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PPE to Lower Insurance and Other Operating Costs in Restaurants

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Mar 13, 2021

PPE to Lower Insurance Costs in Restaurants in Cities Throughout PA, including Philadelphia, Reading, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, Lebanon, Harrisburg, Allentown and beyond.Restaurant Insurance helps protect your business if something bad happens. If a fire destroys your kitchen, Property Insurance will help you rebuild your kitchen. If an employee is injured on the job, Workers' Compensation Insurance will help pay for medical bills and lost wages and help protect you against accident-related lawsuits. 

Insurance is vital to any business's health and success, but wouldn't it be better never to have had a fire in your kitchen or an employee injured on the job? Benjamin Franklin had it right when he said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."  

One way to prevent many workplace injuries and even help protect your customers is by providing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to your employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has PPE standards that require employers to provide specific PPE, but we recommend going beyond those basic requirements.  

While this will mean a higher up-front cost, you will make up much (if not more) of that cost by lower insurance costs, higher employee morale, productivity, fewer lost workdays, etc.  

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

OSHA defines PPE as "equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards."  

Standard PPE used by restaurant workers include the following:

  • Gloves – dishwashing, cut-resistant, and freezer
  • Oven Mitts
  • Aprons
  • Anti-Slip Shoes 

COVID-19 has introduced a new PPE requirement – masks. 

What is Appropriate PPE?

The best way to determine appropriate PPE for your employees is to look at any potential safety (knives, ovens, and slippery floors), ergonomic (repetitive tasks or heavy lifting), or other health hazards (noise, chemicals, heat, and stress).  

Once those hazards are identified, consider controls your restaurant can put in place to keep workers safe. OSHA recommends asking three questions. Here's an example. 

Many restaurant workers get burned cleaning fryers or lowering frozen food into deep fryers.  

  1. Is there a way to remove the hazard? Install grease pans that dump automatically for cleaning. 
  2. What improvement in work practices would help? Train workers on the importance of shaking ice crystals off frozen foods before putting them into the deep fryer to avoid splattering. 
  3. What protective clothing or equipment would help? Gloves, sleevelets, and long aprons. These need to resist heat and grease to at least 400º F for anyone working with fryers. 

Other PPE Considerations

PPE should be appropriately cleaned and maintained and should properly fit the employee using it. A PPE program should be implemented that addresses hazards and the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE. It should also include employee training and monitoring to ensure it is effective. 

Training should teach employees on the proper use of PPE, such as…

  • When PPE is needed
  • What PPE is necessary
  • How to put PPE on, adjust it, wear it, and take it off
  • The limitations of PPE
  • Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of PPE 

The proper use of PPE will protect your greatest assets – your employees, minimize injuries, and lower insurance costs.  

Another Way to Save on Restaurant Insurance

Another way to lower your Restaurant Insurance costs is to work with an agency – like American Insuring Group - specializing in Restaurant insurance. Our independent agents will compare your insurance cost with several companies to ensure that you pay the lowest price for your coverage.

Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online for a free Restaurant Insurance quote! 

Tags: Restaurant Insurance, workers comp costs, Restaurant Safety, Restaurant Insurance Costs

Reduce Workers’ Comp Costs With Exoskeleton Technology

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Mar 06, 2021

Lower Your Workers’ Comp Insurance Costs in Philadelphia, Erie, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, Allentown, PA and Elsewhere With Exoskeleton Technology .Would you be surprised to discover that technology used in sci-fi movies, such as Iron Man, could actually help reduce your Workers’ Compensation Insurance costs? In the film, Tony Stark builds an armored suit that allows him to save the world – more than once. The armored suit is a souped-up version of exoskeleton technology, which some businesses are now using to avoid workplace injuries and help injured employees return to work faster.

What is Exoskeleton Technology?

Exoskeleton technology is not a new concept. It has been in development since the late 1800s. Exoskeletons are “wearable devices that work in tandem with the user.” They are placed on a person and “act as amplifiers that augment, reinforce or restore human performance.” 

Using pneumatics, levers, hydraulics, and electric motors, exoskeletons can help employees move heavier objects and work longer hours, reduce injuries, avoid repetitive trauma injuries, and get employees back to work more quickly after an injury. While exoskeleton technology is most commonly employed in military applications, businesses are quickly discovering many benefits of the technology. 

How Can Exoskeleton Technology Reduce Workers’ Compensation Costs?

Lower workplace injuries and the number of claims, and you lower your WC costs. Get injured employees back to work as quickly and safely possible, and you lower WC costs. Exoskeleton Technology has shown to do both. 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of the most common and costly types of workplace injuries is repetitive strain injuries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that nearly two-thirds of all occupational illnesses reported were caused by exposure to repeated trauma to workers’ upper body. 

