The trend toward employees working remotely that began during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven popular, and many employers have been able to shrink their office costs by leasing smaller spaces.

However, these changes have resulted in increased commercial building vacancy rates, and that can leave their owners with insurance problems. The National Association of Realtors has reported that the nationwide office vacancy rate in 2023 was 13.3%, up from 12.2% the year before. Moody’s Analytics estimates the rate at a record 19.6%.

Insurance companies are hesitant to insure buildings that fall below 50% occupancy because these properties may:

• Be poorly maintained.
• Have pest problems.
• Be susceptible to water leaks.
• Be vulnerable to vandalism and broken windows.
• Be an attractive shelter for homeless individuals, who may use improvised heat sources that can cause fires.

Vacancy has insurance coverage implications even for those that are covered. Different insurance policies define “vacant” in different ways, so a building considered vacant under one policy might not be under another.

Standard vacancy definition

However, a standard policy defines a building as vacant unless at least 31% of its square foot area is either rented to and used by a tenant for normal business operations and/or used by the building owner for normal operations.

If a commercial building falls below 31% occupancy during the insurance policy’s term, the coverage on it may decrease automatically. A typical policy provision states that if the building is vacant for more than 60 consecutive days before a loss occurs, the insurance will not cover a loss caused by:

• Vandalism
• Leakage of an automatic sprinkler system, unless the owner has protected it against freezing
• Building glass breakage
• Water damage
• Theft or attempted theft.

In addition, the payment for covered losses caused by anything else will be reduced by 15%. For example, if a fire caused $100,000 damage, the insurer will pay only $85,000.

Some state laws may permit insurance companies to cancel a policy if they discover that the building has become vacant or not adequately occupied. In hard markets where insurance companies are struggling for profitability, many of them may cancel policies.

In some cases, insurance on vacant buildings may be available only from unregulated insurance companies in the “excess and surplus lines market.” These companies can use policies and rates without getting approval from the state insurance regulator.

They can provide recourse for a building owner who cannot otherwise get coverage, but the policies may provide less coverage for higher premiums than the owners were used to.

To remain attractive to insurance companies, commercial building owners should ensure that:

• A building has heat.
• Protective devices (such as alarm systems and sprinkler systems) are still operational and monitored, if possible.
• Security is still in place.

The takeaway

Insurance companies ordinarily like to insure office buildings. Their occupancies are normally not dangerous, they are usually built with fire-resistive materials, and they typically have visitors for only eight or nine hours a day, five days a week.

Building owners who can keep their properties in good shape during a drop in occupancy may have to pay higher premiums, but they will have an easier time getting insurance.

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

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

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

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

Insuring a building that is vacant

insurance for partial vacant building

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

Employers with 10 or more employees must post their completed OSHA Form 300A by Feb. 1 and keep it posted in their workplace until April 30.

The form must be posted where the company usually posts other employee notices, like minimum wage and workplace safety notices. Form 300A summarizes the total number of fatalities, missed workdays, job transfers or restrictions, and injuries and illnesses as recorded on Form 300.

The Annual Summary Form 300A requires the following information from the Form 300 Log:

• The total number of non-first-aid occupational injury and illness cases.
• The total number of cases with days away from work and cases with job transfer or restriction, and total number of other recordable cases.
• The cumulative total number of days from all injuries or illnesses, including days away from work and job transfer restrictions.
• The number of occupational injury/illness cases, including skin disorders, respiratory conditions, poisoning, hearing loss and all other illnesses.

Despite the form being relatively simple, many employers make mistakes filling it out. Here are the most common errors: 

Keeping one log for multiple locations — Employers are required to keep one OSHA 300 Log per location where they have employees and that is in operation for a year or longer. The corresponding 300A form must also be posted at each location.

Improperly certifying the log — Under regulations, a company executive must certify the 300 Log and the 300A Annual Summary Form. An executive is defined as:

• An owner of the company,
• An officer of the corporation,
• The highest-ranking company official working at the location, or
• The immediate supervisor of the highest-ranking company official working at the location.

Listing all workers’ compensation cases — Only the injuries listed under the regulations must be included in the log. But deciphering OSHA’s recordkeeping rules to determine if an employee’s injury or illness is recordable is challenging.

The requirements and definitions differ significantly from those established under state workers’ compensation laws and, while there may be some overlap, some cases may be one and not the other. 

