Insurance Savings and News You Can Use
Join the Conversation!

As the temperature continues to rise, so do heat-related illnesses among construction workers. The first step to minimizing your risk of these illnesses (and lowering your Contractor Insurance costs) is to understand potential illnesses, how to avoid them, and how to treat them.

According to WebMD, "Heat exhaustion is strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot you feel when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined. A relative humidity of 60% or more hampers sweat evaporation, which hinders your body's ability to cool itself." A heat index of 90 degrees or more significantly increases the chance of a heat-related illness.

Certain factors can increase your risks of a heat-related illness, such as obesity, certain prescription medications, the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney, and heart problems. Also, adults over 65 can be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Here are four heat-related illnesses to look out for when you're working in hot and humid conditions – inside or out.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness and can occur when a person is exposed to high temperatures for several days without adequate fluids.

There are two types of heat exhaustion – water depletion and salt depletion. Water depletion can cause excessive thirst, headache, weakness, and even a loss of consciousness. Salt depletion causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and muscle cramps. Additional symptoms can include confusion, dark urine, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, and profuse sweating.

If you or someone you're working with in hot and/or humid conditions experience these symptoms, the first step is to cool them down.

• Get them out of the heat – preferably into an air-conditioned room
• Remove tight or unnecessary clothing,
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
• Drink plenty of fluids (including sports drinks, which replace salt)
• Remove tight or unnecessary clothing,

If these measures don't make you feel better within fifteen minutes, seek medical help. Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke – a more serious heat-related illness that can cause damage to vital organs or even death.

Heat Stroke

Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related illness and, unlike heat exhaustion, requires immediate medical attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "[Heat stroke] occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes."

A person suffering from heatstroke will experience many of the same symptoms as heat exhaustion – headache, dizziness, nausea, etc. But a person with a heat stroke will stop sweating and have a high body temperature. As a result, their skin will be red, hot, and DRY rather than cold, pale, and clammy skin like someone with heat exhaustion.

If you see or feel any of these symptoms, immediately call for medical assistance, get out of the heat, and use any methods to cool down quickly (i.e., spray with cool water or immerse in a tub of cool water). Monitor the body temperature until it is below 103°F. Do not give fluids to someone with heatstroke.

Heat Cramps

When your body lacks both water and salt, your muscles can spasm and cause cramps, typically in the arms, legs, and abdomen. If you experience heat cramps, get out of the heat, drink cool water or electrolyte-replenishing drink, and apply a cool, wet compress to cramping areas. Seek medical assistance if the cramps don't go away within an hour of treatment.

Heat Rash

Heat Rash is the least serious heat-related illness, but it can be uncomfortable. It happens when sweat can't evaporate from the surface of your skin, which can happen to construction workers working long hours in hot conditions. With a heat rash, you'll see small itchy red bumps or blisters – typically on your chest, neck, groin area, and inside your elbow. You can help alleviate the symptoms by getting out of the heat and hydrating. A cool shower and the application of talcum powder can help eliminate the rash.

Here's How to Lower Your Contractor Insurance Costs

American Insuring Group wants to help lower your Contractor Insurance costs by helping you keep you and your employees safe. AND, as independent agents, we compare multiple competing insurance companies to ensure that you pay the lowest insurance premiums while providing you with great coverage.

Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Commercial Insurance is an excellent investment for any small to medium-sized business. Liability insurance, workers' compensation, or any other type of commercial insurance is designed to help protect your business. But that doesn't mean you should pay more than you have to for that coverage.

Here are some tips to help you lower your Commercial Insurance costs:

Create a Safer Work Environment

Whether you run your business out of an office or a Jobsite, creating a safe work environment is your responsibility. And it's in your best interest as fewer workplace injuries mean lower expenses, including lower Workers' Compensation and Commercial Liability premiums.

There are several measures every business can take to create a safer work environment:

• Create a culture of safety
• Use signs to alert employees about potential hazards
• Provide PPE when appropriate
• Keep things clean
• Maintain equipment
• Implement safety protocols, etc.

Develop Safer Employees

Safety training should be a part of any employee training – especially in higher-risk occupations, such as restaurant, trucking, and construction. But even an office presents certain hazards, such as ergonomic injuries, eye strain, and fires.

The Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) offers various safety and health training and articles based on hazards, industries, etc.

Minimize the Risk of Theft or Damage

Prevent employee theft by doing background checks on potential employees and hiring employees who don't have a criminal background. Have a written policy on employee theft and make sure all employees understand those policies. Divide payroll and billing responsibilities, restrict access, keep track of inventory, etc.

Protect your business assets from theft and vandalism by installing solid doors and good locks and ensure that your exterior building entrances are well lit. In addition, consider installing security systems – cameras and alarms.

Protect your information from being stolen through cyber-attacks by training employees on security principles, providing firewall security for your internet connection, ensuring proper passwords and authentication is used, etc.

Combine Your Insurance

Many insurance companies offer a discount when you combine or "bundle" different types of insurance – such as commercial auto and commercial property insurance. And did you know that depending on your business structure, you may even be able to bundle business and personal policies to save even more on insurance premiums?

Maintain Good Credit

Often, insurance companies will look at a new business owner's personal credit history before providing an insurance quote, and typically the better your credit history, the lower your premiums. Establishing good credit under your business name – especially if your personal credit is less than stellar – could also help lower your insurance premiums.

Increase Deductibles

The deductible is the amount that you pay out of pocket when you make a claim. The higher you set your deductible, the lower your insurance premiums should be. However, before selecting a high deductible to lower your insurance premiums, make sure you will be able to cover that deductible if you have to make a claim.

Review Your Insurance Policies Annually

In business, as in life, things change. For example, this past year, you may have purchased or sold a company vehicle, made improvements on your property, added or eliminated an employee. Any of these changes can affect your insurance premiums and the amount of coverage you need, so it's essential that you review your policy each year.

Work with an Independent Insurance Agent

The agents at American Insuring are independent agents, which means we aren't restricted to working with one insurance company, unlike most of our competitors. Instead, our agents will check with multiple insurance companies to ensure that you get the lowest rate possible on your insurance needs.

For a free quote, give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Every type of truck – including dump trucks - comes with its own set of unique hazards. If you want to lower the cost of your Trucking Insurance, you need to understand those hazards so that you can reduce the risk of accidents, damage, and injury.

In 2016 (the most recent data available), there were 8,206 dump truck accidents severe enough that the vehicle had to be towed – a nine percent increase over 2015. That same year, 5,483 dump truck accidents involved injuries and 367 fatal dump truck accidents, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA).

There are two main types of dump truck hazards: driving hazards and operational hazards.

Operational Hazards

When the bed of a dump truck is raised for unloading, it can become unstable, especially when it’s on an uneven surface. This can cause tip-overs, rollovers, unbalanced loads, and crushing injuries. Working in freezing temperatures can add to the risk, as loads can become stuck inside, causing the vehicle to tip over as the dump body is raised.

“The amount of risk depends on many factors. These factors include dump site layout, dump site stability, truck performance, amount of light, decision-making abilities of equipment operators, and weather conditions. Important tasks for safety professionals are to quantify work site risks, to provide guidelines for identifying when risks are too great, and to determine what can be done to reduce these risks,” stated NIOSH.

To minimize these risks, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recommends that drivers:

• Keep tires properly inflated and ensure they are not worn.
• Ensure the load is evenly distributed.
• Never overload the upper portion of the truck bed.
• Keep the truck and trailer in a straight line when backing up, and never move faster than walking speed.
• Stay in the cab with your seat belt on during the entire dumping process.
• Never attempt to exit or jump from an overturning truck.
• Dump only on level surfaces
• Never dump when surfaces are uneven, loose, or not adequately compacted.
• Use antifreeze in cold weather to prevent material from freezing and sticking in the truck bed.

Driving Hazards

As with any truck, dump trucks present unique driving hazards. The larger size – length, height, weight, ground clearance, etc. – and unique nature, creates additional driving challenges, such as shifting loads, larger blind spots, and longer stopping distances. And a higher center of gravity means they can roll over more easily.

When a truck is involved in an accident, there is a higher risk of more severe damage, injuries, and fatalities. In 2019, 5,005 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents, and 118,000 were involved in injury crashes, according to the National Safety Council. Large trucks account for 10% of all vehicles involved in deadly crashes.