According to Ford Motor Company, its assembly line workers lift their arms during overhead work tasks approximately 4,600 times per day or about one million times a year and concludes, “At this rate, the possibility of fatigue or injury on the body increases significantly.” 

In 2005, Ford began using an EksoVest on many of its production lines to help lessen worker fatigue and injuries. The EksoVest is wearable technology that “elevates and supports a worker’s arms while performing overhead tasks. It can be fitted to support workers ranging from 5 feet tall to 6 feet 4 inches tall and provides adjustable lift assistance of five pounds to 15 pounds per arm. It’s comfortable to wear because it’s lightweight, it isn’t bulky, and it allows workers to move their arms freely.” 

Ford reports, “Between 2005 and 2016, the most recent full year of data, the company saw an 83 percent decrease in the number of incidents that resulted in days away, work restrictions or job transfers – to an all-time low of 1.55 incidents per 100 full-time North American employees.” 

While there is an upfront cost to exoskeleton technology, more companies are finding it’s worth the price. The technology helps reduce the number and severity of workplace injuries; thereby, minimizing the costs associated with workplace injuries, such as lost production, lower employee morale, etc. Plus, they’re getting injured employees back to work more quickly. All of this is leading to lower Workers’ Compensation costs. 

Exoskeleton technology is no longer limited to science fiction movies but has practical applications in today’s workplace that can help lower Workers’ Compensation costs. 

Learn More on How to Save on Workers’ Compensation Insurance!

As Workers’ Comp Insurance experts, the American Insuring Group agents can help you save big on  Workers’ Compensation and other business insurance needs. Give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online for a free workers comp insurance quote today!

Tags: Workers Compensation Insurance, workers comp insurance, PA Workers Compensation Insurance, workers comp costs

Contractors Can Protect Their Business With Cyber Insurance

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Feb 20, 2021

Contractors in Philadelphia, Berks County, Lehigh Valley, Pittsburgh, PA and Beyond Can Protect Their Business With Cyber InsuranceConstruction worksites are filled with potential hazards that Contractors Insurance helps cover, but there’s one threat that many contractors overlook – cybersecurity. Many think, “What information could I have that would be of value to them? I’m just a small company; they aren’t going to target my business.” 

The fact is that if you use a computer for anything – financial transactions, emails, invoicing, etc. – your company has data cybercriminals can go after. Most construction companies have limited IT experience, which makes them attractive to hackers. As with most criminals, hackers tend to take the path of least resistance.  

A 2018 survey of 1,045 small and medium-sized U.S. businesses found that more than half – 67% - suffered a cyberattack in 2018. In fact, did you know the Target data breach in 2013 started with hackers using the stolen credentials of an HVAC vendor doing business with Target? That attack allowed hackers to steal the data of 70 million customers and 40 million credit cards and debit cards. 

Don’t think your business is immune to cyberattacks. It is not, and the results of a breach can be devastating. CNBC reported that cyberattacks cost businesses $200,000 on average, and 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses. These attacks are putting many companies out of business. 

The Impact of a Cyber-attack on your business

A cyber-attack can impact your entire organization on many different levels. Some of those impacts could be minor inconveniences, but some could force you to shut down your business for good. 

Potential Impact of a Cyber-Attack:

  1. Financial Losses
      • Cost of response and recovery
      • Cost of the investigation
      • Lost revenue
      • Legal and PR costs
      • A decrease in the value of your company 
  1. Lost Productivity
  2. Damage to your Business’s Reputation
  3. Legal Liability
  4. A Halt on Business Activities 

Types of Cybersecurity Threats

Hackers have discovered many ways to access your data and continue to find new ways. Here area few more common techniques.

  • Malware: Short for malicious software, malware threats include viruses, worms, trojans, and other computer programs that allow hackers to gain access to sensitive information.
  • Ransomware: A form of malware, ransomware allows hackers to encrypt your files, which they will then demand a ransom to restore your access to those files.
  • Social Engineering: With social engineering, hackers manipulate you or your employees into giving up confidential information, such as usernames and passwords, that they use to access data.
  • Phishing: Phishing is a type of social engineering in which a hacker tricks someone into opening an email, instant message, or text message and then clicking on a malicious link. 

