As Home Value Rises, So Does Coverage Complexity

New:

1. Have high value property located along the shore line or on islands like Fire Island, Block Island, Long Beach Island, etc?  We have a property/liability/flood program that can give you the coverage needed.  Call 914-806-5853 for help today!

2. Check out our new Construction News website which will tell you what’s going on in the construction industry throughout the country.  Click here.

As Home Value Rises, So Does Coverage Complexity

The more your home is worth, the trickier it is to make sure that it and all of its contents are covered properly and that you are not paying too much premium.

If you have a high-value estate you will need specialized insurance to cover your property and assets, as well as your higher liability risks.

In some cases, you may need multiple policies to fully cover all facets of the home – structure and contents. 

The coverage

High-value home insurance has broader coverage and higher limits than normal homeowner’s insurance policies can offer. 

It is designed for homes that are worth millions of dollars and typically contain state-of-the-art media equipment and technology, costly appointments and furnishings, extensive collections of art and many other luxurious items of great value.

Coverage options

High-value home insurance companies will often work with you to tailor your policy to your needs. With this bespoke approach, you can add certain coverages that would not normally be available on a typical homeowner’s policy, such as:

Better dwelling coverage — These policies will reimburse you for home repairs that are above the listed amount on the policy. This is crucial if you have a home with hard to find or imported materials that are costly and not readily available. 

Some policies include an option to cash out if the home is destroyed. In those cases the insurer would make a payment, allowing the policyholder to rebuild somewhere else. 

Better contents coverage — Policies will have higher contents coverage limits than a standard homeowner’s coverage. Some polices have high jewelry coverage of up to $150,000 and special coverage for antiques, art and collectibles if they are broken or damaged. 

Replacement cost — Traditional homeowner’s policies will give you an option of choosing actual cash value or replacement cost. Actual cash value takes into account depreciation of your furnishings. 

But high-value coverage will usually include replacement cost coverage, which  reimburses you for new items to replace the damaged ones.

Flood insurance — Traditional homeowner’s insurance policies do not provide coverage for flood damage. 

For the most part, homeowners have to buy this coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program. But a high-value homeowner’s policy can often include flood insurance, as well as coverage for sewer backups.

Living expenses coverage — Most policies provide generous coverage for living expenses. The limits are either a stated dollar amount or a two year limitation.  Coverage for vacation homes – Many insurers will allow you to include coverage for other structures, including pool houses and vacation homes. 

Some final tips

It is expensive to cover theft or loss in a high-value home, because the items in these properties are typically more costly. 

Being in a gated community and/or having a security system in place at your home can significantly reduce risks, and insurance companies will often discount your premium based on this. 

Also, if you make any upgrades to your home, you should update your policy by having a new insurance appraisal. 

You should also keep track of all your new purchases in terms of furnishings and technology.

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Small Firms Saddled with Majority of Tort Liability Costs

New:

1. Have high value property located along the shore line or on islands like Fire Island, Block Island, Long Beach Island, etc?  We have a property/liability/flood program that can give you the coverage needed.  Call 914-806-5853 for help today!

2. Check out our new Construction News website which will tell you what’s going on in the construction industry throughout the country.  Click here.

Small Firms Saddled with Majority of Tort Liability Costs

Despite accounting for 19% of revenues among firms in the United States, small businesses shoulder more than 53% of all commercial tort liability costs, according to a new report by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform.

The story is worse for the business with less than $1 million in revenue. They account for only 7% of all revenues and yet bear 39% of the tort liability costs, according to the 2020 “Tort Liability Costs for Small Businesses” report.

While those numbers are staggering, you may be shocked to know that only 40% of those of small firms’ $182 billion in tort liabilities were covered by insurance.

In 2018, the study found that small businesses’ total tort liability in 2018 was $182 billion, of which only 40% was covered by insurance. That means that those small business paid an aggregate $109 billion out of pocket for those liabilities.

The lesson from the study: not carrying enough liability coverage in your policies can result in significant out-of-pocket costs that can cripple your small business if you are sued.

