Skip to content

workers compensation

Contractor Insurance Requirements – A Primer

This article was originally published by AmWINS Group, Inc. It was edited and rewritten to simplify the content. To read the original article please click here.

primerWhen risk management department is assigned to focus on the major project, including construction, with particular attention to the insurance requirements to be imposed on the general contractor and any subcontractors, it’s very important not to make the insurance requirements so onerous that contractors are discouraged from bidding on the project.For those of us, who has not been involved in such projects before, let’s review insurance requirements from different projects and how those may affect our company (let’s call it ABC company – the one who impose insurance requirements).
Outdated Insurance Terminology
What may strike us about the old insurance requirements is the insurance terminology used. There is reference to “comprehensive general liability insurance” including endorsements listed as “broad form property damage,” “broad form blanket contractual liability,” “cross liability,” “XCU” and “additional named insured.” The limits are also listed as split limits – one applicable to bodily injury, and another lesser limit applicable to property damage.Similarly, the auto insurance requirement refers to “comprehensive auto liability” and workers’ compensation insurance includes the “broad form all states endorsement.” Further, all of the requirements are to be evidenced by a certificate of insurance that provides certificate holder a 30 days advance notice of cancellation. It becomes readily apparent that these requirements are so outdated as to be virtually useless – the coverage, endorsements and limits listed are obsolete and are no longer available. We must start from the beginning.Read More »Contractor Insurance Requirements – A Primer

Workers Compensation Rate Increase in California

We are seeing mostly rate increases and a lot of carriers filing to adopt the new California WCIRB Pure Premium Rate Filing Decision (PPRs). We’re also seeing mostly increases in the loss cost modifiers which will effect ultimate rates. The following are California rates changing in January through March. If you are looking to switch to another insurance carrier request your workers compensation insurance quote and we will provide you with a competitive offer. Preferred Professional Ins Co files a +9.8% rate increase effective January 1, 2015 Preferred Professional Insurance Company files to adopt the 1/1/15 WCIRB pure premiums.

[AMERICAN CONTRACTORS INS GROUP] ACIG Insurance Company files a 4.95% rate increase effective January 1, 2015 ACIG Insurance Company files to adopt the 1/1/15 WCIRB pure premiums.

[STATE FARM GROUP] State Farm Fire and Casualty Company files a +2.4% rate increase effective January 1, 2015 State Farm Fire and Casualty Company files to adopt the 1/1/15 WCIRB pure premiums, and revise its minimum premiums. Care West Insurance Company files a +2.3% rate increase effective January 1, 2015 Care West Insurance Company files to adopt the 1/1/15 WCIRB pure premiums.Read More »Workers Compensation Rate Increase in California

Be Aware! Garbage Trucks Can Be Dangerous

What time is the garbage pick up on your street? It is super early in front of the office here and I always wonder whether the workers are alert enough to work. Yesterday, San Francisco garbage truck struck and killed a worker.  We used to hear such news about policemen and firemen… but garbage truck crew? And this is not the first time.  Condolences to friends and family and a reminder to all the employers to keep your Workers Compensation Insurance policy up to date. Our agents would be happy to speak with you and consult you workers compensation coverage… Read More »Be Aware! Garbage Trucks Can Be Dangerous

Independent Contractor vs. Employee

Independent Contractor vs. Employee What is Your Workers’ Comp Liability? The question of whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee is not easily answered. Merely agreeing with someone on independent contractor status does not make it so. Also, California (among other U.S. states) with workers’ compensation laws relating to employee versus contractor status, are different from the laws applied to this status question by other states and federal agencies. Contrary to what you might think, the mere existence of a written employment contract or a lease will not establish an independent contractor relationship. For example, suppose you… Read More »Independent Contractor vs. Employee

Earthquake at night? Relief to the employer!

Photo by @NBCNewsPictures
Photo by @NBCNewsPictures

6.1 earthquake this Sunday night has awaken Bay Area at 3:20AM. Some of the people got injured and have been hospitalized.  

Had the quake hit during the day when most businesses are open the employees could have been injured at work and the employers could have been responsible for their injuries. There is no legal precedent as to whether workers compensation insurance would cover those injuries resulted from the quake, however, it is quite likely.Read More »Earthquake at night? Relief to the employer!

Insurance for Daycare and Preschool

daycare preschool insuranceWe offer coverage for residential and non-residential day care facilities for infants to kindergarten age children, and after-school child care through Grade 8. We can help provide immediate solutions to your unique day care insurance needs.

