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As a general contractor, it may feel as if you’re a Jack of all trades, but sometimes you need to call in an expert (or a subcontractor) – an electrician, plumber, carpenter, etc. – on a project. And sometimes, you are the expert hired as a subcontractor.

Whether you are the general contractor or the subcontractor, your business success depends on your understanding of your legal liability and the right Contractor Insurance to protect you from that liability if something goes wrong. Furthermore, having the right liability insurance helps build trust with potential clients and can result in bigger contracts.

General Contractor vs. Subcontractor

Sometimes the line between a contractor and a subcontractor is a little fuzzy. Generally, a contractor is hired by and works for the client on a project. However, a contractor is not an employee of the client. They work for them on a contractual basis, which means the contractor is responsible for fulfilling the contract and is liable for the entire project, even if the problem occurs with something a subcontractor did.

Subcontractors are hired by general contractors to perform a specific task or service. A subcontractor reports to and is liable to the general contractor. If a problem occurs with something a subcontractor did, the client may sue the contractor, who may, in turn, sue the subcontractor.

Most Common Contractor Liability Claims

The best defense against liability claims is first understanding your biggest risks and then either transferring those risks or ensuring those risks are covered by the right insurance. The following are the two most common types of liability claims contractors face:

1. Construction Defects – Construction defects include poor workmanship, improper or defective material, or a failure to follow construction codes. Examples of common construction defects include structural integrity, water intrusion, mechanical problems, electrical issues, etc.
   
   
2. Construction Delays – Delays are frustrating and costly and can happen for many reasons – weather, defective plans, labor shortages, equipment failures, etc. Some delays you have some control over, and others you do not. Either way, clients can sue if there are significant delays in the project.

Contractor Insurance

There are several types of contractor insurance that can protect both contractors and subcontractors. Depending on the scope of the work you do, you probably don’t need all of them, but it’s important to understand what is available to you.

General Liability Insurance – CGL is relevant to any business and helps protect your business from financial loss that results in property damage, bodily injury, libel, slander, lawsuits, and settlements or judgments.

Workers Compensation Insurance – Workers' Compensation (WC) Insurance is mandated by Pennsylvania (and most other states) for all employers. WC was designed to protect employees injured on the job by providing lost wages, medical expenses, disability expenses, and funeral costs. As a no-fault benefit, WC also helps protect your business from direct lawsuits by employees injured on the job. Failure to comply can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges and fines.

Commercial Property Insurance - Commercial Property Insurance helps repair or replace your physical assets, such as the building, furniture, computers, inventory, etc., if they are damaged by fire, hail, lightning, windstorms, vandalism, and explosions.  

Builders Risk Insurance - Builders’ Risk Insurance - also called Course of Construction Insurance or Inland Marine coverage – is a temporary insurance policy that helps protect a renovation or new building while under construction. It typically covers a building, structure, materials, tools, and equipment on a job site, in transit, or stored elsewhere during construction or renovation.

Commercial Auto Insurance - If you use a vehicle to conduct business, such as transporting materials, equipment, or employees, you should have commercial automobile insurance to help protect you in the event of an accident that causes bodily injury, loss of life, or property damage. 

Professional Liability Insurance - Professional Liability Insurance goes by many names, such as Errors and Omissions and E & O insurance. Professional Liability Insurance protects your business if you face a lawsuit claiming you made a mistake in your professional services - whether or not you actually made a mistake.

Umbrella Insurance - Insurance liability policies include a limit (the maximum amount an insurer will pay if a claim is filed). Commercial Umbrella Insurance helps cover the difference if a claim exceeds a policy's limit.

Cyber Insurance - Cyber Insurance helps cover your business' liability for data breaches that involve sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, and health records

Pollution Liability Insurance - Pollution Liability Insurance protects your business if you're held liable for a pollution incident on a worksite.

Gap Insurance – Often overlooked, Gap Insurance helps cover the cost difference to pay off a lease balance when a vehicle's value is less than the leasing company's payoff in a total loss accident.

Business Income Coverage/ Business Interruption – If you are forced to shut down your business after experiencing covered property damage (such as fires, storms, etc.), Business Income coverage can help replace lost income.

Get the Right Contractor Insurance!

The right insurance helps protect both contractors and subcontractors from the liabilities they face. The experienced independent agents at American Insuring Group will help you get the right insurance to protect your business at the lowest cost.