The big liabilities

A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm to a third party. Typically, businesses are sued by third parties who allege they were harmed by a business or an employee, manager or owner. Businesses are vicariously liable for torts committed by individuals acting on their behalf.

Actions can include lawsuits alleging:

  • Negligence
  • Intentional wrongdoing
  • Liability for harm caused by a product or a company’s policies or employees.

The majority (81%) of the commercial tort payouts in 2020 related to operating and professional liability, while 13% was related to commercial auto liability. The rest was for medical malpractice.

How to protect your firm

Your business can protect itself against claims based on negligence, strict liability and some intentional torts by purchasing a general liability policy.

Besides purchasing a stand-alone policy, small firms can buy a business owner’s policy, which combines property and liability insurance into one policy.

General liability policies and BOPs cover:

  • Claims for bodily injury or property damage caused by negligence on the part of your company or representatives. The injury or damage may occur on your premises or at a job site, or arise out of your products or completed work.
  • Claims arising from your products or completed work, regardless of whether they are based on negligence or strict liability.
  • Claims alleging personal and advertising injury.

Commercial auto policies are also an important part of the equation if you have driving employees. Commercial auto liability claims account for a 13% of all business tort liability, as mentioned above.

Also, you may want to consider umbrella or excess liability coverage that adds a second layer of protection to avoid paying out of pocket if you are saddled with a large claim that busts through your policy limits.

Be warned: General liability polices do not cover medical malpractice, workplace torts or financial losses that are the result of professional mistakes.

To cover workplace-related lawsuits (claims of discrimination, harassment or wage and hour infractions) you’ll need employment practices liability coverage. And for professional liability, you may need either errors and omissions liability insurance or professional liability coverage.

To ensure you don’t end up holding the bag, ensure you have proper liability coverage in the event your company is sued. Call us if you’d like to go through your current policies so we can evaluate your current risk exposure.

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Don’t Let Laying Off Employees Become a Safety Hazard

Don’t Let Laying Off Employees Become a Safety Hazard

There is never a good time to be laid off from a job. In addition to the loss of income, many people define themselves by what they do. To these employees, being laid off can be a blow both economically and emotionally.

That’s why it’s so important to relay this news to workers in a way that minimizes the possibility of a violent reaction. The best way to accomplish this is to remain respectful of the individual so that they can maintain their dignity. Here are some tips to help you terminate without destroying the employee’s ego:

  • Be explicit about the reason(s) for termination. If economic conditions have required you to let the employee go, you need to explain the justification for your actions. Don’t attempt to spare your employee’s feelings.
    If this person was chosen for termination instead of a colleague who has similar responsibilities, you must be explicit about what other issues, such as chronic lateness/absenteeism, poor performance, etc. influenced your decision. Be prepared to back up your statements with written documentation that verifies your decision.
  • Choose an appropriate time. You should always terminate an employee early in the day and early in the week. Never terminate on a Friday or on the day before a holiday.
  • Have the termination paperwork ready. You should provide the worker with all information about pay, benefits and unused vacation time during the termination interview. Be ready to answer all questions regarding what they are entitled to, especially if there is a severance package.
  • Ask for the assistance of your HR professional. Having an HR person sit in on the termination interview can be helpful because they can answer questions about benefits in greater detail.
  • Conduct the interview in privacy. Hold the termination meeting in your office, and close the door so that other workers can’t overhear the proceedings. Assure the employee that no part of your conversation will be repeated to other staff. Also explain the wording that will be used to announce the employee’s departure to the rest of the staff.
  • Don’t overstate. Once you have explained the reasons for the termination and what benefits the employee is entitled to, and given them time to ask questions, bring the meeting to a close. The longer you stay in the room, the more opportunity there is for the employee to try to negotiate to get the job back. This type of situation has the potential for violence.
  • Be mindful of your tone throughout the meeting. Be direct, but compassionate. Never try to commiserate with the employee.
  • Stay in charge of the meeting. The employee may attempt to deflect blame to save their job. Don’t allow this to continue. Politely interrupt them and explain that the decision has been made and is not reversible.
  • Offer some words of encouragement. End the meeting by thanking the employee for their service and wishing them well in their future career.