Prevention

As with any risk, your first step should be prevention. Here are ten security tips from the FCC for small businesses:

  1. Train Employees in Security Principles
  2. Protect Information, Computers, and Networks from Cyber Attacks
  3. Provide Firewall Security for Your Internet Connection
  4. Create a Mobile Device Action Plan
  5. Make Backup Copies of Important Business Data and Information
  6. Control Physical Access to your Computers and Create User Accounts for Each Employee
  7. Secure Your Wi-Fi Networks
  8. Employ Best Practices on Payment Cards
  9. Limit Employee Access to Data and Information, Limit Authority to Install Software
  10. Passwords and Authentication 

When Prevention Isn’t Enough, Add Cyber Insurance!

Prevention should ALWAYS be your first line of attack. Unfortunately, hackers are continually finding new ways to access your data, so keeping up with changing cyber-security threats can be difficult, which is why Cyber Insurance is so crucial. 

Give American Insuring Group a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online. As independent agents, we will research insurance costs and coverages among many companies to ensure you get the lowest price on all your insurance needs! 

Tags: Construction Insurance, Contractor Insurance, Cyber Liability Insurance, Cyber Insurance

3 Tips to Keep Drivers Safe and Save on Truck Insurance Costs

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Feb 13, 2021

3 Tips to Keep Drivers Safe and Save on Truck Insurance Costs in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and in PA and beyond.As you know, good drivers aren’t easy to come by, so keeping them as safe as possible on the road should be a top priority. Keeping your drivers safe has the added benefit of lowering Truck Insurance costs and other costs associated with accidents. 

According to CNBC, people who drive for a living – driver/sales workers and truck drivers – are in the sixth most dangerous job in the U.S., with 96 fatal injuries and 78,520 non-fatal injuries in 2018. If you can lower the number of your drivers involved in accidents, you can reduce employee turnover, increase employee morale, and decrease costs, such as insurance premiums, claim payouts, lost workdays, etc. 

Here are three tips to help keep your drivers safe, lower the number of accidents, and improve your company’s bottom line. 

Encourage Defensive Driving

Dictionary.com defines defensive driving as “the practice of using driving strategies that minimize risk and help avoid accidents, as by predicting hazards on the road.” Some of those strategies include the following:

  • Looking Ahead – It takes longer for a truck carrying a heavy load to stop than it does a car, so truck drivers need to look ahead to see and anticipate potential hazards, such as stopped traffic. 
  • Keeping Eyes Moving – Drivers who are on the road a long time often become complacent to their surroundings. Truck drivers should always be scanning their environment – looking at what is ahead and around them and using side and rearview mirrors to see what is behind them.
  • Maintaining a Buffer Zone – It’s impossible to predict what other drivers will do, and trucks have very limited maneuverability, so truck drivers should always establish and maintain a buffer zone around their vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “If you are driving below 40 mph, you should leave at least one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length. For a typical tractor-trailer, this results in 4 seconds between you and the leading vehicle. For speeds over 40 mph, you should leave one additional second.”
  • Having an Escape Route – Maintaining a buffer zone should minimize the need to swerve; however, sometimes stopping in time just isn’t possible. Drivers should always consider escape routes available to them if they need them.
  • Keeping Cool – Driving can be stressful, and there are plenty of inconsiderate drivers on the road. Becoming angry or aggressive while driving doesn’t help. Aggressive driving can include passing where prohibited, following improperly, erratic lane changing, etc. Between 2003 and 2007, aggressive driving played a role in 56 percent of fatal crashes. Truck drivers need to keep their cool at all times and slow down to allow aggressive drivers to get well ahead of them. 

Properly Maintain Vehicles

A poorly maintained tractor-trailer is not only a danger to your drivers; it’s a danger to everyone around the vehicle – other drivers, pedestrians, bikers, etc. A blown tire or a faulty brake can be deadly. Plus, a well-maintained vehicle will last longer. 

Therefore, it is in your best interest to maintain your fleet with a regular maintenance schedule. That schedule should include a plan to prevent brake wear and failure, testing to avoid engine problems, frequent oil changes, replacing parts subject to wear and tear, inflating tires to the right levels (which will also help you save on fuel bills), and more. Here are 14 maintenance tips for trucks. 

Another component of vehicle maintenance is the pre-and post-trip inspections. Federal law requires drivers to submit a Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) for each power unit they operate. These inspections include checking the brakes, turn signals, lights, fuel system, and much more. 

Pre- and post-trip inspections help save time, money, and lives. A pre-trip inspection helps ensure drivers are operating a safe vehicle before they hit the road, and post-trip inspections allow time to fix issues before they need to go back on the road.  

