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

In today’s economy where the cost of doing business continues to soar, companies need to take steps to operate as cost-efficiently as possible. Employers can take greater control of instituting and enforcing preventive measures and injury management procedures by initiating simple internal procedures that hold individual departments accountable for workers’ compensation expenses. These procedures will help decrease both the frequency and severity of injuries, a win-win situation for employees and employers alike, resulting in reduced claims and reduced workers’ compensation premiums.

By communicating directly with those employees who are potential workers’ compensation beneficiaries, employers can more readily attain their safety goals. As a first step, employers should perform a simple analysis to identify high-risk groups based on a history of claims and injuries. Asking employees on a departmental level to think about and discuss the injury management process will improve communication among all parties in the working environment. Having at-risk employees talk about how a job can be performed more safely will produce the end result of reducing injuries. Conversely, asking employees to explain how injuries may occur because of unsafe equipment or incomplete work procedures will aid the employer in properly managing its safety procedures and work environment.

Too frequently, workplace injuries are not reported on a timely basis. Supervisors often fail to recognize and report accidents, hoping they will disappear without resulting in lost-time or medical expenses. This practice often causes greater expenses because the initial injury was not reported and treated immediately.

The company can further reduce injuries within each department by emphasizing job safety during training programs, and by periodically reviewing work patterns. If an employee does become injured, the employer and employee should share the common goal of returning the employee to work as soon as possible. Both parties should should desire the most effective medical treatment, a timely recovery, and a smooth, safe transition as the employee returns to the workplace.

Another benefit derived from each department being responsible for its own workers’ compensation costs, is that departmental managers can have a hands-on approach in helping injured employees return to work. Instead of having the injured employee contacted by a third party (which is usually a claims adjuster or even an attorney), the employer’s concern and response is directly communicated to the out-of-work employee.

Despite the fact that there are a few workers who intentionally defraud the system, they are very much the exception rather than the rule. Examining workers’ compensation costs on a departmental level makes it much harder for malingerers to file fraudulent claims.

Since accidents do happen, it is not possible to eliminate all injuries and their resulting claims. However, the severity and frequency of injuries can be greatly reduced by placing responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment at the departmental level. In the long run, both the individual department and the company as a whole reap the rewards.

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

Americans are getting less physical activity than ever, with people now spending an average of more than 13 hours a day in a chair.

Prolonged periods of sitting are known to lead to increased obesity rates, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, diabetes – and even increased risk of cancer.

According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, those who spent over 13 hours per day sitting had double the mortality risk of those who spent less than 11 hours per day.

So far, despite the rise in office job cumulative-trauma injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, there have not been any workers’ comp claims for health issues developed from sitting at a desk. Some claims for back problems, like compressed disks, have been covered by workers’ comp in the past, but not high blood pressure and obesity.

While employers can’t be held liable for health issues that develop from sitting hours at a time, many companies are taking active steps to get workers on their feet again, and moving around – both in the workplace and during off-duty hours.

How you can help

Examples of what you as an employer can do are:

• Walking breaks. Encourage sedentary workers such as computer operators to take frequent breaks to walk around. There are significant health benefits for even short walking breaks to break up long periods of sitting, even if the caloric burn is very modest.
• Install treadmill desks. These desks allow normally sedentary workers to continue moving even while being productive at their workstations.
• Sit-and-stand workstations. Many companies have installed workstations that allow workers to alternate between sitting and standing while working. In 2014, Denmark became the first country to require employers to give workers the option of having a standing desk.
  When combined with counseling and education, the sit-and-stand desk has been found to be effective in reducing sitting time by up to two hours per day, as well as the duration of sitting times.
• Install high tables. Employers have found that higher tables lead to more standing meetings – and more time standing rather than sitting.
• Have ‘walking meetings.’ Research has shown that walking meetings stimulate more creativity and more honest employee feedback than traditional meetings. And they get workers on their feet.
• Devote floor space to exercise.  Some companies have found success installing exercise bikes, a basketball court, weights, yoga mats or other exercise equipment at the office – and encouraging employees to use them.
• Allow paid time off to exercise. Clif Bar, a health food company, allows its more than 200 employees up to 2½ hours of paid exercise time each week – an average of a half-hour per day. The company also employs several professional fitness trainers and conducts more than 30 exercise classes each week in its on-campus gym.
  Mobify, a Vancouver tech company, holds multiple rooftop yoga classes for employees each week.
• Install some games. Bring in a ping pong or foosball table to get employees active. Studies have shown that workers more than make up for time away from their desks when they return from a period of physical activity by being more creative and productive.

