Our Office Offers:

1. The BEST Commercial General Liability policies for New York contractors (we cover the tri-state area).  Let us shop your coverage with our network of up to 50 companies.  We can help you get better coverage and/or lower rates.  Get a FREE second opinion on what you have too!

2. The BEST Commercial Umbrella Liability policies for New York contractors (we cover the tri-state area).  We have some new companies who can offer you better coverage at a lower premium.  Get a quote today!

3. Expert advice – We have been insuring contractors for 44 years and have a few hundred contractors as clients.  We have an excellent pulse on the market place, leverage when it comes to pricing and can help you with obtaining builders risk, bonds, workers’ compensation, whatever coverage you need!

4. Boutique Service – When you deal with us you speak with one person who has 44 years experience, answers their phone, responds to your texts or emails in minutes, gets you certificates in minutes, has answers your questions, knows how to treat people, is not a “PrimaDonna,” has integrity and is a pleasure to work with.  Tired of waiting on hold, waiting for return calls, sick of being gouged by exorbitant policy and service fees?  We provide FIRST CLASS service at very competitive pricing.

5. Contract Review – We can help you review the insurance sections of contracts you are bidding on to make sure you are in compliance with their requirements.

6. Subcontractor Insurance Reviews – We can help you screen subcontractor insurance policies to make sure you are properly protected.

7. Workers’ Compensation – Unhappy with your company, in the middle of an audit dispute, being cancelled, poor loss experience causing difficulty getting coverage, high experience modification, unhappy with the policy or service fees your agent is charging?  We offer all types of programs and represent some of the best companies in the nation!  If you are not happy with your situation give us a call today!

8. Workers’ Compensation Premium Recovery – Get Back Up to $500,000 from Your Past Worker’s Compensation Companies!  This IS NOT a Gimmick!  We Just Got a Refund for a New Jersey Employer of $20,000…Be Next!  Many New York and New Jersey Employers have overpaid to their Workers’ Compensation companies insurance premiums due to incorrectly used classifications, payroll audits, calculated experience ratings, misapplied discounts, and errors in experience rating modification factors, often without fault of the insurance carrier or the insurance broker. If there were errors, the businesses are then entitled to and will receive a refund, but only if the errors are identified and the recovery is applied for.  We can perform this service for you.

9. 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.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

As the construction industry booms, contractors face evolving risks that, left unchecked, can leave their operation exposed to new liabilities.

If you already operate a construction firm, you know that there is a labor shortage that has made it difficult to find experienced workers, and that hiring entities are asking builders to take on more of the design function, as well.

Your liability picture has also likely changed with the increasing use of wrap-ups and, if you’re using technology in your operation, you now have rising cyber-security risks, too.

Lack of qualified workers

The bottom fell out of the construction industry in the U.S. during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many worksites were idled. Now that the industry has found its footing, it’s been dealing with a severe labor shortage.

As construction firms struggle to find workers, the ones who are on the job are having to take on larger workloads, which can put them at risk of injury or making mistakes.

Also, many contractors are having to take on younger, less-seasoned laborers, who may lack the experience to identify and avoid hazards, which puts them and others at risk of injury.

Those injuries in turn affect your workers’ comp premiums.

A lack of workers coupled with inexperienced new ones on sites, can also end up drawing out projects, forcing contractors to miss deadlines.

Professional liability risks

As more project owners want an all-in-one job with the lead contractor designing and building the project, contractors now face a new type of risk: professional liability.

But the typical contractor’s insurance policy doesn’t provide protection for any design work you take on. Courts have ruled that:

• Designers who perform “builder activities” lose limitation of liability typically enjoyed by design professionals.

• Builders who perform “design activities” assume responsibility for design deficiencies.

Wrap-ups more prevalent

Many construction projects are now covered under one general liability policy to cover the work of the general contractor, as well as of all the subs. More lenders are requiring that liability is set up in one all-encompassing policy.