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

Landlord Insurance is not required by law but is essential if you want to protect yourself, your rental property, and your tenants. Furthermore, most lenders will require that you have it. Renting your property – house, condo, apartment building, etc. – to someone else presents unique risks that regular homeowners' insurance won't cover.

What is Landlord Insurance?

Landlord Insurance is a type of homeowner's insurance that covers damage to your rental property and helps protect you against any lawsuits related to the property. Your coverage may vary, but Landlord Insurance typically covers property damage caused by risks such as fire, lightning, windstorms, vandalism, etc. It also helps cover liability claims, legal expenses, and loss of rental income.

The Insurance Information Institute reports, "Landlord policies generally cost about 25 percent more than a standard homeowners policy to pay for increased protections." The good news is that Pennsylvania is one of the cheapest states when it comes to Landlord Insurance costs.

As a landlord, you may be looking for ways to lower the cost of landlord Insurance and improve your bottom line.

10 tips to help you lower Landlord Insurance Costs:

1. Properly maintain your property - Proper maintenance helps attract and retain better tenants, preserve and increase your property's value, prevent more costly repairs, and help lower Landlord Insurance costs. Experts suggest the following maintenance measures – air filter replacement, regular exterminations, smoke and carbon monoxide detector tests, water heater draining, bathroom re-caulking, gutter cleaning, and regular inspections.
   
2. Make safety a priority – A safer property translates to lower liability risks and fewer claims. "Every property manager should follow some basic safety tips and procedures to make tenants more safe," Experts recommend. "Whether it's physical property modifications, rules for behavior, or your selection of services and vendors, just a little goes a long way when it comes to enhancing property safety."
   
   
3. Install safety features – Installation of safety features, such as proper lighting, secure doors and windows, security cameras, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and alarms, can significantly improve the safety of your tenants and your property.
   
   
4. Make renters' insurance a requirement - Renters' insurance is not required by law, but landlords can make it a requirement as part of a tenant's lease. Requiring renters' insurance can help mitigate the risk of a lawsuit, reduce your responsibility, cover your deductible, provide peace of mind, lower insurance premiums, and more.
   
   
5. Watch Your Property Valuations – The value of your property and replacement costs can fluctuate, so if you want to ensure you have the right insurance coverage at the lowest cost, keep an eye on your property's value.
   
   
6. Increase your policy's deductible – Increasing the deductible (the amount you pay if a claim is filed) can help lower your annual premiums; however, you must ensure that you have enough available funds to cover your deductible in the event of a claim.
   
   
7. Pay your premium annually – Typically, paying your insurance premium in full for the year is lower than paying the premium monthly or in installments.
   
   
8. Bundle insurance policies – If you have more than one rental property or require additional insurance coverage, purchasing all of your policies with one insurance company may lower your premiums.
   
   
9. Don't pay for coverage you don't need – There are many optional riders landlords may want to consider to provide further protection. Still, It's important to consider whether you face the potential risk before adding a rider.
   
   
10. Work with American Insuring Group – We have agents who specialize in Landlord Insurance to ensure you have the right coverage. As independent agents, we check with many insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premium for that coverage.

Get a Free Landlord Insurance Quote Today!

At American Insuring Group, we offer comprehensive landlord insurance policies that cover a range of risks, from property damage to liability claims. Our affordable policies protect your investment and give you peace of mind. Our independent agents compare policies from competing insurance companies to make sure you get the right insurance at the best price.

✅ Call us today for a quote at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online and start saving!

One way to lower Commercial Truck Insurance and other operating costs is to minimize risks. One way to minimize risk is to hire safe drivers. You’ve probably heard the adage that goes something like this: “Employees can be your most valuable asset… your competitive advantage.” Most business owners/managers would agree, but many would add that employees can also be your greatest liability.

However, the ongoing shortage of drivers is probably creating additional challenges when it comes to hiring employees who become valuable assets rather than your greatest liability. The good news is that according to experts, “The number of unfilled driver jobs slid to nearly 78,000, down about 4% from a record 81,258 in 2021.” The bad news is that slight improvement is expected to be temporary, which may have you thinking that sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. NOT at the expense of your business! Hiring the safest drivers available is crucial to your business’s success.