Regardless of the specific measures you take in your worksite, it’s important for senior managers to take the lead. Executives should personally participate in workplace wellness and fitness initiatives – and encourage others to join them.

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

One sure-fire way for a business to get sued is if a visitor a customer, vendor or any third party injures themselves while on your premises.

Injury lawsuits can be costly, with outlays for medical costs and potential lost income if the injured party misses work, punitive damages if the case goes to court, and legal fees. Even if you prevail in the lawsuit, you’ll still be out significant sums for your lawyers.

That’s why it’s important that you have a two-pronged approach that comprises maintaining a safe facility and having a commercial liability insurance policy.

Your risks

Whether you own your building or rent it, once someone steps into your facilities or jobsite, you have a duty to make sure they are safe.

Someone who injures themselves in a facility a company rents would likely go after both the landlord and the tenant (you), but if they are in your offices and not a common area in a larger building, you would likely be the main defendant.

Also, many landlords have clauses in their contract that require tenants to assume full responsibility for maintaining safety in the areas they rent.

Besides someone slipping and falling on your premises, there is a host of other liability risks that you may face, including:

• A visitor or an employee assaulting another visitor.
• A visitor being injured by machinery or equipment.
• Someone being hit by a vehicle in your parking lot.

How to protect visitors

You should take all steps necessary to protect everyone who enters your premises.

Besides that, you should do the following to make sure your facilities are safe:

Inspect the facility Form a committee with employees from each department to inspect all areas a visitor might enter.

The committee should do monthly walk-throughs to look for any safety issues, paying particular attention to walkways and other areas that outsiders may access. The main focus should be to ensure those areas are uncluttered and free of tripping dangers.

These walk-throughs should be done at varying times of day to account for different activities during those times (such as a janitor mopping the floor in the early morning).

Training Train your employees to keep walkways clear at all times and practice workplace safety.

Make corrections Once you find an unsafe condition, correct it immediately. If you can’t address it straightaway, you should cordon off the area until it can be tackled and put up warning signs.

How to protect your business

To cover your business, the first step is to purchase a basic commercial general liability insurance policy.

Most CGL policies will cover many of the expenses of a premises liability lawsuit, including legal costs and any settlements or judgments, up to the limit of the policy. If someone is injured and doesn’t file suit, the policy will pay for their medical expenses.

Premiums are calculated based on a number of factors that affect your risk picture:

• Location (city, state, region)
• Industry
• Size of your company (larger companies tend to pay more for coverage)
• Claims history
• Policy coverage limits
• Deductible (a higher deductible means a lower premium, and vice versa).

For a basic $1 million CGL insurance policy, a business may pay anywhere between $300 and $1,000 a year depending on the above factors. Most policies are sold in $1 million increments. If you need more coverage than the insurer is willing to underwrite, you can purchase a separate umbrella policy.

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 many of you get upset because your broker never shops your insurance?

How many of you get substantial rate increases each and every year?

How many of you can’t get your broker on the phone when you need them?

How many of you get charged $1,000 to $5,000 policy fees per policy and still the service is not great?

Finally how many of you feel your broker is not that knowledgeable and you are unsure of the answers he/she gives you?

How would you like to deal with a 42 year veteran New York Construction Insurance Specialist who WILL ALWAYS treat you like a $10 million dollar client and who:

1. Gets you great rates!
2. Gets you great coverage!
3. Agency represents all the best construction programs for New York contractors!
4. Normally doesn’t charge policy fees!
5. Is always there to answer your calls!
6. Issues certificates within minutes!
7. Doesn’t send you renewal quotes 2 days before policy expires!
8. Watches over your account and markets it regularly!
9. Responds to your emails immediately!
10. Treats you like a V.I.P. and is extremely responsible, listens and who fights for you like a street fighter!

