The Risks of Not Keeping Up Your Commercial Property

Posted on December 21, 2023December 21, 2023 by BGESGroup

If you own a commercial property or lease a building, you not only have to be concerned about risks that cause property damage, but also the risk of injury to visitors, customers and tenants.

It’s your legal responsibility to keep your property free of hazards that can result in injury or worse. If you fail to live up to your responsibility, you risk being sued by the injured party. And there are plenty of eager plaintiffs’ lawyers trawling for clients who have been injured on a commercial premises, which can yield them a fat settlement or court judgment.

Customers, tenants and visitors to your property have the right to their safety and you have to identify and remediate any hazards. If you overlook anything and fail to exercise a reasonable level of care in keeping the property free from preventable hazards, a crafty plaintiff’s lawyer can exploit this weakness, giving them a greater chance of winning a personal injury case.

Commercial premises liability claims can involve a wide range of situations, including:

Slip, trip and fall accidents – A slip and fall may have occurred due to wet or damaged floors. Trips and falls may occur due to obstructions in walkways and poor lighting during evening hours.

Property defects – If you fail to keep up the property or conduct regular maintenance, hazards can easily develop. When hazards and property defects arise, it’s your responsibility to address them as soon as possible. And if it will take a while to make the repairs, you need to alert visitors, customers and tenants about the danger, like cordoning off an area and erecting visible signs warning of the hazard.

Negligent security – If your facility is located in an area with a higher than average level of criminal activity and break-ins, you are also expected to keep the premises and everybody visiting the site safe. If not, you can be held liable if anybody on the property falls victim to a crime.

Poor lighting, lack of security personnel, lack of security systems, and a lack of other safety measures can all lead to a negligent security claim.

Spotlight on inadequate lighting

There are three ways that inadequate lighting at a commercial property can contribute to a claim against your organization:

Making a safe area unsafe – Poor lighting can conceal conditions that would not be considered a hazard under normal lighting as they would be visible. Inadequate lighting makes it harder to see curbs, inclines in walkways, steps, borders for planters and other decorations.

Masking existing hazards – Inadequate lighting can be especially dangerous when it serves to conceal the presence of hazardous defects already existing on a property. For example, if a foreign substance has been spilled on the floor, while that would be considered a hazardous condition even when fully illuminated, it becomes doubly hazardous when obscured by darkness.

Creating a magnet for crime – Poor lighting can give cover and concealment to criminals intent on mugging or harming individuals at your property in the evenings. If you create conditions for a mugger to sneak up on someone in your dim parking lot or near the entrance to a poorly lit building, they could sue you for negligence.

How insurance can help

Commercial general liability insurance is an essential part of every business owner’s insurance portfolio. It protects you and your business from claims of injury, property damage and negligence related to your business activities.

One of the most essential parts of the policy is premises liability coverage. This portion of the policy offers bodily injury and property damage coverage related to the ownership or maintenance of business premises.

Every business owner has some type of premises liability exposure. Any injury on your business premises, no matter how minor, can result in a lawsuit. The costs associated with defending yourself and paying damages can be devastating for your business. Premises liability coverage gives you – and your guests – the protection you need.

But, you should note that premises liability insurance does not cover:

Employee injuries
Damage to your own business property (from fire, vandalism, theft, etc.)

If you are leasing space in a commercial building, your liability typically ends at the front door to your office and anything beyond that is the responsibility of the property owner. If you own and occupy a building, the entire property is your responsibility.

If you want more information on this type of insurance or want to evaluate your current coverage, give us a call.

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

As Workplaces Become More Diverse, Training Is Key

Posted on December 18, 2023December 18, 2023 by BGESGroup

After R&B star SZA said she had security called on her while shopping at a Zefora store in California, the chain closed all of its U.S. outlets for an hour to conduct “inclusion workshops” for its 16,000 employees.

Zefora understood the swift backlash that can hit a company that has acted inappropriately towards a customer, particularly if they are a minority individual. Unfortunately, it is not the only company that has made the spotlight in recent years thanks to rogue employees that cross the line and harass or discriminate against a customer, co-worker, vendor or partner.

And in the age of people video-recording these encounters, a rogue employee could sink your company if the target decides to take legal action with that video proof in hand.