Any employee operating a dump truck should receive ongoing safety training. The FMCSA offers these safety tips for truck drivers:

1. Be vigilant
2. Signal for safety
3. Know when to slow down
4. Maintain vehicle
5. Buckle up
6. Stay sharp
7. Practice work zone safety
8. Never drive distracted

Lower Your Trucking Insurance Costs

Understanding the unique hazards dump trucks present and how to avoid those hazards to minimize damage and injuries is the first step in lowering your trucking insurance costs. The second step is working with an independent agent at American Insuring Group.

We specialize in trucking insurance, so we can ensure you have the right coverage. Plus, as independent agents, we compare the cost of that coverage with multiple insurance companies to ensure you get the best price for that coverage. Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Let's face it – no one is perfect. Not even contractors. Construction defects occur, and contractors can be held liable for those defects.

One significant lawsuit has the potential to put you out of business, which is why it's imperative that you understand potential construction defects, how to prevent those defects and potential lawsuits, and how to protect your business with the right Contractors Insurance.

What is a Construction Defect?

Modern Contractor Solutions magazine defines a construction defect as "a defect in the design, the workmanship, and/or in the materials or systems used on a project that results in a failure of a component part of a building or structure and causes damage to person or property, usually resulting in financial harm to the owner." Construction defects can lower a home's value and can even cause bodily injury or property damage.

Construction defects come in many forms. A defect can be as simple as an improperly painted room or as complicated as a foundation that affects the structural integrity of the building.

Some of the most common and most costly construction defects include the following:

• Structural Integrity
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Doors, windows, and glass
• Finishes

According to FindLaw, courts typically categorize construction defects into four categories:

• Design Deficiencies, which typically relate to "building outside of a specified code." For example, a poorly designed roof can cause water penetration, poor drainage, etc.
• Material Deficiencies are the use of inferior building materials. For example, using cheap windows that – even when properly installed – leak.
• Construction Deficiencies is poor quality workmanship that can lead to several issues, such as water infiltration, cracks, plumbing leaks, pest infestation, etc.
• Subsurface Deficiencies are the lack of a solid foundation. For example, subsurface conditions that are not properly compacted and prepared for adequate drainage can lead to a structure moving or shifting, flooding, etc.

And there are two types of defects – patent and latent. A patent defect is an obvious flaw that can be easily seen, such as a crack in the foundation or flaking stucco. In contrast, latent defects are hidden issues that aren't as easy to identify, such as plumbing that is improperly installed that causes leaks and damage. These defects may not be evident until well after a project has been completed.

Anyone who works on a project – contractors, subcontractors, developers, suppliers, architects, and engineers - can be held liable for construction defects. Laws regarding construction defects are complicated and vary by state.

Currently, in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations on construction defects is two years from discovery, and the statute of repose is 12 years after completion of construction. Lawyers.com explains, "A statute of limitations sets a lawsuit-filing time limit based on when the potential plaintiff suffered harm, a statute of repose sets a deadline based on the mere passage of time or the occurrence of a certain event that doesn't itself cause harm or give rise to a potential lawsuit."

How to Limit Liability

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is a well-known proverb that certainly applies when it comes to liability. Your first goal should always be to prevent liability by taking the following measures:

• Draft well-crafted contracts that set expectations
• Fulfill the terms of the contract
• Keep schedules realistic
• Provide quality workmanship
• Hire reliable and competent subcontractors
• Perform and document periodic inspections
• Keep communication professional and reasonable
• Ensure everyone working on the project is adequately insured

How to Protect Your Business

Sometimes, despite all of your best efforts, errors do occur, which is why the right insurance is crucial to any construction company's success. The following types of insurance can help protect your business from construction defects:

• General Liability Insurance – covers injuries (other than employees), property damage, libel, and slander
• Completed Operations Liability Insurance – covers a completed job or service
• Professional Liability Insurance – covers lawsuits related to failure to deliver services, negligence, and errors and oversights
• Builder's Risk Insurance (sometimes called Course of Construction Insurance or Inland Marine coverage) – covers damage that occurs while a building is under construction

Get the Right Contractors Insurance and Start Saving

The independent insurance agents at American Insuring Group specialize in Contractors Insurance, so they can 1) ensure you have the right coverage and 2) ensure you pay the lowest price for that coverage by shopping the market extensively for you.

Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online for a free estimate.

Restaurant Insurances – such as Commercial Property Insurance and Business Liability Insurance – helps repair damage caused by a kitchen fire and get your business up and running again.

But, there’s no denying that a fire will have a negative impact on your business – possible interruption of business, injuries, brand reputation, etc. Therefore, doing what you can to prevent kitchen fires is key to a restaurant’s success.

“U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 7,410 structure fires per year in eating and drinking establishments between 2010 and 2014,” according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “These fires caused average annual losses of three civilian deaths, 110 civilian injuries, and $165 million in direct property damage each year.”

Don’t become a statistic. Follow these five tips to minimize your risk of a kitchen fire in your restaurant:

Provide Proper Training

We understand the restaurant industry has a high employee turnover rate, so it’s tempting to skimp on training. However, to minimize the risk of a fire, all kitchen staff should be trained on fire prevention, how to quickly extinguish different types of fires – including grease fires, and your restaurant’s evacuation plan in the event of a fire.

Minimize Grease and Grease Buildup

NFPA reports that a failure to clean was a factor in 22% of fires in eating and drinking establishments. All kitchen surfaces should be regularly cleaned, with particular attention paid to grease and grease buildup. Grease is a combustible energy source and can make a fire spread more quickly. Exhaust hoods, duct systems, and ventilation systems are prone to grease buildup; however, grease can also buildup on walls, floors, and other surfaces.

Maintain Equipment

According to NFPA, cooking equipment is the leading cause of structure fires in eating and drinking establishments – accounting for three out of five fires (61%) and 38% of direct property damage. All kitchen equipment should be regularly maintained and inspected, so they are in good working order.

Provide Fire Extinguishers and Install Fire Sprinkler Systems

A small fire that is quickly contained will cost you less than a fire that has spread. Your restaurant should have at least one Class K fire extinguisher, which is explicitly made for grease fires. Extinguishers should be regularly inspected, and kitchen staff should be adequately trained on how to use them to extinguish a fire.

Your kitchen’s automatic sprinkler system should be your last line of defense since this type of system will only be activated for larger fires. However, NAFP reports, “in eating or drinking establishments, direct property damage per reported fire was 75% lower when wet pipe sprinklers were present, compared to fires with no automatic extinguishing equipment present.”

Fire sprinkler systems should be regularly tested, inspected, and maintained to ensure they are functional and up to code. 

Prevent Electrical Fires

Only 9% of structure fires in restaurants were caused by electrical distribution and lighting equipment; however, wiring, lighting, electrical cords, etc. accounted for 21% of direct property damage, according to NFPA. All of the electrical appliances used in a kitchen can overload an inadequate electrical system and cords can fray or melt.

To prevent electrical fires, don’t overload outlets or circuits. Inspect electrical outlets and cords regularly and replace damaged electrical outlets or cords. Also, keep combustibles away from electrical equipment and encourage kitchen staff to report any potential electrical hazards they notice immediately.

The Right Restaurant Insurance Can Help!

If a fire does occur in your restaurant kitchen, the right insurance can help get you back on your feet. American Insuring Group specializes in Restaurant Insurance and can make sure you have the right coverage at the lowest price. We're independent agents who shop the market, so you get quality protection at the best price. Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online for a free estimate.

In Pennsylvania, almost every employer is required to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance for their employees; however, they are not required to pay more than they have to.

There are many ways employers can lower WC costs - creating a safer workplace, working with an insurance agent – like those at American Insuring Group - who specializes in Workers’ Comp, and reviewing your company’s WC Loss Run Report at least once a year.

What is a Loss Run Report?

A Loss Run Report – issued by your current insurance provider - shows your company’s claim activity for the policy period. You can request this report for most types of business insurance – including Workers’ Comp, and most states require the company to provide the report within a certain amount of time.