Coverages include:

  • Property
  • General liability
  • Abuse and molestation liability’
  • Educators legal liability
  • Day care services acts, errors or omissions
  • Corporal punishment liability
  • Automobile liability
  • Workers compensation
  • Umbrella liability

Let the professionals at Paperless Insurance work with you to customize a program that’s just right for you.
Read More »Insurance for Daycare and Preschool

Museums and Cultural Institutions: Unique exposures

Goudi Building Museum

Your priceless collections and exhibits are what pull visitors through your doors. But keeping those visitors safe – as well as your employees, volunteers, building and reputation – is what keeps those doors open. Travelers has years of experience working with museums and cultural institutions. We understand your industry. We can help you with your insurance needs – from protecting your fine art collections, to covering your property risks to providing general liability coverage to workers compensation.

Fine art expertise

We offer Museums and Cultural Institutions customized product and service offerings. Our Inland Marine division is a Fine Art market leader that provides flexible solutions for your unique needs:

  • Local underwriting presence with fine art expertise
  • Broad, worldwide coverage at current market value
  • Coverage for exhibitions, loans and items while in transit
  • High capacity for high-value collections
  • On-site risk control consultations to help enhance facility and collection management
  • Dedicated fine art claim team committed to proper claim handling for unique valuable objects
  • Access to our Special Investigations Group who focuses on theft prevention and recovery of stolen property
One company for property exposures

Read More »Museums and Cultural Institutions: Unique exposures

Four Steps to Help Keep Employee Drivers Distraction-Free

Keep Employee Drivers Distraction-FreeIn observance of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month (celebrated by National Safety Council), we are providing important information to help businesses with employees who drive as part of their job safeguard against distracted driving. According to the National Safety Council, the average work-related motor vehicle injury claim costs $69,206, which is twice as much as other work-related injuries.

Helping employees avoid distraction while driving starts with management and creating a culture committed to safety. Employees who drive for work often feel pressure to respond to emails and phone calls, especially from their manager. It’s important for company leaders to set the expectation that it’s better to respond later than while driving.

More than two in three drivers admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving, according to the AAA Foundation’s 2014 Traffic Safety Culture Index. Additionally, one in four drivers admits to typing or sending a text message or email while driving. Despite these behaviors, a recent survey of our customers found that only 27 percent reported having a formal policy on distracted driving that was strictly enforced.
We recommend a four-step program to help businesses better protect their employees from distracted driving:Read More »Four Steps to Help Keep Employee Drivers Distraction-Free

Office Ergonomics – Working Comfortably

Introduction

Office ergonomicsOffice ergonomic improvements involve the application of basic workplace principles to address a worker’s discomfort, chronic pain or repetitive motion injuries. Good ergonomics does not always mean obtaining new furniture and equipment. A large part of ergonomics and comfort involves workstation organization, equipment orientation and work habits. This bulletin reviews equipment and materials that typically are used in a computer workstation and provides suggestions to minimize the risk of injuries.
Musculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can result from improperly positioned equipment that creates stressful working postures. Symptoms can include pain and swelling, numbness and tingling (hands “falling asleep”), loss of muscle strength, and reduced range of joint motion. If you have any of these symptoms, report them to your supervisor as soon as possible. If these symptoms are not treated early, they may result in discomfort in the affected area, chronic pain or injury.

Chair

Chairs can be crucial in preventing back pain, as well as in improving employee performance in office work. As the majority of office workers spend most of their time sitting, a properly designed and adjustable chair is critical.

Features of a good chair:

1. Seat pan adjusts up and down quickly and easily. The chair height is correct when the entire sole of the foot can rest on the floor or footrest and the back of the knee is slightly higher than the seat of the chair.
2. Seat pan should be slightly concave with a softly padded, rounded or “waterfall” front edge. Select alternate seat pan and seat back sizes for large or small employees.
3. Seat back easily adjusts forward and back and up and down, with full lumbar contour. The fullest part of the contour should be positioned in the small of the back, near the waistline.
4. Chair arms adjust up and down and in and out from body. Position chair arms so they support forearms in and near the sides, with elbows only slightly forward from the hipbones. If both features are not an option, eliminate armrests.
5. Five legs or casters for stable support.Read More »Office Ergonomics – Working Comfortably