tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60706830867881507262024-03-13T01:57:16.333-05:00Construction Insurance TOGO in MissouriWelcome to Construction Insurance TOGO blog. Construction Insurance TOGO has multiple insurance companies to compete for your contracting business in Missouri. Here you will find articles for the construction owner's and managers. We offer insurance solutions for all contractors in Missouri.Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-90335942894590242542017-06-12T13:36:00.002-05:002017-06-12T13:36:47.184-05:00WHO WORKS FOR THE INSURED?<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
By Lewis E Melhan -July / Aug MoAgents magazine 2016 </div>
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A determination of who an employer is covering under the workers' compensation statutes has always been somewhat confusing, and the more complicated an organization becomes, the more the law may seem complicated. </div>
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This is particularly true in the construction occupations, where many subcontractors may be involved in a project, which is the situation discussed in this article. For understanding what workers are the responsibility of a contractor employer, the most important provision in the law is Section 287.040, which governs what are generally called "statutory employees." A somewhat simplified explanation of the statute is that every person working on a project conducted by a general contractor is considered an employee of that general contractor, unless the person is an employee of a subcontractor which has covered the person for workers' compensation. As most readers here will know, the workers' compensation coverage of the subcontractor is evidenced by having the general contractor receive a certificate of insurance from the subcontractor showing the insurer providing the workers' compensation coverage for the subcontractor's employees. The workers' compensation carrier for the general contractor can then determine that the general contractor is not considered the employer for the employees of the subcontractor and won't have the payroll of those workers used as a consideration in the final premium audit for the general contractor. </div>
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However, many problems occur with small subcontractors operating as sole proprietorships, partnerships or limited liability companies. </div>
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One person sole proprietor subcontractors and partnerships with no employees exist fairly often in plumbing, electrical work, flooring installation and others. If those one person operations do not elect to buy workers' compensation, then that subcontractor proprietor or the partners are statutory employees of the general contractor and the general contractor should be prepared to pay workers' compensation premium for those subcontractors when the audit comes. The general contractor may want to use that information in considering how to appraise thebids of such a subcontractor for work, as the workers' compensation premium will be an additional cost not in that subcontractor's bid. </div>
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A similar problem exists with small contractors that have employees when operated as a </div>
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sole proprietorship, a partnership or a limited liability company, since in one way or another, the sole proprietor, the partners or the members of the limited liability company all can decide by written election whether to be covered by a workers' compensation policy or not. The certificate of insurance form has a check box to indicate whether these individuals are covered. If they have elected not to be covered and they work on a contracted job, then they are statutory employees of the general contractor, even if the employees of the subcontractor are not, and the auditing insurer of the general contractor can add those individuals to the payroll on audit. This is true even if the certificate isn't properly completed and exempted employees are not indicated on the certificate. </div>
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Even though the agent may not be required to advise a general contractor specifically on the effect of this law, he may avoid future disharmony and potential litigation if the agent explains to their insured general contractor clients how the statutory employee provisions work and that the general contractor should actively review certificates of insurance as to the check boxes for sole proprietors, partners and members of limited liability companies. General contractors who do not practice this procedure may get a rude awakening when an audit is issued requiring premium for all those uncovered sole proprietors, partners and members of limited liability companies.</div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-19641283295329909412015-07-08T08:00:00.001-05:002015-07-08T08:00:14.858-05:00Use of drones in construction<div style="border: 0px; color: #32495c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Posted by <a href="http://www.constructormagazine.com/author/jeanie/" style="border: 0px; color: #a08852; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jeanie Clapp</a> in <a href="http://www.constructormagazine.com/category/constructor-magazine/" style="border: 0px; color: #a08852; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Constructor Magazine</a>, <a href="http://www.constructormagazine.com/category/constructor-magazine/cover-stories/" style="border: 0px; color: #a08852; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cover Stories</a>, <a href="http://www.constructormagazine.com/category/constructor-magazine/features/" style="border: 0px; color: #a08852; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Features</a> on <a href="http://www.constructormagazine.com/flying-high-why-the-industry-needs-drones-to-get-off-the-ground/" style="border: 0px; color: #a08852; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">April 30, 2015</a></div>
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There is great potential for use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, on construction jobsites for all kinds of purposes – including creating marketing and business development materials, as well as for determining whether work is being performed safely, with quality and in compliance with all regulations. In the future, drones may even be able to haul small parts and handheld tools across jobsites or to high places.</div>
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Currently, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is only granting permission to use drones commercially for experimental or exceptional purposes. However, the agency in February proposed a rule to allow those who hold a recreational or sport pilot certificate to operate drones under 55 pounds for “non-recreational operations,” provided they fly in daylight, remain under 400 feet and continuously maintain visual line of sight, among other proposed restrictions.</div>
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The rule would allow, but not require, an operator to work with a visual observer who would maintain constant visual contact with the aircraft. The operator would still need to be able to see the drone with unaided vision, except for glasses. The FAA is asking for comments on whether the rules should permit operations beyond line of sight, and if so, what the appropriate limits should be.</div>
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The agency is also asking the public to comment on another possible classification, an additional, “more flexible” framework for “micro” drones less than 4.4 pounds, to determine whether the FAA should include this option as part of its final rule.</div>
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Experts say the benefits of drone use on construction jobsites would be enormous, whether or not contractors ultimately are able to operate the aerial vehicles in-house or outsource to companies authorized by the FAA.</div>
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Javier Irizarry, an associate professor at the School of Building Construction at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, has been conducting research to determine how drones could be integrated into the construction workflow to increase productivity and safety. Irizarry has been partnering with unmanned aerial systems company 3D Robotics in Berkeley, California to conduct experiments on closed jobsites of several members of AGC Georgia.</div>
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“It’s all about having a different perspective on the jobsite, and drones enable contractors to view places where they personally cannot go without costly equipment — including logistics, traffic, material delivery and storage, housekeeping on the jobsite,” Irizarry says.</div>
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BNBuilders Inc. in Seattle, an AGC of Washington member, previously used drones on jobsites until the FAA put a hold on widespread commercial use until its rules were clarified, says Pete Campbell, safety director.</div>
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“We started using drones mostly for generating marketing materials and aerial views of our projects, but in that process we found out that we could use drones for all kinds of things,” Campbell says. “We could take a close-up aerial photo of a concrete pour, to document the locations of post-tension cables, conduits and rebar built into the concrete. It’s relatively difficult to document that without drones, so we were able to take photos with drones, and within minutes photoshop them over as-built plans to determine exactly what is located in the concrete.”</div>
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Unmanned aerial vehicles could be the innovative solution to some of construction’s challenges.</div>
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Drones could also be used to photograph documentation of steel erectors to determine how much completion there is on steel roofs, and to inspect high roofs without having to actually go up on the roof, he says. Infrared cameras could be installed on the drones to detect problems with water infiltration on building envelopes.</div>
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David de Yarza, director of innovation at BNBuilders Inc., said that more vendors are developing drones to be automated, contending it’s safer. Moreover, soon there may even be drones that can change their batteries themselves and then automatically fly over jobsites three or four times a day.</div>
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Rob McKinney, safety director, J.M. Wilkerson Construction Co. Inc. of Marietta, Georgia, an AGC Georgia member, says that drones could be used to conduct safety inspections “with a better set of eyes.” “They could also be used to determine whether there are quality issues, such as leakage issues, in places where I can’t easily go to, such as on top of roofs,” McKinney says.</div>
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It also could be possible to install thermal imaging cameras on the bottom of drones, to see where there may be a heat loss or an air conditioning loss problem within the envelope of a building, says Cory Montgomery, project manager at R. K. Redding Construction Inc. in Bremen, Georgia, another AGC Georgia member.</div>
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For years, contractors have employed helicopter pilots to take photos or create videos of construction progress or completed projects, which typically is very expensive, says James Benham, president of JBKnowledge Inc., an AGC Georgia and TEXO member, in Bryan, Texas. Using drones could be a much less costly alternative.</div>
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“Contractors could use these photos and videos for business development pitches, to determine existing conditions before projects start, as well as to monitor progress during construction, and determine results after projects are completed,” Benham says. “Other interesting research includes the use of aerial photography for photogrammetry, and the use of two-dimensional photos to make a 3D point cloud, to model progress on jobsites.”</div>
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This also would allow contractors to better compare BIM models, as they could produce 3D point clouds to automatically interpret what has been accomplished, and what was supposed to have been accomplished on any given day on the jobsite, he says. Drones are very well suited for taking these kinds of images, and they can take any degrees. Drones could also take infrared photos and scan jobsites with onboard 3D scanners.</div>
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“I feel like SkyCatch is leading the way in this space with a cloud-controlled autonomous drone that even recharges itself and flies all day over a jobsite according to scan areas the user defines in a web browser,” Benham says. “The drone captures images and 3D scans and automatically relays all of this data back to the cloud system to compare, manage, view and measure daily scans and models of the jobsite.”</div>
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Other drone manufacturers are considering whether to develop drones that, in the future, could haul cargo across jobsites, Benham says.</div>
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“I think we’re years away from drones replacing cranes or cargo-bearing helicopters, but perhaps future drones can handle carrying small parts and small handheld tools,” he says.</div>
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Currently, the weight of an average drone ranges from a half a pound to several pounds, so future drones that could haul small parts, tools and construction material would have to have much bigger engines and bigger batteries.</div>
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The “touchpoint” between JBKnowledge and drones is through the firm’s SmartReality mobile app, which is augmented reality through the use of handhelds mounted on, or integrated with, drones, Benham says. Drones would be able to fly over jobsites and take photos of laminated paper targets, to render 3D models to scale on a dirt jobsite.</div>
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“This is the merging of virtual data with real world imagery, and contractors would be able show these models on their phones with video fed live from the air,” he says. “It’s currently in the early stages, proof of concept internally, but we see a lot of potential in the next two years as the imaging technology improves.”</div>
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The base hardware is still needed to get better production-ready positioning systems, Benham says. But currently SmartReality apps are commercially available for use for someone holding their mobile devices and seeing augmented reality near field or using Oculus Rift or Oculus Gear VR to view the models in virtual reality.</div>
