Broker you can get period!
In the middle of the busy season we received a letter from our old carrier that they no longer service NY, only NJ. We had only 60 days to find a new company. We got in touch with Gary who is very knowledgeable, friendly and experienced, assured us that he will take care of our insurance and he did. It has been now more than 5 years without an issue. Glad we found them and looking forward continuing working with Gary and the group.

E Ezhova

My broker, Gary Wallach, is the BEST!  He’s professional and a pleasure to deal with. Always has the answers for me and is quick to respond to my emails and phone calls. This is one reason I remain a loyal BGES Group customer. Good Rates on all my insurance needs too!

R Lodato

Gary was very Helpful and Fast. He listened to my complicated insurance problem tried to solve it from different approaches before finding the best course of action for me. He selflessly spent a lot of time making sure that leaving the State Insurance Fund was definitely necessary before using his services. I am 100% happy with his services. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

E. Zaretsky

We have used BGES Group for our insurances for over 20 years and had an amazing relationship with Gary Wallach. Gary is always looking for the lowest cost insurance, the highest quality, and his speed at providing certificates cannot be matched by anyone.

WP Blue

We have been using Gary and his services for over 10 years now. He is absolutely amazing. Always right on top of things. Answers you back quickly and helps you through all your issues! Gets you certificates of insurances within the hour. We can’t recommend him enough!

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group

It might be hard to fathom any type of audit being beneficial, but premium audits are actually just as important to you as they are to your insurance carrier. When you were first issued your policy, the carrier looked at the estimated sales figures or payroll data that you provided to them. They calculated your premiums based on this information. Now that you have real numbers under your belt and an actual experience, the information can be reassessed to determine the correct premium amount.

Depending on how your business operates and the size of your policy, there are several different methods your insurance carrier can use to conduct your premium audit, including:

1. Mail – your carrier will mail you an audit form and the instructions to complete the form. Once completed, you will return the form by mail to your carrier.

2. Phone – your carrier will hire an independent audit company to conduct your audit over the phone.

3. Physical – your carrier will usually conduct the audit at your business, but it could be conducted at an alternative location, such as your certified public accountant (CPA’s) office.

Regardless of the method, the audit will typically include your disbursements and payroll journals, ledgers, tax and Social Security reports, state unemployment forms, and other accounting records being inspected. As you can see, an enormous amount of data will be inspected. You can use the following tips to help you prepare for your audit, help it run smoothly, and end positively.

Before The Audit Arrives

* You should try to get an idea of what the auditor will be reviewing by looking at the auditor’s work sheets and past audit billing statements.

* Determine which of your employees would be best suited to work with the auditor. Look for someone that’s both knowledgeable about the accounting records that will be used in the audit and about what work is done by various employees and departments.

* Assemble all the accounting records that will be used during the audit.

* Ensure that you have certificates of insurance on hand for all subcontractors you’ve used. Don’t forget to make sure that your documentation shows all the contractors have their own general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

* Check that your payroll documents include a breakdown of wages according to class code, department, and employee.

The Day Of The Audit

* To make sure you have all the applicable records easily available to the auditor, you might request the audit be conducted at your business.

* Don’t be afraid to ask the auditor to explain any points that aren’t perfectly clear to you.

* Request a hard copy of what the auditor finds.

After The Audit

* Carefully assess the audit billing statement, comparing it to your original policy.

* Don’t agree to pay any additional premium dollars until after you’ve made a list of all changes and discussed any problematic areas with the auditor.

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group

Workers Compensation Audit

General Liability Audit

BGES Group is one of tri-states “Construction Insurance Specialists” who can help you with the following:

