Employment background checks are not just for executive-level management. A thorough background check should be performed to avoid making any assumptions about an employee’s history.

To help you get started, here are some essentials of a complete background check:

Current address – Confirm a current address through a telephone directory, confirmation with landlord, rental or mortgage company, or county tax office.

Former addresses – Confirm prior addresses through former employers, credit agencies, or by contacting landlords of former residences.

Other detailed information you might choose to verify is the amount of rent or mortgage paid, whether it was paid on time, details of complaints made against the applicant, whether their former residence was left in good order when vacated, whether they left on their own accord, and any eviction details, if applicable.

Current and former employers – Employers are reticent about providing too much information on current or former employees, since negative references occasionally result in lawsuits.

Most employers will verify an employee’s job title, length of employment, starting and final salary, and reason for leaving. You might obtain resume’ data on old application forms to compare with the resume’ of the person you are considering for the position.

A more detailed background check might include trying to establish contact with the applicant’s immediate supervisor or manager. Again, there are legal limits on taking this route and there is a fine line between gathering information and invasion of privacy.

Obtain the applicant’s permission in writing if necessary. Protect your liability exposure by discussing the legality of the background check with your company’s lawyer beforehand.

Education – Transcripts from most secondary institutions can usually only be obtained either by the applicant themselves or through a signed release that includes enrollment dates, department and subject of study or major, student identification number or Social Security number, and date of birth.

A photocopy of the degree or certificate should be obtained for verification, if possible. Contact the applicable registrar’s office and they will be able to specify what is required to release information.

Additionally, verify that the college is legitimate. Fake diploma mills offer degrees from fictitious institutions possessing names very similar to known established educational institutes, so do not  automatically assume you recognize the name.

Credit check – This is not legal in all states, so check your local laws or with an attorney before acting. Usually there are exceptions to the rule for certain fiduciary positions, even in those states.

A credit check is usually required in those situations where the position involves security, fiduciary responsibility, or bonding. Verify that all information provided in the credit check conforms to the information provided on the application.

Poor credit references should be cross-referenced and authenticated.

References – All personal references listed by the applicant should be contacted. If it is a basic employment check, the integrity of the applicant’s personal character can be established by phone.

Detailed checks may necessitate personal contact to meet with the references face to face, as the references given might provide information prejudicial in favor of the applicant.

Miscellaneous – Additional items which may be of relevance include drug tests, criminal records check in all states listed on the application form, driver’s abstracts and records check on civil suits.

The takeaway

Be methodical and take the time to perform a thorough background check that satisfies the need of your business.

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!

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.

http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group

(Please Note this program is designed for contractors and is not a State or Assigned Risk plan.)

Rate Comparison – We Chose One Company Whose Rates are Up To 40% Higher Than Ours.  There’s a Good Chance You’re With That Company or a Company Who Also Has High rates Compared To Our Companies.

Workers Compensation Program:

• Savings up to 40%.                                                                                                                                                    

• Our program was created to provide worker’s compensation coverage to contractors country wide.                                                                                                                                                                          

• Our program offers long-term coverage stability.                                                                                            

• We have one of the best claims services in the industry.  If a claim is questionable we know how to fight it and we will.  We want to keep your experience mod low and rates too.                                                                                                                                                                         

• We cover you with THE RIGHT coverage while operating outside of your home state.  For example, if you are a NY contractor and take a job in NJ that will last 1 ½ months, the NY state plan will not cover a claim arising from that job.  Did you know New Jersey’s medical benefits are substantially higher than New York’s?  Not having the right coverage can knock you out of business.                                                                                                                                                                   

• To bind we require a low up front deposit.  On renewals, NO deposit is required.                                                                                                                                    

• Proper payroll assignments.  Payrolls will be assigned to the right class codes.  You are given control over this.                                                                                                                                                                                   

• Proper payroll caps – Our program caps payrolls as required by your state’s worker’s compensation rules.                                                                                                                                             

• Simplified audits – Our auditors just want to make sure you classified workers correctly.  They also want to make sure your subs have coverage.  They can be in and out in 15 minutes.                   