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JBKnowledge launched the app suite in October 2013 and started selling production projects last April. There are now thousands of registered users of the app, and dozens of projects have been completed.</div>
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Ernest Brown, a construction and aviation attorney at the San Francisco law firm, Smith Currie & Hancock LLP, a member of multiple AGC chapters, says that contractors should consider outsourcing drone use to a company that hold FAA’s initial permits for specific uses, such as to perform elevated inspections of power lines or structural steel frame buildings, or to determine waterproofing details on otherwise inaccessible windows.</div>
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“Let a fully permitted and aviation-insured company perform these tasks,” Brown says. “Drones currently can’t legally be used for any commercial purpose, so if you are an employee of a construction company and you use a drone in business, then you are breaking the law. You may very well be facing fines and even imprisonment — if you are so unfortunate to be spotted buzzing people in public or crashing a prototype on the White House lawn.”</div>
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Several insurance carriers are now offering “one-off” UAV coverage under a separate aviation policy, says John L Babel, senior risk engineering consultant, North American construction at XL Group, an Austin Chapter member.</div>
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Such aviation policies cover bodily injury and physical damage, and may also cover consequential damages and catastrophic loss, Babel says. “Companies considering UAV use should examine their CGL policy. Is the UAV considered an ‘excluded aircraft under their CGL policy?” he says. “Many are now considered aircraft.”</div>
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Bradley Meinhardt, area president and managing director, aviation, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc., a member of multiple AGC chapters, says, “If you operate drones for commercial purposes and you do not have the appropriate waiver from the FAA, you risk the potential of the insurance not responding to a claim if the drone causes property damages or bodily injury.”</div>
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To address the use of small drones used to document jobsites, the International Organization for Standardization is working on an “unmanned aerial vehicle endorsement” to the contractor’s general liability policy, which is expected for implementation in June, Babel says. This coverage will be for bodily injury and physical damage.</div>
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If contractors don’t already use aircraft, or have an aviation policy, they can either ask their insurance broker and carrier for a separate aviation policy, or ask for the ISO UAV endorsement to their general liability policy that would cover the incidental use of drones, he says.</div>
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“Contractors will have to decide whether to take on the additional risk of operating UAVs in-house, or subcontracting that work,” Babel says. “Naturally, the subcontractor would have to go through rigorous screening by the contractor to ensure that proper insurance coverage, safety procedures and risk management are in place.”</div>
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If the contractor decides to take on the risk of drone operation, there are a “plethora” of issues to consider, including the type of drone needed, pilot training, developing flight plans, operating area, regulations triggered by use of the drone in that area, weather, and other hazards, he says.</div>
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“With respect to operator or pilot training, Australia and Canada have very specific training for UAV pilots that does not require the operator to necessarily be a general aviation pilot, but still possess the skill set for understanding civil aviation and national airspace, and hopefully the FAA will require something similar,” Babel says.</div>
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Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-31322983660232999902015-07-08T07:59:00.002-05:002015-07-08T07:59:29.956-05:00Personal Automobiles for Business Use<div class="title" style="border: 0px; color: #32495c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 240 million registered motor vehicles in the United States, and an estimated one-fourth of those are used for business in some way. If you have employees who use personal vehicles for business use, you could be exposing your business to a significant liability risk.</span></h1>
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Even if your employees have Personal Auto Policies (PAPs) for their personal vehicles, in the event of a serious accident that occurs during business use, your business could be sued to collect additional damages.</div>
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What is “Business Use”?</div>
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Activities that constitute general business use include visiting customers, picking up supplies, attending conferences, and commuting to and from work. For activities like this, the general business use of a personal vehicle is usually covered by a PAP. This is because a policy purchased for a specific vehicle is considered the primary insurance, which covers damages before any other policy takes effect.</div>
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An exception to general business use is livery, or carrying goods or people for a fee. Livery includes the delivery of items such as food, flowers, or wholesale or retail items to customers, as well as chauffeur services. Carpooling or ridesharing is not considered livery and is covered under a PAP.</div>
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Employees that work from home can still pose a risk if they use personal vehicles for business use. It may be more difficult to ascertain the driving habits of employees that work from home or the operational status of their vehicles. Communicate regularly with these employees concerning your company’s policy for the use of personal vehicles.</div>
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Employee PAP Coverage</div>
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For employees using their personal vehicles, the primary insurance on the vehicles will likely be their PAPs. You should know how your employees are covered for the business use of their vehicles. Encourage your employees to speak with their PAP carriers to be sure of their coverage and to make it clear to the insurance agents what business activities the vehicles may be used for.</div>
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Some PAPs appear to exclude coverage for business use, but they may include broad exceptions for a private passenger automobile, or pickup trucks and vans. However, some policies may be stricter depending on the circumstances. Clarification may prevent complications if a claim must be filed.</div>
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Four Ways to Reduce Risk</div>
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Though employees’ use of personal automobiles may pose a risk to your business, there are steps you can take to help protect both your employees and your business from liability.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Review driving records and create an approved-driver list:</strong> All employees that use a vehicle for business use should be cleared to drive by a manager. This process should include reviewing motor vehicle records and PAP coverages regularly and maintaining records to help reduce risk exposure.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Establish standards for personal vehicles:</strong> Even employees without any incidents on their motor vehicle records can be a risk to your business if they are driving personal vehicles that are not properly maintained. Establish company guidelines for maintaining personal vehicles. If employees are compensated for time spent driving or if they routinely use their personal vehicles for business, consider regularly collecting maintenance reports to gauge the reliability of personal vehicles.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make the company policy clear:</strong> After you create guidelines for the use of personal vehicles at your business, be sure to communicate them to your employees in a clear and timely manner. Although it is common to have policies against the use of intoxicating substances or mobile devices while driving, reminding employees of all of your company policies is an effective way to mitigate risk.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Establish rental vehicle policies:</strong> The use of rental vehicles for business also presents exposure to risk. It may be beneficial to establish a relationship with a particular rental vehicle agency to determine which vehicles best suit the needs of your business and employees while traveling. You should also give your employees guidelines on which rental vehicle insurance coverages to accept during the rental process.</div>
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Obtaining Appropriate Liability Insurance</div>
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Additional coverage may be needed if any potential risks from personal auto use threaten your business. A standard Business Auto Policy (BAP) will protect your business from any additional liability after an employee’s PAP has paid for damages related to personal auto use.</div>
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Although employees who have personal vehicles should be required to have PAPs, obtaining liability insurance should be a priority to protect your business. In the event of a serious accident, your employees’ PAP coverage may not be adequate to pay for all the damages. Be sure to prepare a list of vehicles that may be used by employees and the type of business they may be used for, and contact Naught-Naught Agency in order to discuss your coverage options.</div>
</div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-37013695872949850902015-07-08T07:58:00.003-05:002015-07-08T07:58:48.319-05:00Estate Equalization<div class="title" style="border: 0px; color: #32495c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<h1 style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">As you plan for the perpetuation of your business, you may want to plan to provide for all your children – both those involved in your business as well as those family members who are not.</span></h1>
</div>
<div class="content" style="border: 0px; color: #32495c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
A business owner can use life insurance to provide the children who are not involved in the business with “equitable” treatment.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Leaving the business to the active children and life insurance to the inactive children equalizes the inheritances among them. In addition, it avoids the need for the active children to purchase the interests of the inactive children – perhaps at a time when the business may be unable to afford it.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Ask one of the qualified representatives at the NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY to provide you with a customized plan. You may call your representative or simply phone us at 800-392-0423.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
We can help.</div>
</div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-64602720401487361142015-07-08T07:58:00.000-05:002015-07-08T07:58:07.565-05:00Compliance with Child Labor Laws<div class="title" style="border: 0px; color: #32495c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<h1 style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division mandates that employers comply with the youth employment provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the implementing regulations of 29 CFR Part 570. These provisions are designed to protect young workers by restricting the types of jobs that they perform and the number of hours they work. The DOL strives to educate teens, parents, educators and employers on the federal youth employment rules in order to promote positive and safe work experiences. The following self-assessment tool is designed to identify some of the most common problems encountered regarding young workers. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you are likely not in compliance with federal regulations.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Do any workers under 18 years of age do the following:</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Drive or serve as an outside helper on any motor vehicle (including but not limited to automobiles, trucks, golf carts, etc.) on a public road or highway?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors under 18 generally may not drive any type of motor vehicle or work as an outside helper on public roads or highways. This prohibition extends to the towing of vehicles and the driving of school buses and trucks. There is a limited exception to this provision that permits 17-year-olds to drive an automobile or truck (gross vehicle weight not exceeding 6,000 pounds) for limited periods of time when certain conditions are met. These conditions include that the minors possess a valid license, the driving is only during daylight hours, the driving does not involve urgent time sensitive deliveries such as delivering a pizza to a residence, and the driving is only occasional and incidental to their employment. There are additional requirements that also must be met.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Operate, set-up, adjust, repair, oil or clean any power-driven woodworking machine or perform any off-bearing from circular saws or from guillotine-action veneer clippers?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors under 18 may not operate, set-up, adjust, repair, oil or clean any power-driven wood-working machines, including chain saws, nailing machines and sanders. They also may not perform any off-bearing activities from circular saws or from guillotine-action veneer clippers or feed (or help feed) materials into the machines. A limited exception applies to 16- and 17-year olds that allows them to place materials on a moving chain or in a hopper or slide for automatic feeding. The regulations also provide a limited exemption for apprentices and student-learners who are at least 16 years of age and enrolled in approved programs.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Perform any activities that involve exposure to radioactive substances or to ionizing radiation?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors under 18 may not be employed in occupations that would expose them to radioactive substances and to ionizing radiations.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Operate or assist to operate, set-up, adjust, repair, oil or clean any power-driven circular saws, bandsaws, guillotine shears, chain saws, reciprocating saws, wood chippers or abrasive cutting discs?