Loss Run Reports list the date of each loss and claim, a brief description of each claim, the amount paid to the insured, and whether or not the claim is closed. You can think of it like a credit report or report card for insurance companies. They use the information in the report to determine how risky a business is to insure, which can affect the premium you pay for insurance or even if an insurance company will issue a policy or renew a policy for your business.

You can use the information to lower your insurance costs and even improve other areas of your business.

What Should You Review on a Loss Run Report?

Accuracy

At the very minimum, you should check the Loss Run Report for accuracy. Ensure that you recognize every claim listed on the report and that the information listed is correct. Invalid claims or incorrect information could impact how much you pay for insurance.

Common Injuries

The report also lists the most common and frequent injuries and where they occurred. You can use this information to improve safety and lower the number of injuries within your company, reducing your insurance (and other) costs.

Claimants

Suppose you notice a high number of claims from one individual or specifically from new hires. In that case, you can talk to them about safety or adjust your safety training to help reduce the likelihood of additional claims.

Lost Time

Lost-Time claims indicate that compensation was paid to an injured worker who cannot perform their job due to the injury. The national average for lost-time claims is between 20 and 25 percent. If you notice a high percentage of lost-time claims, you may want to take a look at your Return-to-Work program. There are many benefits for both employee and employer to get injured employees back to work as soon as possible – even if it’s in a modified capacity. 

Reporting Time

Injuries should be reported within 24 hours whenever possible so the injured employee can receive quick and proper treatment. If you notice a pattern of a long time between when an injury occurs and when it is reported, you may need to look at additional safety training for management.

Open Claims

The longer a claim is open, the more it costs you, so your goal should be to close claims as quickly as possible. Any open claims should be monitored closely.

Litigation

A large percentage of litigated claims could be a red flag. It could be an indication that employees are dissatisfied with their employer or their job. If you see a large percentage of litigated claims on your loss run report, you may want to consider how well management communicates with employees, your business culture, or other areas that can cause discontent among employees.

How to Lower Your Workers’ Compensation Insurance Costs

They say “knowledge is power,” which is certainly true when it comes to lowering your Workers’ Compensation costs. If you don’t know there’s a problem, you can’t fix it. A Loss Run Report can help identify potential issues that you can address to improve your company’s bottom line.

Working with an independent agent with experience in WC insurance – as the agents at American Insuring Group do – is another way to lower your WC costs. We will compare costs and options among competing worker's compensation insurance carriers to be sure you get the right insurance at the best price. Call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Safer drivers mean fewer accidents, and fewer accidents mean lower Truck Insurance premiums. While the months of snow, ice, and freezing rain may be behind us, now is not the time for drivers to let down their guard.

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019, the highest number of motor-vehicle deaths – 3,351 – occurred in August. The number of deaths was also high in June (3,189) and July (3,294). Meanwhile, February – one of the snowiest months in the U.S. - had the lowest motor-vehicle deaths at 2,388.

Why are Roads More Deadly in the Summer?

Drivers should understand why roads tend to be more dangerous in the summer, so they can address the very issues that cause it.

• More Drivers – There are more drivers on the road during the summer months. Many teens are enjoying their summer breaks going places – visiting friends, summer jobs, going to the beach. Also, according to Gallup, July is the most popular month for summer vacations, followed by August, June, and September. And, finally, there are more motorcycles on the road during the summer months.
• Less Experienced Drivers – And many of these additional drivers have less experience. Teens have fewer hours on the road, and adults may be driving in unfamiliar areas or driving an unfamiliar vehicle such as an RV or motorcycle or towing a trailer.
• More Congestion – Certain locations – such as beach areas or amusement parks – attract more people during the summer months. More vehicles in one area can cause more traffic and heavier congestion. There are also more walkers, runners, and bicyclists out on the roads during the warmer months.

Truck Driver Safety Tips

Watch for Construction Zones

Check the Department of Transportation’s website for each state you’ll be traveling through to find areas that may be under construction. If you can’t avoid roads with construction, at least try to avoid them during rush hour.

Watch the Weather

The heat and storms of summer can bring unique challenges to truck drivers. Check the weather when you plan a trip and have a contingency plan if it looks like you’re heading a bad storm. Drivers can Dial 511 - a transportation and traffic information hotline - or go on the state’s Department of Transportation’s website to see if the weather is affecting road conditions.