A properly assembled general liability wrap-up should provide coverage not only during the construction period, but also up to 10 years after the work is completed.

These policies often reduce the cost of coverage.

More cyber-security risks

Like all industries, the construction sector has grown increasingly reliant on technology to get the job done. That exposes contractors to a variety of cyber risks, including keeping project designs, client records and employee records confidential.

Many building contracts today include clauses requiring the contractor to be responsible for potential cyber breaches.

Given the increasing popularity of practices such as “building information modeling,” “integrated project delivery,” and file-sharing between participants in a construction project, contractors may be at increased risk of liability in the event of a data breach.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

The engineer talks to the contractor to supervise and plan the work.

A street of partially finished new homes in a new suburban housing development in Spokane, Washington, USA.

Workers Compensation in the Ancient World

Almost as long as workers have been getting injured on the job, we have had some formal or informal system of compensating workers for workplace injuries. Workers compensation claims management and processing is, if not the oldest profession in the world, at least pretty close! The earliest recorded formal and legally-mandated workers compensation scheme in the world dates back to at least the year 2050 B.C., in ancient Sumeria, in what is now Iraq. Stone tablets recovered from the city of Ur – about 9 miles from Nasiriyah – established a set system of payments to injured workers, itemized by injury.

The Code of Hammurabi later adopted the practice, as did the Greeks, Babylonians, Romans, Arabs and even the Chinese.

Into the Modern Age

The Prussians, under Otto von Bismarck, were the first modern nation-states to adopt a formal workers’ compensation system following the Industrial Revolution, with the Accident Insurance Bill of 1884. Originally conceived as a measure to prevent Marxist political movements from making inroads into the Prussian/German working classes, the Bismarck program actually contained two important innovations that are at the heart of the American workers compensation system today: First, claims were separated from the tort system, so that workers seeking remedy under workers compensation rule could not sue their employers for damages in the courts. Second, claims were processed under an early version of today’s “no fault” provisions. Claims could be paid promptly, because there was no need for a magistrate to assign fault or blame through a detailed fact-finding.

The system worked so well, and was so popular, that the largely German-American population of Wisconsin, in 1911, enacted the first workers compensation insurance program in the United States – modeled closely after the Prussian system.

Development in the U.S.

While the U.S. lagged a few years behind the United Kingdom in adopting workers compensation plans, there was a very limited program created for workers who were directly involved in projects involving interstate commerce, such as railway workers, established in 1908. It was limited only to this population because the sentiment at that time was that programs like workers compensation to everyone else was properly left to the states.

At the grassroots level, however, there was a growing public awareness of the hazards of industrial age employment thanks to populist, muckraking writers such as Upton Sinclair, who highlighted the plight of slaughterhouse workers in his novel, The Jungle. This awareness of the hazards of modern industrial employment in the unforgiving factories, plants led to a number of failed attempts to pass legislation in the state assemblies, early on – first in New York (1898), then Maryland (1902),  Massachusetts (1908) and Montana (1909).

The “Great Tradeoff”

Ultimately, the first state to successfully enact a broad workers compensation was the largely German-American population of Wisconsin – then very much the heart of the American Progressivist movement. Their program was modeled closely after the Prussian system, though only after a long debate between business and labor interests. In the end, they came up with the same “great tradeoff,” in the parlance of the time, that was at the heart of the Bismarckian model: Employers agreed to provide substantial wage replacement for injured workers through an insurance system, without any fault-finding requirement that would cause devastating delays in payouts to workers who depended on their wages to survive. In return, labor interests agreed to give up the right to sue their employers for covered claims. This allowed employers relief from the risk of outsized claims and judgments.

Once Wisconsin broke the seal though, other states quickly followed suit: 11 more states passed plans of their own that year, four more in 1912, and eight more in 1913. By 1935, some 45 of the 48 states then existing had passed workers compensation laws of their own, and By 1948, a similar program had been established in all 48 states in existence at that time, as well as the future states of Alaska and Hawaii.