• You can issue your own certificates on-line.  C105.2’s for DOB and DOT done by our organization in less than 10 minutes.                                                                                                                                   

• FIRST CLASS service.  You will work with one person who has 37 years experience and when you call or email responds immediately.  This person is very responsible, picks up the phone when you call even on weekends and is a pleasure to deal with.  He is knowledgeable, street smart and gets the job done.                                                                                                                               

• We DO NOT charge $500 to $5,000 policy or 10% service fees.  We provide V.I.P. service to every client we work that’s in program.                    

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.                                                                                                     

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.                                                                                                                               

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!                                                                                                    

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.                                                                                                                                           

http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group

Have The Following Problems With Your Insurance:

1. Unhappy with your General Liability pricing?

2. Does your General Liability Policy prevent you from getting work?

3. Do you understand the exclusions in your General Liability Policy?  Some are:

   1.   A. Labor Law

   2. Contractual liability

   3. Employee injury

   4. Height limitation

   5. Exterior work limitation or exclusion

   6. Residential exclusion for condo’s, co-ops

   7. Restriction as to type of work you can do

   8. Subcontractor coverage and limit requirements.

   9. Exclusion – Designated Ongoing Operations

   10. Exclusion – Newly Constructed Residential Housing

   4.  Do you use subcontractors?  If so, are there subcontractor coverage requirements in your general and umbrella liability policies?  WARNING!  Failure to comply with requirements can leave you without coverage.

   5.  Has your Umbrella Liability pricing gone thru the roof?  Does your policy have exclusions that make it very difficult to live with?

   6. Worker’s Compensation

        a. Rates high?  There are a few companies whose rates are 20-40% higher than our companies.  Call Gary at 914-806-5853 to find out if you are with one of them (we are not comfortable listing there names but are glad to tell you over the phone).

        b. Work out of state 3 days to weeks at a time? Warning!  You may not have coverage for workers injured out of state (especially if you are thru a state or assigned risk policy). ​

        c. In the middle of an audit dispute?  Carrier charging you for uninsured subcontractors that have coverage?  Carrier creating fictitious payroll because of sales?  Being told pay bill or be cancelled?   Have a high experience modification factor?

       d. Being punitively surcharged due to past loss experience?     

       e. Without coverage? 

      7.  Unhappy with your Business Auto premium?   Certain carrier rates are thru the roof.  Other companies are more reasonable.  We can help you find better rates.

      8.  Unhappy with your Bid & Performance rates?   Need higher bonding limits?  We have a bonding department that can help you get better pricing and limits.

      9. Can you get your broker on the phone when needed?  Does he/she specialize in construction insurance?  Does it feel like you are dealing with inexperienced people?  Do you get a different person on the phone when you call?  Do you get placed on hold for minutes?   Do you get charged all sorts of ridiculous fees?   Do you get certificates timely?  Your broker may be the nicest person in the world but if they lack the proper knowledge you can get stuck with an uncovered claim that can knock you out of business.   After talking to your broker you ever have these type of concerns?

About our Agency:

1. Construction is our #1 specialty.  With the exclusions companies place in policies it is critical you work with a specialist.  Most agencies are NOT, we are.

2. We have 50+ insurance companies.  These companies are the TOP and BEST general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bond, worker’s compensation and group health companies for the construction industry. Some programs are exclusive to our agency.

3. We insure over 750 tri-state contractors.  We have extensive expertise in designing policies.

4. We do over $160 million in premium – this translates into buying power for YOU.

5. Subcontractor Screening – Most general and umbrella liability policies have subcontractor conditions which if not met exclude coverage.  Do you know what is in your policies?  We have a dedicated department that offers subcontractor screening and you can get us on the phone when needed.

