Employers must buy insurance to cover workers’ compensation claims. This type of insurance provides funding for injured employees, and employers also receive protection from lawsuits stemming from a worker’s injuries. State laws govern workers’ compensation, and every state has a slightly different set of rules and payment rates. To learn about a specific state’s workers’ compensation laws, it is best to contact an agent for more details. The United States Department of Labor also provides information on its official site.

What Is Covered Under Workers’ Compensation
Only work-related illnesses and injuries are covered by workers’ compensation. However, this does not mean the injury has to happen in the workplace. If an employee is injured while out driving a company car off the premises of the workplace, the injuries will be covered. Both sudden and gradual injuries are covered if they are work related. An example of a sudden injury is an employee falling off of a ladder, and a gradual injury might be a foot condition that develops from walking or standing on a concrete floor every day for several years.

What Workers’ Compensation Does Not Cover
Some problems that happen in the workplace are not covered. Some of the following situations are examples:

– Self-inflicted injuries
– Injuries from drug or alcohol use
– Injuries resulting from horseplay
– Injuries following termination or a layoff
– Injuries sustained from fighting
– Felony-related injuries
– Independent contractor injuries
– Injuries sustained while off duty but on workplace premises

When Employees Can Sue Employers
Employers are not protected from employee lawsuits in all situations. When an employee’s injuries are due to the employer’s intentional actions or there is no workers’ compensation insurance, the employee is allowed to sue the employer in court for a wide range of damages. In some cases, employees may also be able to sue third parties that are involved and have caused damages.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There are several provisions made possible by workers’ compensation. These include the following:

– Replacement income when employees are off work
– Vocational rehabilitation training or placement assistance
– Medical expense payments for physician appointments, drugs and surgeries

If an employee is unable to work temporarily, that individual usually receives about 66 percent of his or her income as disability payments. There is a fixed ceiling amount for this percentage, and the benefits are available to people who are unable to do the same type of work that was done prior to the disability’s beginning. Some people may be able to perform other types of work, but there are people who are unable to work at all. If this is the case, such a person will usually receive permanent disability payments.

Workers’ Compensation And Employer Responsibilities
Under the workers’ compensation system, employers have several obligations. When requirements are not met, employers may face fines. In addition to this, employees may be able to sue such employers.

Carrying Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If a business does not have this type of coverage, the owner is vulnerable to lawsuits that may be filed by injured workers. In addition to carrying insurance, employers should post notices and provide employees with information about their legal rights. This should be done on a regular basis. Any posted notices should be placed in areas that employees use frequently during working hours. The literature should include the following bits of information:

– The name of the workers’ compensation insurance carrier
– A self-insurance statement for employers who have their own insurance
– The name of the entity responsible for claims adjustments
– A statement that workers have the right to change doctors
– A statement that injured workers have the right to medical treatment
– Details about workers’ compensation benefits

When hiring new workers, employers should notify them of all these points prior to starting work. Within 24 hours of an injury happening on the job, employers must provide workers with claim forms. They must also provide written information again about that worker’s rights under the insurance plan and state laws. To learn more about workers’ compensation insurance and how it works, discuss concerns with an agent.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

One of the biggest headaches for contractors is equipment and tool theft, as thieves regularly raid worksites after hours or steal tools from parked vehicles. They can make away with tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment, and in serious cases it can result in project delays and workers unable to do their jobs.

Also, if the theft occurs away from the contractor’s own facilities and instead at a worksite or while the equipment is in transit, the company’s commercial property insurance policy won’t cover the theft.

However, there is a policy that will cover these types of thefts: tool and equipment insurance. While you should consider this inexpensive coverage, you should also take steps to safeguard your stuff.

Examples

• In September 2023, thieves stole more than $50,000 worth of tools and landscaping equipment from a worksite run by Ground Builders Landscaping in Douglas County, Nebraska.
• A Columbus, Ohio man who committed countless thefts of tools and construction equipment across a 10-county area was sentenced to more than a decade in prison in October 2023. It is estimated that upward of around $100,000 worth of construction equipment and tools were stolen by the thief.
• In November 2022, thieves stole $100,000 worth of tools and equipment from a construction site run by SolTerra Capital Inc., a Portland, Oregon developer.

How the insurance works

Typically, commercial property insurance only covers your equipment when kept within your premises. Tool and equipment coverage is a special type of insurance known as inland marine insurance; it covers movable equipment and tools wherever you’ve stored them.

It typically covers theft, vandalism, accidental damage, and loss of tools and equipment while they are on-site, in transit or stored at a designated location.

Some policies may offer coverage for the cost of renting replacement tools or equipment to minimize project disruptions. Others include provisions that compensate you for lost income and costs incurred due to project delay if these are caused by a covered incident.

Policies typically cover tools and equipment worth up to $10,000. If the value of everything is more than $5,000, the insurer will often require that all of the items are inventoried and scheduled on the policy.

However, the insurance won’t cover:

• Usual wear and tear on equipment and tools
• Tools that are over five years old.
• Damage resulting from deliberate misuse or breakage.

If you have extremely high-value tools and equipment, you would likely need to get a separate specialized policy.

Prevention tips

Besides insurance, the best approach is to avoid having your tools and equipment stolen in the first place. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of theft.

Secure equipment and tools — If you must store your equipment on-site, set aside a section of your site where you can store the gear in locked, secure storage containers when not in use. Ensure these containers are well-constructed and tamper-proof and cannot be moved. Keep in mind that tool trailers are often stolen.