Today, all 50 states have enacted similar legislation, including these provisions:

•  A no-fault approach to claims processing – workers don’t have to demonstrate that their employer was negligent for benefits to be paid.

• Employers are protected from lawsuits (a tort exemption) over workers compensation issues.

• Employers fund workers compensation benefits by paying premiums, which vary depending the state and the occupation of the covered worker.

Additionally, 45 of the 50 states delegate responsibility for claims administration to special boards. Five states – Wyoming, Tennessee, New Mexico, Alabama and Louisiana, keep the process within the judiciary, though in each case a state agency exists to help with administration and prompt disbursement of funds to injured workers.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

bandaged paper man under Workers Compensation umbrella with Workplace Injury note below

Workers’ compensation insurers are grappling with covering claims for workplace COVID-19 infections that develop into long COVID, as those claims may stay open for years in some cases.

For companies in states that adopted laws requiring workers’ comp insurers to cover claims for employees who contracted COVID-19 in the workplace, a long-COVID claim can become costly, particularly if it results in permanent disability benefits, which may be paid out for life.

Workers’ compensation claims that include treatment for long-COVID symptoms were four times more likely to result in permanent disability benefits than other COVID-19 claims, according to a report by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California. While this data was for California only, statistically, workers in other states likely have had similar outcomes.

Long-COVID claims will linger for years, but they constitute a small percentage of overall COVID-19 claims. According to the Rating Bureau, in 2020 and 2021:

• 91% of COVID-19 workers’ comp claims involved a mild initial infection that did not require hospitalization,

• 7% required hospitalization, and

• 2% were death claims.

Of those claims, 13% developed into long COVID.

The biggest issue with long COVID is that it can spur other health problems and can worsen pre-existing conditions. And if a COVID-19 infection was initially covered by workers’ comp, so are issues that develop as a result of that infection.

Long-COVID claims can be expensive:

• For long-COVID claims with permanent disability, the average medical cost 18 months after policy inception was $154,500, compared to $59,800 for other COVID-19 claims without long-COVID symptoms.

• For long-COVID claims with temporary disability, the average medical cost was $37,300, 500% more than for other COVID-19 claims.

• Even long-COVID medical-only claims (no time off work) resulted in $7,100 in medical costs, compared to $1,400 for other COVID-19 claims.

The report also found that the risks of long COVID are higher in female workers, workers over 50 years of age and workers who have comorbidities.

Long-COVID symptoms

The biggest challenge with these claims is that there is no way to diagnose long covid, which affects every person differently. People who have pre-existing health problems have a higher chance of developing long COVID, and those problems can exacerbate the symptoms.

Researchers have documented more than 200 symptoms, with varying severity and duration. However, the <i>Journal of the American Medical Association</i> recently published a paper listing the 12 most common symptoms associated with long COVID:

• Worsening of health after mental or physical activity

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Dizziness

• Gastrointestinal symptoms

• Heart palpitations

• Changes in sexual desire or capacity

• Loss of or change in smell or taste

• Thirst

• Chronic cough

• Chest pain

• Abnormal movements.

Complications for employers

Long-COVID claims may become more complex, since individuals with long-term complications have a new burden of proof to show that their lingering symptoms are directly associated with their original COVID-19 claims.

If you have workers with ongoing COVID-19 claims, it’s advised you treat them with empathy and respect.

Employers who have workers with long COVID must also contend with new guidance by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that long COVID may be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

That means employers who have a worker with long COVID may be required to enter into an interactive process if they ask for accommodations.

Reasonable accommodations can include:

• Job restructuring,

• Modified work schedules,

• Reassignment to open positions,

• Allotting extra time for work preparation and assignments,

• Providing extended work breaks, and

• Providing apps or software to help with organization and focus.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Insurance concept, Businessman holding red umbrella on falling rain with protect with icon business, health, financial, life, family, accident and logistics insurance on city background

Workers in a number of construction occupations are exposed to crystalline silica. Breathing too much of this dangerous dust can lead to serious lung damage, resulting in long-term illness or even death.