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors under 18 may not operate, assist to operate, set-up, adjust, repair, oil or clean circular saws, band saws or guillotine shears, except machines equipped with full automatic feed and ejection. These same minors may not operate, assist to operate, set-up, adjust, repair, oil or clean chain saws, reciprocating saws, wood chippers, or abrasive cutting discs. These prohibitions apply regardless of the materials being processed (wood, concrete, metal, foam rubber, cake, paper, etc.). The regulations also provide a limited exemption for apprentices and student-learners who are at least 16 years of age and enrolled in approved programs.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work in any occupation in roofing operations or perform any work on or about a roof?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors under 18 may not be employed in roofing operations, including work performed on the ground and removal of the old roof, and all work on or about a roof. This prohibition includes any work that would require the youth to be on or near the roof at any time. The regulations provide a limited exemption for apprentices and student-learners who are at least 16 years of age and enrolled in approved programs.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Do any workers under 16 years of age do the following:</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work during schools hours?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not work during school hours. School hours are determined by the local public school in the area where the minor is residing while so employed, even if the minor does not attend the public school (i.e., attends a private school or is home schooled). Such minors may be employed outside of school hours with certain limitations. The term outside school hours means such periods as before and after school hours, holidays, summer vacations, Sundays, or any other day or part of a day when the public school district where the minor reside while employed is not in session.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work before 7:00 a.m. on any day?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not be employed before 7:00 a.m. on any day.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work past 7:00 p.m. between Labor Day and May 31st?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not be employed past 7:00 p.m. from the day after Labor Day through May 31. This applies even if there is not school the next day, such as Friday or Saturday night, as well as in weeks when school is not in session such as during spring break. These same minors may not work past 9:00 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work past 9:00 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not be employed past 9:00 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day. They may not work past 7:00 p.m. between the day after Labor Day and May 31.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work more than 3 hours on a school day, including Fridays?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not work more than 3 hours on a school day, including Fridays. This prohibition applies even if there is not school the next day.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work more than 8 hours on any day?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may work up to 8 hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays and on other days when school is not in session, as long as they do not exceed the maximum permissible hours in any workweek. They may work up to 18 hours in any week school is in session and up to 40 hours in any week school does not meet.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work more than 18 hours in any week when school is in session?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not work more than 18 hours a week when school is in session. For these purposes, school is in session in any week in which school meets, even if it meets for a part of a day or a portion of the week. School hours and school weeks are determined by the local public school where the minor would attend if he or she attended public school.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work more than 40 hours in any week when school is not in session?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not work more than 40 hours in a week when school is not in session. They may not work more than 18 hours in a week when school meets. For these purposes, school is in session in any week in which school meets, even if it meets for a part of a day or a portion of the week. School hours and school weeks are determined by the local public school where the minor would attend if he or she attended public school.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Operate any power-driven machinery, other than office machines?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not operate most power-driven machinery, including lawnmowers, trimmers, and “weed-whackers”. These minors may operate office machinery, vacuum cleaners, floor waxers, and machines and devices used in connection with preparing and serving food and beverages, such as dishwashers, toasters, popcorn poppers, milk shake blenders, coffee grinders and microwave ovens that do not have the capacity to warm above 140°F.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ride as a passenger in a motor vehicle (other than public transportation) as part of the job?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The child labor rules allow 14- and 15-year-olds to ride inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, but not when a significant reason for the minor being a passenger in the vehicle is for the purpose of performing work in connection with the transporting of, or assisting in the transporting of, other persons or property. As the transporting of, or assisting in the transporting of, other persons or property need only be a significant reason for the minor being in the vehicle and not the primary reason, permissible trips are fairly limited. When such youth are permitted to ride in the passenger compartment, each youth must have his or her own seat in the passenger compartment; each seat must be equipped with a seat belt or similar restraining device, and the employer must advise each passenger that such seat belts or devises are to be used. Fourteen- and 15-year-olds may never be employed as helpers on motor vehicles.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work in occupations in connection with construction (including repair)?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not be employed in any construction activities or on a construction site. A limited exception would apply for office or sales work when not performed at the actual construction site.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work inside a freezer or meat cooler?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old are prohibited from working in freezers and meat coolers. This includes duties such as taking inventory or performing cleanup work which would require them to enter and remain in coolers or freezers for prolonged durations. These minors may enter freezers momentarily —but not meat coolers—to retrieve items.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Perform any work in or about boiler or engine rooms?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not perform any work in or about boiler or engine rooms.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Perform any work in connection with maintenance or repair of the establishment, machines or equipment?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not perform any work in connection with maintenance or repair of the establishment, machines or equipment.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Perform any work requiring the use of ladders, scaffolds or their substitutes?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not perform work requiring the use of ladders, scaffolds, or their substitutes.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Perform any outside window washing that involves working from sills?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not perform outside window washing that involves working from sills, ladders, or scaffolds.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cook?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Fourteen- and 15-year-olds may perform only that cooking that (1) involves the use of electric and gas grills that do not entail cooking over an open flame and (2) involves the use of deep fat fryers which are equipped with and utilize devices which automatically raise and lower the “baskets” but not pressurized fryers.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bake?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors under 16 years of age are prohibited from performing any baking duties. Prohibited baking duties include the weighing, mixing and assembling of ingredients and the operation of pizza ovens and convection ovens. The use of warming devices to maintain the heat of cooked food is permitted.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Load or unload goods from a truck, railroad car or conveyor?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not load or unload goods to and from conveyors, trucks, railroad cars or tanks, trucks, boats, planes, or other mean of transportation. See 29 CFR § 570.33 and Child Labor Bulletin 101. Such minors may load onto motor vehicles and unload from motor vehicles the light, non-power-driven, hand tools and personal protective equipment that the minor will use as part of his or her employment at the work site, and the personal items such as a back pack, a lunch box, or a coat that the minor is permitted to take to the work site.</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Operate any hoisting equipment, including such equipment as scissor lifts, motorized hand trucks, forklifts, or grocery cart retrieval systems and cart caddies?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 14 and 15-years old may not perform work involving the operation or tending or hoisting equipment—whether power-driven or operated manually or by gravity. Such equipment includes forklifts, scissor lifts, motorized hand trucks, patient lifts, winches, cart caddies, or QuicKart (used to move large strings of shopping carts from the parking lot to the front of the store).</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Are any of your employees under 14 years of age?</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Minors 13 years of age and younger are generally too young for employment under the Federal child labor provisions. Permissible employment for such minors is limited to exempt work such as delivering newspapers, performing casual babysitting, acting, performing minor chores around private homes, and working for a parent who is the sole owner of a business (in occupations other than mining, manufacturing, or anything prohibited by an HO).</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 18px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do you fail to maintain a record providing proof of age for all employees under 19 years of age?</li>
</ul>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Employers are required to maintain and preserve certain records, including the date of birth for all employees who are less than 19 years of age.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Employers may protect themselves from unintentional violation of the child labor provisions by keeping on file an employment or age certificate for each minor employed to show that the minor is the minimum age for the job. Although the Wage and Hour Division no longer issues age certificates, certificates issued under most state laws are acceptable for purposes of the FLSA.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Source: DOL</div>
</div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-42316528891576614172014-11-05T13:20:00.002-06:002014-11-05T13:20:54.767-06:00Understanding Construction Contracts<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Construction
contracts can contain terms that impact your company’s bottom line. Reviewing
them carefully prior to signing is indispensable, and can save your company
time and money. This contract review guide is meant to be a starting point for
reviewing contracts in general. It highlights some common contract terms and
their potential impact. You can begin to understand which terms are most often
negotiated in contracts generally. Then, with the help of licensed inside or
outside counsel, analyze the commercial risks associated with construction
contracts in depth and understand terms and conditions to protect your
company’s assets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Scope
of the Agreement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Examine the
definition of services to be provided to ensure the language is clear enough
for an unrelated third party to understand the scope. The contract should
include a time frame for completion of services. The rights and obligations of
both parties should be clearly outlined. Any mechanism for changing the scope
of the contract, as well as any of the terms, if allowed, should also be
outlined within the contract. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Terms
of Payment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Terms of payment
should be clearly listed within the contract so that the expectations of both
parties are clear. The contract should specify the agreed payment schedule for
goods received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Warranties<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">There are two
types of warranties: express and implied. Both types are assurances regarding
particular issues, such as performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Express
warranties are those that are defined specifically in the contract. Implied
warranties are based in statutory and/or common law, depending upon your
jurisdiction. They are two-fold: a warranty of merchantability, which requires
that goods/services must reasonably conform to an ordinary buyer’s standards,
and a warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, which states that if a
seller knows the intended purpose for the product or service, the act of
selling the product to that customer implies that it is fit for that purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Be aware of
warranty disclaimers and understand how the disclaimer limits your statutory
rights. If it disclaims all warranties, express and implied, then you will
likely be limited to the remedies in the contract for issues related to things
like performance. You should also examine any disclaimer in the context of the
contract. While it may require you to disclaim your statutory rights, other
contract language may give you adequate rights and remedies regarding the
points about which you are most concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Damages,
Limits of Liability and Indemnification<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">These three