The second threat is the potential backlash of customers shunning your company once the word spreads — often on social media. This was the case with two Oregonians who ended up closing their bakery after the public backlash that followed their decision to not bake a wedding cake for a homosexual couple.

The best way for an organization to set a tone of tolerance is through diversity or inclusion training to guide them in their day-to-day interactions with co-workers, customers, partners, vendors and others. While this type of training is not mandated by any state or federal agency, it is recommended whether or not you have a diverse workforce or client base.

Implementing a diversity training program is also an important step in helping to reduce the risk of workplace discrimination and harassment claims. In settling discrimination cases, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission often requires companies to educate employees on the importance of diversity in hiring and promotion, and how to avoid stereotypes.

A proactive employer that wants to avoid problems from the get-go would take that step without being required to.

Diversity training more important than ever

Our country is becoming more diverse with each passing year. It’s not only different races and religions, but also sexual orientation and alternative lifestyles.

The norms that dictated behavior a half-century ago are transforming. To minimize the risk that employees, supervisors or managers step out of line in this new era, employers must develop an awareness of diversity within their business through appropriate training.

Diversity in the workplace is apparent in everything from our names to the types of food we eat, and long-taboo subjects are now discussed freely. People with disabilities often work alongside openly gay co-workers, for example, and a variety of languages are spoken by employees and customers alike.

Elements of a strong training program

For diversity training to succeed, managers must find ways to integrate the training into daily tasks. It must go beyond a once-a-year training session. Here are some ideas:

Draw the line — Make it clear that intolerance is not acceptable, and that those demonstrating prejudice have no place in your organization.
Get management buy-in — Ingrain in your managers and supervisors the importance of diversity to both boost worker satisfaction and as a risk management tool to avoid lawsuits. Managers should understand the personnel dynamics among the staff they manage, as well as interactions with customers.
Treat everyone with respect — Employees should be told that if they prejudge a customer or co-worker and treat them as a lesser individual, they can face being reprimanded and, if the offense is serious enough, fired.
Have a system for handling complaints — Create procedures that all managers must follow if they receive a complaint about harassment or discriminatory behavior, or if an employee witnesses another employee treating a co-worker, customer, vendor or other person in a demeaning way.
Hold a seminar for all employees — Review what is acceptable and what is not, and cover all of the above. Try to focus on positives and give employees the opportunity to ask questions.

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

Should You Keep Your Employer Coverage if Eligible for Medicare?

Posted on December 14, 2023December 14, 2023 by BGESGroup

If you are approaching 65 years of age, are still working and plan to continue to do so for the next few years, you may be wondering if you need to enroll in Medicare if you receive coverage from your employer.

Even though you can enroll in Medicare three months before your 65th birthday, you may want to delay enrolling and continue using your employer’s plan until you retire.

Fortunately, Medicare special enrollment periods allow most people who are still working at age 65 with employer coverage to delay enrollment in Parts A, B, C and D without any penalties.

If you’re unsure, you may want to follow these tips:

Know when you are eligible to delay enrollment
If you or your spouse is still actively working for a company with at least 20 full-time employees and you get health insurance and drug coverage through them, you are most likely eligible to delay enrollment in any of the parts of Medicare until you or your spouse retires — with a few exceptions.
If you have COBRA coverage or you work for a company with fewer than 20 employees, then you should consider joining Medicare at 65.

Why delay?

If you stay with your employer-sponsored plan, your insurance will likely be the primary payer and Medicare the secondary payer.

If you have Medicare as well as other health insurance or coverage, “coordination of benefits” rules decide which one pays first.

If your employer health plan doesn’t pay all of your bill, the doctor or health care provider should send it to Medicare for secondary payment. Medicare will look at what your group health plan paid and pay any additional costs up to the Medicare-approved amount. You’ll have to pay whatever costs Medicare or the employer health plan doesn’t cover.

Typically, though, employer health insurance covers more of the costs than Medicare does. And in those instances, Medicare would not be tapped for payment. In other words, you are unlikely to see any cost savings under Medicare if you have both.

The takeaway

For most people, it makes sense to delay enrollment in Medicare until they retire.