Also, ensure your truck is prepared for the heat. As temperatures rise, the chance of mechanical failure also rises. During your pre-trip inspection, make sure the air conditioner in your cab is working, and check the engine’s coolant level and tire pressure, as the heat of summer can cause more blowouts.

And, finally, take care of yourself. Excessive heat can cause dehydration and fatigue. Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays, wear sunscreen, and take breaks as needed.

Watch Yourself

Truck drivers should always exercise extra caution because large trucks can cause more damage and more severe injuries than smaller vehicles. Safety becomes even more important as you face more traffic and more inexperienced drivers during the summer months.

When there’s a lot of traffic, drivers can become more impatient, follow you too closely, or cut you off. Drivers on unfamiliar roads may slow down to read signs or suddenly take a turn or an exit. Be particularly vigilant if you see an out-of-state license plate, which could mean the driver is unfamiliar with the roads, and use extra caution when passing a vehicle towing a trailer to avoid causing a sway in your wake.

Also, avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on your phone. Look for other drivers who may be distracted and be extra careful and extra vigilant around them.

And finally, wear your seatbelt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22,697 drivers and passengers died in motor vehicle crashes in 2018. More than half (between the ages of 13 and 44) were not wearing their seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Save Now on Truck Insurance

When an accident does occur, the right insurance can help protect your business and get your truck back on the road. We help you save by quoting a variety of quality trucking insurance providers.

Give the Truck Insurance experts at American Insuring Group a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Minimizing injuries in the workplace benefits everyone – from a better quality of life for employees to higher productivity and lower Workers Compensation Insurance costs for employers. Therefore, keeping employees safe should be a top priority for any employer. One way to keep employees safe is with proper personal protective equipment (PPE). 

What is Personal Protective Equipment?

PPE is equipment employees wear to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause injuries and illnesses in the workplace. PPE is designed to protect employees from chemical, electrical, physical, and other workplace hazards. Examples of PPE include gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, facemasks, etc. 

To be effective, PPE must be safely designed and constructed, and properly maintained. PPE must fit workers properly, or it can create a hazard. And employees must be trained on how to use PPE correctly, including the following:

• When PPE is necessary
• What type of PPE is needed
• How to wear PPE correctly
• How to properly maintain PPE
• The limitations of PPE 

OSHA Employer Obligations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states, “…when engineering, work practice, and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to you and ensure its use.” 

Employers cannot require employees to provide their own PPE, and – with very few exceptions - employers must pay for PPE that is needed to comply with OSHA standards. 

Types of PPE Protection

Determining the type of hazard is the first step in choosing what types of PPE are required to keep employees safe. OSHA recognizes six types of hazards that may require PPE: 

Eye and Face

OSHA requires eye and face protection when employees are exposed to hazards such as flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, potentially infected material, or potentially harmful light radiation. The following are common types of eye and face protection:

• Protective eyeglasses
• Goggles
• Welding Shields
• Laser Safety Goggles
• Face Shields

Head

A head injury can be fatal or affect an employee for life. Employees must wear head protection – such as hard hats or helmets - if any of the following apply:

• Objects could fall from above and strike an employee on the head
• An employee could bump their head on fixed objects, such as exposed beams or pipes
• There is any chance the employee could accidentally have head contact with any electrical hazards. 

OSHA identifies three industrial classes of hard hats:

• Class A hard hats provide impact and penetration resistance along with limited voltage protection (up to 2,200 volts).
• Class B hard hats provide the highest level of protection against electrical hazards, with high-voltage shock and burn protection (up to 20,000 volts). They also offer protection from impact and penetration hazards by flying/falling objects.
• Class C hard hats provide lightweight comfort and impact protection but offer no protection from electrical hazards. 

Foot and Leg

Employees may require foot and leg protection if a hazard assessment reveals possible exposure to the following:

• hot, corrosive, or poisonous materials
• Falling or rolling objects
• Electrical hazards 

Examples of foot and leg PPE include the following:

• Leggings
• Metatarsal Guards
• Toe Guards
• Combination Foot and Shin Guards
• Safety Shoes can include electrically conductive shoes, safety-toe shoes, non-slip shoes, etc. 