items are often in close proximity to one another in a contract, as they are
interrelated. Damages may be defined as certain types of losses that could
create liability under the contract. A limit on liability would restrict the
amount of damages that a party would be required to pay if found liable for
such damages. Sometimes this may also include a limit for indemnification.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Indemnification
provisions allocate risk and cost between the parties. It is important to examine
whether the party assuming the risk is the party with the most control over
that risk. For instance, when a company’s employees are required to work at a
customer’s location, the company is often asked to release the customer from
all liability relating to the employees presence at the customer’s location.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">In some cases,
indemnification is limited to negligence or to a specific dollar amount, under
a heading of “limits of liability.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Insurance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Some contracts
will contain minimum bodily injury and property damage liability coverage
amounts that the party must possess and also may require that the customer is
added as an additional insured on those coverages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Prior to
consenting to any contract, it is prudent to examine insurance coverage against
the amount of liability exposure in a particular contract.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Terms
and Conditions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="bullet" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Governing Law & Jurisdiction – Look at the governing law
provision to make sure that you are comfortable with the implications of the
state law chosen by the drafter. This can impact the interpretation of the
contract from warranties to indemnification. <span style="text-indent: 0in;">Additionally, when specific statutes or regulations are
referenced in the body of a contract, it is as though that statute or
regulation is wholly contained within the contract itself. It is vital to read
and understand that language prior to giving your consent. This happens
regularly in government contracting situations.</span></li>
<li>Dispute Resolution – This is another clause with which you must
be comfortable with the laws of the state or forum chosen by the drafter. The
rules chosen to govern dispute resolution can impact the outcome. Additionally,
you should consider whether dispute resolution is right for your situation.</li>
<li>Intellectual Property – When you are disclosing and/or licensing
your company’s intellectual property, be it trademarks, copyrights or patents,
it is important to include a clause that recognizes the owner of such
intellectual property and affirmatively states that the agreement does not
transfer any rights.</li>
<li>Standard of Care – A standard of care clause may appear in
certain types of contracts. The standard of care that is provided by the law
should provide the minimum standard of care for the provision of services under
the contract.</li>
<li>Term/Termination – The contract should provide both parties with
the right to terminate the contract. The situations in which termination is
allowed will vary from contract to contract. Some contracts will allow the
right to terminate in cases of dissatisfaction; others will allow it with a specific
notice, for no cause. It is important that you contemplate in what cases you
would want the right to terminate the contract. There should also be language
defining the term of the contract. Does it have a finite term? Does it
automatically renew each period?</li>
<li>Right to Cure – Related to termination, some contracts will
contain a right to cure clause. This would give the defaulting party notice of
a breach and a finite period of time in which to remedy such breach. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Standard
Form Contracts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Unlike other industries,
construction lacks a consistent set of laws like the Uniform Commercial Code or
a federal statutory scheme. Contracts produced by professional and trade
associations for architects (American Institute of Architects), engineers
(Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee) and commercial contractors
(Associated General Contractors of America) can serve as important references
and benchmarks when drafting a new contract. They are a good source of industry
best practices, and using them can greatly reduce drafting and review time,
meaning lower overall transaction costs for your company. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">For all of their
advantages, there are several things that you should be cautious about when
using standard form contracts. Note the following cautions about standard forms
before using them.</span></div>
<div class="bullet" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Standard forms, which are written broadly to encompass many
different contexts, require transaction-specific and jurisdiction-specific
modifications. For example, certain states require that indemnities be written
in a certain way.</li>
<li>Changes made to one part of the document, such as definitions of
words or terms, may affect other parts that make reference to it.</li>
<li>Custom-drafted and industry-drafted forms are often
incompatible. Even industry-drafted forms from different publishers can be
incompatible.</li>
<li>Standard forms always contain the bias of the drafter. Use this
bias; know when to use various standard forms published by different industry
organizations.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">General
Understanding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Reviewing
general terms and features of construction contracts will help you grasp the
consequences of its terms and conditions for your business. In any case, to
ensure its completeness and accuracy, it is necessary to submit each contract
you must sign to legal review. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-73357097973311926952014-11-05T13:17:00.000-06:002014-11-05T13:17:07.416-06:00Ground-fault Protection for Construction Sites<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">According to the
National Institute of Safety and Health, the most frequently cited Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) electrical violation is improper
grounding of equipment or circuits. This is especially troubling for
construction managers in light of the fact that construction workers suffer
more electrical burns and fatal electrical injuries than workers in all other
industries combined. Each incident carries significant costs in terms of lost
time and resources and increases the employer’s risk of costly lawsuits. The
most tragic aspect is that many of these accidents could have been prevented
with the implementation of proper ground-fault protection practices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">OSHA
Regulations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">OSHA requires
employers to provide either: (a) ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on
construction sites for receptacle outlets in use and not part of the permanent
wiring of the building or structure; or (b) a scheduled and recorded Assured
Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP), covering all cord sets,
receptacles not part of the permanent wiring of the building, and equipment
connected by cord and plug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">About
GFCIs <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Grounding a tool
or electrical system involves creating a low-resistance electrical path that
connects to the earth. A ground-fault occurs in a tool or electrical system
when there is a break in this low-resistance grounding path. The electrical
current may then take an alternative path to the ground through the user,
resulting in serious injuries or death. GFCIs automatically limit or stop the
flow of current in the event of a ground fault, overload or short circuit in
the wiring system. They operate by monitoring the amount of current going into
electric equipment and the amount of current flowing out along the circuit
conductors. If the difference exceeds 5 milliamperes, the device automatically
shuts off the power to prevent injury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">About
AEGCPs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">The
OSHA-approved alternative to using GFCIs on a construction site is an AEGCP,
which is a regimented system for testing electrical tools and extension cords
to assure their proper grounding. If an AEGCP is used in place of GFCIs for
ground-fault protection, the following minimum requirements apply: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="bullet" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Keep a written description of the program at the jobsite.
Outline specific procedures for the required equipment inspections, tests and
test schedule, and make them available to OSHA and to affected persons upon
demand.</li>
<li>Designate one or more competent persons to implement the
program. OSHA defines a competent person as someone who is a) qualified to
identify hazards and b) authorized to take prompt corrective measures.</li>
<li>Visually inspect all cord sets, attachment caps, plugs and
receptacles, and any equipment connected by cord and plug, before use each day.
If you see any external damage, such as deformed or missing pins, damaged
insulation, etc., or discover internal damage, take the equipment out of use
until it is repaired.</li>
<li>Perform two OSHA-required tests on all electrical equipment: a
continuity test, and a terminal connection test. </li>
</ul>
These tests are required:<br />
<div class="subbullet" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="bodyChar">Before first use</span></li>
<li>After any repairs, and before placing back in service</li>
<li>After suspected damage, and before returning to use</li>
<li>Every 3 months</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="subbullet" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="bullet" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Maintain a written record of the required tests, identifying all
equipment that passed the test and the last date it was tested (or the testing
interval). Like the program description, make it available to OSHA inspectors
and affected persons upon demand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="bullet" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Using
GFCIs in Conjunction with AEGCPs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Although OSHA
permits the use of an AEGCP in lieu of GFCIs, it would be a mistake to view the
choice as strictly an either/or proposition. The best course of action is to
use GFCIs in conjunction with an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program.
Taking this step will not eliminate the possibility of a costly electrical
accident on the worksite, but it will significantly reduce the risk of injury
or death due to ground faults. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">For more risk
management tips, contact Naught-Naught Agency at 573-634-2727.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
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<span class="bodyChar">Source: OSHA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-63850187554325268362014-11-05T13:14:00.002-06:002014-11-05T13:14:54.545-06:00A Word to the Wise about Construction Defects: What You Can Do to Protect Your Business<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Possibly no two
words strike more fear in the hearts of architects, engineers and contractors
than “construction defect.” A claim for construction defect can cost astronomical
amounts to correct and defend. And then there’s the damage to your reputation
and its impact on your future opportunities for work. It’s enough to break a
business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Construction
Defect Risks <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Today, your risk
of becoming involved in a construction defect claim is greater than ever. New
technology, materials and applications have changed the way commercial
buildings, homes and condominiums are constructed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Advances are
enabling the design and construction of buildings that are more attractive and less
costly. Yet, many of these advances have yet to be tested in real application
over time, where problems may be uncovered that were never anticipated in the
lab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">At the same
time, new applications require new skills from contractors, who may overlook
important requirements for installation or take shortcuts that cause
devastating consequences. When problems occur, it’s hard to know the cause
without investigation, and everyone on the project is forced to become
involved. Fingers point. Often, whoever has the deepest pockets or the most to
lose becomes the primary target for plaintiff lawyers. Fairly or not, you could
be left holding the bag for others’ mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
Let’s consider
two of the most costly recent examples of construction defect, EIFS and FRT plywood:</div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">EIFS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Architects love to design using EIFS (exterior
insulation finishing systems.) EIFS cladding systems resemble stucco, but are
less costly to install and can be fashioned into a variety of architectural
shapes, including soft curves and geometric designs. This unique flexibility
makes EIFS treatments ideal for special elements such as porticos, archways,
ornate overheads for windows, doors and decorative trim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">As with any
exterior cladding, water can enter behind or around the system. Early applications
often lacked drainage features more commonly used today. With no place to go,
constant exposure to moisture can cause rot in wood and damage to other
materials within the building or home. Moisture-related problems led to an
avalanche of individual and class action lawsuits by consumers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Are you using
EIFS in your designs? If so, strict adherence to guidelines for materials and
methods of application is your best defense against a construction defect
claim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">FRT
Plywood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Back in the
early 1990s, FRT, or flame resistant plywood, was touted as an alternative to
fire walls in multi-unit buildings. It appeared to be a revolutionary product
and was quickly adopted by architects and builders, especially in the
Northeast. But high temperatures in attics caused early and unexpected
deterioration of the material. Suppliers went Chapter 11, and builders were
left to face clients with major defects in their buildings, condominiums and
homes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">What new
building materials are you using in your projects? Have you done your research?