Services We Offer:

1. Annual Risk Survey

2. Claims Management Services

3. Contract Reviews

4. Coordinated Loss Control Survey and Inspection

5. Disaster Recovery

6. Employee Background Screening

7. OSHA Compliance

8. Risk Transfer Services

9. Safety Manuals

10. Stewardship Reports

11. Subshield – online proprietary Certificate of Insurance management

12. Workers’ Comp Experience Modification Review

13. Workers’ Compensation Premium Recovery

OFFER:  Let us review your policies. All you will have to do is email us copies.  Within a few days you’ll have our recommendations.  Then you’ll know where you stand.   It’s like getting a FREE second opinion.  You can also just call and talk with us.  Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853.  You will immediately get him on the phone without waiting.  WE PROMISE NOT TO SELL OR PRESSURE YOU IN ANYWAY. 

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!

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.   
     
http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group

Two construction workers died on the job every day in 2013, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. One out of every 25 construction workers got hurt on the job that year. Workers in this industry need the protection of Workers’ Compensation benefits more than most.

Most states require employers to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, but not in all cases. Many states exempt one-person operations from the requirement, for example. Regardless, it is a good practice for project owners and general contractors who hire subcontractors to require the subs to carry this insurance, whether the law requires it or not.

A typical construction project involves three types of entities: The owner who is paying to have the project done; a general contractor or independent contractor whom the owner hires to do the work; and subcontractors whom the GC hires to do portions of the work. The relationships between these entities and their employees differ.

While most states require employers to provide Workers’ Compensation benefits to employees, their laws also define who exactly is an employee. If someone is working on my property, but the law does not consider that person to be my employee, then I do not owe that person Workers’ Compensation benefits. States use several criteria to determine whether two parties are in an employer-employee relationship. These are similar to the criteria the Internal Revenue Service uses, such as control over when and how work is performed.

Typically, state regulators do not find a construction worker to be an employee of a project owner. The same cannot be said about independent contractors and employees of subs, however. Some sole proprietor subcontractors who suffer worksite injuries claim Workers’ Compensation benefits under the policies of the contractors who hired them. Often, state Workers’ Compensation law judges rule that these individuals were acting as employees of the hiring contractors, not independent contractors.

In addition, many state laws require an independent contractor who hires a sub to provide Workers’ Compensation benefits to the sub’s employees if the sub fails to obtain insurance. The injured subs or their employees end up collecting benefits even though that was never the intention of the hiring contractors. Consequently, insurance companies can and do charge independent contractors additional premiums when they find that uninsured subs have worked for them.

In a worse case scenario, both the independent contractor and the sub may fail to buy Workers’ Compensation insurance. Leaving aside the legal problems that will result for the employers, this leaves injured workers without sources of the benefits to which they are entitled. Their logical recourse is to sue the project owner. They may seek damages for an alleged failure to maintain a safe worksite or for negligence in the hiring and supervision of contractors. Since the project owners are not the employers of these injured workers, their own Workers’ Compensation policies will not help. Rather, they will have to seek legal defense and the payment of any awards from their liability insurance companies.

For these reasons, project owners should insist and verify that all contractors working on the job, including subs, carry their own Workers’ Compensation insurance. Independent contractors should do likewise with the subs they hire. Project owners may want to supplement their protection by making the independent contractors responsible for verifying that the subs have insurance, and by requiring the independents to hold the owners harmless from any lawsuits resulting from workplace injuries.

Construction is dangerous work. Every contractor setting foot on a job site should carry its own Workers’ Compensation coverage, whether the law requires it to or not.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWFmjYirlkw[/embedyt]

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!

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.   
     
http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group

Sometimes, injured employees are afraid to file a workers’ comp claim after being injured at work because they fear the specter of retaliation by their employer.

Experts suspect that up to 10% of workplace injuries are never reported because the workers choose to have the injuries covered by their employer-sponsored health plans. Most employers may not be aware of the full extent of their workplace injuries because of this phenomenon.