Hand and Arm

If there is any possibility that an employee could experience injury to their hands and arms that cannot be eliminated through engineering and work practice controls, PPE – in the form of the correct type of gloves – should be worn. 

To be effective, suitable gloves must be used based on the hazard. Types of gloves may include the following:

• Leather
• Aluminized
• Aramid Fiber
• Synthetic
• Fabric
• Coated Fabric
• Butyl
• Natural Rubber
• Neoprene
• Nitrile 

Body

Hazards that can cause bodily injury should first be eliminated by engineering and work practice whenever possible. When those hazards - such as extreme temperatures, impact from tools, machinery, and materials, hazardous chemicals, or hot splashes from molten metals and other hot liquids – are present, appropriate protective clothing must be worn. Depending on the hazard, body protection may include lab coats, vests, aprons, coveralls, vests, full body suits, etc. 

Hearing

Employees exposed to excessive noise that can affect their hearing should be issued hearing protection, such as single-use earplugs, pre-formed or molded earplugs, or earmuffs. When assessing hearing hazards, OSHA recommends considering the following factors:

• The loudness of the noise as measured in decibels (dB).
• The duration of each employee’s exposure to the noise.
• Whether employees move between work areas with different noise levels.
• Whether noise is generated from one or multiple sources. 

How to Save More on Workers Compensation Insurance

Creating a safe work environment is your first line of defense against high WC costs. Working with an experienced agent who understands the complexities of WC insurance – such as the independent agents at American Insuring Group - should be your second line of defense. Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

Contractors Insurance is key to the success of any contractor or construction company. The right insurance helps protect your company from employee injuries, litigation, or damage caused as a result of your work.

Hiring subcontractors – as many contractors do – creates additional liability and insurance considerations you need to consider if you want to ensure your business is adequately protected.

What is a Contractor?

If you Google "definition of a contractor," here's what you get – "a person or company that undertakes a contract to provide materials or labor to perform a service or do a job." A contractor solicits business, negotiates deals, obtains the contracts, and oversees the project. In the construction industry, a contractor typically works directly with the property owner.

What is a Subcontractor?

Many contractors hire subcontractors – a type of contractor - to assist with a small part of a larger project. Often a subcontractor will specialize in a specific skill, such as insulation, drywalling, tiling, etc. Google "definition of a subcontractor," and you get "a business or person that carries out work for a company as part of a larger project."

In construction, a subcontractor typically works directly with the contractor, not the property owner. His contract is with the contractor. However, a subcontractor is not an employee of the contractor.

Subtractor Liability Considerations

When something goes wrong during a construction project, who is held responsible? What if a subcontractor is injured? Or the subcontractor's part of the job isn't completed on time? Or there is faulty workmanship on the part of the subcontractor? Someone needs to be held accountable and pay for the damage or injury.

According to National Forensics Consultants, "These questions have posed problems for legal teams for decades, and as the [construction] industry grows, the more complicated matters become." Often, the general contractor is held responsible, but there are steps contractors can take to protect themselves:

• Only hire subcontractors that you trust and have a reputation for doing quality work and honoring agreements.
• Draft comprehensive contracts that include detailed information about what is expected of the subcontractor – What they will do, when they will complete it, how they will get paid, etc.
• Ensure the subcontractor is appropriately covered by insurance.

Subcontractor Insurance Requirements

You may be able to add subcontractors to your insurance policies as an additional insured for the project's duration, or you may prefer, they carry their own insurance. Here are the types of insurance you may want to consider requiring of your subcontractors.

General Liability Insurance (Aka Business Liability Insurance)

General Liability Insurance helps cover costs such as medical expenses and legal fees if someone is injured or property is damaged as a result of your services.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

General Liability Insurance does not cover employee injuries. If an employee is injured on the job, Workers' Compensation Insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages. It also helps protect the employer from being sued by an injured worker. In Pennsylvania, most employers are required to carry WC. However, if the subcontractor is a one-man-show, it probably isn't required (but is a good investment).

Professional Liability Insurance (aka Errors and Omissions Insurance or E&O Insurance)

This type of insurance protects you if there is a claim against your business due to negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver as promised.