However, it might also make sense to enroll right away in some parts of Medicare and delay enrollment in others.

For example, some seniors will enroll in Part A when they first become eligible, because it is free for most people.

But they may forgo enrolling in Medicare Part B because the coverage may be on par with their employer-sponsored health plan.

If you have questions, call us and we can help you determine how you may want to proceed.

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

Take Advantage of Safer Construction Devices

Posted on December 8, 2023December 8, 2023 by BGESGroup

Advancements are making construction workplaces safer thanks to innovative new designs that learn from the past and the weaknesses of equipment that has been used in construction for decades.

Construction firms that don’t keep up with the latest in safety devices are missing an opportunity to save lives, reduce workplace injuries and avoid costly workers’ compensation and liability claims. Many of these advancements, which have shown to significantly reduce workplace injuries and deaths, have already been adopted by construction firms in Europe.

If you are trying to make your workplace safer for your employees as well as third parties, you may want to look into the following ways to achieve this.

Lifts instead of ladders

Falls (particularly from ladders) are the leading cause of injuries on construction worksites. If possible, mechanized lifts are a safer substitution. Low-level access lifts aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are many options to choose from, whether you need a highly portable lift or an eco-friendly crank lift. These lifts allow you to fit into tight spots and reposition easily.

Safer electrical panels

Most electrical panels have metal doors that close and lock, making it impossible for workers to know if the panel is energized unless they open the door to check. A safer solution is to use windows on the panel so that workers can safely see if it is energized, before commencing work, reducing the chance of electrocution.

Safer fastener systems

Some of these systems drive fasteners into concrete with a tiny explosive charge that produces lead dust. Consider using another system that doesn’t use lead, a heavy metal that is dangerous if inhaled.

Safer steel framing studs

Many steel framing studs have sharp steel edges that greatly increase the risk of workers cutting themselves. In addition, to protect their hands, workers have to use gloves when carrying and installing these studs.

However, there are steel framing studs on the market that have rolled edges. They cost a bit more, but they provide protection against a common injury that can involve going to the hospital for stitches.

Drop-arrest hoisting systems

Using ropes to lift heavy loads is always fraught with danger. It’s not unheard of that material and equipment falls on workers below if the rope is suddenly released. To prevent that from happening, European contractors have increasingly been using drop-stop load arrestors, which will stop a load from falling to the ground if the hoist is suddenly released.

How they work: The drop arrestor’s spring-tensioned cable is connected to the load. If the device senses a fall when the connected object’s downward movement speed exceeds the lock-on inertia rate, the system arrests the fall.

Reducing slips

Installing anti-slip floor mats on areas that get wet or are naturally more slippery can significantly cut down on slips and falls, which are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. While people do fall from heights, the majority of slip and fall accidents are same-level incidents that can lead to long-term work absence and even permanent disability.

Auto shut-off saws

One manufacturer, Oregon-based SawStop, makes table saws featuring a patented automatic braking system that stops and retracts the blade upon contact with skin or flesh. Saws with this kind of system can greatly reduce amputations, which are common among people who use table saws.

While most saws have guards over the blades, auto shut-offs are an added safety measure that can give you and your workers peace of mind.

The takeaway

The above items have been highlighted because they are easy solutions that are within reach, but which many contractors are not taking advantage of. They also address some of the most common sources of injuries in construction worksites.

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

construction worksite safety

Detecting Cyber Breaches Early Reduces Claims Costs: Report

Posted on November 30, 2023November 30, 2023 by BGESGroup

Many businesses devote their cyber security dollars to technologies designed to prevent attacks, such as firewalls, virtual private networks and anti-malware applications.

However, an October 2023 report indicates that they might do better to focus both on prevention and detection. Enhanced emphasis on detection could make cyber attacks less severe, resulting in smaller cyber insurance claims and possibly lower future premiums.

The report from Allianz Commercial found that a tiny fraction of all cyber attacks — 2% — account for the overall amount of cyber insurance losses. Organizations quickly contain 90% or more of other attacks. The dollar loss from most of them is less than the policy deductible; many of these losses are never reported to the insurance carrier.