But, that could change as workers are saddled with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, according to a new study.

A number of past studies have found that if the costs to workers for having their personal health insurance cover a workplace injury is less than the “cost” to them of filing a workers’ comp claim, they will opt to have their health insurance cover it instead.

Here’s what studies have found over the years:

• A 1996 study found that workers without health insurance have an incentive to claim their medical issues are work-related even if they are not, so that workers’ compensation insurance will pay for care. The study also found that if the injury occurs at work, health insurance may deter workers from filing for workers’ comp if they feel there is a cost to filing a claim.

• A 2007 study found that a genuine workers’ comp claim can be “costly” to file for a worker if:
  – The employer dissuades workers from filing workers’ comp claims because they fear the claims will increase their premiums.
  – The injured worker does not want to deal with the paperwork for a workers’ comp claim.
  – The individual feels there is a stigma associated with filing for workers’ comp.

• A 2003 study of Michigan workers and their physicians found that 70% of injured workers did not file for workers’ comp, and that 36% of the non-reporting injured workers cited having health insurance as a reason they did not.

What could be ahead

The most recent study, by the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), found that injured employees are more likely to file workers’ compensation claims when they have high-deductible group health plans.

The study found that workers with a remaining group health insurance deductible that exceeds $550 are more likely to file workers’ comp claims than if the deductible were less. As more workers find themselves staring at higher health insurance deductibles, they will properly report their workers’ comp claims to their employers.

“In years past, workers may have chosen to have a work injury covered within their group health plan,” John Ruser, WCRI president and CEO, said in a statement. “But the increasing cost of deductibles may cause them to consider having the injury covered ─ where it potentially belongs ─ in the workers’ compensation system, where there are no deductibles or copayments for the medical care they receive.”

This is likely to add about 5% more claims into the system, the WCRI found.

What you can do

If you suspect that one of your employees has reported a workplace injury for something that happened during non-work hours you should look at the claim to see if it has the hallmarks of a potentially fraudulent claim.

Some warning signs the claim may not be legit include:

• There are no witnesses to the incident.

• The claim is reported late (usually many days since the alleged injury).

• The injury is reported on a Monday morning (which could mean they injured themselves over the weekend).

• The injured employee’s story is inconsistent or suspicious.

• The incident is only vaguely described, incomplete as to details or out of the norm of the type of injury that might be expected.

• The employee engages in sporting and outdoor activities regularly.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWFmjYirlkw[/embedyt]

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!

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.   
     
http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group

If you are confused about navigating the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, here’s a handy list of mistakes to avoid.

Firing – It would be a bad idea to fire an employee if they’re unable to return to work following the end of FMLA leave that is due to their serious health condition. Better to find out if the employee is entitled to any additional time off under employment laws or through company policies.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may consider granting of additional leave “reasonable accommodation,” in legal terms.

That definition comes from determining whether the employee’s condition is a disability. Under the ADA, most serious health conditions as defined by the FMLA are considered disabilities. If you’re in doubt, ask your legal counsel for advice.

Then you have to figure out whether the requested time off is legally considered “reasonable.” Under the ADA, you as an employer don’t have to grant leave as an accommodation if it poses “hardship” or “undue hardship.”

Miscalculation – You are able to calculate FMLA leave by either calendar year, any fixed 12-month period, or the 12 months measured forward from when an employee’s FMLA leave begins. It can also be calculated backward from a 12-month period from the date an employee uses the leave.

Deadlines – Meeting FMLA deadlines for processing requests for leave under its guidelines is critical. Within five business days of learning an employee needs FMLA leave, you must provide them with the “Notice of Eligibility Rights and Responsibilities Form,” or something similar that your company has prepared.

Next, if you require the employee to file a certification form, you must allow them 15 calendar days to do so. Then, within five business days of receiving the certification form, you must provide the employee with an FMLA designation form that tells them whether the request has been approved.