Workers in cement, concrete or stucco operations, abrasive blasting, jack hammering, rock and well drilling, brick and block cutting, and tunneling operations are often exposed to crystalline silica. Any dust-producing operations should follow industry safety standards as well as OSHA regulations to protect workers.

Here’s where to start:

What happens when exposure occurs

When inhaled into the lungs, crystalline silica dust creates scarring or fibrotic nodules around the silica particles and may result in silicosis.

Silicosis may result in breathing difficulty, tuberculosis — and possibly death. Exposure ranges from cumulative (over many years of exposure) to acute (exposure to high concentrations of contaminated air in short periods).

Acute silicosis is identifiable by fever, shortness of breath, and cyanosis, or bluish-colored skin. Silicosis is incurable and may be progressive even after dust exposure has ceased.

Harmful silica particles, as small as 1/100th the size of a grain of sand, are impossible to detect by sight or smell. They can only be measured using air-sampling equipment. In comparison, a human hair is 70 microns, and the silica dust we are concerned with is as small as 10 microns.

Protections

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your workers. Most of these should be used in conjunction with each other:

• Engineering controls — mechanical ventilation for removal of contaminated air.

• Replace crystalline silica materials with safer substitutes whenever possible.

• Require workers to wear NIOSH-approved respirators.

• Practice wet-dust suppression measures like water sprays to wet the material so that it generates less dust.

• Isolation/enclosure/ventilation of dusty processes.

• Use handheld grinders with a shroud and vacuum.

• Use wet grinding/cutting methods.

• Wear aprons or coveralls and disposable clothing.

• Combine the use of more than one control measure.

• Conduct environmental monitoring.

• Educate and train workers and supervisors.

Good housekeeping is an essential part of workplace safety, and reducing exposure to silica dust is no exception. Consider employing the following housekeeping measures:

• Minimize your dry sweeping of the work area.

• Use vacuum cleaners to collect dust on a daily basis.

• Wet down the area prior to clean-up.

• Never use an air supply to blow dust off work clothing. Air pressure causes silica dust to become airborne.

• Remove dust-contaminated clothing at the worksite to minimize transportation and relocation of the dust.

Silica dust will have long-term effects on the health of your employees, so preventing exposure is an issue that requires significant attention. Be sure to minimize the possibility of exposure by following OSHA’S Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction and implementing robust protective measures.

Silica-containing materiall

The materials listed below contain silica which can be released through cutting, breaking and grinding, among other work:

• Asphalt

• Brick

• Cement

• Concrete

• Concrete block

• Drywall

• Fiber cement products

• Grout

• Gunite/Shotcrete

• Mortar

• Paints containing silica

• Plaster

• Refractory mortar/castables

• Refractory units

• Rock

• Roof tile (concrete)

• SandSoil (fill dirt and top soil)

• Stone (including granite, limestone, quartzite, sandstone, shale, slate, cultured)

• Stucco/EIFS

• Terrazzo

• Tile (clay and ceramic)

Additionally, under OSHA regulations, all employers whose workers encounter inhalable silica exposure should prepare the following documents:

• A written Silica Exposure Mitigation Plan.

• Documentation of compliance with Table 1 of the Silica standard.

• Documentation of regular exposure measurement.

• A hazard communication and training program.

OSHA has a handy guide for employers whose workers may be exposed to silica dust in the workplace. You can find it here.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

The engineer talks to the contractor to supervise and plan the work.

Here’s What We Can Offer You:

1. Expert advice from one of the tri-state’s leading contractor specialists

2. New General Liability Options – We offer the top 10 construction insurance programs for New York contractors.  We can get you better coverage and pricing than most other agencies.  If you are having problems getting your liability insurance renewed, contact Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 and let him help.  We perform miracles when it comes to getting new coverage and better pricing.  We also up to 15 companies for New Jersey and Connecticut contractors

3. Coverage – Unhappy with the coverage you now have or unsure of what you have?  Let us do a FREE review and offer you better options and rates

4. Pricing – We have General Liability companies whose pricing can be up to 50% less than what you now pay.  Coverage can be the same if not better.