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Retaliating Against Employees for Raising COVID-19 Concerns Can Cost You

Retaliating Against Employees for Raising COVID-19 Concerns Can Cost You

The Department of Labor has sued a Texas dental practice on behalf of a dental hygienist and a dental assistant who were not reinstated after raising concerns about what COVID-19 safety measures would be in place when the practice reopened in spring 2020.

As more employers are bringing people back to the workplace, OSHA has received more than 5,500 whistleblower complaints from workers who say they were retaliated against for also raising concerns about COVID-19 safety precautions at their workplaces.

According to a New York attorney who handles retaliation complaints, when employees have raised concerns about workplace safety related to COVID-19, some employers have:

  • Fired them
  • Reduced their hours
  • Denied them overtime
  • Demoted them
  • Made threats
  • Transferred them to distant locations
  • Assigned school teachers to classes full of students with histories of violence.

Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who speak up about workplace safety conditions.

In March, OSHA launched an enforcement program targeting employers with large numbers of employees at risk from COVID-19, with priorities on those that have retaliated against workers who raised concerns. OSHA can and has sued employers for pack pay, benefits and compensatory damages for employees.

Employees who believe they have been wronged may have recourse besides complaining to OSHA. Some states permit them to sue their employers. An employment law expert explained, “Employees may be entitled to significant damages if they prove that an employer took adverse action against them because they raised a health and safety concern, and the remedies vary from state to state.”

Damages awarded by juries in these cases can be large. A jury gave $1.25 million in 2020 to a former railroad employee who was harassed and fired after reporting unsafe conditions. Six-figure damage awards are common.

Protect your company

Potential retaliation claims, whether or not they are valid, are one reason employers need employment practices liability insurance (EPLI.)

These policies cover damages an employer may owe to an employee for “wrongful acts,” including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wrongful discipline, failure to employ or promote, infliction of emotional distress, and other offenses. They also cover the cost of providing the employer with a legal defense.

EPLI policies will not cover you for the cost of penalties assessed by OSHA or state regulators. It also will not pay for punitive damages or the cost of defending against criminal charges.

Many insurance carriers sell these policies. We can help you find an affordable policy providing the protection your business needs.

Steps you can take

The law firm of Littler Mendelson, in a recent blog, recommended that employers ensure that managers and supervisors do not retaliate against employees complaining about COVID-19 safety measures. It recommends the following best practices:

  • Never discipline or terminate employees because they raise workplace safety concerns.
  • If you are planning to take disciplinary action against an employee who has raised health and safety concerns but is facing the action for unrelated reasons, you need to make sure that those reasons are properly documented and that your action comports with your company policy. You should be able to show that you leveled similar disciplinary actions against other employees who previously engaged in similar conduct.
  • Document all health and safety concerns and take all complaints seriously.
  • Train supervisors to respect their subordinates’ concerns and to refer and escalate concerns as per company procedures.
  • Review and update your policies to explicitly prohibit retaliation. You should also train your management and supervisors on your policies, as well as informing your workers of their right to raise health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
  • Set up a system for employees to file complaints about retaliation.

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

The Importance of Training Employees from the Start

The Importance of Training Employees from the Start

OSHA requires employers to train all employees, including new hires and those given new job assignments for whom training has not previously been received.

All employees should receive new training whenever new substances, processes, procedures or equipment are introduced to the workplace and represent a new hazard or a previously unrecognized hazard. But to new employees, most of your company’s procedures will be new, so the training will need to be thorough and comprehensive.

It’s the employer’s responsibility to provide training that will enable workers to do their job in a productive manner and to comply with applicable safety regulations.

Safety training is most effective if it begins the day the worker is hired. Prior to starting work, they will usually receive a packet of paperwork from the HR department or bookkeeper. You should include in that packet a safety primer for their job description.

If you don’t already have one, develop a safety checklist to go over before they go to the shop, field or workstation. The manager or supervisor should explain and go over the list with the new employee.