But if the certification form is incomplete or insufficient, you then must allow the worker seven calendar days to make necessary corrections in the form. You must give a written notice to employees of all deadlines, and the consequences of failing to meet them.

Bonuses – Some confusion has arisen over how to determine an employee’s bonus eligibility when they haven’t been able to meet bonus objectives due to FMLA leave. You can disqualify an employee for failing to meet bonus objectives even if they are on FMLA, as long as employees on similar leave are treated the same.

So, an employee who used vacation leave during an FMLA leave should be treated the same as one who used vacation while not on FMLA leave, be it paid or unpaid.

Reassignment – If you want to reassign an employee on FMLA leave for better efficiency, you can only do so for employees who need intermittent or reduced schedule leave.

Reassignments can be done for the employee, family or covered service member if such leaves are a planned medical treatment, a period of recovery from a serious health condition, or due to the birth of a child or placement of a child into adoption or foster care. Beyond that, the reassignment is to be only as long as is required by the leave period.

You are also prohibited from transferring employees to a position to discourage them from taking FMLA leave. That means you can’t demote them from accounting to janitor, even if their pay and benefits remain the same at the reassigned position.

You must make sure, however, that benefits and pay stay the same in the reassigned position. Otherwise, you may be seen as interfering with the individual’s FMLA rights.

Meanwhile, you may not require a transfer to another job when the employee’s need for an intermittent or reduced schedule is unforeseeable.

The takeaway

As you can see, the FMLA is a veritable minefield for employers and, if an employee requests leave under the law, you must make sure you don’t do anything to infringe on their rights, lest you open your organization to being sued.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWFmjYirlkw[/embedyt]

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!

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.   
     
http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group

Employees working in the rain face specific hazards, such as poor visibility and wet, slippery surfaces.

When it’s wet and windy, potential hazards at a worksite can be exacerbated. Working in the rain can cause slippery surfaces and limited visibility. It’s also riskier to use heavy equipment in the rain, particularly when moving heavy loads, putting workers on the ground – and even the public – in danger.

However, steps can be taken to mitigate such hazards.

It’s imperative that you as an employer ensure your employees’ safety, especially during this heavy year for rain. When working in the rain, train your employees to:

* Move cautiously – While workers may be tempted to move fast in the rain to avoid getting wet, this can be dangerous, especially on slippery surfaces. If anything, they should work more slowly and deliberately in all of their tasks.

* Use the correct equipment – If workers must use electrical tools or equipment, they need to check that they are specifically rated for outdoors. Also, the tools should have textured, no-slip grips and handles.

* Don proper footwear – Workers should wear footwear with heavy treads that can reduce the chances of slipping.

* Remember rain gear – Proper rain gear includes rain pants and a raincoat. The best clothing is ventilated to help your workers stay comfortable. If it’s cold and rainy, they should also wear wool or synthetic materials that can stay warm even when wet.

* Wear non-slip gloves – Workers should wear gloves that provide a sticky grip even when wet. Gloves should be snug and long enough for a jacket sleeve to prevent water from entering.

* Keep vision clear – Workers who wear glasses (if they must wear goggles for certain jobs) should apply anti-fog spray to them. It’s also advisable to wear a hat to keep rain from their eyes. They shouldn’t use headgear that narrows their field of vision.

* Work in proper lighting – When working at night, workers should make sure lighting is adequate and the lights used are rated for outdoor use.

* Ensure visibility – When it’s raining, visibility decreases and it’s easy for motorists and machine operators to have trouble seeing properly. Workers should wear high-visibility clothing, especially in areas with vehicle traffic and heavy machinery. Don’t wear rain gear or vests that have become dull or are no longer reflective.

Cold stress

When it rains, it’s often cold, too – and wet clothing can exacerbate the cold.

Employees working outdoors for prolonged periods of time when it’s cold must be protected from cold stress. Cold stress can cause frostbite, hypothermia and trench foot.