5. Umbrella – We have companies whose pricing can be up to 40% less than what you’re now paying.  In addition, our companies can offer you better protection.

6. Workers’ Compensation – Unhappy with your rates, company’s audits, had a run of bad luck causing difficulty getting new coverage?   We have policies for all contractors including asbestos, demolition and roofing.  We have programs which can mitigate or eliminate annual audits.

7. Workers’ Compensation Premium Recovery – We can go back 7 years looking for mistakes made on audits, classification of payroll, a lot of things.  If we find any we get you your money back!  There’s no gimmicks!  You don’t need to be skeptical or distrusting!  This is for real and you can end up recovering hundreds of thousands of dollars.  By the way we do the work!

8. Subcontractor Coverage Review – We can help you review your subcontractor insurance coverage’s to make sure you are properly protected.  We have a whole department set up to perform this service for you.

9. Contract Review – We can review insurance sections of jobs you are bidding on to make sure your insurance complies with what is required.   Avoid costly surprises after you sign contracts.

10. Safety Manuals – Need help creating one?  We can help you.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

The engineer talks to the contractor to supervise and plan the work.

BGES Group are one of tri-state’s Worker’s Compensation Specialists.  We offer up to fifteen (15) policies for contractors.  From a service stand point we are much better than everyone else because we immediately answer the phone when you call.  You get to deal with the same person for years.  We take care of what you need in minutes.  You have a fire to put out like your guy is at the DOB and you need a C105.2 right away, we are right there to help.  We work seven days a week and are so easy to get along with and talk to.  We don’t charge ridiculous policy or service fees and we do everything possible to make your life easier not harder.  Call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 for help!

Problems We Can Help You Solve:

1. Sick of invasive annual audits and want to get away from them as much as possible

2. High Experience Modification Factor (EMR) causing your pricing to skyrocket

3. Being cancelled due to poor loss experience

4. Being non-renewed because your company no longer insures contractors

5. Payrolls not being properly classified

6. Poor service from your insurance company or agent

7. Takes hours or days to get a certificates of insurance

8. Paying a 10% service fee or $500 to $5,000 policy fee                                               

                                               Whatever your issue we can help.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Workplace injury rates rise during the summer months. When summer rolls around, companies in many sectors, including agriculture and construction, significantly increase production.

Increased road construction raises risks for workers and drivers. Many of the newly hired workers are young and inexperienced, creating a high potential for workplace injuries.

Toiling in the sun is also a leading cause of weather-related injuries, including heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Heat illnesses occur when the body overheats to the point it cannot cool off, even with profuse sweating.

Young workers

Too often, young workers enter the workforce with little or no on-the-job safety training, heightening safety risks.

Recently, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries released a report showing that teens are twice as likely to be hurt on the job as adults.

In Washington state, a total of 547 youths aged 17 and under were injured in the workplace in 2014, up nearly 14.7% over the previous year. Of the total, 173 were in the food and hospitality industries. The next largest total, 80, was reported in both the retail trades and agriculture.

Falls to the floor increased 77%, to 55 cases, as the chief cause of injury.

Young workers, aged 14 to 24, have more accidents because they lack the knowledge, training and experience to prevent them. Some common issues employers encounter with young workers are:

• They do not understand what can go wrong.
• They do not always follow the rules.
• They fail to use personal protective equipment (PPE), or use it incorrectly.
• They horse around on equipment.
• They do not ask questions.
• They think they are infallible.

It’s also important for supervisors to recognize the physical, cognitive and emotional developmental differences between young and adult workers. It takes extra effort to train and supervise seasonal employees on working safely.