Coverages Offered:

Property

Tools & Equipment

Builders Risk

Contractors Liability – We have THE BEST programs available for N.Y. contractors

Umbrella Liability

Business Auto

Bid & Performance Bonds

Workers’ Compensation – We have THE BEST programs available for N.Y. contractors

N.Y.S. Disability

Group Health

We offer every coverage a contractor needs

Listen to what clients have to say:

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 Feel It’s Time for a Change, Contact BGES Group, Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853

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

Liability insurance is important for contractors and subcontractors. This type of coverage offers financial protection from the results of accidents, injuries and property damage caused during a project. When working on a construction project, many workers accidentally damage the property in one way or another. Mishandled tools, dropped items or misinterpreted directions are often the sources of property damage incidents. The regular standards of business require contractors to have proof of adequate construction liability coverage prior to starting a project on a structure. This standard is also required for subcontractors.

Commercial Contracting Insurance
Commercial contractors are usually expected to carry multi-million-dollar policies. This allows for coverage of any injuries or construction-related damages to the structure. As a rule, commercial contractors performing riskier tasks have higher coverage amounts. For example, a roofing contractor would have a higher amount than a contractor remodeling the interior of a one-story commercial structure. To finance premiums over the span of several months or one year, indemnity corporations charge contractors a down payment and monthly service fees.

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We Have The Best Contractor Liability Programs in The New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Area.  Being Cancelled, Without Coverage, Paying High Rates, Looking for Better Coverage, Better Service, Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853!

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Residential Building Insurance
This type of coverage is important for any worker in the building business. In many cases, homeowners decide to sue the contractor for damages sustained during the process of construction. If there are any injuries on the job site, some workers may also want to file lawsuits against the contractor or homeowners. A good construction liability policy will protect contractors from loss in unexpected situations and various types of damage lawsuits. However, the contract must require every subcontracting party to have their own coverage. The contract must also state that the contractor does not claim any responsibility for damages occurring during the construction process that are the fault of one or more subcontractors. Policy amounts are related to the amount of money the contractor executes, so it is important to estimate a realistic figure. To be fully protected, it is best to have at least two or three times as much coverage as the total amount of the construction project.

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 claims can occur in any workplace. While employers understand that solid safety protocol can reduce the incidence of these claims, many don’t realize that steps taken during the hiring process can also have some impact on managing this liability. Not taking the time to thoroughly interview applicants to determine if they are a good fit for the job and the company can result in hiring workers who might create problems later on, like filing too many workers’ compensation claims.

Although federal and state laws prohibit certain questions being asked during the interview process, there are techniques you can use that will help you decide if the applicant might be the type to file problem claims. Begin by reviewing the applicant’s resume prior to the interview. Pay careful attention to gaps in employment history. During the interview, ask the applicant to explain the reasons for these gaps. Also ask the applicant about his or her attendance record during previous jobs.

Follow up with open-ended questions to see what the applicant would do in certain situations, such as resolving conflicts with managers, subordinates or co-workers. Quiz the applicant as to what he or she perceives to be the procedures necessary to effectively perform the essential functions of the applied-for job in your company.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We Have The Best Workers’ Compensation Programs for The Construction as Well as ANY Industry!  Being Cancelled, Without Coverage, Paying High Rates, Looking for Better Pricing, Better Service, Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853!

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Inform the applicant that all new hires go through a fitness-for-duty physical, which includes questions about medical history. Watch for any signs of discomfort like a change in facial expression or body movement.

Administer a skill and/or personality test to assess competency and work ethic. Whatever screening tools you use, establish reasonable criteria and apply them uniformly for all applicants.

Obtain written consent from the applicant to conduct a complete background check. As part of this:

• Verify past employment history and follow up with references.