Consider the Use of Technology

Consider using technology to help keep your drivers and your fleet safe. Do your research to determine what will work best for your drivers and your fleet. Some technology to consider:

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – According to the NHTSA, ESCs are designed to “reduce untripped rollovers and mitigate severe understeer or oversteer conditions that lead to loss of control by using automatic computer-controlled braking and reducing engine torque output.” The NHTSA states, “We believe that ESC systems could prevent 40 to 56 percent of untripped rollover crashes and 14 percent of loss-of-control crashes. By requiring that ESC systems be installed on truck tractors and large buses, this proposal would prevent 1,807 to 2,329 crashes, 649 to 858 injuries, and 49 to 60 fatalities at less than $3 million per equivalent life saved while generating positive net benefits.”
  • Eyelid Monitoring – This type of system uses a cabin-mounted camera to monitor drivers’ eyelids and alert the driver if their eyelids droop.
  • Automatic Brakes – This type of system uses radars to apply automatic brakes if an imminent crash is detected.
  • Continuous Remote Data Feed – Computers can warn drivers if disturbing driving habits, such as swerving, are detected. Safety managers can also use videos.

Doing what you can to keep your drivers safe just makes good business sense. 

Ready to Save on Truck Insurance?

Another thing that makes good business sense is having the right insurance coverage at the lowest price. Because American Insuring Group specializes in Truck Insurance, we can help you determine the right insurance coverage for your business, whether you're in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, or elsewhere in PA and the tri-state area. Because we’re independent agents, we research multiple carriers to ensure that you pay the lowest premium for that great coverage.

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

Tags: truck insurance, Business Insurance, Trucking Insurance, Cargo Trucking Insurance

Opening a New Restaurant? Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Feb 06, 2021

Protect Your Restaurant with the right Restaurant Insurance in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Harrisburg, Allentown, Lancaster and all of Pennsylvania.You know what they say, “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst and make sure you have the right Restaurant Insurance!” Okay, we made that last part up, but it is true. 

One accident has been known to put restaurants out of business. So, before all of your hopes are dashed, think about how you can prepare for the worst. Thinking ahead will help you minimize the “worst” scenarios – such as fires, food spoilage, and accidents - and help ensure that you have the right insurance coverage if the “worst” does happen. 

Here are five things to consider to help you prepare for the worst. 

1. Employee Training

Yes, employee turnover rates in the restaurant industry are high. According to the National Restaurant Association, the restaurants-and-accommodations sectors' turnover rate was 74.9 percent in 2018. 

But it is also true that employees are your greatest asset and some of your highest risk. While we’re talking cliches… Your business is only as strong as your weakest link. Employees should be regularly trained on safety procedures, customer service, and - if your restaurant serves alcohol - alcohol service. 

Safety Procedures:

  1. Help avoid employee injuries by teaching proper lifting techniques, using equipment properly, appropriate personal protective equipment, etc.
  2. Keep your customers safe by training employees how to handle, prepare, and store food properly and what to do in the case of a fire, robbery, etc. 

Customer Service 

Help minimize litigation issues by providing customer service training to employees who interact with customers.

Alcohol Service

In Pennsylvania, it is against the law to serve alcohol to a "visibly intoxicated person," and your restaurant could be held legally responsible for injuries and damages caused by an intoxicated person you served. Any employee serving alcohol should know how to recognize and prevent intoxication and how and when to refuse service. 

One of the best ways to prepare for the worst is to have a comprehensive and on-going training program appropriate for each of your employees. 

2. Maintain Equipment

You rely on kitchen equipment to run your restaurant. If a refrigerator malfunctions, food could spoil, causing food loss or worse - foodborne illnesses. If your stove malfunctions, you won’t be able to cook food for your customers, or worse – it could cause a fire. The best way to avoid equipment breakdown is with proper maintenance. 

You should have daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly maintenance checklists that employees understand and follow, such as temperature checks on refrigerators and ice machines, cleaning schedules, inspection schedules, etc. Not only will this help your equipment last longer, but it will also help minimize unexpected breakdowns and potential disasters. 

3. Maintain Your Restaurant

Minimize the risk of property damage and injuries to customers and employees by maintaining your restaurant. Keep your kitchen – countertops, floors, equipment, etc. - clean to avoid grease fires, food contamination, and employee injuries. Keep aisles and exits clear of clutter. Address any tripping hazards, such as loose tile or worn carpets. Make sure outside walkways and parking lots are safe and promptly remove snow and ice following a storm. 

4. Follow Health and Safety Regulations

Every restaurant has a set of health and safety regulations issued by local, state, and federal entities they must follow. As a restaurant owner, you should be familiar with and understand those regulations or risk fines, a loss of reputation, or even possible closure. 

Standard regulations include employee hygiene, food storage, and equipment safety. Remember, those regulations are designed to keep everyone safe, so following them will also help ensure your employees' and customers' safety and the success of your business. 