How confident are you in the manufacturer and the testing? Are you comfortable
with the risk?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Types
of Construction Defects<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Generally,
courts categorize construction defects in one of four categories:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="bodyChar">Design deficiencies typically relate to building designs that do
not meet code or perform to standard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="bodyChar">Material deficiencies occur when use of inferior materials
causes significant problems, such as when windows leak or fail to perform even
when properly installed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="bodyChar">Construction deficiencies are problems created by poor quality
workmanship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="bodyChar">Subsurface deficiencies usually involve cracked foundations or
other structural damage caused when soil is not properly compacted and prepared
for adequate drainage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">The goal of the
court is to determine fault and damages, and require the party responsible for
the defect to remedy the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Insurance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Under the
standard commercial general liability (CGL) policy, your insurance company has
a duty to defend you for construction defect claims if any damages are
potentially covered under the policy. Coverage for construction defect only
exists if there is an “occurrence” under the policy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">If the court
finds against you and you are a subcontractor, the policy will frequently pay
for property damage caused by the occurrence. It does not, however, cover the
costs to remedy your work – the faulty workmanship or material that led to the
damage. In many cases, the cost to correct the construction defect will be
greater than the actual property damages incurred. Keep in mind that if you are
a general contractor, the whole project is your work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Architects and
engineers will want to consider the additional protection of a professional
liability policy. Professional liability provides coverage when a design does not
function as anticipated or promised. Ask Naught-Naught Agency for details.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">What
You Can Do to Manage Your Risk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Many risks you
face are not typically covered by insurance. In addition to insurance, you can
reduce your risk in two ways: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="bodyChar">Transferring Risk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">You can transfer
some of your risk to a responsible third party. General contractors transfer
risk to the subcontractors they use on a construction project through
indemnification and hold harmless agreements as well as additional insured
requirements in their construction contracts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Indemnification
and hold harmless agreements are typically included in standard construction
contracts. Keep in mind that if the subcontractor lacks the financial resources
to meet its obligations, you still could be obligated for any construction
defect claims. That’s why it is important to check the financials of your
subcontractors and choose wisely. And never under any circumstances use
uninsured subcontractors. They put you at great risk and could increase the
cost of your own insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Whenever you
hire subcontractors, have them add your business to their liability policy as
an additional insured. You will be protected by the subcontractor’s policy for
work the subcontractor does for you, up to the policy limits. It’s a good idea
to require liability limits of at least $1 million on the subcontractor’s
policy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Always request
coverage as an additional insured on a primary basis. This way, you assure that
their insurance responds first to a claim. (Your insurance becomes excess
coverage and responds only if the judgment exceeds the subcontractor’s policy
limits.) Be sure to specify the length of time you will be added to the policy
for completed operations. Construction defects often come to light long after a
job is completed. You can verify coverage by requesting a copy of the
certificate of insurance on an annual basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="bodyChar"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="bodyChar">Risk Control<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">The best way to
avoid a construction defect claim is through quality construction. Work only
with architects, engineers and contractors who have good reputations and a
track record of performance. Don’t cut corners. Plan and perform work in the
correct sequence and with proper supervision. Be sure to document any and all
plan changes. Organized records are critical to your defense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">Rely on
Our Construction Expertise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="sectionheader" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span class="bodyChar">The legal
landscape for the construction industry is complicated and changing. In today’s
legal climate, customers who are dissatisfied with work are increasingly
resorting to litigation. The recommendations here are a starting point for
understanding and avoiding construction defect claims. Sleep better at night by
consulting Naught-Naught Agency and your attorney. They are experts in their
professions as you are in yours. Both will bring you good advice and
recommendations, and make them partners with your business. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="body" style="mso-pagination: none;">
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<span class="bodyChar"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Article by
Gregg Gaughran, Executive, Commercial & Specialty Lines for Westfield
Insurance. Mr. Gaughran is a 25+-year insurance industry veteran. Westfield
Insurance is a major regional insurance company headquartered in Ohio and one
of the leading insurers of contractors in the state. Westfield Insurance is a
Trusted Choice® member company.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-41331468486715856512013-09-12T08:22:00.000-05:002013-09-12T08:22:05.476-05:00Developing a Small Business Disaster Recovery Plan<br />
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<a href="http://www.iii.org/article/developing-a-small-business-disaster-recovery-plan.html" target="_blank">Article from www.iii.org website</a></div>
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Businesses that are forced to close down following a disaster run the risk of never being able to open their doors again. While there’s no way to lower the risk of a natural disaster like a hurricane, there are critical measures that can be taken to protect your company’s bottom line from nature’s fury. A disaster plan and adequate insurance are keys to recovery.<strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div>
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Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan</h2>
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No matter how small or large a business, a business impact analysis should be developed to identify what an operation must do to protect itself in the face of a natural disaster. Large corporations often hire risk managers to handle this task and some companies hire consultants with expertise in disaster planning and recovery to assist them with their plans. But small businesses can do the analysis and planning on their own.</div>
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<br />STEPS FOR DEVELOPING A BUSINESS RECOVERY PLAN </h3>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; list-style: none url(http://www.iii.org/assets/images/global/square_bullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 12px 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Set up an emergency response plan and train employees how to carry it out.</strong> Make sure employees know whom to notify about the disaster and what measures to take to preserve life and limit property losses.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Write out each step of the plan and assign responsibilities to employees in clear and simple language</strong>. Practice the procedures set out in the emergency response plan with regular, scheduled drills.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Compile a list of important phone numbers and addresses.</strong>Make sure you can get in touch with key people after the disaster. The list should include local and state emergency management agencies, major clients, contractors, suppliers, realtors, financial institutions, insurance agents and insurance company claim representatives.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Decide on a communications strategy to prevent loss of customers.</strong> Post notices outside your premises; contact clients by phone, email or regular mail; place a notice in local newspapers.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Consider the things you may need initially during the emergency.</strong> Do you need a back-up source of power? Do you have a back-up communications system?</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Human Resources.</strong> Protect employees and customers from injury on the premises. Consider the possible impact a disaster will have on your employees’ ability to return to work and how customers can return to your shop or receive goods or services.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Physical Resources</strong>. Inspect your business’ plant(s) and assess the impact a disaster would have on facilities. Make sure your plans conform to local building code requirements.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Business Community</strong>. Even if your business escapes a disaster, there is still a risk that it could suffer significant losses due to the inability of suppliers to deliver goods or services or a reduction in customers. Businesses should communicate with their suppliers and markets (especially if they are selling to a business as a supplier) about their disaster preparedness and recovery plans, so that everyone is prepared.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Protect Your Building</strong>. If you own the structure that houses your business, integrate disaster protection for the building as well as the contents into your plan. Consider the financial impact if your business shuts down as a result of a disaster. What would be the impact for a day, a week or an entire revenue period?</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Keep Duplicate Records.</strong> Back-up computerized data files regularly and store them off-premises. Keep copies of important records and documents in a safe deposit box and make sure they’re up-to-date.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I</strong><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">dentify critical business activities and the resources needed to support them</strong>. If you cannot afford to shut down your operations, even temporarily, determine what you require to run the business at another location.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Find alternative facilities, equipment and supplies, and locate qualified contractors.</strong> Consider a reciprocity agreement with another business. Try to get an advance commitment from at least one contractor to respond to your needs.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 7px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Protect computer systems and data.</strong> Data storage firms offer offsite backups of computer data that can be updated regularly via high-speed modem or through the Internet. </li>
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REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE PLAN</h3>
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Make sure you have sufficient coverage to pay for the indirect costs of the disaster—the disruption to your business—as well as the cost of repair or rebuilding. Most policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage and you may need to buy separate insurance for these perils. Be sure you understand your policy deductibles and limits.<br /><br />New additions or improvements should also be reflected in your policy. This includes construction improvement to a property and the addition...</div>
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<a href="http://www.iii.org/article/developing-a-small-business-disaster-recovery-plan.html" target="_blank">Read More at www.iii.org</a></div>
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Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-60668627759767884922013-04-12T07:45:00.001-05:002013-04-12T07:46:09.011-05:005 ways to prepare your business for tornado season...<br />
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Thursday, April 04, 2013 via Secura Insurance </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Peak tornado season runs from mid-spring through early summer and, if a tornado strikes near your business, you need to react quickly. That’s why it’s crucial to develop a severe weather plan and safe areas for your employees. Follow these steps to get your company and employees ready for storm season:<b><br /><br />1. Determine how much space you’ll require. </b>You should have enough safe areas to fit all employees and any guests who may be in the building at the time of a tornado. Use the following guidelines from FEMA for how much space you need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> • Occupants (standing and seated): 5 square feet per person</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • Wheelchair users: 10 square feet per person<b><br /><br />2. Walk through your building to identify the safest areas</b>. The basement typically is best. If your building doesn’t have a basement, select an area on the lowest level. Ideally, this space should be a small interior room or corridor. Avoid areas with windows and rooms with high ceilings or outside walls — these are more likely to be damaged during a storm.<b><br /><br />3. Assess the exterior of the building</b>. Look for trees, poles, and other items that could fall or hit the building. Don’t choose safe areas near these hazards.<b><br /><br />4. Hold tornado drills often</b>. Employees in all parts of the building should know where to go and practice the paths to get there.<b><br /><br />5. Monitor the weather</b>. A <i>tornado watch</i> means conditions are right for a tornado and there is a high probability of one in the surrounding area. A <i>tornado warning</i> means a tornado has been sighted in your county, or one is moving toward your area. It also could signify that weather radar indicates a high probability of a tornado.<br /><br />Someone in your building should have access to a weather radio to listen for severe weather alerts. They also should monitor local radar information if a watch or warning has been issued and provide alerts and/or directions to employees.<br /><br />For more information, visit <a href="http://www.disastersafety.org/tornado/protecting-employees" style="color: #6f9aae; text-decoration: none;">www.disastersafety.org/tornado/protecting-employees</a> or <a href="http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes" style="color: #6f9aae; text-decoration: none;">www.ready.gov/tornadoes</a>.</span><br />
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Labels: <a href="http://www.findyouradvantage.net/search/label/Protect%20your%20business" rel="tag" style="color: #575f54; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Protect your business</a>, <a href="http://www.findyouradvantage.net/search/label/Safety%20tips" rel="tag" style="color: #575f54; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Safety tips</a><br />
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Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-79288063480702333352013-01-31T09:50:00.001-06:002013-01-31T09:50:34.718-06:00Reduce Work Comp costs with a proactive approach to treating injuries<br />