Install security cameras and alarms — Security cameras and alarms, along with signs announcing their presence, can help deter thieves. Cameras also can provide evidence of theft and alarms can alert your workers of intrusions.

Implement asset marking and tracking — Adopt asset-management solutions with telematics to discourage theft and aid in recovery if equipment is stolen. Implement tracking devices on high-value assets to enable real-time location monitoring. Visibly displaying that equipment is tracked and monitored can deter theft.

Create a reporting system for missing tools — Implement a system so that employees can report missing tools. A well-designed reporting system can help track any misplaced tools, while addressing issues like theft or inaccuracies with inventory as soon as they are discovered.

Train your staff — Devote an afternoon to discuss best practices in van and tool safety and security with your team. Additionally, ensure that new staff members are informed about these measures to maintain a vigilant and secure work environment.

Conduct employee background checks — Conducting background checks during the hiring process can help combat theft on your construction site. Background checks not only verify the qualifications and past work history of potential employees, but detect any known criminal activity as well.

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

contractor equipment and tool theft

Here’s What We Can Do For You:

1. We offer the top construction programs in the area. If we can fit you into one of them you’ll receive great coverage, rates and coverage stability.  We helped a Queen’s contractor get into one and reduced his premium from $375,000 to $197,000.  In addition, he obtained a “Cadillac” policy that none of his client’s has a problem accepting.  We helped a NYC restoration contractor save $100,000 on their liability premium.                                                                                                                                          
2. Does your policy have a “Labor Law” exclusion?  No Contractual Liability?  Subcontractor Hammer Clause?  Interior height restriction?  Exterior height restriction?  Do these height restrictions apply to you or your subs work too?  Is your policy rate based on gross receipts?  Would it be better if it were based on payroll and subcontractor costs?  Do you have Primary/Non Contributory coverage?  Blanket Additional Insured coverage?   Does your Blanket Additional Insured cover everyone that is required to be covered under the contracts you sign?  Do you have Blanket Waiver of Subrogation coverage?  If we can fit you into one of our programs we can get you better coverage.                                                                                                                                        
3. You know how some large companies have considerable buying leverage due to their volume of business?   Well we do billions in premium so we usually can get great deals for our client’s.  The beauty of our office is you get the benefit of our pricing leverage BUT “Personally Every Client is Treat Like a $10 Million Dollar Account.” Click here and read what our clients have to say.                                                                                                                                                                                
4. Most brokers are generalists.  They sell policies having no clue about the exclusions, warranties and restrictions.  This places many contractors in great financial jeopardy.  We are construction insurance specialists and have 43 years experience.  Instead of taking hours to research your account, we have a team that brainstorms then knows what to do.  You get this help for FREE by contacting us.

5. Do you need bid or performance bonds?  We have a separate department for our client bonding needs.  Need higher limits?  Lower rates?  Expert advice?  Whatever you need we can help.                                                                                                                                                                       
6. Are you paying exorbitant premiums for your Commercial Umbrella Liability Policy(s)?   The pricing for this coverage has gone through the roof!  We have programs that if we can fit you into you can end up saving a fortune with much better coverage.  We helped a NYC contractor increase their umbrella from $3 million to $5 million and lowered their pricing from $101,000 to $76,000.                                                                                                                                     
7. A lot of contractor general liability policies require their subs carry proper coverage.  Failure to do so can cause a claim to be denied or be subject to a substantial deductible.  Would you like help screening your sub contractor’s insurance policies?  We can DO THAT FOR YOU!                                                                                                                                  
8. Unhappy with your Workers’ Compensation company, pricing, audits or service?  We have up to 40 companies to bid your account to. We can set you up so you can issue certificates on-line.  We do not charge service or policy fees.  We can offer you a stand-a-lone workers compensation policy, payroll/wc policy, if you had a run of bad luck, we can probably get you an affordable policy, we offer state plans, we can insure lower risk type contractors such as plumbers and electricians to higher risk contractors such as asbestos, demolition, restoration and roofers.                                                                                                                                                                                    
9. We can do for YOU what most other agencies don’t offer.  Try to fit you into one of our top programs, design a policy where the exclusions, limitations, restrictions are tailored around your needs.  Screen your subcontractors insurance.  Help you with bid and performance bonds.  We also offer Group Health and all personal lines coverages.  Finally “I Personally Will” treat you like you are the only account in the world that matters regardless of size because that is what YOU deserve and how I treat people.” 

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.         

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

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages.  We help contractors set up proper risk transfer mechanisms.  If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer mechanisms, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs that lower them.  

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com © – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

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

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

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

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

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

Standard vacancy definition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The takeaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insuring a building that is vacant

insurance for partial vacant building

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

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

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

Here’s a rundown of the new penalties:

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

The takeaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

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

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

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

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

The new rule leaves in place existing regulations requiring:

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

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

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

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

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

OSHA’s reasoning

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

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beyond insurance coverage, BGES Group Offers:

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

• Screening subcontractors for insurance

• Help with creating formal safety group plans

• Insurance contract reviews for jobs being considered

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

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

Kinga Stys

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

Anthony D.

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

Nils W.

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

Kimberly E.

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

Auslander K.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

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

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

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

Metal and water

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

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

Defective equipment

Defective equipment can result in shock or electrocution.

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

Cord management

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

Lockout/blockout

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

Watch for power supply lines

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

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

One last thing…

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group

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

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

Housekeeping

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

Require that your workers:

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

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

Drinking water

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

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

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

Bathroom facilities

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

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

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

Washing facilities

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

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

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

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

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

The takeaway

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

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

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

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

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

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2024 – BGES Group