Unsafe drivers increase operating costs, increase turnover rates, and can damage your business reputation. Data shows that “the best drivers can reduce costs by more than 12%, but the worst drivers can increase costs by more than 13%.” Taking the time now to evaluate candidates and hire the best drivers available to lower costs and minimize additional headaches down the road makes good business sense.

8 Tips for Hiring Safe Drivers

1. Set Standards – Set specific standards, such as the minimum number of driving years required, the maximum number of moving violations, etc.
   
   
2. Create a Culture of Safety – A safety culture is “an [organizational] culture that places a high level of importance on safety beliefs, values, and attitudes—and these are shared by the majority of people within the company or workplace. It can be [characterized] as ‘the way we do things around here.’ A positive safety culture can result in improved workplace health and safety (WHS) and [organizational] performance.”
   
   
3. Review Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) – An MVR will include basic information, the candidate’s driver’s license number, their license classifications, and their license status. It will also disclose any traffic citations, license suspensions, DUI convictions, and accident reports. Drivers with serious moving violations or accidents on their record may not be good candidates.
   
   
4. Contact Previous Employers – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that “you verify an applicant’s safety performance history with their past employers for at least the past three years.” Plus, this simple step can save headaches and costs down the road.
   
   
5. Review DOT Safety Performance - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) allows you to obtain a 3-year history of an applicant’s DOT inspection and violation history and a 5-year history of DOT-recordable crashes for a nominal fee.
   
   
6. Conduct a Pre-Employment Drug Testing – Instituting a pre-employment drug testing program can help keep unsafe drivers off the road.
   
   
7. Require a Road Test – A driving test is one of the best ways to discover a driver’s temperament, driving skills, and how safe a driver they will be.
   
   
8. Document – Keeping detailed records can help provide a complete picture of an applicant’s qualifications, making it easier to compare candidates. Furthermore, the DOT requires that you maintain a driver qualification file for all employees who operate a commercial vehicle that includes information such as your inquiry to previous employers, inquiry to state agencies, inquiry about drug and alcohol tests, etc.

Call for a Truck Insurance Quote Today!

American Insuring Group specializes in Truck Insurance, and as independent agents, we compare the cost of your insurance among multiple carriers to ensure you pay the lowest premium.

Call (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 for a FREE QUOTE or connect with us online.

One way to lower Workers’ Compensation (WC) Insurance is to close claims quickly. Unfortunately, some claims seem to take on a life of their own, and what starts out as a small medical claim morphs into a lost time claim. Proactively and carefully managing WC claims is key to minimizing the risk of that happening and affecting your bottom line (higher WC costs, lower productivity, unnecessary use of resources, lower employee morale, and lost time). The first step is to recognize what causes small claims to morph into big ones.

6 Things that Cause Small Workers Comp Claims To Morph Into Big Workers Comp Claims

1. Lack of Communication With Injured Employees

As with any relationship, communication is vital. Unfortunately, many business owners are under the false impression that communicating with injured employees can cause WC claims and increase the cost of those claims. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

An injury can be frightening for an employee. They may worry about their injury, recovery, or how they’ll continue to support their family. They may be in pain or facing unfamiliar medical treatments. Furthermore, WC claims can be complicated. Regular communication helps employees understand your policies related to injuries and return-to-work programs, helps ease their minds, and creates a more collaborative relationship to bring claims to a close quickly.

Furthermore, one study found that “46% [of injured employees] said they hired attorneys because they felt the claim had been denied when, in fact, it had not yet been accepted into the process.” And the truth is that WC cases that involve attorneys often cost more. 

2. Lack of Medical Care

Continuing to work with the injury may cause a minor injury to turn into a more severe injury. But sometimes injured employees are not aware that their medical expenses will be paid in full by WC if the injury occurs in the workplace, or they may be concerned about losing time from work, so they don’t go to a physician.

Furthermore, it may seem easier for the supervisor/manager to make an incident-only record instead of a WC claim when the injury occurs. That can lead to many headaches and cost more down the road, so injured employees must be encouraged to seek medical attention if injured on the job immediately.

3. Lack of Proper Medical Triage

Some bigger businesses and insurers have triage nurses who can evaluate an injured employee and recommend appropriate medical treatment. Many small to medium-sized businesses do not have this luxury and rely on a physician in an emergency room or urgent care.

As an employer, you need to ensure that employees understand your Return-to-Work program and encourage them to describe their regular work duties to the physician who treats them, so the physician can make an informed decision about whether an injured employee can go back to their regular work duties or perhaps lighter duties.