Here are some training suggestions:

• Repeatedly demonstrate job procedures and safety precautions. Don’t overlook the basics, such as starting and stopping equipment.
• The step-by-step instructions for any task must include the task’s hazards and how to avoid them. Take the time to clearly explain the risks of not following the proper steps. Use examples.
• Explain when and how to use PPE, as well as where to get it, how to inspect it, and how to remove and store it properly.
• Train one-to-one with young workers and observe them performing tasks.
• Encourage them to report problems and to ask questions.
• Assign specific clean-up tasks and emphasize the importance of a clean, clutter-free worksite.
• Control the hours worked. Many popular summer jobs, such as construction workers, landscapers and jobs in hospitality and food industries, require long hours of work in the heat that can lead to fatigue, inattention and stress, increasing the likelihood of injury.
• Provide a mentor.
• Demonstrate that safety is a priority at your facility. Words aren’t enough. New workers also need to see actions that reinforce the message: clean worksite, properly labeled hazardous substances and readily accessible safety data sheets, workers wearing required PPE and who are concerned about workplace safety and show it, and so on.

Heat illness dangers

While there are many excellent resources on dealing with heat, it’s important for employers to recognize that there are individual differences among workers and those who are struggling may be hesitant to complain.

The American Society of Safety Engineers calls heat the “unseen danger” at construction sites because the symptoms of heat illness can be subtle and misinterpreted as mere annoyances rather than signs of a serious health issue.

Workers new to outdoor jobs are particularly vulnerable. Implementing an acclimatization program, providing adequate water and frequent breaks are all critical, but the best way for employers to prevent heat illnesses is to consistently interact with workers to gauge how they’re feeling and provide current information on weather conditions.

Also, using apps, such as OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool, is a good way for workers to monitor their risk levels.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Man labor worker had accident on the floor at the production line of CNC machine factory. Engineer man walk to that area and support him on injured. Safety in industrial factory. Injury at work”n”n

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued new guidance on how employers can properly use software, algorithms and artificial intelligence-driven decision-making tools when screening job applicants and selecting candidates.

The EEOC has grown concerned about possible adverse impacts of these technologies that can help employers with a wide range of employment matters, like hiring decisions, recruitment, retention, monitoring performance, and determining pay, promotions, demotions, dismissals and referrals.

The guidance follows the EEOC’s recent announcement that it would pursue enforcement of violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other statutes under its jurisdiction arising from use of AI in employment decisions.

Employers are increasingly using algorithmic decision-making tools in various stages of the employment process. Examples include:

• Resume scanners that prioritize applications using certain keywords,

• Monitoring software that rates employees on the basis of their keystrokes or other factors, and

• Testing software that provides “job fit” scores for applicants or employees.

The new guidance includes a series of questions and answers to help employers prevent the use of AI and other technologies from leading to discrimination on the basis of on race, color, religion, sex or national origin, in violation of Title VII.

Here are the main points of the guidance:

Responsibility: Employers are ultimately responsible for discriminatory decisions rendered by algorithmic decision-making tools, even if they are administered by another entity, such as a software vendor.

Assessment: Employers should assess whether their use of technology has an adverse impact on a particular protected group by checking whether use of the procedure causes a selection rate for individuals in the group that is “substantially” less than the selection rate for individuals in another group.

The selection rate for a group of applicants or candidates is calculated by dividing the number of persons hired, promoted or otherwise selected from the group by the total number of candidates in that group.

For example: Consider a situation where 100 white individuals and 50 Black individuals take a personality test that is scored using an algorithm as part of a job application, and 60 of the white applicants and 15 of the Black applicants advance to the next round of the selection process. Based on these results, the selection rate for whites is 60/100 (equivalent to 60%), and the selection rate for blacks is 15/50 (equivalent to 30%). This may indicate adverse selection.

If an employer is in the process of implementing a selection tool and discovers that using it would have an adverse impact on individuals of a protected class, it can take steps to reduce the impact or select a different tool, per the guidance.

If an employer fails to adopt a less discriminatory algorithm than that which was considered during the implementation process, it could result in liability, according to the EEOC.