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<span style="color: #3e443c;">hursday, January 31, 2013</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;"> from Secura Insurance</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeBXKmE5QFipODcP38jmjAxFoeXEM7NVGrZ8iVNavMDT7047FbmhXfg6aDEFSVsJz3dEBAFnSRQDvjkYEgmC0haGnxhqeTz9eiQvlziapIs-ECbqPKHqVbEIKp6vwSzQaM2ZELrxNHK09/s1600/iStock_000017493236Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #6f9aae; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeBXKmE5QFipODcP38jmjAxFoeXEM7NVGrZ8iVNavMDT7047FbmhXfg6aDEFSVsJz3dEBAFnSRQDvjkYEgmC0haGnxhqeTz9eiQvlziapIs-ECbqPKHqVbEIKp6vwSzQaM2ZELrxNHK09/s320/iStock_000017493236Large.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(183, 169, 113); margin: 10px;" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">When injuries happen on the job, they can turn into expensive claims, ultimately driving an employer’s Work Comp insurance premiums higher. There are, however, ways to keep costs in check. The key is taking action before non-emergency work injuries become insurance claims.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Value-added features offered by select insurance companies, such as SECURA’s Nurse Hotline, connect employees hurt on the job with registered nurses via a 24-hour phone line. The goal of the service is to provide workers with immediate answers to the best way to treat their non-emergency injuries. These minor strains, sprains, and such respond well to simple treatments. That means no visit to the ER or a battery of expensive diagnostic tests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The rewards of Nurse Hotline extend to both employers and employees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Benefits to the employer</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">• Reduced claims. Many injuries reported to the hotline can be<br /> treated simply with self-care methods. That translates into no<br /> hospital visit and no claim.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">• Reduced costs. When claims are reduced in both number and<br /> size, premiums typically follow. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">• Reduced lost time. When injuries are treated immediately, workers stay at work or return to work sooner.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">• Expert guidance. Highly skilled medical professionals are providing answers. No more supervisor judgment<br /> calls or overtreating injuries.</span><br /><ul style="color: #4d4b3d; list-style-type: none; margin: 0in 0px 1em 2em; padding: 0px;" type="disc"></ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Benefits to the employee</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">• Instant care. Injured employees get sound medical guidance immediately.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">• No stress. A skilled independent medical professional advises employees on treatment.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">• A true benefit. Employees will see such a hotline as an extension of the benefits package a company offers.</span><br /><ul style="color: #4d4b3d; list-style-type: none; margin: 0in 0px 1em 2em; padding: 0px;" type="disc"></ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">A proactive approach focusing on early assessment of work injuries can have a significant impact on reducing a company’s insurance claims. However, in order to reap the benefits, organizations must be partnered with insurance providers that offer them access to these value-added features, and employees must use them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">For more information about the benefits of Nurse Hotline, view a short <a href="http://secura.net/products/business/workers-compensation.html" style="color: #6f9aae;" target="_blank">video</a>.</span></div>
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Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-86956091492341415372012-11-21T07:19:00.003-06:002012-11-21T09:51:25.492-06:00Tips to make sure your bird is fully cooked<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Tuesday, November 20, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">“My mother is such a lousy cook that Thanksgiving at her house is a time of sorrow.” – Comedian, Rita Rudner</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">Yup, the pressure is truly on for cooks of a Thanksgiving feast. Guests might overlook the poorly executed sweet potatoes. They might even hold off on panning the over-seasoned, soggy stuffing.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">But cook that bird wrong and your dinner table will deflate faster than the Snoopy balloon after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. However, with some careful planning and following of the tips below, you’ll ensure your bird is safely roasted.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>• First things first</b>. Make sure your turkey is thawed before cooking. If thawing in a refrigerator, allow 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds. That means a 12- to 16-pound bird will need three to four days to completely thaw.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>• Heat it up</b>. Set your oven temperature for 325 degrees Fahrenheit.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>• 165 is the target</b>. Use a meat thermometer to remove any guesswork. The turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, which means a cook time of roughly three to four hours for a 12- to 16-pound bird.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>• Leave it unstuffed</b>. While many stuff their birds, it’s recommended that stuffing be cooked in a separate casserole dish. If you do stuff the turkey, it will require additional cooking time. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>• Know your variables</b>. Among the variables that can impact cook times are the accuracy of the oven; whether the bird is stuffed or not; if the cook pan is dark or shiny (dark roasting pans cook faster). An oven-cooking bag also can accelerate the cook time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">For additional safety tips about cooking your Thanksgiving turkey, download a PDF from the U.S. Department of Agriculture <a href="http://1.usa.gov/VInxk1" style="color: #6f9aae;">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.findyouradvantage.net/2012/11/tips-to-make-sure-your-bird-is-fully.html" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Check out more at Secura website </a></div>
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Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-77696514966568519832012-10-26T08:42:00.003-05:002012-10-26T08:43:06.684-05:00NSC 2012: Preventing Serious Injuries and Fatalities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="line-height: 1.48em;">If occupational injury rates are on a downward trend, that’s good news, right? Well, yes and no – while minor and less severe injuries may be on the decline, serious and fatal injuries are not following suit. According to Colin Duncan, CEO of BST, a company that helps organizations improve their workplace safety performance, EHS professionals must start looking at fatalities and serious injuries differently.</span></div>
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“When we see a statistic that workplace fatalities are not going down at the rate that injuries are, we need to understand why,” Duncan said during the Oct. 23 occupational keynote at the National Safety Council (NSC) Congress and Expo in Orlando, Fla. “We need to accept that the things that lead to serious injuries and fatalities are not necessarily the same things we’ll see for non-serious injuries and fatalities.”</div>
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Last year, <a href="http://ehstoday.com/safety/news/reducing-minor-injuries-not-translate-serious-fatalities-0815" style="color: #0070bb; text-decoration: none;">BST released a white paper</a> suggesting that reducing minor injuries and illnesses may not translate to a reduced potential for fatalities or serious injuries. Duncan followed up on that research during his presentation at NSC, where he encouraged EHS professionals to focus the underlying causes and influencing factors that specifically surround serious incidents and fatalities.</div>
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<a href="http://ehstoday.com/safety/nsc-2012-preventing-serious-injuries-and-fatalities" target="_blank">To continue reading more please click here</a></div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-36512166455834637642012-09-06T07:46:00.004-05:002012-09-06T07:47:32.947-05:00JP Morgan's Tom Lee Has 10 Reasons Why You Should Get Bullish On Housing <br />
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Last week, JP Morgan's <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jp-morgans-tom-lee-10-reasons-bullish-housing-2012-9#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 100, 0); border-bottom-width: 0.1em; border-style: none none solid; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px; position: static !important; right: auto; top: auto;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook0w0" style="border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-style: none none solid; bottom: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; top: auto;">equity</span></a> research team led by Tom Lee published a big 80-page report arguing that the U.S. is in the <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-31/jpmorgan-s-thomas-lee-sees-u-s-housing-up-cycle-audio-.html" style="color: #1d637d; text-decoration: none;">early stages of an up-cycle</a>.</div>
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Lee included 10 reasons to support his argument:</div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br /><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jp-morgans-tom-lee-10-reasons-bullish-housing-2012-9#ixzz25h28UhIl" style="color: #003399; text-decoration: none;">http://www.businessinsider.com/jp-morgans-tom-lee-10-reasons-bullish-housing-2012-9#ixzz25h28UhIl</a></span>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-33262062626945082042012-08-09T10:28:00.004-05:002012-08-09T10:28:54.487-05:00Work Comp Claims Reporting Made Easy<br />
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Taking the proper steps in your organization to ensure prompt reporting of all workers compensation claims is essential to helping control your claim costs. As an employer, there are several things you can do to ensure documentation and reporting of a claim goes smoothly.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Reporting requirements</strong><br />The Division of Workers' Compensation requires that "an employer or its insurer report the injury, other than an injury that requires immediate first aid and no further medical treatment or lost time from work, to them within 30 days after knowledge of the injury. Employers have to report all injuries to their insurance carrier within five days of the date of injury or within five days of the date on which the injury was reported to the employer by the employee, whichever is later."</div>
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Missouri Employers Mutual encourages our policyholders to report all injuries, even if it only required immediate first aid. Reporting minor injuries allows for two benefits. First, when a claim is reported to us, we report it to the Division of Workers’ Compensation which establishes the beginning of the statute of limitations on the claim. Second, if the minor injury ends up requiring further medical treatment or lost time becomes a factor, the claim is already in the system and can be assigned quickly to a claims representative for handling.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Train management and staff on claim documentation</strong>The proper documentation makes all the difference in successfully reporting a claim. Train your supervisors and managers about what documentation is needed when an employee reports a work-related injury. Start the process with basic but crucial questions including, were there any witnesses? If so, have the witnesses document exactly what they saw or heard and have them sign their statement. It is also very important to have the injured employee recount, in their own words, exactly what occurred and have them sign the document.</div>
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Documentation makes it easy to gather incident information including the date and time the injury occurred, where and how it occurred, the severity of the injury, and body part(s) injured.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Review personnel files annually</strong>Along with the incident details, you will also be required to report some personal information on the injured employee. The information is required, so it is very important to keep all of your personnel files up to date. When reviewing personnel files you should ask yourself, do you have the employee's legal name, date of birth, social security number and home address? If you do not require employees to update their information when they move, marry, etc., you may not have up-to-date records. The employee’s hire date is also important for reporting and should prompt you to verify if they have had a recent promotion that resulted in a job title or salary change. If your company does not have a formal process for keeping personnel records up-to-date, we suggest that you implement one.</div>
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Although a lot of information is needed for reporting a claim, the process doesn’t have to be complicated. Put an injury reporting procedure in place that includes documentation of all work-related injuries (both major and minor), training supervisors and managers on the documentation and reporting requirements, and keeping your personnel files updated. For more information about reporting and managing injuries, check out the <a href="http://www.worksafecenter.com/safety/topic/injury+management/step-1.page?" style="border: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="WorkSAFE Injury Management">injury management tutorial</a> on WorkSAFE Center and our prompt reporting <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFglJZ8Vf_c&feature=plcp" style="border: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="WorkSAFE Incident Management Video">video</a> on YouTube.</div>
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Give one of our Agents a call 800-392-0423 or <a href="mailto:webrequest@naught-naught.com" target="_blank">click here to email us.</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px;"></span>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-90832608477145863352012-07-20T08:56:00.003-05:002012-07-20T08:59:24.865-05:00Seven tips to prevent backing accidents in company vehicles<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Thursday, July 19, 2012</span><span class="s2"> </span><br />
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<span class="s1">No matter what industry you work in, driving a company vehicle includes risk — from the possible cost of property damage to the potential for lawsuits. </span><span style="background-color: white;">And those risks multiply when you need to back up a vehicle. Whether you’re an employer or a driver, it’s important to be trained in proper backing.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Follow these tips to prevent vehicle backing accidents: </span><br />
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<span class="s1">• <b>Know your blind spots.</b> The larger the vehicle, the larger the blind spot. Ask an employee to stand directly behind a parked vehicle with a safety cone. Have him or her walk back from the vehicle, set down the cone when it becomes visible to the driver, and measure the distance of the blind spot. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">• <b>Walk around the entire vehicle</b>, observing the proximity of structures, other cars, pedestrians, or overhanging wires. Map it out in your head before you get behind the wheel. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">• <b>Avoid backups when possible.</b> In a parking lot, pull through to the space ahead of you; don’t leave room for someone to park in front of your vehicle. If possible, park in the street rather than a driveway. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">• <b>Don’t park in alleys where you can’t drive through.</b> Backing out of an alley into a busy street is dangerous for everyone. If you must park in the alley, back in (if local regulations allow it). </span><br />
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<span class="s1">• <b>Use a spotter for difficult situations. </b>Communicate with hand signals that the driver and spotter understand. This is important for situations where children are present, such as schools, play areas, and residential jobsites. Children are unpredictable and easily hidden in your blind spots. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">• <b>Get proper rest.</b> Fatigue and lack of rest are major contributors to fleet accidents. Make sure drivers are well rested and alert when driving. </span><br />
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<span class="s1">• <b>Use technology with caution.</b> Back-up alarms warn bystanders when a vehicle is in reverse. Back-up sonar warns a driver when an object is in the reverse path, and closed-circuit mini TV cameras give a clear view of the path. However, these tools can fail if the driver or surrounding pedestrians ignore or fail to use these devices properly.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><a href="http://www.findyouradvantage.net/2012/07/seven-tips-to-prevent-backing-accidents.html" target="_blank">Check out the rest of this article at Secura insurance blog at this link</a></span></div>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-36653702302384717122012-06-13T08:31:00.002-05:002012-06-13T08:31:46.365-05:00Teens and Summer Employment: Manage the Risks<br />