4. Improper Medical Care

Primary care physicians are great at handling routine sickness but may not be the best choice for workplace injuries. However, there are medical care providers who specialize in work-related injuries and realize that many employers offer RTW programs and the benefits of these programs to both employer and employee.

The PA Workers’ Compensation Act allows employers to establish a list of designated healthcare providers and states that injured employees “must seek treatment for the work injury or illness with one of the designated providers for 90 days from the date of the first visit.” Without this list, injured employees can seek medical treatment from any provider. Creating a list of good healthcare providers for your injured employees not only helps you manage healthcare costs and lower WC insurance; it also helps ensure that your injured employees receive the best care possible. 

5. Fraud

Fortunately, most employees are honest and hardworking; however, a few will try to take advantage of the system by committing WC Fraud. Examples of fraud include faking an injury, inflating an injury, and reporting an injury that happened off the job. Employers and medical providers can also engage in fraudulent WC activities. There are steps you can take to recognize and prevent WC fraud.

6. Not Having a Return-to-Work (RTW) Program

We’ve mentioned RTWs several times, so it may be obvious how crucial they are to prevent small claims from morphing into big claims and, of course, lowering WC costs. An RTW program is designed to get injured employees back to work as soon as possible (based on their doctor’s recommendation). That could mean the injured employee returns to modified duties or a temporary position to accommodate any limitations caused by the injury.

Lower Your Workers’ Compensation Costs

Doing what you can to ensure that small WC claims don’t morph into big WC claims is one way to lower your Workers’ Comp costs. Buying the right WC Insurance is another. Our experienced independent agents at American Insuring Group can help you save on the insurance that's right for you.

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

Reducing worksite hazards can help save Contractor Insurance costs, and one significant worksite hazard is power tools, including circular saws. “Approximately 40,000 Americans go to hospital emergency rooms every year with injuries sustained while operating table saws.  About 4,000 of those injuries – or more than 10 every day – are amputations,” according to the National Consumers League. “Table saw injuries cost the United States approximately $2 billion every year.”

Circular saws are a mainstay at most construction worksites; however, these indispensable power tools also come with many hazards:

• Projected particles
• Electric shocks
• Breakage of the disc
• Cuts and amputations
• Blows caused by objects
• Abrasions and becoming trapped
• Overstrain
• Ambient noise

If you want to lower insurance and other operating costs, it’s crucial that you train your workers on these hazards and how to avoid them.

30 Circular Saw Safety Tips

1. Wear safety glasses
2. Wear hearing protection
3. Wear a respirator or dust mask
4. Keep long hair tied back and avoid wearing loose clothing and jewelry
5. Prepare a stable surface
6. Keep the area clear of debris, cutoffs, sawdust, etc.
7. Check safety features before using a saw
8. Check the saw for proper blade rotation
9. Do not start with the blade engaged
10. Allow the saw to reach full power before cutting
11. Set the depth of the saw to 1/8” thicker than the material being cut
12. Do not alter the manufacturer’s guard
13. Don’t cut with a dull blade
14. Select the correct blade for the material being cut
15. Don’t try to twist the blade while cutting
16. Don’t try to remove the blade while it is cutting
17. Before starting and frequently while cutting, ensure that the blade guard works freely
18. Be aware of knots, foreign objects such as staples or screws, and sap in the wood
19. Cut smaller material from larger material first
20. Use an outfeed table or stand when cutting large pieces of material
21. Use a push stick when the material has less than six inches of width of stock away from the blade
22. Stand to the side when cutting material to protect you from kickback
23. Maintain a solid stance with a wide base to maintain balance
24. Do not reach over a moving blade
25. Keep two hands on the saw
26. Do not force the saw while cutting
27. Keep electrical cords clear of the cutting path
28. Unplug the saw before making adjustments, replacing the blade, or repairing the saw
29. Do not move or carry the saw with your hand or finger on the trigger switch
30. Take extra precaution if you are left-handed, as circular saws are designed for right-handed people

Want to Lower Your Contractors Insurance Costs?

Want to lower your Contractor Insurance costs? It’s simple (not always easy, but simple). Create a safer work environment, which results in fewer injuries, fewer claims, and lower operating costs, including insurance premiums, along with happier, more productive employees and a healthier bottom line.