Business Auto Insurance (Aka Commercial Auto Insurance)

Business Auto Insurance is a type of liability insurance that covers vehicles owned by a business. The general rule of thumb is that if a vehicle is used for tasks related to the business, a Commercial Auto Insurance policy is required. Many business uses or vehicle types can be excluded from personal auto Insurance policies.

Umbrella Insurance (Aka Excess Liability Insurance)

Umbrella insurance increases the policy's limits and provides additional protection against catastrophic losses.

How to Ensure Your Business is Protected

The agents at American Insuring Group specialize in contractor's insurance. We can make sure you have the right insurance protection, and – as independent agents – we will compare the cost of that coverage among several companies to ensure you get the best price on that coverage. Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online for a free estimate.

Used properly, commercial deep fryers can result in delicious foods, but they can also cause injuries and damage, which increases Restaurant Insurance costs. Deep fryers are a staple in most restaurant kitchens. However, you can’t have a deep fryer without hot oil and grease, and both are powerful fuel sources and fire ignitors.

Hazards of Commercial Deep Fryers

Fire

Deep fryers are involved in about one in five restaurant fires. The FDNY reports that deep fryer fires cause an average of five deaths, sixty injuries, and more than $15 million in property damage every year.

Burns

The oil in commercial deep fryers is typically between 350- and 400-degrees Fahrenheit. Splashing oil can cause severe burns.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

If a vent hood or fryer exhaust isn’t adequately cleaned or functioning properly, carbon monoxide – an odorless, colorless gas – can quickly fill a kitchen, causing carbon monoxide poisoning.

5 Tips to Minimize the Hazards of Commercial Deep Fryers

1. Proper Training

To avoid an unsafe cooking environment, any employee that uses a deep fryer should be trained on the proper operation and cleaning of a fryer and fryer safety protocol. They should also be trained on appropriate PPP, such as goggles and thermal rubber gloves when operating a fryer. And all kitchen staff should be trained on what to do if there is a fire.

2. Proper Maintenance

A deep fryer and oil that are properly maintained are less likely to cause a problem and more likely to function correctly for longer. Plus, it can help your fried foods taste better. Always have fryers services according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Here are four maintenance tips from Wasserstrom:

1. Maintain the oil by filtering oil at least once a day, using a skimmer, allowing oil to cool during slower times, shaking off ice crystals from food, and not salting food above the fryer
2. Regularly clean fryer oil well
3. Once a week or as needed, perform a full-tank cleanse
4. Calibrate the fryer every three months

3. Keep Area Around Fryer Clean

Employees should be trained to maintain a clean area around the fryer at all times. Spilled oil on the floor can quickly become slippery, causing an employee to slip and fall, and dirty vent hoods can cause fires, so make sure those are regularly cleaned. Another way to minimize slippery floors is to invest in non-slip mats with holes and require employees to wear non-slip shoes.

It’s also important to keep plastic away from fryers as hot oil can quickly melt plastic, creating a hazard. Utensils used in fryers – such as spatulas and mesh skimmers – should be stainless steel – not plastic. Also, avoid using plastic equipment – such as buckets - to clean fryers.

4. Use Fryer Baskets

Use commercial-grade fryer baskets designed for your fryer to hold and drop food into the hot oil. Although many restaurant kitchens use the word “drop” to describe adding food to hot oil, actually dropping the food or a fryer basket into hot oil can cause the oil to splash out. Gently lower the baskets into the oil to avoid burning someone or creating a slippery floor.

5. Keep a Class K Fire Extinguisher

Water doesn’t put out oil fires. Therefore, a Class K fire extinguisher - made specifically for fires involving cooking media, such as fats, grease, and oils – should be easily accessible. And all employees should be trained on how to use a fire extinguisher properly.

Commercial deep fryers are a staple in most restaurant kitchens – from food trucks selling French fries to upscale restaurants serving fried quail eggs. Following these tips will help keep your employees and your kitchen safe and help improve your bottom line.

Get a Free Restaurant Insurance Quote!

The independent agents at American Insuring Group specialize in Restaurant Insurance, so we can make sure you have the right insurance at the lowest price. Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online to get a free insurance quote.