It is important to only record and report those injuries that are required under the regulations, which require that an employer must record a work-related injury or illness if it results in one or more of the following: 

• Death 
• Days away from work 
• Restricted work 
• Transfer to another job 
• Medical treatment beyond first aid 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Diagnosis by a physician or health care professional of a significant injury or illness. 

Failing to record temp worker injuries — Regulations require that company employees and contract labor or temp worker injuries must be included in the OSHA 300 and OSHA 300A logs. The key is that the company must be in direct supervision of those workers. 

Failing to post the form when there were no recordable injuries or illnesses — This is one of the most common mistakes that employers make. They think since they had no workplace injuries, the form does not need to be posted. That would be incorrect.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

Fed-OSHA penalties for several workplace safety violations by employers have increased for 2024.

The penalties for OSHA violations rise annually to account for inflation under the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. Penalties for most violations increased 3% on Jan. 16 from their 2023 levels.

Here’s a rundown of the new penalties:

• General and regulatory violations, including posting and recordkeeping violations: maximum penalty is $16,131, up from $15,625 in 2023.
• The minimum penalty for a willful violation: $11,524, up from $11,162.
• The maximum penalties for willful and repeat violations: $161,323, from $156,259.
• The maximum penalty for serious violations, including tower cranes and carcinogen use: $25,000, unchanged from 2023.
• The maximum penalty for both a serious and other-than-serious violation: $16,131, up from $15,625.
• The maximum daily penalty for a failure to abate: $16,131, up from $15,625.
• The maximum penalty for a serious repeat violation: $161,323, up from $156,259.

The takeaway

As the maximum penalties for OSHA violations grow every year, and as a responsible employer, you should focus on keeping a safe workplace that is targeted at reducing the risk of injuries to your staff.

It not only helps avoid injuries, but also keeps a lid on your workers’ compensation costs and reduces the chances of receiving citations from OSHA.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

A new rule by the Department of Labor requires firms with 100 or more employees in certain industries to electronically submit their OSHA Form 300 and 301 logs, starting in 2024. These are in addition to submission of Form 300A-Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.

The new rule applies to businesses in 104 high-hazard industries that include the agricultural, food production, manufacturing, retail, wholesale, transportation and medical sectors.

All employers that are subject to OSHA regulations are required to annually submit to OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) and Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report), and their Form 300A.

Additionally, employers are required to post their Form 300A in a conspicuous area in the workplace from Feb. 1 through April 30 every year.

The new rule leaves in place existing regulations requiring:

• Businesses with 20 to 249 workers in certain high-hazard industries to electronically submit information from their Forms 300A once per year.
• All employers with 250 or more workers to electronically submit information from their Forms 300A once per year.

The final day to submit the above electronic files is March 2, 2024.

You can find a full list of the affected 104 industries here.

The following are some of the industries that are affected by the new rule:

• NAICS 3118: Bakeries
• NAICS 3119: Other Food Manufacturing
• NAICS 3121: Beverage Manufacturing
• NAICS 3261: Plastics Product Manufacturing
• NAICS 3262: Rubber Product Manufacturing
• NAICS 3272: Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing
• NAICS 3273: Cement and Concrete Product Manufacturing
• NAICS 3361: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
• NAICS 4244: Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers
• NAICS 4248: Beer, Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers
• NAICS 4413: Automotive Parts, Accessories and Tire Stores
• NAICS 4422: Home Furnishings Stores
• NAICS 4441: Building Material and Supplies Dealers
• NAICS 4442: Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores
• NAICS 4451: Grocery Stores
• NAICS 4522: Department Stores
• NAICS 4931: Warehousing and Storage
• NAICS 5621: Waste Collection
• NAICS 5622: Waste Treatment and Disposal
• NAICS 6219: Other Ambulatory Health Care Services
• NAICS 6221: General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• NAICS 6222: Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals
• NAICS 6223: Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals
• NAICS 6231: Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
• NAICS 6232: Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities

OSHA’s reasoning

OSHA has said that it plans to use the information from the files to identify high-hazard employers and injury trends. It also said that it plans to publish some of the data it collects on its website, which has employers concerned that it may be used by attorneys to target them for lawsuits.

The federal agency says it’s for the sake of transparency and to provide information to employees, potential employees, customers and the general public about a company’s workplace safety history.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

In the bustling world of construction in New York, contractors face various challenges, and securing the right insurance coverage is undoubtedly one of them. BGES Group, New York construction specialists (we can help contractors in NJ and CT too), emerges as a reliable partner for contractors seeking quality general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, and workers’ compensation coverage. 