The takeaway

Employers using algorithmic decision-making tools for employment decisions need to take the same care as they do when making employment moves without assistance from technology.

Businesses should not blindly implement these technologies without considering possible adverse decision-making that could lead to violations of the law and prompt litigation and regulatory action by the EEOC.

Experts advise that you move forward carefully and work with the vendor to ensure the technology doesn’t get your organization in trouble.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Using AI in employment decisions

A young African woman mine worker wearing protective wear is looking at the camera with coal mine equipment in the background

Employees who have been on the job for less than a year account for one-third of workers’ compensation claims, according to a new report.

Injuries suffered by new workers in their first year on the job account for nearly 7 million missed workdays a year due to injury, according to the “2023 Injury Impact Report” by The Travelers Companies, which examined more than 1.2 million workers’ comp claims from 2016 to 2020. The report found that time on the job and an employee’s age were the main drivers of both workplace injury frequency and the cost of those claims.

The findings should serve as a reminder that when employers take on new workers they put a premium on safety that includes proper training and supervision. As well, employers need to put a premium on safety for their aging workers, who may be near or even past retirement age, as many Americans are staying on the job longer.

Workers between the age of 35 and 49 account for 31% of all injuries, the highest of all groups. Workers aged 50 to 59 account for another 25% and those 60 and older, 13%.

Additionally, the cost of claims increases the older the workers get, with injury claims for employees aged 60 or older costing about 140% more than those of workers aged 18 to 24.

Employees in their first year on a job, regardless of their age or industry experience, account for 34% of all claims.

With those findings in mind, here are some workplace safety tips for new and aging workers.

New workers

Workplace safety experts recommend that companies implement comprehensive new-employee safety training programs based on best practices in workplace safety to prevent injuries and keep costs in check.

Training should be specific for the tasks they perform, as well as general for other work areas they may be exposed to on the job.

Training — Before they even start working, they should be trained on safety, and shown how to complete their tasks and what not to do. Employees should repeat the procedures or tasks until you feel confident they can do their job safely.

Conduct regular follow-up training as they are learning the ropes in the job. Encourage them to ask questions and drum home the importance of not taking risks or shortcuts. They should know they won’t be reprimanded for asking for help if they need it or have concerns about performing a task on their own.

Provide a clear safety policy — All of your safety policies should be put on paper and distributed to each new employee. You should have them read it thoroughly and sign off after having done so. You should go over the information in the policy in training as well, in order to reinforce it.

Hazard identification — Employees should be encouraged to identify hazards and report any concerns to management. Don’t reprimand an employee who speaks up about a possible hazard.

Older workers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends the following to help aging workers:

• Give workers a say in their schedule, work conditions, work organization, work location and tasks.

• Match tasks to abilities. Use self-paced work, self-directed rest breaks and less-repetitive tasks.

• Rotate job functions. Jobs that require repetitive physical activity can be hard on the body, and this is especially true for older workers. Rotating job functions to exercise different muscles and reduce stress on overused muscles can help older workers maintain productivity.

  Rotate job functions among workers to ensure that older employees are able to perform their duties safely.

• Provide and design ergo-friendly work environments. This includes workstations, tools, floor surfaces, adjustable seating, better illumination where needed, and screens and surfaces with less glare.

• Provide health promotion and lifestyle interventions, including physical activity, healthy meal options, tobacco cessation assistance, risk-factor reduction and screenings, coaching, and on-site medical care.

• Require aging workforce management skills training for supervisors. Include a focus on the most effective ways to manage a multigenerational workplace.

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.

BGES Group is an insurance agency whose owner is very responsible, responsive, offers boutique, very personal service and is ALWAYS there when you need him most!

We know reading an article we post or getting an email is not the best way to consider working with someone.  If you are interested, go read our “Google Reviews” and see what people have to say about us!  That can give you the comfort level needed to contact us.

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Builder injury accident falling scaffolding to the floor. Basic first aid training for support accident in site work, Safety team help employee accident.