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Teens and Summer Employment: Manage the Risks</h3>
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As the school year comes to a close, many employers will hire teenagers for summer jobs. Although the number of employed teenagers dropped drastically since 2008, those numbers are slowly rising again. In 2011, the number of youths (16 to 24 years old) employed in the United States was 18.6 million—an increase of 1.7 million from 2010 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Hiring teens can prove to be very beneficial for employers, teens and the community. With the trend on the rise, it is a great time to revisit the best ways to manage your risk. </div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Higher injury rates</strong>Injury rates are higher among teenagers. Statistics for 2011 shows that the non-fatal injury rate for employees 15 to 17 years old was double the injury rate for employees 25 and older. The higher injury rate can be attributed to a lack of experience and an under-appreciation for workplace hazards. The lack of work experience disqualifies most teenagers from more technical jobs, so they accept positions that are more hazardous by nature or involve manual labor which is inherently more risky. According to the National Consumer League, the five most dangerous jobs for teenagers last summer were:</div>
<ul style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 30px 0px 20px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: 0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Agriculture—harvesting crops and using machinery</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Construction and height work</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Driver/Operator—forklifts, tractors, ATVs</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Outside labor—landscaping, grounds keeping and lawn service</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Sales crews—traveling</li>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Managing the risk</strong>OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) suggests following these simple steps to prevent injuries to working teens:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Give clear instructions and safety precautions to take.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Ask for your instructions to be repeated and give an opportunity for questions.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Demonstrate how to perform tasks.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Observe tasks being performed and correct any mistakes.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Demonstrate how to use safety equipment.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Prepare teens for emergencies.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Ask if there are any additional questions.</li>
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Taking these simple steps can drastically reduce risk of injury while encouraging safe working habits for all employees.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px;" /><ul style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 30px 0px 20px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: 0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="publish-date" style="background-image: url(http://www.worksafecenter.com/safety-resources/images/sprites.png); background-position: 0px -1240px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #636466; float: left; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 2px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 170px;">06/04/2012</li>
<li class="author" style="background-image: url(http://www.worksafecenter.com/safety-resources/images/sprites.png); background-position: 0px -1348px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #636466; float: left; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 2px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 170px;">Written by <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Brad Williamson</strong><br />Claims, MEM</li>
<li class="tags" style="background-image: url(http://www.worksafecenter.com/safety-resources/images/sprites.png); background-position: 0px -1384px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #636466; float: left; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 2px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 170px;">Claims Management, Global</li>
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</ul>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-2359639153807650762012-06-01T10:11:00.000-05:002012-06-01T10:11:13.008-05:00Balancing Cost and Performance When Purchasing Vehicles<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Header3_Blue" style="color: #07649d; font-size: small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">By Mary Jo Welch </span><br /></span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">Not that long ago, pickup trucks and cargo vans were basically “one size fits all” and making a choice was as simple as finding the lowest price. Today, with more than 100 combinations for pickup trucks and cargo vans, getting the best value requires balancing cost and performance. Often the difference between the lowest price and that of the right size vehicle is 10 percent or less, but costs for maintenance and repairs, poor fuel economy and lower resale value can end up being much greater in the long run. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">Selecting a pickup truck or cargo van should begin with an honest assessment of the weight and volume the vehicle will be hauling, including aftermarket equipment such as bins and ladder racks, as well as the estimated weight of the driver, passengers, carry-on toolboxes and other routine variables. Other factors include whether the truck will be driven mostly on the highway, off-road or in stop-and-go traffic, as well as if it will be used for towing. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">While today’s manufacturer’s warranties usually cover everything except normal wear-and-tear items like tires, brake pads and filters, failure to comply with a truck’s recommended weight can end up voiding the warranty on components that fail due to overloading. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">Manufacturers determine the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and tow ratings based on the rating of the axles, body/bed, frame, suspension, tires, engine and transmission. Operating a vehicle above the GVWR creates a potential safety hazard by affecting the way the truck handles and stops; it also affects performance and reliability. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">Although drivers may be tempted to continue to load materials into their trucks if there appears to be space available, it’s important to remember that the frame, suspension, brakes and tires are not designed for weights above the rating the manufacturer has established. Overloading a truck can cause premature mechanical failures on driveline components such as axles, drive shaft universal joints, transmission, and suspension parts and brakes. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">The easiest way to determine how much weight a vehicle is designed to carry is to subtract its net weight (found in the owner’s manual) from the GVWR (usually found on a placard on the door jam). The remaining number is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry, including the driver, fuel and cargo. Aftermarket accessories and equipment also increase the weight of the vehicle and must be added to the net weight listed in the owner’s manual. The best way to check the net weight is to take the vehicle to a certified scale and weigh it as normally loaded with the driver and passengers. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">While a truck or van certainly will be loaded to 100 percent capacity from time to time, a good rule of thumb is to spec vehicles to operate at 80 percent of their GVWR. This will reduce operating costs and help extend the service life of pickup trucks and cargo vans. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span class="Header3_Blue" style="color: #07649d; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 10pt; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Mary Jo Welch is assistant vice president of Fleet Operations, Vehicle Acquisition and Licensing for Enterprise Fleet Management. For more information, call (877) 23-FLEET or visit </span><a href="http://drivingfutures.com/fleetmanagement" style="color: #07649d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://drivingfutures.com/fleetmanagement</a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> or </span><a href="http://www.efleets.com/" style="color: #07649d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.efleets.com</a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">.</span> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span></span>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-19283121043354530322012-05-23T10:41:00.001-05:002012-05-23T10:44:31.261-05:00The Cost of Hand and Wrist Injuries<span style="background-color: white; color: #979797; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 13px; text-align: left;">May 22, 2012 11:08 AM, By Laura Walter via EHS Today</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><b>More than 2 million people visited U.S. emergency rooms for symptoms related to the hand and wrist in 2009. Now, researchers in the Netherlands have found that in addition to being pervasive, hand and wrist injuries also are one of the most costly injury types.</b></span></div>
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According to a new study appearing in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, hand and wrist injuries represent the most expensive type of injury in the Netherlands, costing about $740 million U.S. dollars annually.<span class="s1"></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The <a href="http://jbjs.org/article.aspx?articleid=1106116"><span class="s2"><b>study</b></span></a>, "Economic Impact of Hand and Wrist Injuries: Health-Care Costs and Productivity Costs in a Population Study," examined the frequency, cost of treatment and lost productivity associated with hand and wrist injuries and compared them to other emergency department injuries.</span></div>
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<span class="s3"><a href="http://ehstoday.com/health/news/cost-hand-wrist-injuries-0522/">Click here to read more</a></span></div>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-6923223990177038892012-05-15T11:18:00.002-05:002012-05-15T11:18:31.837-05:00Family Business Succession Planning<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Header2_Black" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12pt; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Operational and Tax Strategies Ensure a Smooth Transition<br /></span><span class="Header3_Blue" style="color: #07649d; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">By Melanie M. LaSota<br /></span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">Statistics reveal that 17 million U.S. family businesses generate 64 percent of gross domestic product and account for 86 percent of new job creation. Unfortunately, less than one-third of family-owned businesses survive the transition to the second generation. Of those that endure, less than half are passed on to the third generation. This failure rate can be attributed partially to a lack of succession planning. Although most family business owners welcome the prospect of eventual retirement, many fail to establish a financial framework for a smooth transition to future generations. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">Choosing a successor ranks among the most complex and emotionally challenging decisions owners face when crafting exit strategies. Selection among multiple children without triggering family discord is a delicate balancing act. In some cases, the child most qualified to assume control of the business lacks the passion to do so, or the child who wants to continue the family legacy the most lacks the business savvy necessary to run a competitive enterprise. To complicate matters, many owners are burdened by a desire to pass the company to the children who actively participate while providing equal treatment to children who chose alternate career paths. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;">Fortunately, strategies exist to manage these complications. To equalize treatment among children, an owner may pass the company to participating offspring and purchase life insurance policies to provide for children who are inactive in the business. Alternatively, a business owner may consider providing offspring with equal ownership of the business, with participating children receiving voting rights and inactive children receiving non-voting interests. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.constructionexec.com/Issues/May_2012/Special_Section5.aspx" target="_blank">Read the rest of the article here</a></span></span>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-55052502989895632012-05-07T07:12:00.001-05:002012-05-07T07:15:43.217-05:00Public Sector Fatalities in Missouri Now Investigated by the State<br />
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Did you know that OSHA does not have jurisdiction over public sector employees in Missouri? This means they do not conduct investigations into public sector workplace fatalities. Public sector fatalities in Missouri have typically only been investigated by insurance companies and attorneys. A recent municipality fatality shed light on the investigation gap. So how has Missouri resolved this problem? </div>
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After the gap was revealed, it was identified that Missouri statute RSMo Section 286.147 empowers the state to perform investigations of all workplace fatalities. In response to this discovery, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) established a public sector fatalities investigations unit.</div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How it works</strong><br />
DOLIR enforces its statutory authority to investigate public sector fatalities by looking at contributing factors such as machines involved, safety policies, training and maintenance records. Additional information is also obtained by interviewing management and co-workers if necessary. The final DOLIR report may be subpoenaed and forwarded to the Attorney General if an investigation finds gross negligence, criminal neglect or criminal liability.</div>
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To reduce duplication, DOLIR does not conduct fatality investigations when another regulatory agency is involved. For example, in the case of work-related vehicle crashes DOLIR will use Missouri State Highway Patrol reports. Private-sector fatalities will be investigated by OSHA and DOLIR will then use OSHA’s report.</div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Working for a safer tomorrow </strong><br />
The purpose of the investigations is to find cause, not fault. According to Leon Lawson, Assistant Director, Division of Labor Standards, the investigations are used to correct safety problems and develop information to prevent future fatalities. The investigations are documented and forwarded to the Governor’s office, per statutory requirements. At this time there is no reporting requirement, method or statutory authority for levying fines.</div>
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Providing a safe work environment is a way to avoid workplace fatalities and injuries. Employers can start by implementing the following:</div>
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<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Provide routine safety training.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Develop and enforce formal safety rules including a seat belt policy.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Properly maintain vehicles and equipment. </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Train employees to do their job correctly and recognize hazards.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Provide safety gear including confined space air monitors, trench boxes and lockout-tagout equipment.</li>
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Want to get started on building a safety program or just need to refresh some policies? Give Construction Insurance TOGO a call at 800-392-0423 or <a href="mailto:websiterequest@naught-naught.com" target="_blank">click here to email us</a>.</div>
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</div>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-18613302546494283362012-04-27T07:40:00.002-05:002012-05-07T07:12:44.034-05:00Breaking Down the Proposed NCCI Experience Plan Rating Changes<br />