OSHA advises that cold stress is not limited to freezing temperatures, but can occur in outdoor temperatures in the 50-degree Fahrenheit range when rain and wind are present.

OSHA requires addressing this hazard by using protective clothing, in particular the use of layers with an outer material that protects against wind and rain. Although OSHA generally requires employers to pay for their workers’ protective equipment, employers are not required to pay for ordinary clothing such as raincoats.

Heavy-work dangers

Rain makes operating cranes, derricks and hoists more dangerous as well, particularly when moving large and heavy objects. Heavy rain combined with wind speed can make loads difficult to control.

Also, if a rainstorm is accompanied by lightning, equipment such as a crane can become a lightning rod.

If you feel you cannot adequately protect your workers during a storm, you should not conduct operations in the rain.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWFmjYirlkw[/embedyt]

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!

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.   
     
http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.’s “2019 Workplace Safety Index” reports on the causes and costs of the most common injuries across eight major industries. The list can be a good guide for employers, helping them understand the kinds of injuries which are most likely to occur on their worksites.

With the information in hand, you can review your current workplace safety programs to make sure you are focusing your efforts in the right area.

According to Liberty Mutual, the 10 costliest causes of workplace injury and illness are:

1. Overexertion involving outside sources ($13.1 billion)

2. Falls on same level ($10.4 billion)

3. Struck by object or equipment ($5.2 billion)

4. Falls to lower level ($4.9 billion)

5. Other exertions or bodily reactions ($3.7 billion)

6. Roadway incidents involving a motorized vehicle ($2.7 billion)

7. Slip or trip without falling ($2.2 billion)

8. Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects ($1.9 billion)

9. Repetitive motions involving micro-tasks ($1.6 billion)

10. Struck against object or equipment ($1.2 billion)

The total cost of the above workplace injuries was $46.9 billion in 2016 – the source year for the data used by Liberty Mutual in compiling its latest annual report. These top 10 injuries accounted for 85% of all workers’ comp claims in eight industries.

What you can do

To ensure you keep your workplace as safe as possible, make sure you have safety protocols for the most likely injury types. Training and management buy-in is the key to a better safety environment. We’ll look at how to prevent the top three injuries here:

Overexertion – An overexertion injury happens when a worker becomes fatigued or performs a job where the body’s capacity to complete the task was not sufficiently considered.

Both can cause a mismatch between the physical capacity of workers and the physical demands of their jobs. These types of injuries are difficult to address since everyone has different physical strengths and stamina.

First determine what types of strains and sprains are occurring among your workforce. Are there obvious jobs that demand high levels of strength, such as those requiring lifting? If so, consider using engineering controls such as mechanical lift assists, overhead hoists and other controls to improve the positioning of products.

Another step would be to reduce the amount of weight lifted.

If high-strength jobs are not the problem, try to determine whether fatigue is a factor by talking to your workers about their daily duties and how often they take breaks. Short, more frequent breaks help prevent fatigue better than longer, less frequent ones.

Struck by object – To avoid struck-by injuries, require that your workers:

• Wear hard hats to avoid falling objects.

• Stack materials properly to prevent sliding, falling or collapse.

• Always wear proper PPE (hard hats, safety glasses, goggles and face shields).

• Never walk around and use mobile phones while working.

• Don’t carry something in a way that will obstruct their view.

• Make sure drawers and cabinets are always closed when not in use.

• Only open one drawer at a time to prevent a tip-over.

Falls on same level – To reduce the chances of your workers injuring themselves from trips and falls, you should focus on:

• Good housekeeping: A clean workplace is a safer workplace.

• If you have a spill, rope it off, clean it up and workers should alert co-workers and supervisors of the spill.

• Workers should always use cable covers or tape to prevent co-workers from tripping over cords.

• Train your workers not to rush, and to be aware of their surroundings. They should not be distracted by their smartphones while walking, and not carry too much at once.