5. Technology

Use technology to your advantage but also protect yourself from potential risks associated with technology. 

For example, security cameras can help protect your property from thieves and vandals and fraudulent Workers’ Compensation Insurance claims. A computer or point-of-sale device can save you time, allow you to accept credit cards, and store customer information that can be used for marketing purposes. But, in the wrong hands, that information can create problems for your restaurant, your employees, and your customers, so take steps to keep that information safe and secure. 

Be Prepared With the Right Restaurant Insurance!

Sometimes, despite your best-efforts, accidents do happen, so you need to be prepared. Insurance can help protect your business if you’re sued, experiences property damage, etc., so you can get back to business. 

American Insuring Group can help you prepare and, as experienced independent agents, help you obtain the lowest price for the right restaurant insurance coverage. We're independent, so we're free to shop among many competing insurance carriers, resulting in a lower price than you're likely to receive from single-brand agencies. Contact us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

Tags: Restaurant Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Restaurant Insurance Costs

The Cost of Failing to Provide Adequate Workers’ Comp

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Jan 30, 2021

Avoid the cost of failing to provide Adequate WC Insurance. Get the right workers comp insurance from American Insuring Group. Serving Philadelphia, Reading, Pittsburgh, Erie, Harrisburg, Allentown, and all of Pennsylvania.Most employers in Pennsylvania are required to have Workers’ Compensation (WC) Insurance. Failure to carry adequate WC can result in civil and criminal penalties. Therefore, employers must understand their WC obligations. Here's what you need to know... 

What is Workers’ Compensation?

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry defines Workers’ Compensation as “mandatory, employer-financed, no-fault insurance which ensures that employees disabled due to a work-related injury or disease will be compensated for lost wages and provides necessary medical treatment to return them to the workforce.”

The goals of WC are simple:

  • safer workplaces
  • prompt treatment and compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses
  • reduced litigation costs

With only a few exceptions, Worker’s Compensation insurance is mandatory for any employer in Pennsylvania who employs at least one employee. If ALL workers employed by that employer fall into one or more of the following categories, they may be excluded from mandatory WC. This is a general list, minus the fine print.

  • Federal workers
  • Longshoremen
  • Railroad workers
  • Casual workers
  • Persons who work out of their own homes or other premises not under the control or management of the enterprise AND make up, clean, wash, alter, ornament, finish, repair, or adapt articles or materials for sale that are given to them.
  • Agricultural laborers making less than $1200 per year
  • Domestic workers who have not elected to come under the provisions of the WC Act (they must notify the Department of Labor & Industry)
  • Sole proprietor or general partners with no other employees
  • People granted exceptions due to religious beliefs
  • LLC’s in which only the employees are members of the LLC
  • Executive officers who have been given an exclusion
  • Licensed real estate salespersons or associate real estate brokers

Workmen’s Compensation rules for independent contractors can be complicated. Merely referring to someone as an independent contractor doesn’t mean the Department of Labor & Industry will agree. Here are a few factors that may indicate an individual is not an independent contractor but an employee.

The individual…

  • Performs duties assigned by the employer
  • Works hours set by the employer
  • Uses tools, equipment, or materials that the employer provides

The bottom-line is… before you assume your employees are exempt from Workers’ Compensation Insurance, check with your insurance agent or the Department of Labor & Industry or risk facing civil or criminal penalties.

According to the National Academy of Social Insurance, the estimated cost of WC Insurance in Pennsylvania is $1.34 per $100 covered in payroll.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Employers are required to report all injuries to their insurer or program - in the case of a self-insured employer - the person responsible for managing their WC. 

Employers are also required to submit a First Report of Injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation within seven days if the injury results in the loss of one or more day, shift, or turn of work. If the injury results in death, the employer must file a First Report with the Bureau within 48 hours. The injured workers and the employer’s insurer should also receive copies of the First Report. 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Refusing to file a Workers’ Compensation claim on behalf of an employee is against the law.

 If an employee is injured, and the employer does not have WC insurance, the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund will pay the employee’s benefits. The employer will be required to reimburse the fund, including costs, interest, penalties, and other fees. 

Injured employees covered under WC insurance have very limited ability to sue their employers. However, that is not the case when the employer fails to carry WC insurance. Employers without WC are open to litigation for workplace injuries and illnesses. And often, the damages awarded are higher than what the employer would have paid for WC insurance. 

Employers who fail to maintain WC coverage could be found guilty of a misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail. If the courts decide the failure to comply was intentional, the employer could be facing a felony charge that carries a fine of up to $15,000 and up to seven years in jail. 