BGES Group represents all or just about all the best contractor insurance general and umbrella liability programs/companies for New York contractors.  Just as owners bid out their projects to multiple contractors, let BGES Group market your liability policies to our network of up to 50 companies. This approach aims to secure better rates and coverage for YOU.  We have been able to save contractors tens, hundreds of thousands of dollars through our marketing efforts. 

Please note a lot of brokers do not remarket their accounts on a regular basis.  They just let the same companies renew policies year in, year out with 5-10% increases or more.  Their account executives are so overwhelmed with work they don’t even review policies to check for errors.  This can go on for years being financially hazardous to your wealth!

Letting BGES Group get YOU quotes is a great way to make sure you’re NOT overpaying and your coverage is right. 

For Business Auto Policy insurance, BGES Group has up to 10 companies to help contractors reduce their insurance rates.  Unhappy with your current auto rates? Let BGES Group try to find you better.

Unhappy with your Workers’ Compensation insurance rates or company?  BGES Group has access to up to 40 companies.  One program requires just a $200 deposit to bind coverage.  After, every month you go on line, report payrolls and pay what you owe.  It’s real easy and a lot of client’s like this plan. 

BGES Group also offers combined payroll processing and workers’ compensation programs. 

BGES Group can help contractors who have had a run of bad luck with losses and have high experience modifications.  We have helped contractors with hundreds of thousands, one with $1.6 million in losses get coverage.

Sick of your companies intrusive audits where they ask for every payroll document under the sun including checks?  We have programs that offer simplified audits.  Some of our programs once they have you set up correctly may not do an audit annually or for years or they just ask for a few documents. 

A lot of contractors overpaid for their workers’ compensation over the years but do not know it.  BGES Group offers Workers’ Compensation Premium Recovery services. We can go back up to seven years, review past audits, payroll classifications, losses, experience modification factors, credits not given, etc to identify mistakes.  If overpayments are discovered, we go back to contractors companies and get them their money back.  We have helped businesses reclaim $20,000, $230,000 even as much as $500,000.  There are no upfront fees for this service so throw away your skepticism and let us perform this service for you!

Beyond insurance coverage, BGES Group Offers:

1. A “Mom and Pop” service approach in a digital age. Clients benefit from: 1) You deal with one person; 2) Your phone calls are answered by a person immediately and not an office answering system; 3) Your emails are responded to immediately; 4) Your texts are responded to immediately; 5) You will be dealing with Gary Wallach who is always responsive, honest, transparent, helpful, friendly, pleasant, knows how to get things done and makes your life easier! 

• Screening subcontractors for insurance

• Help with creating formal safety group plans

• Insurance contract reviews for jobs being considered

• Fast turnaround for certificates.                                                                      
• Getting away from being charged ridiculous policy and service fees.  This is the new trend with insurance agencies.  We seem them charging thousands in extra fees because they are usually greedy.  We avoid charging any fees unless we do not get paid from a company.                        

Like a Business Associate Referring Us To You, Check Out What People Say About Us On “Google.”

Kinga Stys

I highly recommend Gary Wallach! He is a great guy. Down to earth and extremely nice. The best insurance broker you can find. Highly recommend doing business with him. He will listen to you and you won’t be disappointed.

Anthony D.

I’ve known Gary Wallach for over 20 years. Great Insurance Broker and a super nice guy. It’s always a pleasure to deal with him. If you need someone, he’s your man. A++++

Nils W.

Great operation that you can rely on for your construction insurance needs.

Kimberly E.

I have known Gary since childhood. He is a wonderful and kind man. A true Gentleman.  A GREAT Insurance Broker!

Auslander K.

Gary Wallach is very reliable and trustworthy.  Do business with him! I strongly recommend him to anyone looking for insurance.

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

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

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

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

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 – 2024 – BGES Group

While all businesses need electricity to get the job done, it can also pose a significant safety issue if your workers are careless.

To reduce the chances of a workplace injury or death, it’s imperative that you train your workers in electrical safety. While we’ve all gotten an electrical shock at some point, it should not be taken lightly as even a small amount of electrical current can be fatal if one of your employees is in its path.

Here are some of the main topics you should focus training on:

Metal and water

The danger of electrocution is greatest around metal objects and in damp conditions.