• Train your workers not to work in dimly lit areas.

• Your workers should wear shoes that are in good condition and tightly tied every shift.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWFmjYirlkw[/embedyt]

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!

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.   
     
http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We have 50 insurance companies to market your General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation, Bid & Performance Bonds and Group Health coverages to.  We have special discounted contractor programs…pricing can be unbeatable (we have a program for NJ and CT contractors whose coverage is excellent and pricing can be up to 50% less), have extensive knowledge about policy forms, exclusions, risk transfer, sub contractor screening and whenever you call you’ll get us on the phone immediately.  If you are looking for better coverage &/or lower pricing contact Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 TODAY.

Article:

IN THE course of doing business, you may sometimes find yourself entering into contracts requiring that your firm be named as an additional insured on another party’s insurance policies.

This is often done to make sure that your own insurance is not depleted by defense and indemnification costs for losses for which you may be legally liable as a result of the business relationship you have with the other party, but that are not due to your own firm’s direct negligence.

Definition: An individual or entity that is not automatically included as an insured under the policy of another, but for whom the named insured’s policy provides a certain degree of protection.

When to Be an Additional Insured

There are many times when you may want your firm included as an additional insured on another’s policy. Here are just a few examples:

• If you are a building owner, you want to be an additional insured on the property and general liability insurance of your tenants in case one of them damages your building or in case a visitor to the property is injured.

• If you are the owner or a contractor on a construction project, you want to be an additional insured on the general liability insurance of your contractors and subcontractors in case there is an injury to one of their employees.

• If you are a distributor or a retailer, you may want to be an additional insured on the insurance programs of the manufacturers of the products that you sell.

• If a contractor comes onto your property to perform work of any type, including erecting displays or maintenance or structural work, you will want to be named as an additional insured on their policy in case the display falls on someone, or someone is injured due to the work they are performing. You don’t want to be held responsible for any dangers or injuries created by their work.

If you are to become an additional insured on another company’s policy, confirm that the other party has indeed named your company as such with their insurance company.

You should ask for a copy of the policy that explicitly lists your company as an additional insured. You want to see a copy of the policy and the certificate of insurance, although the latter is not sufficient proof that your company has been added.

Additional insured status is effectively conferred through an additional insured endorsement to the other party’s original insurance policy.

An endorsement serves as an amendment to the terms of the policy that is incorporated into the relevant insurance policy. These amendments can take the form of an endorsement that specifically names a particular additional insured, or a general endorsement that identifies some class of parties as additional insureds.

If there is a dispute about your company’s status as an additional insured, you will want to have in hand not only the other party’s certificate of insurance, but also a copy of the policy itself and the endorsement that makes your company an additional insured.

There are a few best practices that you can implement to help make certain your firm’s status as an additional insured has been properly secured:

• At a minimum, always insist on receiving a copy of the relevant additional insured endorsement, as this is the instrument that establishes additional insured status;

• An additional insured endorsement does not, however, state an insurance policy’s terms and conditions. In order to avoid being surprised by unexpected policy terms (such as strict notice requirement or unfavorable notice of cancellation provisions), you should ask for and receive a copy of the entire insurance policy under which you are an additional insured, and be sure to read it;

• Retain additional insured endorsements and the relevant insurance policies for as long as there is any potential that claims triggering those policies might be made.

Gary Wallach Call 914-806-5853 or email: bgesgroup@gmail.com

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWFmjYirlkw[/embedyt]

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!

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.   
     
http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group

(We are NOT a State or Assigned Risk Plan)

About Our Program

 1. Pricing can be up to 40% less than what you now pay.

 2. Our program has been in business for 22 years.  It offers long-term coverage stability again at competitive pricing.

 3. We cover most contractors including carpenters, drywall, masonry, tiling, painters, elevator contractors, interior demolition, roofers, etc.  Usually the only contractors we cannot cover are asbestos or ones that work on the exterior of buildings at heights in excess of 3 stories.  We also cover limousine services, auto services, local truckers, manufacturers and under separate programs staffing agencies.