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The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) is proposing changes in the Experience Rating Plan formula along with Missouri’s approved loss cost filing effective January 1, 2013. Why the changes and what do they mean for policyholders?</div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Increase primary/excess split point </strong><br />
Proposed changes include an increase to the primary/excess split point. The primary/excess split point is the dollar value that splits a loss into its primary cost and excess portions. Currently, the first $5,000 of a loss is considered the primary cost and the portion above $5,000 is considered excess. The proposed increase would bring the primary/excess split point to an inflation-adjusted $15,000 over a three-year transition period.</div>
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The $5,000 split point has been in place for approximately 20 years and the average dollar amount per claim has tripled since then. Currently, the primary loss amount that goes into the experience rating formula is much smaller than it was 20 years ago and does meet the current needs. The proposed changes increase the split point to $10,000 in the first year and to $13,500 in the second year. In year three, the changes will further increase the split point to $15,000 plus two years of inflation adjustment (rounded to the nearest $500).</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Revise the maximum debit modification formula</strong>The proposed changes also include increasing the maximum debit modification to 10%, which is more reasonable than the current 0%. The revision also more fully accounts for differences across states in claim severities.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Predicted effects</strong>NCCI does not feel the proposed changes will have any impact on the overall state premium. On an individual risk basis, most employers currently receiving credit experience modifications will receive larger credits. Most employers currently receiving debit experience modifications will receive larger debits. During the initial split point increase to $10,000, NCCI estimates that 93% of risks will receive less than a 10 point change in their experience rating modification. Additional information on this regulatory activity is available on <a href="https://www.ncci.com/nccimain/IndustryInformation/RegulatoryActivities/Pages/ItemE-1402-Rev-ExpRatingPlan-ExcessSplit.aspx" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="NCCI ">NCCI’s website</a>.</div>
</div>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-12659934553865199032012-04-17T08:45:00.000-05:002012-05-07T07:12:55.972-05:00Understanding the Difference Between Work Comp Fraud and Abuse<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Workers compensation fraud and abuse are each destructive and expensive. Determining the difference between work comp fraud and abuse can be difficult, but it is important. In Missouri, work comp fraud and abuse each carry different legal consequences. Read more to find out exactly what the difference is and some of the most common examples.</div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Abuse</strong>Workers compensation claim abuse is defined as any practice that uses the work comp system in a way that is contrary to its intended purpose and/or the workers compensation statute. Abuse can involve the magnification of symptoms that fall short of a lie, or it could involve the exploitation of benefits. While work comp abuse is not a crime in Missouri, it can be cause for work comp benefits to be discontinued.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fraud</strong>Workers compensation fraud requires a lie that is material to the attempt to receive or deny workers compensation benefits. The presence or absence of a material and provable lie is the deciding factor between fraud and abuse. Although the lie is key to proving fraud, additional elements must also be present including intent, materiality and a benefit.</div>
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Take a look at some of the most common types of workers compensation fraud and abuse.<br />
<em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The following examples are based on actual workers compensation claims.</em></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Self-inflicted or intentional injury—Fraud </strong>A convenience store employee reported that he was assaulted and robbed while taking cash receipts to the bank. The police respond and the workers compensation carrier found the claim compensable and paid for medical treatment and total temporary disability benefits.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
As the investigation proceeded, the employee admitted to stealing the cash deposit, and that his friend punched him in the face to make the assault appear more realistic.</div>
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The employee was later charged with stealing, filing a false police report and workers compensation fraud. He was ordered to pay restitution to the insurance company for the false claim and reimbursement of the stolen money. In the end, the employee lost his job and gained a felony criminal record, as well as, permanent damage to his vision. </div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Job-related injury that never occurred—Fraud </strong><br />
An employee was riding his four-wheeler and jumping over dunes during the weekend and sustained a serious knee injury. The employee waited until Monday morning and then reported that he hurt his knee just after starting work. Co-workers told the employer that he hurt it over the weekend. The employee was subsequently charged with workers compensation fraud.</div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Malingering or engaging in activities while allegedly disabled—Fraud or Abuse </strong><br />
An employee injured his back during the course and scope of his employment. While collecting workers compensation benefits, the employee continued to engage in out-of-state rodeo and barrel jumping events. The employee was photographed on horseback in mid-air as he jumped over barrels with his number and name listed in the caption. This evidence enabled prosecutors to charge him with workers compensation fraud. He lost his job and gained a criminal fraud conviction. </div>
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Workers compensation fraud and abuse are real problems and you can take control by preventing it in your workplace. Download some of fraud prevention materials:</div>
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<a href="http://www.mem-ins.com/mem-resources/PDF/Fraud%20red%20flags%20handout.pdf" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="MEM Red Flags of Fraud Handout">Workers compensation fraud red flags handout</a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.mem-ins.com/mem-resources/PDF/Fraud%20red%20flags%20poster.pdf" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="MEM Red Flags of Fraud Poster">Workers compensation fraud red flags poster</a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.mem-ins.com/mem-resources/PDF/Fraud%20poster%20(1).pdf" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="MEM Work Comp Fraud Prevention Poster 1">Workers compensation fraud prevention poster (1) </a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.mem-ins.com/mem-resources/PDF/Fraud%20poster%20(2).pdf" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="MEM Work Comp Fraud Prevention Poster 2">Workers compensation fraud prevention poster (2)</a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.mem-ins.com/mem-resources/PDF/Fraud%20poster%20(3).pdf" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="MEM Work Comp Fraud Prevention Poster 3">Workers compensation fraud prevention poster (3)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worksafecenter.com/safety-resources/PDF/WorkSAFE_EmployeeClaimFraudAwareness_quiz.pdf" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="WorkSAFE Employee Fraud Awareness Quiz">Employee fraud awareness quiz</a> </div>
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For more information about workers compensation claim fraud contact Construction Insurance TOGO at 1.800.392.0423</div>
</div>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-3140572251606260302012-04-17T08:42:00.003-05:002012-05-07T07:13:06.705-05:00Cell Phones on the Road: Banned for Some, Dangerous for All<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Cell phones, smart phones and texting make our lives easier. But this convenience is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents today, and it doesn’t have to be. On Jan. 3, 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a ban prohibiting truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating vehicles. Learn more about the regulations and consequences on the<a href="http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association">FMCSA website</a>. Even if you are not in the transportation business, it’s important to work toward preventing distracted driving accidents.</div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Take a stand, develop a policy</strong>Distracted driving affects every industry, and the only way to prevent it is to face it head on. All company drivers, not just drivers of commercial vehicles, put themselves, other drivers and their employers at risk when they text or use cell phones while driving. Missouri Employers Mutual recommends that all employers develop and enforce a <a href="http://www.worksafecenter.com/safety-resources/PDF/Cell%20Phones%20and%20Driving%20Policy.pdf" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="WorkSAFE Cell Phones and Driving Policy">cell phones and driving policy</a>.</div>
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An effective distracted driving policy should:</div>
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<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">apply to all employees driving for company business.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">clearly state that using smart or cell phones is prohibited while the vehicle is in motion.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">be reviewed annually with each employee and documented.</li>
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Employers that contribute to and condone distracted driving open the company to liability. OSHA investigates vehicle crashes that are caused by texting and fines employers under the General Duty Clause. It’s not difficult to determine if a cell phone contributed to an accident because phone records are subject to discovery and can be used against an employer in a criminal and/or civil court. Data logs can prove that a driver was distracted and that the accident was preventable.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Support the policy</strong>Employers can support their employees in smart driving by asking them not to multitask while behind the wheel. Make sure you encourage your employees to stop and check messages, return calls, eat or refresh before asking them to get back on the road. Don’t exacerbate the problem by requiring employees to take phone calls from dispatchers or the office while driving.</div>
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Learn more about keeping your employees and everyone else safe on the road at <a href="http://www.worksafecenter.com/safety/www.worksafecenter.com" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="WorkSAFE Center">WorkSAFE Center</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px;"></span>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070683086788150726.post-68500310428363166342012-04-17T08:42:00.000-05:002012-05-07T07:13:19.488-05:00OSHA Record keeping Requirements are Worth Keeping Up With<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
When a workplace injury occurs, there is a mountain of paperwork to go with it. Somewhere in that mountain are OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements. Although injury recordkeeping can seem like just another thing on your to-do list, the information it provides is not only required but it is vital in preventing future injuries. Recordkeeping data identifies past problems and trends to consider when updating your workplace safety program.</div>
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Keep in mind that an OSHA log is an important part, but does not include all types of injuries and incidents that could have resulted in employee injury or those that only resulted in property damage. You need to keep track of all incidents to make your workplace safe.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Change is on the way, current requirements still apply</strong><br />
OSHA has issued a proposed standard for public input which means the existing requirements will likely change in the near future. For now, employers with more than 10 employees are required to report according to the current standards. Some lower hazard business sectors are typically exempt from recordkeeping. Visit <a href="http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/ppt1/RK1exempttable.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="OSHA recordkeeping exempt list">OSHA’s website</a> to find out if you are exempt. It’s important to note that if OSHA or the Bureau of Labor Statistics has requested your company to maintain a recordkeeping log, you are still required to do so even if you are on the exempt list.</div>
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All employers, including those that are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping requirements, must report to OSHA at 1.800.321.OSHA (6742) any incident that results in a fatality or the in-patient hospitalization of three or more workers within eight hours of occurrence.</div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">OSHA logs that must be maintained</strong><br />
Employers that are not exempt from OSHA recordkeeping requirements must maintain three different logs. These forms must be kept up-to-date for five years after the year they cover. Unless requested, you do not have to mail these to OSHA. Download each of the <a href="http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/RKforms.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="OSHA recordkeeping forms">forms</a> in PDF or Excel format.</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses)</strong></div>
<ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 30px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: 0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Lists injuries and illnesses, and tracks days away from work, days of restricted work or transferred</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Maintained and updated throughout the year as incidents occur and must be filled within seven days of the injury</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Refer to <a href="http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/tutorial.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="OSHA recordkeeping tutorial">OSHA’s Recordkeeping Tutorial</a> and the <a href="http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/handbook/index.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="OSHA recordkeeping handbook">full standard</a> for details.</li>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">OSHA Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report)</strong></div>
<ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 30px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: 0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Records supplementary information about each recordable case </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">A new form for each injury is added throughout the year as incidents occur.</li>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 20px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses)</strong></div>
<ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 30px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: 0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Displays the totals for the year in each category. This must be posted in the workplace from Feb. 1 through April 30 each year for the prior year’s injuries and illnesses. </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #303037; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.88em; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: top; width: 610px;">Even if no recordable injuries occurred during the year, you are still obligated to post this form.</li>
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Visit OSHA’s <a href="http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/index.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b5d18; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="OSHA recordkeeping page">recordkeeping page</a> for everything you need to know, including which types of businesses need to maintain the records and what qualifies as an OSHA recordable injury. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px;"></span>Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141866310265692642noreply@blogger.com0