1. If you’re unhappy with your pricing let us market your account to our network of 50 construction insurance companies and find you better.
2. We represent “The Top Main Street” programs and “All The Best Surplus Line Plans” too.
3. We have incredible leverage with carriers and can get you very, very, very competitive pricing and coverage usually better than most agencies.
4. Unlike 99% of agencies, “Construction Insurance” is our specialty so we know the nuances of each company’s coverage, limitations, exclusions and conditions.  We are NOT ORDER takers!  You need to deal with someone that really knows what they’re doing otherwise when a claim occurs, you can be uncovered.  We “ARE THE CONSTRUCTION AGENCY” you want to represent YOU!
5. Tell us what your issues are.  Let us find you a better fit.
6. Need help with insurance contract reviews?  We have a department set up to review contracts before you sign them.
7. Need help dealing with “Real Estate Management Companies?”  We can step in and talk to them on your behalf so you can focus on work and we can get you approved.
8. Need help screening subs insurance.  We have a department set up to screen subs insurance to make sure 1) They are in compliance with your policy insurance requirements; 2) You are properly protected in the event of a claim.
9. Can’t get someone on the phone when you need help?   You will be able to get us day or evening by calling 914-806-5853.  No more talking to a phone system.  No more waiting on hold.  No more hearing your contact is out to lunch or in a meeting or on vacation.  Call when you need and we will be there to help!
10. Other coverages we can help you with:
    1. Business Auto – We have 5 companies to market your account to.
    2. Commercial Umbrella Liability – We represent all the best liability companies.  Unhappy with the pricing you pay, try us.
    3. Worker’s Compensation – We offer Stand-a-Lone Policies, Payroll/WC Programs; Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and State and Assigned Risk Plans.  Unhappy with your company, service, their audits, want to get away from the carrier you now have, we can get you better.
    4. Bonds – We have a separate bonding department with extensive expertise, leverage and we can get the job done for you when most can’t.  Need better rates, higher bond limits, try us!
    5. Group Health – We have a separate health department set up for our clients.  Rates keep going up.  Coverage keeps changing.  Most people worry when they get sick what kind of bills they are going to have to pay.  Let us help you through this maze.  Call 914-806-5853 and ask fro Gary.

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group

If you’ve been involved in a large construction project, you are familiar with surety bonds and all of the underwriter’s questions you need to answer. If you’re new to the game, it can be daunting.

Many small contractors pass on bidding for projects if they require a payment and/or performance bond. They may have the finances, track record and experience to complete the project, but the application process for bonds can be forbidding.

But it doesn’t have to be that way as long as you are prepared and know what kind of questions the surety insurer’s underwriter will be asking.

Surety bonds are generally performance bonds, which protect the project owner from financial loss if the contractor’s work is defective or of poor quality, or if the contractor fails to complete the work or follow the terms and conditions in the agreement.

For example, if the contractor fails to finish a project due to a shortage of workers or financial problems, the surety company has to step in and perform in the contractor’s place. Obviously, it’s in the carrier’s best interest to insure projects where they won’t be asked to perform. As a result, the questioning can feel like an inquisition, but it’s worth it to be prepared so that the insurer underwrites the bond and you can get to work.

The parties

There are generally three parties to a performance bond:

The obligee This is the project owner, typically a local, state or federal agency, that will require the bond.

The principal This is the contractor that’s been hired to work on the project. Whenever a building contract requires a surety bond, it’s up to the contractor to secure it. The insurer will be most interested in the three “Cs” of surety bonds, namely, your company’s:

• Character,
• Capacity, and
• Capital.

The surety insurer  This is the company that will underwrite and back up the bond. They’re the ones that will be asking you the tough questions.

Typical application questions

The underwriting process is meticulous and various insurers have different questions they will ask. Some that a contractor can expect include:

• Have you, the principal, ever worked with this owner or general contractor (if you’re a subcontractor)? What was that project and was it successfully completed?
• Can we confirm financing on any private project? This question aligns with Section 2.21 on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Document A201.
• What is the proposed project scope? Have you worked on a similar project before, and what was the outcome of that project?
• Geographically, are there any constraints that could impact your ability to complete the project? For example, if you’re working in a state with proprietary workers’ compensation laws, can you obtain the necessary insurance coverage to comply with that state’s statutory workers’ compensation requirements?
• What is the warranty period? Is it a typical time period or longer than usual?
• Name any material manufacturers involved in the warranties, and do the contract terms allow the contractor to tender claims to them?

Other areas of scrutiny

Besides the above, the surety insurer will also likely want to know:

• If the start and completion dates in the contract are feasible.
• The amount of the bid bond if there is one.
• Any warranty terms and if they are sensible.
• The payment terms and if they will allow the general contractor to manage the funds during the life of the project. In other words, will the period payments be enough to pay workers and purchase materials?
• If there is any retainage, or the withholding of the final contract payment for a specific time period to ensure that the job has been properly completed.
• If there are any damages that are set out in the contract in case of non-performance or shoddy workmanship.
• If the contractor’s costs to complete other projects that it is working on are sufficient to ensure that it can cover its general and administrative costs in the following year.

The above list is not exhaustive and some surety insurers may have different areas they will want to explore to ensure the contractor has the wherewithal to complete the project.

If you are vying for a contract that requires a surety bond, you’ll want to make sure your finances are up to snuff and that you have a strong track record.

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’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 60+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

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 – 2022 – BGES Group