 4. Our program is designed so you never over or under pay.  When business is slow your premium is lowered.  The good news is you usually will not owe anything at time of audit.

 5. Binding coverage requires a low deposit.  No renewal deposits are required though.

 6. We can cover your operations in NY, NJ and CT.  Please note state plans usually cover only that states operations.  If you work out of state weeks at a time, you are exposed to uncovered medical and loss of wage claims.

7. Our services are FIRST CLASS.  When you call you get us on the phone immediately.  When you request a certificate it’s done immediately (or you can issue your own certificates using our on-line service).  When you have a problem we deal with it immediately and take the worry away from you.  We have a medical network your employees can use if injured (in NY it’s optional).  This way we help you avoid fraudulent claims and mitigate claim reserves and amounts paid.

8. Person who will be servicing your account has 37 years experience, is professional, pleasant, helpful and knows the ins and outs of the workers compensation system and how to get you great rates and the right coverage.

To Speak With Us Call 914-806-5853, click here to email or click here to visit our website .

Problems We Can Help You With 

1. Rates too high?  We have programs whose rates can be up to 40% lower than what you now pay.
2. In the middle of an audit dispute?   Being told pay or be cancelled?  Company charging you for uninsured subcontractors?  We can help you with audit disputes as well as give you a back-up plan just in case you need one.

3. Now without coverage?  We can help you get worker’s compensation even if you’ve been without coverage for months.

4. Classified incorrectly? – In a higher rated class code and your company wont budge? There are some companies that if your i’s are not dotted and t’s crossed will take all your payroll and throw it into the highest rated category. They have no interest in showing you what to do. They want you to pay as much as possible. With us, we know the rules and will help you properly classify payrolls so you don’t overpay.

5. Working in multiple states?  If you’ are with a company that can only cover your home state (usually state or assigned risks plans) yet you work in other states, you may have a big uncovered financial exposure.  Our programs can cover you in multiple states.

6. Poor loss experience? – Had some bad luck lately? We’ve helped accounts with claims totaling $500,000, $1,300,000 and over $2,000,000 obtain coverage. These days we are seeing more questionable claims. If you need help, give us a call.

7. Is your Agency’s service poor? Can you get someone on the phone when you need to? Do you speak to a different person every time you call?  When you send an email does it take days before you hear back? Is your agency charging you a 10% service fee yet doing nothing?  With us you’ll speak to one person who will immediately answer your call. We do not charge service fees.

8. Have your Worker’s Compensation with a payroll service who is NOT transparent with their rates?  This should not be the case.  Some companies charge you for everything so if you’re not scrutinizing your bills you could be paying a lot more than you think.  Let us help figure what you are paying so you’re not overpaying.

9. High Experience Modification Factor?- Let us do an analysis and try to lower it.   Won’t cost you anything.  Maybe we can get you money back, thousands, tens of thousands.

10. Whatever your issue we can help. Even though we have not mentioned the issue of concern know we can help.    For 37 years we have specialized at Worker’s Compensation. Helping you is our #1 priority.  We are frugal when it comes to YOUR money. We do not charge service fees (unless the insurance company we use does not pay us a commission).  We want to understand your needs, your issues, and work together to help.

Gary Wallach Call 914-806-5853 or email: bgesgroup@gmail.com

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWFmjYirlkw[/embedyt]

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, Funding for the Construction Industry, Worker’s Compensation, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance and Personal lines.

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) 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.

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 mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.

New Jersey and Connecticut Contractors:  We have a fiercely competitively priced (savings up to 50%)  General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation program.  Want to lower these costs?  Get a quote today!

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.   
     
http://www.bgesgroup.com or http://www.workerscomp.store

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

© – Copyright – BGES Group