Cyber-attack losses are either detected and contained quickly with small dollar losses, or they become full-blown expensive crises. Few fall between these extremes. Detecting an attack in its early stages is the important factor in limiting the damage it causes.

Prevention is important but not foolproof. Limiting the damage and cost of those attacks that do get through is just as important. If hackers are able to encrypt or steal a company’s data, the costs of recovery and downtime skyrocket.

The report’s authors found that attacks not caught in the early stages can be more than 1,000 times more expensive than those nipped in the bud. An attack that would cost $10,000 if caught early can end up costing $10 million or more otherwise.

Despite that, the report found that two-thirds of cyber security budgets are spent on prevention. Early detection systems are plentiful, effective and constantly improving, but they get a smaller share of organizations’ spending. As a result, only one-third of companies detect security incidents through their own information technology staff.

What to do

To improve cyber security, employers should consider these steps:

Regularly assess the organization’s cyber security risks. Identify potential threats, evaluate how serious they are, and prioritize them to determine which to address first. Perform assessments annually or as the organization’s operations and technology change. For example, if a business offers new product lines, a new assessment should be done.
Devote more resources — equipment, software, and personnel — to incident detection.
Implement policies and procedures for storing data, routinely encrypting sensitive stored information, and securely deleting it when no longer needed.
Adopt a written incident response plan designed to enable early detection and mitigation of cyber incidents. It should describe the tasks each person involved in the response will perform.
If the organization is too small to have a dedicated cyber security staff, work with a qualified IT security firm to respond to attacks.

Cyber insurance should be part of every organization’s risk management program. Many insurers, in addition to paying recovery costs and business interruption losses, offer forensic specialists to determine how an attack occurred. Ask us about a cyber insurance policy appropriate for your operations.

Even the best defensive line will occasionally give up a big play. Early detection of cyber attacks will help your business minimize the resulting damage.

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

BGES Group: Your Trusted Insurance Partner for New York Construction Business Insurance Especially General Liability, Umbrella Liability & Workers’ Compensation.

Posted on November 28, 2023November 28, 2023 by BGESGroup

As a New York contractor, navigating the complex landscape of insurance can be a daunting task. The right insurance broker can make all the difference, and that’s where BGES Group stands out. With a commitment to exceptional service, transparent pricing, and a personal touch, BGES Group, led by owner Gary Wallach, has been a reliable choice for contractors since 1981.

One of the standout features of BGES Group is their dedication to client communication. Unlike many agencies that subject clients to frustrating waits on hold, BGES Group ensures that when you call, you speak directly with a knowledgeable professional. The absence of exorbitant policy or service fees is a refreshing departure from the industry norm. In an era where some brokers charge thousands or even tens of thousands in extra fees, which by the way should be a “Red Light” regarding working with them (we wouldn’t because they are greedy…they usually get paid plenty by your insurance company), BGES Group’s commitment to fair pricing is a testament to their integrity.

Communication is key in the fast-paced world of contracting, and BGES Group recognizes this by offering a direct line for assistance. Whether it’s a pressing matter during the day or an urgent concern on a Sunday evening, BGES Group is there for you. The convenience of having a broker available seven days a week, day or night, reflects their understanding of the unpredictable nature of the construction industry.

Gary Wallach, the owner of BGES Group, brings decades of experience to the table. Having specialized in insuring contractors since 1981, Mr. Wallach operates as a seasoned expert in the field. His wealth of knowledge ensures that he can guide you to the best coverage and pricing options available. In an industry where personal connections can be overshadowed by large corporations, BGES Group operates with a mom-and-pop store mentality – always ready to lend a helping hand when you need it.

BGES Group takes pride in representing the finest New York contractor liability programs. If you find yourself dissatisfied with your current coverage, BGES Group is well-equipped to find you a better solution. Additionally, their excellent workers’ compensation programs cater to those seeking improved rates or relief from the burdensome annual audits imposed by some companies.

To experience the BGES Group advantage, contractors are encouraged to reach out to Gary Wallach directly. Whether by phone at 914-806-5853 or via email at bgesgroup@gmail.com, Gary is ready to provide the personalized attention and expertise that sets BGES Group apart.