• Train your workers to make sure that all electric equipment, switch enclosures and conduit systems are properly grounded and that all external or damp operations are wired for wet conditions prior to operations.
• They should wear the correct gear, such as rubber gloves and boots, while working in damp environments.
• You should provide rubber mats, insulated tools and rubber sheets to protect them from exposed metal.

Defective equipment

Defective equipment can result in shock or electrocution.

• Workers and supervisors should inspect electrical equipment, outlets, plugs and cords before each use.
• If a worker finds faulty or damaged equipment, they should point it out to a supervisor who should remove, tag and have the item repaired.

Cord management

• Make sure outlets and cords are of adequate size and length to prevent an electrical overload.
• Keep cords out of the way to avoid tripping hazards, as well as damage from being stepped on.
• If cords must cross a traffic area, protect them with planks or other means.

Lockout/blockout

• Follow lockout/blockout procedures. Treat every electric wire as if it were a live one.
• Workers should stop using a tool and appliance if they feel even the slightest shock or tingling.
• They should turn off the power if they smell a hot or burning substance, or if they notice smoke, sparks or flickering lights.

Watch for power supply lines

Contact with overhead power supply lines is one of the most common causes of electrocution. This usually happens when workers are using portable elevators, cranes, pipes or hoisting machinery that puts them in close proximity to power lines.

• Workers using high-clearance devices should continually scan and monitor for danger and take sensible precautions to avoid contact with overhead lines.
• If an overhead line breaks, they should keep away from the wire and everything it touches, and then call the power company to shut off the electricity.
• Only qualified electricians should repair electrical equipment or work on energized lines.

One last thing…

Besides training your workers in all facets of electrical safety, don’t forget to train them in emergency response procedures and CPR, too.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

Requiring good housekeeping and hygiene in your construction job sites can have a spillover effect to your overall workplace safety.

A policy of workplace hygiene in itself encourages good housekeeping at construction sites, and provides workers with clean drinking water, sanitary restrooms and washing facilities to clean up. These practices reduce the chances of cross-contamination to safeguard everyone’s health and safety.

Housekeeping

Stray equipment and tools are a danger to everyone at the worksite. If you have a policy that the workplace must be tidy and all equipment and tools stowed after their use, you can greatly reduce the chances of workplace accidents.

Require that your workers:

Clean the jobsite after major tasks, or at least daily;

• Make sure there is no build-up of hazardous, flammable or combustible materials.
• Stack scrap lumber out of the way and remove protruding nails.
• Keep walkways, stairs and work areas clear.
• Make sure that walking surfaces are as level as possible.

Drinking water

Clean drinking water can be provided by plumbed drinking fountains or with clean portable containers.

Make sure that potable water containers are clearly labeled and have drinking fountain spouts or faucets that can be used to fill single-use water cups. Remember: Water should not be dipped from the container repeatedly with the same cup.

If there is a non-potable water source on the site, make sure that you clearly label that the water is not safe for drinking, washing or cooking.

Bathroom facilities

OSHA requires that you have separate bathroom facilities for every 20 employees (or fewer) of each sex on a job site. For example, if there are 30 men and 10 women, three bathrooms are required. The bathrooms may contain a toilet and urinal, but half of them must have a toilet.

If there are fewer than five employees on a job site, separate bathrooms for each sex are not required if they can be locked and contain a toilet.

Bathrooms should be private and in good working order, with an adequate supply of toilet paper. Inspect and clean bathroom facilities daily.

Washing facilities

Make sure that you also have facilities for your workers to wash their hands. They can wash away harmful substances and use the washing area to service and decontaminate personal protective equipment.

This is especially important to workers using potentially harmful substances such as paints, coatings, solvents or other materials.

Having a washing station helps your employees avoid cross-contamination before eating, drinking, smoking or heading home for the day. It also helps them avoid getting sick later by eating with the same hands that may have been exposed to a hazardous substance.

One washing station is required by OSHA for every 20 (or fewer) employees on a jobsite. Wash areas should be clean, with a good supply of water and soap, other skin-cleansing agents, or special hazardous-substance cleansing compounds. Wash stations require single-use drying towels or a warm-air hand dryer.

Washing facilities must be located outside of the portable toilet but convenient to bathroom facilities, and should be labeled. On jobsites with fewer than five employees and only one portable toilet facility, the washing facility may be located inside the portable toilet station.