Have the new employee sign the checklist, give them a copy and retain a copy in your files as proof that they received, read and understood it.

What to cover

Start by explaining and giving them a copy of the company Injury and Illness Prevention Program.

You should also explain:

  • The applicable company, state and federal safety policies and programs for their type of work.
  • Your enforcement procedures.
  • The safe use of tools and equipment.
  • The work clothes and personal protective equipment they need to wear on the job.
  • How, when and to whom they should report injuries.
  • Special hazards of the job.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Workers’ compensation law.
  • Lifting procedures and any mechanical lifting means that the company provides.
  • Where the fire extinguishers, first aid kits and electrical panels are located.
  • Any other safety instructions relevant to their job duties.

Statistics have shown that most workplace accidents involve employees that have worked on the job less than one year. It’s crucial that new hires understand the training materials prior to going to work.

The employee and owner/supervisor must sign documentation of all training given, no matter how brief, and an acknowledgment of that training. The documentation should be placed in the employee’s file and kept for at least five years.

The benefits of training new employees:

  • It makes them more productive.
  • It makes them feel better about themselves and have more confidence in their ability to do the work safely, and lets them know you care about their safety and well-being.
  • It results in fewer accidents and injuries.
  • It helps retain employees.

The takeaway

Start new employees out on the right foot and prevent accidents before they happen by providing them with the proper safety training they will need to safely perform their work.

Continue the training with regular meetings and refresh and update old training as necessary.

Proper training can help the new employee get up to speed quickly, which in turn can reduce the costs associated with learning the job and the likelihood of workplace accidents.

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Reviews

Paying your Mortgage when your Income Discontinues

Paying your Mortgage when your Income Discontinues

For many Americans, their home represents both security and peace of mind. It is typically both their greatest financial investment and their greatest asset (besides their retirement plan). An unpaid mortgage may be one of the most overwhelming financial threats a family can face.

Whether this comes from the passing of a primary earner in the home or high medical bills resulting from some disability that prevents them from working, the question is would your family be able to stay in their home?

In addition to paying your mortgage after a primary earner passes away, or a disability brings high medical bills along with a loss of income during the recovery phase, protecting your home means preserving important community and neighborhood connections with:

  1.  Friends
  2.  Schools
  3.  Church
  4.  Clubs
  5.  Relatives

Death or disability and its recovery can be emotionally devastating.  It should not have to also be financially devastating.

It makes good sense to protect your family against the loss of their home, in the event that the main breadwinner dies before the home is paid for.  You can have either a term life insurance policy, with a term for the length of your mortgage or some form of permanent insurance plan with riders or other features that can be converted or used for retirement purposes after the need for mortgage protection has passed.

But here’s the question that is not often asked. What if you should suffer a disability before your home is paid off? Should your mortgage insurance also have a disability provision?

  • One that pays you an income so you will know exactly how much money you are going to receive to help pay for uncovered medical expenses

If you suffer a disability and don’t die but have to spend a long period to recover, wouldn’t the loss of income while not working and the extra expenses of medical care pose just as much of a risk of losing your home as dying?

So having a mortgage plan with a disability provision might protect you not only if you die, but if you live, it can have provisions like optional hospital indemnity benefits to provide a daily benefit when you are hospitalized to help pay ongoing lifestyle expenses. Or a return of premium benefits, so if you suffer a covered disability or die while this coverage is in force, your family gets all the premiums paid, less any benefits paid or due, of course. Then these premiums paid are returned to the family.

So what are the questions you should ask?

  • What is your largest asset?
  • What is your greatest debt?

How would you keep up with the regular monthly bills (mortgage payments, utilities, etc.) if you suffered a disability and you were unable to work for a period of time?  How would you cover all of the unexpected costs associated with disability and still keep up with your mortgage payments? Talk to us today because when you take the risk and lose……..your family pays!

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Reviews

High Heat Increases Risk of Injuries for Inside and Outdoor Workers

High Heat Increases Risk of Injuries for Inside and Outdoor Workers.

