If you’re a contractor working in the Tri-State area — New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut — chances are you’ll eventually get a visit from a loss control representative. Especially if you’ve just placed new insurance coverage, insurance carriers want to understand the risks they’re taking on, and these on-site evaluations are how they do it.
For contractors, a visit from a loss control rep isn’t something to dread — it’s a valuable opportunity to showcase your commitment to safety, demonstrate your operational controls, and in some cases, improve your chances for better insurance pricing and terms down the road.
But what exactly does a loss control representative do? What questions do they ask? What are they looking for when they visit your job site? In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect, what you should prepare, and how working with the right insurance broker, like BGES Group, can make these visits much smoother for your business.
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What Is a Loss Control Representative?
A loss control representative (sometimes called a risk control consultant) works on behalf of insurance companies to evaluate risks associated with their insured clients. In the case of contractors, this means visiting active job sites, reviewing safety protocols, and identifying potential hazards that could lead to claims.
Their job is to help both the insurance company and the contractor reduce risk exposures. By identifying unsafe practices or areas needing improvement, loss control reps help contractors minimize accidents and losses — which in turn benefits both parties.
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What Questions Will a Loss Control Rep Ask?
When a loss control representative visits your job site, expect them to ask a series of detailed questions covering your business operations, safety programs, and job site conditions. Here are some common areas they’ll focus on:
• Business Overview
• What type of construction work do you perform?
• How many employees do you have?
• How long have you been in business?
• Who are your major clients or general contractors?
• Employee Safety Programs
• Do you have a written safety manual?
• How often do you conduct safety meetings or toolbox talks?
• Are supervisors trained in accident prevention?
• Do you have a formal accident investigation procedure?
• How do you handle new employee safety orientation?
• Job Site Controls
• Are personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements enforced?
• Are fall protection systems in place where needed?
• How are scaffolding and ladders maintained and inspected?
• Are electrical cords and temporary wiring safely managed?
• Are material storage areas organized and free of hazards?
• Subcontractor Management
• Do you verify that subcontractors carry appropriate insurance?
• Are subcontractors required to follow your site safety rules?
• Are subcontractors trained in hazard communication?
• Accident History
• Have there been any claims or incidents in the past 3-5 years?
• What steps have been taken to prevent recurrence?
• How are near misses reported and handled?
• Equipment and Vehicle Safety
• Are company vehicles regularly inspected and maintained?
• Are drivers screened and trained?
• How is equipment secured on-site?
These questions help the loss control rep form a complete picture of your operation and risk profile.
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What Do They Look for on a Job Site?
Beyond paperwork and policies, a loss control representative will carefully inspect the physical job site. Their checklist often includes:
• Site Housekeeping: Clean, organized work areas free of tripping hazards and debris.
• Fall Protection: Proper guardrails, safety harnesses, and fall arrest systems in use where required.
• PPE Compliance: Workers wearing hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility vests, and steel-toed boots as appropriate.
• Ladder and Scaffold Safety: Secure, properly erected, and well-maintained equipment.
• Material Storage: Neat, properly stacked materials stored away from walkways and exits.
• Temporary Power Safety: Cords properly secured and grounded, GFCI outlets in use.
• Hazard Communication: MSDS sheets accessible and hazardous materials properly labeled.
• Emergency Procedures: First aid kits on-site and clear emergency exit paths.
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Why Loss Control Visits Matter
Loss control visits aren’t just a formality. A clean report from a loss control rep can help:
• Maintain your eligibility for insurance coverage
• Avoid mid-term policy cancellations or premium increases
• Secure favorable renewal terms and lower premiums
• Protect your workers and reduce claims frequency
• Build your reputation as a safe, reliable contractor in the marketplace
Insurance carriers appreciate working with contractors who prioritize safety and risk management. In some cases, if deficiencies are found, the carrier may provide time to correct them before taking further action.
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How BGES Group Helps Contractors Prepare
At BGES Group, we specialize in construction insurance for contractors throughout the Tri-State area. One of the many ways we serve our clients is by helping them prepare for these important loss control visits.
We work closely with our clients to review their safety programs, job site procedures, and insurance requirements. If a loss control visit is scheduled, we’ll coach you on what to expect, what documents to have ready, and what improvements might be needed ahead of time.
And if a report comes back with recommendations, we’re here to help you address those issues quickly and efficiently — protecting your business, your workers, and your insurance program.
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About BGES Group
BGES Group is a leading construction insurance brokerage firm based in the Tri-State area. For decades, we’ve been helping contractors obtain affordable, comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to their unique risks.
Our expertise includes:
• General Liability Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation
• Commercial Auto
• Inland Marine
• Excess Liability
• Builders Risk
• Subcontractor Management Support
• Loss Control Consultation
We understand the challenges contractors face, from high insurance costs to managing safety compliance. That’s why we deliver hands-on, proactive service to keep your business protected and competitive.
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Contact BGES Group Today
If you’re a contractor in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, and you need expert guidance on your insurance and risk management program, call the professionals at BGES Group.
📞 Gary Wallach
📱 914-806-5853
Whether you’re placing new coverage, preparing for a loss control visit, or shopping for a better insurance program, BGES Group is your trusted partner in construction insurance.