Getting the Right Workers’ Compensation Insurance

American Insuring Group specializes in Workers’ Compensation Insurance. We can help you determine 1) whether or not your business is required to carry WC and 2) how you can get the best price on quality insurance protection if it is needed. Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

Tags: Workers Compensation Insurance, workers comp, workers comp insurance, workers comp costs

Could an Installation Floater Help You Save on Contractors Insurance?

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Jan 23, 2021

Save on Contractor's Insurance in Philadelphia, Lancaster, Reading, Pittsburgh, State College, and throughout Pennsylvania - Call us today.Contractors face many perils in the course of a job, and Contractors Insurance is crucial to protecting their equipment, materials, supplies, etc., against those perils. Commercial Property Insurance is one type of coverage most contractors purchase, but it is typically limited to losses that occur on the job site. 

Commercial Property Insurance usually provides little or no coverage for materials, equipment, machinery, or supplies in transit or storage. Builders Risk Policies – such as Installation Floater coverage – can fill that gap. 

What is Installation Floater Insurance?

The International Risk Management Institute defines Installation Floater coverage as “inland marine coverage on property (usually equipment) being installed by a contractor. Essentially a specialized type of builders risk coverage that is often written on the same form used to provide builders risk coverage.” 

It is designed to cover property that is being installed or awaiting installation. Every floater is different and is based on the needs of the contractor. Typically, an Installation Floater covers materials, equipment, machinery, supplies, and personal property while it is…

  • Stored off-site
  • In transit
  • Being staged
  • Being installed 

Installation Floaters typically cover new construction and remodeling projects and can be written as a single project policy or a blanket policy. Anyone with an insurable interest in a project can purchase this type of insurance. 

Installation Floaters typically cover most risks – fire, theft, traffic accidents, vandalism, etc. – but may exclude perils, such as earthquakes, floods, sewer backups, employee theft, etc. 

What Makes Installation Floaters Different?

Installation Floaters offer tailored protection that can cost less than typical Builders Risk Insurance, making it ideal for some contractors. 

For example, sometimes, standard Builders Risk Insurance does not extend to subcontractors; therefore, Installation Floaters can be beneficial to contractors or subcontractors with a limited scope of work on a project. 

Installation Floaters may also be beneficial to contractors that perform work that is typically excluded from Builders Risk Insurance. The installation of high-value equipment or materials, such as HVAC units, solar panels, windows, doors, roofing, and electrical systems is often excluded from Builders Risk Insurance. If it is included, the contractor is still responsible for deductibles. 

Like most Builders Risk Insurance policies, Installation Floaters typically exclude certain things:

  • Trees, shrubs, and plants
  • Property while it is in the air or on the water
  • Losses during testing
  • Some types of temporary structures, such as scaffolding or temporary fencing 

Having Installation Floater Insurance can provide an added layer of protection that fills any gaps in your Commercial Property and/or Builders Risk Insurance. Choosing which coverage – installation floater or builders’ risk – is right for you can be challenging. 

What is Best for Your Needs?

When determining which type of policy or policies are best for your needs, you need to consider the type of project and the coverage you need. Installation Floater Insurance is usually less expensive and offers narrower coverage, which can make it a good choice for smaller projects. 

The best way to determine the right insurance coverage for your business is to work with an experienced agent. American Insuring Group specializes in Contractors Insurance, and as independent agents, we check with multiple insurance companies to ensure you get the lowest cost. Give us a call at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

Tags: Construction Insurance, Contractor Insurance, Business Insurance, commercial property insurance

How Pre-Employment Tests Can Lower WC Insurance Costs

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Jan 16, 2021

How to Use Pre-Employment Tests to Lower WC Costs in Reading, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania and elsewhere.Workers’ Compensation Insurance (WC) is designed to protect employers and employees from financial loss when an employee is injured on the job or becomes ill from a work-related cause.

It bears repeating that WC is meant for WORK-RELATED illnesses and injuries.

But consider this, according to AARP, more than 19 million working Americans between the ages of 21 and 64 have some physical limitation that could affect their ability to perform certain tasks. According to the CDC, the most common type of disability (one in seven adults) affects mobility, and with age, disabilities become more common.

That means there’s about a 10% chance that a potential new-hire could have a pre-existing impairment – knowingly or unknowingly - that could put them at risk for an injury.

While that person should still be able to get whatever benefits they are entitled to, his or her employer should not be responsible for paying for an injury caused by a condition the employee had before they were hired. But how would you know if a potential hire has a pre-existing impairment? A pre-employment human performance evaluation (HPE)!