• Conduct a criminal background check. Use a public records service to uncover any criminal convictions.
• Check on past job-related injuries, workers’ compensation claims, substance abuse and safety records.
• Contact the schools and universities listed on the candidate’s job application or resume to verify education and certifications. If the applicant listed having a professional license, call the issuing organization to verify.
• For candidates whose job duties would include driving a motor vehicle, compare the results of the applicant’s official motor vehicle report with the answers provided on the job application.

If you do extend a job offer, make it conditional, contingent upon the candidate’s ability to perform the functions of the job. You can withdraw a job offer, if in the opinion of a licensed medical doctor, the prospective employee poses a direct threat to their own, or others’, health and safety. However, in determining the suitability of an offered job, make sure you make all reasonable accommodations necessary for those candidates subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Thorough job interviews not only help you to hire the right person for the job…they help you hire the right people for your company.

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

If you use workers from staffing or leasing agencies to supplement your workforce, how adequately do your current insurance policies protect your company in the event that one of these individuals is injured on the job?

If you’re covered under an Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) commercial general liability (CGL) policy and your workers’ compensation and employers liability policies are written on National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) forms with no additional coverage endorsements, you may not be as protected as you think. You should consider adding the Coverage for Injury to Leased Workers (CG 04 24) endorsement to your CGL policy.

A potential gap in coverage arises from the way the CGL policy defines “temporary” and “leased” workers. A leased worker is a person leased to your company through an agreement with an employee-leasing firm to perform duties related to the operation of your business. A temporary worker is a person furnished to you to fill in for a permanent employee on leave or to meet seasonal or short-term workload conditions. Under the terms of the CGL policy, “employee” includes a leased worker, but does not include a temporary worker. The distinction is important, because the CGL policy’s Exclusion e: employers liability, excludes from coverage bodily injury claims made by an employee of the insured.

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We Have The Best Workers’ Compensation Programs for The Construction as Well as ANY Industry!  Being Cancelled, Without Coverage, Paying High Rates, Looking for Better Pricing, Better Service, Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853!

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Thus, if your CGL policy definitions consider the worker to be an “employee”-even though that worker is provided by a staffing agency-the policy will not cover any bodily injury claims by that worker. If the worker is not specifically substituting for a permanent employee who is on leave, or meeting a seasonal need or short-term workload conditions, the worker is not a “temporary worker” in the eyes of the insurer, and instead is considered your employee for purposes of Exclusion e. To be a “temporary worker,” that individual must have a specific end date to his or her employment with you. A temporary employee who is hired for an indefinite period of time simply does not meet the criteria stated above, and is therefore considered an employee, and subject to Exclusion e if they are injured on the job.

Adding the Coverage for Injury to Leased Workers (CG 04 24) endorsement to your CGL policy will help you fill this coverage gap. This endorsement states that the term “employee” does not include a “leased worker” or “temporary worker,” making the employers liability exclusion of the CGL policy inapplicable to the claims for injuries to a leased or temporary worker.

Another way to protect your company in lawsuits by injured temporary workers is to require the staffing agency that provides such workers to include the Alternate Employer Endorsement (WC 00 03 01 A) on its workers’ compensation and employers liability policy, and specifically schedule your company as the alternate employer. This endorsement will provide you with coverage as an alternate employer in the event the temporary worker files a tort suit.

Without the right coverage in place, on-the-job injuries to temporary workers can present a significant potential liability to your company. Examine your current CGL policy and arrangements with any staffing or leasing firms you use to make sure your company is protected.

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

Tempted to hire a private investigator to spy on employees claiming workers’ compensation? You’re not alone. Luckily, covert operations can be avoided by taking a proactive approach to preventing workers’ compensation fraud.

Here are some effective tips for shielding your business.

Watch for red flags

Knowing common signals of workers’ compensation fraud is an important step in protecting your business. Some red flags to watch out for are:

·   There are no witnesses of the accident (or the only witnesses are friends/family members of the injured employee).

·   It is difficult or impossible to reach the employee.

·   The employee changes his or her story about the accident.

·   The accident happened on a Friday afternoon but wasn’t reported until the following week.

·   The accident happened outside of the employee’s normal working hours.