The takeaway

• Make sure all of your staff understand that it is their duty to help ensure good hygiene.
• Urge them to immediately report unsanitary or hazardous conditions on the jobsite to their supervisor.
• Urge them to keep the worksite tidy, by cleaning as they go and keeping the site clear of debris, trash and hazardous substances.
• Urge them to use washing facilities to clean their hands and avoid cross-contamination to ensure a healthy work environment for all.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

You should never hire an unbonded subcontractor on a construction project, unless you want to put your organization at significant financial risk.

If the contractor you hired fails to perform their work as specified in the contract, without a performance bond you have no means of recovery from the company. Also, if the subcontractor fails to pay its subcontractors or suppliers, without a payment bond, you could be left holding the bag for the errant unbonded subcontractor.

Despite these risks, many contractors don’t require subcontractors to be bonded because they think bonding raises the cost of a project.

But any costs related to bonding are negligible compared to the problems you may encounter if you deal with unbonded subs.

The two most commonly used contract bonds for general contractors are payment and performance bonds.

• Performance bonds are meant to ensure that a contractor will perform and fulfill its contractual obligations in relation to the project owner or obligee.
• Payment bonds guarantee that the general contractor will pay subcontractors and materials suppliers whatever is owed them. This bond is also meant to protect the client from claims arising against them due to contractor negligence. Payment bonds also cover all first-tier subcontractors and materials suppliers, as well as second-tier subcontractors and materials suppliers to first-tier subcontractors on public construction projects.

In other words, all parties are well covered when a contractor has obtained payment and performance bonds.

General contractors are at risk if a subcontractor defaults on its obligations, or fails to pay its lower-tier subcontractors and suppliers. Even if you have a long-standing relationship with a subcontractor, you are still putting your organization at risk if you do business with them and they are unbonded.

Other benefits

Higher standards — The chances of a subcontractor failing to finish its work, or failing to pay its own subs and supplier, are greatly reduced if they are carrying a bond.

That’s because a surety company must prequalify a company before they can secure a bond. To qualify, they have to go through a stringent process, including an examination and assessment of a company’s financial health and its ability to perform on projects.

The latter process is done by looking at prior projects the company has worked on and its experience in the industry.

The surety firm also assesses the subcontractor’s documentation and how the business operates.

In other words, the prequalification process weeds out subcontractors that are either not fit for a project, or may not have the intention to perform well on it. Sureties have no interest in underwriting bonds to unstable businesses, so they make sure to pick the most reliable subcontractors.

Reliability — Bonded companies are also more likely to work responsibly on your project due to their obligations to the principles of the project under the bond contract’s indemnification agreement.

A subcontractor bond will typically require that the business entity and its owners provide indemnity in the form of personal assets. Thus, subcontractors that are willing to put their personal assets at risk are more likely to see the job through and do it properly.

Good relationships — Most companies that are bonded and have been bonded on other projects will typically have a good relationship with their surety company.

Such partnerships are priceless in the inherently risky construction sector. Companies that operate prudently and which foster and maintain good relationships with their surety companies, suppliers and other contractors are preferred business partners for all involved.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

The U.S. Department of Labor in January 2024 finalized a new federal rule that will make it more difficult for employers to classify workers as independent contractors.

The final rule formally rescinds the independent contractor rule issued by the DOL during the Trump administration a few years ago and provides a different interpretation of how the key test of employment, called the “economic realities test,” should be applied.

But for employers it is likely to sow confusion and may result in individuals being improperly designated as employees when they are, in fact, operating as independent contractors.

Companies who hire contractors that work exclusively for them will have the hardest time trying to continue classifying them as independent contractors. Here are the proposed changes you may want to pay attention to in case your firm uses outside contractors.

The debate about classifying workers has been brewing for decades. Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees have rights to benefits that elude independent contractors, including the rights to a minimum wage, overtime pay, unemployment insurance, health insurance, sick time and employer contributions to Social Security taxes.

Their employers also purchase workers’ compensation insurance to cover them if they are injured on the job.

The final rule

The new rule allows an employer to classify someone as an independent contractor if, “as a matter of economic reality,” that person is in business for themselves.

What “economic reality” is depends on the answers to a six-pronged test, which the courts had used until the Trump-era rule.

Note: One answer by itself does not make a person an independent contractor.

Can the worker increase their pay only by working more hours or producing more? If so, this might make the person an employee. Conversely, they do so by negotiating pay, selecting projects, marketing their service or cutting expenses? That would tend to make them an independent contractor.