The Americans with Disabilities Act allows employers to physically and medically evaluate their workers at all stages of their employment. After an individual is offered a job, the employer can make the job contingent on several things, such as a background check, drug test, and pre-employment testing.

Keep in mind that The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) cautions, “Pre-employment tests need to be selected and monitored with care; employers run the risk of litigation if a selection decision is challenged and determined to be discriminatory or in violation of state or federal regulations. Tests used in the selection process must be legal, reliable, valid, and equitable, and HR professionals need to stay aware of any developing trends.”

What is a Pre-Employment Human Performance Evaluation?

The pre-employment HPE (also called a pre-placement test) is a standardized test often conducted in a physical therapy or occupational medical clinic. It helps companies get an overview of the prospective employee’s overall health status and make better choices when hiring new candidates.

An HPE can do the following:

  1. Assure employers that the prospective employee is physically able to perform a job safely
  2. Protect employers from WC injury claims that are not work-related, but the result of a pre-existing impairment
  3. Protect employees from injuries while performing jobs they should not be doing due to a pre-existing impairment
  4. Protect the employees’ co-workers

According to Concentra, a national health care company, information commonly collected during this test includes:

  • A review of the workers’ medical and occupational history
  • A medical exam
  • An evaluation of functional tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling

The test can also be used to establish a baseline so an employer can monitor any changes in the employee’s health over time and use it for future reference in the event of an injury. This information often shows that only part of an employee’s injury is caused by his or her current work.

For example, an HPE may reveal that a worker has a 5% impairment in his or her shoulder. If that employee is injured and is determined to have a 7% impairment, the employer would only be responsible for the additional 2% impairment under Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Employers don’t want to pay for injuries or illnesses that were not caused on the job, and a pre-employment HPE – that follows all legal requirements – can help minimize that risk.

Lower Your Workers’ Compensation Insurance Costs!

Another way to save on WC costs is to work with one of the experienced agents at American Insuring Group. We specialize in WC insurance, and we're independent agents, which frees us to quote lots of competing insurance providers so that you get the right coverage at the best price.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

Tags: Workers Compensation Insurance, PA Workers Compensation Insurance, workers comp costs, Return-To-Work Programs

Don’t Leave Your Restaurant at Risk: Discover Insurance Coverage Gaps

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Jan 09, 2021

Discover Your Restaurant Insurance Gaps so Your Business is not at RiskEvery restaurant owner or manager knows that accidentally omitting even one key ingredient from a recipe can have a devastating effect. The same is true with Restaurant Insurance. Leaving one gap in your insurance coverage could have a disastrous effect on your restaurant.

Restaurants often face unique risks that other businesses do not, which may require additional layers of insurance coverage. Therefore, you must look at possible risks to determine if there are any gaps in your insurance. In this case, ignorance is definitely NOT bliss.

How to Discover Gaps

The best way to determine if there are any gaps in your insurance is to work with an insurance agent who specializes in Restaurant Insurance. They understand the unique challenges and risks inherent in the restaurant business. They know the right questions to ask to ensure that you don’t have any coverage gaps.

Here are a few key questions to consider:

  1. What property – building, signs, equipment, etc. – do you need to cover?

  2. What types of liability might you be open to during the course of doing business?

  3. Do you transport anything off the property?

  4. Does Workers Compensation cover you, the owner?

  5. What types of events – fire, theft, spoilage, etc. – does your Commercial Property Insurance cover?

  6. What are the limits and deductibles that apply to each type of situation?

  7. What would happen if you had to close your restaurant for a period of time because of a fire, flood, etc.?

  8. What would happen if one of the suppliers or wholesalers that you depend on could not deliver?

And as your business changes, so should your insurance coverage. For example:

  • Have you invested in a food truck to expand your reach, which could open your restaurant up to additional liability risks?

  • Have you become a farm-to-table restaurant, which means a shorter supply chain that could place more responsibility for your restaurant's quality control measures?

  • Did you start using an outside delivery service, which takes some of the control out of your hands?

Also, having the right insurance policies isn’t always enough. Make sure you understand and are comfortable with the limits and deductibles on each of your policies.

Common Gaps

Most restaurants understand the need for General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Property Insurance, and - if they sell liquor – Liquor Liability Insurance, but here are five often-overlooked Restaurant Insurance gaps:

  1. Cyber Insurance – If you accept checks or credit cards as payment, you have personal information that can put your business at risk for a data breach. Your website and social media sites can also make you a target for cyberattacks. Cyber Insurance helps you recover losses associated with a cyberattack.

  2. Equipment Breakdown – Every restaurant has equipment – fryers, stoves, refrigerators, etc. Equipment Breakdown coverage helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing equipment after a covered incident.