In conclusion, when it comes to securing insurance for your contracting business in New York, BGES Group emerges as a beacon of reliability, transparency, and customer-centric service. With Gary Wallach at the helm, you can trust that your insurance needs will be met with a level of dedication and expertise that goes beyond the industry standard.

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

Review Insurance Needs When Having a Baby

Posted on November 26, 2023November 26, 2023 by BGESGroup

Expecting a baby is one of the most joyous experiences in life. As you prepare your nursery, don’t forget to talk us to make sure your coverage reflects the change in your growing family. Below are a few pointers.

Health insurance

Before your baby is even born, review your coverage and make sure you understand how your plan covers your new family member, as well as the mother’s needs during pregnancy. Think about prenatal vitamins, prenatal screenings and neo-natal tests, delivery of your baby, and pediatric care for your newborn.

Notify your insurance carrier. Generally, health insurance carriers ask that a newborn be added to a policy within 30 days of birth.

The birth of a baby is considered a life event, and you are allowed to enroll the baby at birth instead of waiting for open enrollment to begin.

If your family has multiple benefit options, compare health insurance choices to see which provides the best match for the needs of your family.

Look at copays and coverages for both children and parents. Depending upon your specific plan, you may have access to health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts, which can provide valuable tax advantages.

Life insurance

As you plan for your revised life insurance needs, you must take the expenses of a new child into consideration, including housing, daycare costs, medical needs and education. Both spouses should be covered, even if one is a stay-at-home parent, and remember to keep your policy current. It is advisable to name a trustee to handle the policy benefits if your child or children are under 18 years old.

It is also important that you understand the types of life insurance available, and that you consider the plusses and minuses of whole life insurance as opposed to term life insurance or universal life insurance:

Whole life insurance — These policies build cash value and also pay a death benefit that has a more expensive cost. One option is to purchase a term life insurance with a conversion option to switch to a whole life policy for a fee when ready.

Term life insurance — These policies offer death benefit protection for a specific time, and term life premiums get larger as you age. Therefore, it is less expensive in younger years than whole life insurance, which covers you for your entire life and usually has stable premiums.

Universal life insurance — These policies include features of both term life insurance and whole life insurance. Typically, your premium payments cover the actual cost of the insurance, and the balance of the premium payment is invested to cover the increasing cost of insurance as you age.

Universal life insurance tends to be more complicated than term or whole life, so work with us to understand the finer points.

Auto and homeowner’s insurance

Some families like to buy bigger vehicles such as SUVs or mini-vans upon the birth of a child, but this can affect premiums significantly. Check insurance rates before upgrading vehicles.

If you plan on carpooling with other parents, you may wish to increase your liability insurance in case of a car accident that affects other children.

If you build an addition onto your home, make sure to notify your homeowner’s insurer of major changes to prevent being underinsured.

Many parents overlook the changing insurance needs that arise from the installation of backyard items for kids, such as a jungle gym, swimming pool or trampoline. You might consider adding an umbrella policy, which will protect you if a person is injured while on your property.

And don’t forget to document all of the new baby-related items in your home inventory. Keeping your home inventory up-to-date will protect from perils such as fire, theft or windstorm.

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

New York Contractors – Looking for New Workers’ Compensation Insurance? We Offer Great Plans Including One You Can Include Your Group Health Insurance Under.

Posted on November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 by BGESGroup

In the dynamic landscape of New York’s construction industry, contractors face numerous challenges, and navigating workers’ compensation insurance is undoubtedly one of them. As complexities arise, finding a reliable partner becomes paramount, and BGES Group emerges as the beacon of support for contractors in need. Note: Looking for a program that makes life easy at time of audit? No more proctologist type audits? BGES Group offers some!

**Comprehensive Coverage Tailored to Your Needs**

BGES Group stands out by offering an impressive array of 15 plus programs designed to market contractors’ accounts effectively. Whether you require a standalone workers’ compensation policy or a comprehensive plan that includes payroll services and even group health insurance, BGES Group has you covered. The versatility of their offerings ensures that contractors can find the perfect solution to match their unique requirements.