Does the employer purchase most of the worker’s tools and equipment? This might make the person an employee. On the other hand, if their investments are for purposes like expanding the types and amounts of work they can do or cutting expenses, that might tend to make them an independent contractor.

Under the rule, when comparing investments made by the worker and potential employer, the analysis should focus on the types of investments made by each and not focus exclusively on the relative size of the investments.

Does the employment relationship have a definite end date? If so, this implies that they’re an independent contractor. Otherwise, they might be an employee.

How does the employer control the worker, and how much? The worker may be an employee if the employer:

• Sets their schedule
• Supervises the work
• Explicitly limits their ability to work for others
• Can discipline the individual
• Monitors their activity.

The less control the employer has, the more likely the worker is an independent contractor.

Is the person’s work integral to the employer’s business? The more integral the work is, the more likely the person is to be an employee. The less integral it is, the more likely they are to be an independent contractor.

Does the worker use specialized skills developed outside the employment? If the worker doesn’t use specialized skills or depends on the employer for training, they are more likely to be an employee. If the person brings those skills to work and does not rely on the employer for training, they are more likely an independent contractor.

The takeaway

If your firm uses independent contractors as a normal course of business, you will need to revisit your practices and determine if the new rule changes your relationship with them. It may be wise to consult legal counsel.

Finally, business organizations have already indicated they will challenge the rule-making in court. And some Senate Republicans have said they will seek to repeal the rule via the Congressional Review Act.

For now, however, the new rule is codified and applicable. It takes effect on March 11, 2024.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

The construction industry has the highest percentage of electrical fatalities out of all industries.

While electricity is a crucial component in a construction project’s success, it poses a risk of harmful shock, horrific burns or fatal electrocution. These accidents can occur when workers come into contact with power lines, wiring, transformers or other electrical machinery.

Fortunately, there are steps that companies can take to minimize the dangers. The following are eight tips on how to improve electrical safety in the construction industry:

1. Provide personal protection — Electrical safety in the industry starts at a personal level. All the electrical work personnel or people working in an area with electrical materials should wear protective gear, such as insulated gloves and footwear. This provides basic safety when they get into contact with electrical equipment, whether accidentally or intentionally.
2. Training in handling electrical equipment — Electrical mishaps can occur when there is misuse or mishandling of electrical equipment. Workers should be trained on how they should handle and operate the equipment safely. Conduct regular training to ensure the workers don’t become lax when they use the same equipment.
3. Use proper testing equipment — Proper testing equipment should be part of the essential tools required on a construction site. Voltage detectors, receptacle testers and clamp meters are among the tools every worksite should have to enhance electrical safety and help prevent electrical accidents.
4. The right signage — Lack of awareness can lead to catastrophic electrical accidents. All electrical hazards should be marked to warn your workers of the dangers. The signs should have labels in language and illustrations that can be easily understood by a layman. This way, all the personnel working on the site can take precautions and avoid electrical accidents.
5. Proper risk assessment and planning — Conduct a risk assessment survey of the worksite before operations begin. This will help identify hazards that can compromise electrical safety and allow you to come up with solutions accordingly.
   The assessment will also help your team develop a plan on how to lay out electrical infrastructure with safety in mind. A plan will indicate where and how electrical equipment will be placed and how the wiring will be done.
6. Use circuit breakers and voltage regulators — Even with all the planning and precautions, emergencies can occur in case of a power surge, short-circuit or any other electrical issue. That’s why it’s essential to have circuit breakers and voltage regulators to cut off power during such situations.
   The ability to regulate or shut down power supply on time during a crisis can avert catastrophic damage and loss of life on a site.
7. Avoid wet conditions — Electrical equipment and infrastructures in the worksite should be shielded from coming into contact with water at all costs. This should be done during the planning process. When the equipment comes into contact with water, the power supply should be cut off immediately and later turned back on a professional electrician’s recommendation.
8. Organize and insulate all exposed cables — A construction area should never have messy or uncovered power cables. When unorganized, the cables can contact each other, resulting in short-circuiting and possibly fire. If left uncovered, workers may accidentally touch them, leading to shock or electrocution.
   Cover all cables in a construction site with appropriate insulating material and organize the cables to enhance electrical safety.

The takeaway

While overall safety is a significant concern in the construction industry, electrical safety can be contained if the right measures are implemented.

The above tips can help construction firms to boost electrical safety in their operations. However, all the parties on a construction site must be diligent for maximum electrical safety.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group