  3. Business Interruption – What if you had to close your restaurant for a period of time while repairs are made after a fire? Could you handle the loss of income that would result? Business Interruption Insurance, which helps cover that loss, is often included under your Business Owner’s Policy but make sure you are comfortable with the amount of coverage and duration of that coverage.

  4. Personal and Advertising Injury –Personal and Advertising Injury Insurance protects you from third-party lawsuits claiming non-physical personal injury, such as libel, slander, copyright infringements, etc. It is typically included in Commercial Liability Insurance; however, every restaurant has different needs. Make sure the coverage in your Liability Insurance is adequate.

  5. Reputation Damage Insurance – There are so many ways your restaurant’s reputation can be damaged – a cyber-attack, a food-borne illness, an alcohol-related accident, etc. Reputation Damage Insurance can help cover losses associated with this type of event.

The Right Insurance Agent Can Make a Big Difference!

American Insuring Group specializes in Restaurant Insurance. Our agents are experts in eliminating the gaps in your Restaurant Insurance. Plus, as independent agents, we will compare prices among many insurance companies to make sure you get the best price on quality insurance protection.

So, call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online!

Tags: Restaurant Insurance, Liquor Liability Insurance, Commercial Liability Insurance, Restaurant Liability Insurance

Lower Contractors Insurance Costs by Lowering Your Experience Rating

Posted by David Ross on Sat, Dec 19, 2020

Here's How to Lower Your Contractors Insurance Costs in Philadelphia, Reading, Erie, Pittsburgh, Lancaster and Throughout Pennsylvania.Want to lower your Contractors Insurance Costs? Lower Your Experience Rating.

Your construction company’s experience rating helps determine your Workers’ Compensation Insurance costs and is based on your company’s WC claim history compared to other companies similar to yours.

You can think of a lower experience rating as a reward for having a safer work environment or perhaps as an incentive to create a safer work environment. The bottom line is that a lower experience rating results in a lower insurance premium.

The Experience Rating

The Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau (PCRB) describes your experience rating as “a systematic, mathematical method of modifying future premiums.” It is based on past claims and helps determine your experience modifier, which is an adjustment of your annual premiums based on the likelihood that you will file a claim.

You qualify for an experience rating if your audited payroll or other exposures over a three-year period, multiplied by the current PCRB lost costs by classification, add up to $10,000 or more.

The experience rating is continually being updated based on a sliding three-year experience period, which according to PCRB, “assures a stable historical record for the individual employer, while also using the most recent available loss experience of the employer.” This means improving workplace safety and minimizing claims can change your experience rating and the premiums you pay.

What if your insurance premiums are less than $10,000? The merit rating plan enables businesses to receive a 5% discount or surcharge depending on their loss history, which provides financial incentives for small businesses to operate safer workplaces.

The following factors affect your experience rating, which determines your experience modifier:

  • Number of Claims
  • Cost of Claims
  • Frequency of Claims
  • Severity of Claims
  • Closed vs. Open Claims
  • Claims History of other businesses in your industry
  • Years in business
  • Number of employees
  • State minimums

The following formula then determines your WC premiums:

WC Premium = Class Code Rate X Experience Modifier X payroll/$100

So, you can see how a lower experience modifier can lower your WC costs.

NOTE: The experience rating formula places more emphasis on loss frequency than it does on loss severity. Therefore, a business with many small losses can end up with a higher experience modifier than a company with fewer, but more severe, losses.

Tips to Lower Your Experience Rating

It comes as no surprise that the number one tip to lower your experience rating is to reduce the number of accidents in your workplace. How do you do that?

  1. Institute a Workplace Safety Program
  2. Engage management and employees in safety protocols
  3. Properly train employees and management on safety
  4. Identify and mitigate hazards
  5. Provide employees with proper PPE
  6. Have adequate staff levels
  7. Inspect and maintain all equipment

The Insurance Information Institute offers this advice, “Review, respond, and improve. Promoting workplace safety is an ongoing process. You should review and improve your program—especially in response to accidents or ‘near misses.’ Employees should always be encouraged to report newly identified hazards or workplace incidents so that you can respond appropriately.”

The other thing you can do is get injured workers back to work as quickly and safely as possible with a Return-to-Work program.

Here's How to Save on All Your Commercial Insurance Needs

American Insuring Group specializes in Contractors Insurance and in all types of commercial insurance. Our independent agents will compare the cost of your coverage among many insurance companies to help you get the best rate on all your Contractor Insurance needs.

Call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online.

Tags: Workers Compensation Insurance, Construction Insurance, Contractor Insurance, workers comp costs, Commercial Insurance, Contractor Safety Management