**Competitive Pricing Through Expertise**

What sets BGES Group apart is its expertise in the intricacies of insuring New York contractors. The team at BGES Group understands how to leverage the rules governing New York contractors to their advantage, securing not only great pricing but also the right coverage. With a specialized focus on this niche, BGES Group has established itself as a go-to resource for contractors seeking a strategic approach to insurance that aligns with their business objectives.

**Accessible Anytime, Anywhere**

In the fast-paced construction industry, timing is everything. BGES Group recognizes the need for accessibility and responsiveness. When you partner with BGES Group, you gain the assurance of reaching them day or night. Whether it’s a phone call, email, or text, BGES Group prides itself on prompt responses, ensuring that your queries are addressed in a timely manner.

**Efficiency Redefined: Certificates in Minutes**

BGES Group operates with a commitment to efficiency reminiscent of the “old ways.” While modern technology often introduces delays and barriers in communication, BGES Group reverts to a more direct and immediate approach. Certificates, a crucial aspect of insurance documentation, are usually issued in minutes, showcasing BGES Group’s dedication to providing a swift and streamlined experience for its clients.

**A Personalized Approach in a Digital Era**

In an age dominated by automated systems and impersonal interactions, BGES Group offers a refreshing change. Tired of talking to answering machines and waiting endlessly for email responses? BGES Group is your antidote. The company operates on the principles of direct communication and personalized service, ensuring that you can always connect with a real person when you need assistance.

**Client Satisfaction: A Testament to Excellence**

What better way to gauge a company’s reliability than through the experiences of its clients? BGES Group shines in this aspect, with an impressive 5-star rating from 94 satisfied individuals on Google Reviews. This overwhelming positive feedback underscores the company’s commitment to excellence and its ability to consistently meet and exceed client expectations.

**Connect with Confidence**

For contractors seeking a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation insurance in New York, BGES Group is the answer. To experience firsthand the benefits of a personalized, efficient, and expertly crafted insurance solution, reach out to Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or via email at bgesgroup@gmail.com.

In a world where reliability and responsiveness are paramount, BGES Group stands as a beacon, guiding New York contractors through the intricacies of insurance with unwavering support and a commitment to excellence.

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

contractors workers compensation insurance – New York

Have Dangerous Substances On-site? Train Your Workers

Posted on November 18, 2023November 18, 2023 by BGESGroup

If you have employees whose work involves the use of chemicals, solvents and other hazardous materials, OSHA requires that you train them in their safe use, transport and storage, and a key component of that is understanding the various labels and warnings.

Not understanding what pictograms on labels mean and the precautions workers need to take when using each hazardous material can lead to fires, explosions and them getting sickened, injured or dying. These pictograms along with labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) are at the heart of injury or accident prevention in workplaces that store and use hazardous materials.

If your operation fits that description, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires that you have in place safety training and procedures for storing, transporting and working safely with hazardous materials.

The agency’s standard requires employers to use the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS), which is the worldwide standard for communicating dangers about hazardous substances.

The GHS is designed to be understandable by everyone through the use of pictograms, which provide uniform details on the nature and degree of hazard of a product. Accompanying labels and SDSs round out the information by providing additional guidance, including the precautions workers need to take when working with these materials.

Training

Training is of utmost importance and employers are responsible for ensuring their employees know how to safely work with hazardous substances specific to their workplaces.

The main elements to focus on are:

Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide a label that includes the product identifier, supplier information (including name, address and phone number of the manufacturer, importer or distributor). Labels also require each of the following:

Pictograms — A pictogram is a uniquely identifiable symbol that when you see it, you should be able to identify a specific type of hazard. There are nine pictograms, each of them denoting a certain hazard.
Signal words — Labels will display either of the following words: “Danger” for the most severe hazards or “Warning” for less severe.
Hazard statement — This describes the nature of the hazard, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard.
Precautionary statement — This describes the actions you must take to prevent adverse effects from exposure to, improper storage of or handling of a hazardous chemical.

Safety Data Sheets: An SDS must accompany each hazardous material in storage or during transport. Under the GHS, these documents come in a standard, easy-to-use 16-section format, which further details the danger of a hazard, how to properly store it, safely handle it and effectively respond in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your employees know exactly where the data sheets are and that they take the time to read them.