As many parts of the country are wrestling with ever-increasing temperatures during the summer months, a new study has found that the hotter the weather gets, the higher the risk of workplace accidents and injuries for both indoor and outside workers.

The study by the University of California, Los Angeles, based on claims data from the California Workers’ Compensation Institute between 2001 and 2018, found:

  • When it’s more than 90 degrees: The risk of workplace injuries increased 6% to 9%, compared to when the temperatures are in the 50s and 60s.
  • When it’s more than 100 degrees: The risk of injuries increased 10% to 15%, regardless of if the work was conducted outside or indoors.

The report estimated that high temperatures result in some 15,000 injuries a year in California and that the cost of those heat-related injuries ranges from $750 million to $1.25 billion in the form of medical treatment costs, lost wages, lost productivity and workers’ compensation claims.

The main findings of the report are not surprising: That high temperatures put outdoor workers — construction, agriculture, landscaping and utility workers, for example — at risk of heat illness and workplace accidents.

What was surprising was that hot weather outside also resulted in higher frequency of workplace accidents and injuries for indoor workers.

For example, the UCLA study found that on days with highs above 95 degrees, manufacturing workers had a 7% higher risk of injury than on days when the temperatures were in the low 60s. One reason may be that most manufacturing facilities are not air conditioned. The same is also true for most warehouses and other large, production line-type operations, bakeries, printing facilities and laundries.

The researchers concluded that when temperatures rise, it increases your risk of making mistakes or errors in judgment. Heat stress can cause fine motor performance to deteriorate.

The more dangerous the work, the riskier the work is when it gets hot. In other words, the risk to office workers during hot days is negligent considering they are more likely to be working in an air-conditioned facility.

What to do

Heat-related illness is preventable, especially with management commitment to providing the most effective controls.

First off, if you have new workers who have not spent time recently in warm or hot environments and being physically active in the heat, they need time to build tolerance and acclimatize to the heat.

OSHA recommends that staff working in hot conditions (indoors and out) should be encouraged to:

  • Consume adequate fluids (water and sport drinks),
  • Work shorter shifts,
  • Take frequent breaks, and
  • Learn how to identify heat illness symptoms.

For indoor spaces, air conditioning with cooled air and increased air flow, leading to increased evaporative cooling, can make the workplace safer.

Other options for keeping body temperatures down in warm environments include making changes to workloads and schedules. For example, if temperatures reach a certain point, supervisors can:

  • Tell workers to slow down physical activity, like reducing manual handling speeds.
  • Schedule work for the morning.
  • Schedule shorter shifts.
  • Require that they take frequent rest breaks in the shade or away from heat sources.
  • Encourage workers to drink hydrating fluids regularly.
  • Train workers about heat-related symptoms and first aid.

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Eight Tips for Improving Electrical Safety

Looking for a New Way To Learn About Up Coming Construction Jobs and Industry News?  Click here.

Article:

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

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

Fortunately, there are steps that companies can take to minimize the dangers:

Provide protective equipment — Electrical safety starts at a personal level. All electrical work personnel or people working in an area with electrical materials should wear protective gear, such as insulated gloves and footwear.

This provides basic safety if they come into contact with electrical equipment, whether accidentally or intentionally.

Train workers in handling electrical equipment — Electrical mishaps can occur when there is misuse or mishandling of electrical equipment.

Workers should be trained on how to handle and operate the equipment safely. Conduct regular training to ensure your workers don’t become lax when they use the same equipment.

Use proper testing equipment — Proper testing equipment should be among the essential tools on a construction site.

Voltage detectors, receptacle testers and clamp meters are among the tools every worksite should have to enhance electrical safety and help prevent electrical accidents.

Install the right signage — Lack of awareness can lead to catastrophic electrical accidents. All electrical hazards should be marked to warn your workers of the dangers.

The signs should have labels in language and illustrations that can be easily understood by a layman.

Conduct a risk assessment — Conduct a risk assessment survey of the worksite before operations begin. This will help identify hazards that can compromise electrical safety and allow you to come up with solutions accordingly.