Not all claims that occur under these circumstances are fraudulent, but it may be worth it to take a second look.

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We Have The Best Workers’ Compensation Programs for The Construction as Well as ANY Industry!  Being Cancelled, Without Coverage, Paying High Rates, Looking for Better Pricing, Better Service, Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853!

________________________________________________________________________________

Make safety a priority at your business
Creating a safer work environment not only lowers the chance of accidents, it also reduces the opportunity for employees to fake an injury. Your business should frequently conduct safety inspections of all work areas and any equipment. Remove hazards immediately, and be sure to document the repairs you make.

Thoroughly investigate workplace injuries
Take the time to review any surveillance videos of the area where the incident allegedly took place. Also, be sure to interview all witnesses shortly after the accident happens – and take any rumors of dishonesty or fraud seriously.

Hire wisely
People who lie on rГ(c)sumГ(c)s are more likely to lie about workplace injuries. Make it a routine part of your hiring process to conduct background checks on all applicants. And don’t neglect to verify their references and any other information included on their applications and rГ(c)sumГ(c)s.

Clearly communicate your workers’ compensation policies
It’s important to discuss your workers’ compensation policies with all employees. Tell them what to do when an injury occurs, and explain that insurance costs affect the amount of money available for raises and bonuses. Also, make sure you tell your employees that workers’ compensation fraud is a serious crime that will lead to termination and prosecution. Post fraud awareness posters in conspicuous locations explaining what fraud is and what its consequences are.

Implement a return-to-work program
Workers’ compensation fraud is less inviting when employers have transitional duty for injured employees. Make sure your employees know that if they get injured on the job, your business will work with the doctor to help them return to work as soon as possible.

Stay in touch
Don’t lose contact with employees who are off work because of an on-the-job injury. Injured workers who are hard to get a hold of might be committing workers’ compensation fraud. Contact them periodically, and document each contact (whether you were able to reach them or not).

Get signed statements when employees leave
In your exit interviews, obtain signed statements from exiting employees stating that they have or have not had any unreported injuries at work. This will go a long way in discouraging post-termination claims.

Workers’ compensation is a major expense for most businesses, and workers’ compensation fraud makes it more costly for everyone. It pays to take a proactive stance to reduce workers’ compensation fraud at your company.

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

When your insurance company issued your workers’ compensation policy, you paid an estimated premium for the term of the policy. This rate was based on the nature of your business and your estimated payroll. However, once your policy expires, the insurance company conducts a premium audit to gather data about your actual costs for the applicable policy term. If there is any shortfall, you are responsible for the difference between the original estimate and actual premium.

Naturally, you want to keep the difference between the estimated and actual rate as low as possible. Consider the following list of tips:

• Have all necessary records available for the auditor.

• Break down your payroll by classification code so that the auditor doesn’t have to classify any unexplained payroll. Leaving the decision up to the auditor could result in having the payroll placed in the highest classification.

• Separate overtime wages from regular wages. This allows the auditor to discount the overtime wages back to regular wages.
• Exclude tips, severance pay, meal and travel advances and bonuses paid for inventions, because none of these are included in workers’ compensation premium calculations.

• Divide uninsured subcontractor billings into material and labor costs since you are only required to pay premiums for labor. If you don’t have an actual split, figure on 50 percent for each. One important exception to this is for heavy equipment operators who are employed as subcontractors. In this case, use a third of their total billings as reportable labor costs.

• Don’t include short- or long-term disability payments in the data given to the auditor because these are excluded from premium calculations.
• Be sure to cap all covered officers’ payroll at the maximum for your state.
• Exclude wages paid to employees who are on active military duty because their wages aren’t included in premium calculations.
• Present the auditor with all Certificates of Insurance for covered subcontractors so you aren’t charged for them.
• Classify all employees in the lower-rated payroll classifications if you aren’t sure about where they should be classified. However, you should never deliberately misclassify an employee.
• Be sure you make the auditor aware of all employees who do only clerical work and are physically located away from the shop floor. These employees qualify to be classified in the lower rated clerical codes. If your clerical staff aren’t physically separate from the shop, you should consider changing their work location.

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