During your training, you should cover the GHS and how it works to warn workers about the substances they may encounter. Consider:

Printing, disseminating and discussing the list of pictograms.
Printing, disseminating and discussing a sample label to familiarize your employees with what to look for.
Printing, disseminating and discussing the information on the SDSs for substances in your workplace.
Discussing which personal protective equipment your staff should wear when working with hazardous substances.
Discussing how to safely handle and store the substances in your workplace.

If you have a new employee, they should receive training before starting work. As well, if you have a new chemical you’ll be using, you should train your staff in its safe use, transport and storage.

Assistance

Fed OSHA has a plethora of materials and guidance specifically devoted to its Hazard Communications Standard on its website.

Hazardous-material spills or fires can cause severe damage, not to mention seriously endangering your workers and even third parties who work or live near your operation.

Train your workforce in how to use 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

Don’t Get Sued Over Your Firm’s Holiday Party

Posted on November 13, 2023November 13, 2023 by BGESGroup

Holiday parties have made a comeback despite, or maybe because of, more people working remotely. Many managers want to bring their teams together under one roof as it’s become apparent that connecting face-to-face is vital to a vibrant and cohesive work atmosphere.

But if you are planning on throwing a company holiday party, there are a number of considerations for you to keep everyone safe and avoid issues that can result in injuries and/or lawsuits against your organization.

Alcohol can bring trouble

The biggest risks you face arise if you throw a party that serves alcohol. A 2018 survey found that one in three office workers had done something at an office holiday party that they regret, and two in five said they’d seen events at parties evolve into office drama, altercations or scandals.

The best advice is not to serve alcohol at your event. That will greatly reduce the chances of problems like the following:

Bad behavior and conflict — Whenever alcohol is present, personal disputes between coworkers can rise to the surface and things can get ugly. If hostilities erupt, it immediately puts the employer in danger of being sued by one of the parties and others may be drawn into the fracas.

Also, hook-ups between staff are a common occurrence and in this era of smartphones with cameras, those events can be on record forever. While this could lead to real romance, often it makes for an uncomfortable work environment for not only the two workers involved, but for their coworkers as well.

Alcohol-fueled aggressive come-ons can also spill over into outright sexual harassment — another legal peril.

Holiday advice: If it’s an office event, the rules of conduct in the office extend to the party and you should not tolerate those who exceed the boundaries of proper behavior. This should be made clear in party announcements and reinforced through memos.

Drunk driving — If someone has been drinking at your holiday party and injures themselves or others on the drive home, you may be held liable, particularly if you had an open bar and didn’t set limits on how many drinks an employee can be served.

Holiday advice: If you plan on serving alcohol, you should consider:

Limiting consumption to two drinks. Drink tickets are a good way to go.
Serving drinks with lower alcohol content (beer/wine — not shots).
Offering a signature company “mocktail,” and providing water and non-alcoholic beverages.
Stopping serving at least an hour before the shindig ends.
Offering plenty of food to snack on, particularly high-carbohydrate and high-protein foods.
Holding the event at a hotel and offering free rooms to those who want to stay the night.
Offering free Uber or Lyft rides to your staff so they can get home safely.
Asking your managers to lead by example.
Inviting spouses and kids, which should force people to mind their p’s and q’s.

Food safety

The other big issue is food safety. It’s not uncommon for food from a catering service to sicken partygoers.

At an office party, foodborne illness can occur when people eat certain items that were either undercooked or left out at room temperature for too long. Eggs, raw egg products (e.g., eggnog), meat, seafood, and even fruits and vegetables (if not properly washed) are some of the most common offenders. Add to that the possibility of poor hygienic practices by the caterer’s staff.

Holiday advice: To reduce the chances of foodborne illnesses during the festivities:

Observe the two-hour rule: don’t let foods sit at room temperature for more than two hours. For refrigerated items like deviled eggs, consider putting a few out at a time and replenishing when needed.
Place hot foods in crockpots, chaffing dishes, or on warming plates to maintain a safe temperature.
Cover food containers in the buffet line when not in use.
Use large spoons, forks, wax paper, tongs and other serving tools to avoid touching food by hand.
If you suspect anything has been out too long, toss it.

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

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avoiding lawsuits when having a holiday party