The assessment will also help your team develop a plan on how to lay out electrical infrastructure with safety in mind. The plan should indicate where and how electrical equipment will be placed and how the wiring will be done.

Use circuit breakers and voltage regulators — Emergencies can occur in case of a power surge, short-circuit or other electrical issue. That’s why it’s essential to have circuit breakers and voltage regulators to cut off power during such situations.

The ability to regulate or shut down power supply on time during a crisis can avert catastrophic damage.

Avoid wet conditions — Electrical equipment and infrastructures in the worksite should be shielded from coming into contact with water at all costs.

This should be done during the planning process. When the equipment comes into contact with water, shut off the power supply immediately. It should be turned back on under a professional electrician’s recommendation.

Organize and insulate all exposed cables — A construction area should never have messy or uncovered power cables. When unorganized, the cables can contact each other, resulting in short-circuiting and possibly fire.

If left uncovered, workers may accidentally touch them, leading to shock or electrocution. Cover all cables in a construction site with insulating material and organize the cables to enhance electrical safety.

The takeaway

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

The above tips can help construction firms to boost electrical safety in their operations.

However, all the parties on a construction site must be diligent for maximum electrical safety.

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Improving Electrical Safety at Construction Sites 

Building Risks Evolve, Creating Unique Challenges for Construction Firms

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.

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group

Do You Have Enough Insurance to Keep Up with Rising Home Repair Costs?

The cost of buying and installing home building supplies is going through the roof, and it may leave you without enough insurance to rebuild should disaster strike.

Lumber and other construction material prices have skyrocketed, and so has the cost of labor as the building industry struggles with a manpower shortfall. These issues are adding significantly to the cost of repairing and rebuilding homes, so much so that some homeowner’s policy limits may not be enough to pay for it all.

Sawmills slowed production in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic-induced economic slowdown. Meanwhile, stuck-at-home homeowners went on remodeling sprees. The result? Between late October 2020 and early May 2021, lumber prices more than tripled. They’ve dropped from their peak, but they remain more than 50% above the previous levels.

Labor costs for home construction and repairs are also increasing. With borrowing costs at historic lows, contractors who build or remodel homes are in high demand. Many contractors complain of not being able to hire enough workers to keep up. And the ones they find are getting higher wages.

Do You Have Enough Insurance to Keep Up with Rising Home Repair Costs?

The effect on your coverage

Even if you are not building or remodeling a home, these cost increases are a problem for you.

Every homeowner’s insurance policy shows a dollar amount (known as a “limit of insurance”), which is the most the company will pay for loss of or damage to the home. (This limit is typically designated as the limit for “Coverage A ― Dwelling” on the policy’s information page.)

This limit is based on the estimated cost of rebuilding or replacing the home should it be destroyed. However, an estimate that seemed reasonable before material and labor costs jumped may not provide enough money now to rebuild the home.

You may have insured your home for $300,000 in 2019, but today it may cost $400,000 or more to rebuild. Your insurance company is obligated to pay only $300,000, leaving you to come up with the extra $100,000 on your own.

You may not be able to borrow that much on top of your mortgage. You may also have a deductible you’ll have to foot the bill for as well.

What you can do

  • Contact us and ask about increasing the amount of insurance on your home. We can give you a rough idea of the additional cost based on estimates of what it may cost to rebuild your home.
  • While you’re at it, this is a good time to ask us questions about your insurance. Does it provide coverage for rebuilding or replacing the home, or only for its cash value? Does it cover you for the increased cost of meeting new building codes? Does it fully cover you if you’re operating a business from your home or a detached garage? It is important to get the answers before a loss occurs.
  • If you remodel or add on to the home, it is essential that you notify us or your insurance company. Your limit of insurance is based on the way your home was, but the home is no longer the same. Your carrier needs to know about changes before it can properly insure you.

There is not much you can do about rising construction costs. However, you can take proactive steps to make sure your insurance will protect you the way you need.

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2021 – BGES Group