American Insuring Group can help. As Contractor Insurance experts, we provide a variety of money-saving topics (from policy review tips to contractual risk transfer) and safety-related tips (from protecting construction workers from traumatic brain injuries and circular saw accidents to safe lifting practices). Furthermore, as independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage with several carriers to ensure you pay the lowest premium.

Don't Wait. Give us a call today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online for a free insurance quote!

A rental property is a significant investment that you have no choice but to entrust to total strangers. Landlord Insurance can protect you, your property, and your tenants. However, as an investor, you are probably looking to make a profit on your rental property, so you want to ensure you have the right coverage at the lowest cost possible.

Understanding Landlord Insurance and working with the right insurance agent can help ensure that happens.

5 Landlord Insurance FAQs 

1. What is Landlord Insurance?

Landlord Insurance is a unique type of homeowners' insurance that protects your property – house, condo, guest house, apartment building, commercial building, etc. – if you rent it out to someone else. Rental properties present unique risks, and homeowners' insurance won't cover damage to a rental property or protect you against any lawsuits related to the property. Landlord Insurance does this and more. Typically, Landlord Insurance is not required by law, but most lenders will require it, and it makes good business sense.

2. What Does Landlord Insurance Typically Cover?

Landlord Insurance is customized to your needs so that coverage can vary. However, most landlord insurance will cover the following against fire, lightning, smoke, explosion, hail, aircraft, vehicle, windstorm, and vandalism:

• Damage to property
• Liability claims
• Legal expenses
• Loss of rental income

Typically, landlord insurance does not cover the following:

• Maintenance
• Equipment breakdowns
• Tenant's personal property

Optional Riders landlords may want to consider:

• Burglary – This covers items – such as refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers - owned by the landlord but used in a rental property.
  
  
• Vandalism – This rider is helpful for properties in high-crime areas. It covers damage – such as graffiti, cement in the plumbing, etc. – done by someone breaking into the property.
  
  
• Non-occupied Dwelling – If a property or unit is vacant for an extended period, your landlord insurance may not cover claims during that time. For example: if you are remodeling or making major repairs to an apartment, a non-occupied dwelling rider will extend your coverage.
  
  
• HVAC Loss Reimbursement – This rider covers mechanical breakdowns of your HVAC system.

3. Do I Need Landlord Insurance if My Tenants Have Renters Insurance?

Renters' insurance typically includes personal property coverage, renters' liability insurance, guest medical expenses, and additional living expenses against disasters, such as fire, theft, and vandalism. It does NOT cover the building.

Renters' insurance is also not required by law, and only 55% of U.S. renters purchase it to protect their property. However, landlords can make renters' insurance a requirement of a tenant's lease, and "75 percent of insured renters are required by their landlords to obtain renter's coverage."

While renters insurance will NOT cover your property, there are many benefits of requiring renters insurance:

• Mitigates the threat of a lawsuit
• Reduces your responsibility
• Helps you find responsible tenants
• Covers your deductible
• Provides peace of mind

4. Are Landlord Insurance Premiums Tax Deductible?

Yes. Because owning and renting property is a business, your Landlord Insurance is considered an expense, and the premiums you pay are tax deductible.

5. How Can I Lower Landlord Insurance Costs?

Here are eight tips to help you save on Landlord Insurance costs:

1. Properly maintain your property
2. Install safety features, such as security cameras, smoke detectors, and alarms
3. Make renters' insurance a requirement
4. Increase your policy's deductible
5. Pay your premium annually
6. Bundle insurance policies
7. Don't pay for coverage you don't need
8. Work with one of the independent Landlord Insurance specialists at American Insuring Group

Don't Overpay for Landlord Insurance!

Now that you understand Landlord Insurance better, be sure to contact one of the independent agents at American Insuring Group so you can start saving! We help you get the best price on the coverage you need.

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

When we think of ways to lower the number of claims to reduce Commercial Truck Insurance costs, most people probably think about minimizing the risk of accidents. This makes sense because trucks are bigger, which means it takes them longer to stop and can cause more damage than a passenger vehicle.

However, another hazard truck drivers face isn’t so obvious – the long hours they spend sitting in tiring, restrictive, or uncomfortable postures. “Researchers have associated sedentary behavior with approximately 35 chronic diseases and conditions,” according to Truckers News. Chronic conditions include obesity, sleep apnea, poor circulation, accelerated biological aging, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and peripheral artery disease.

A National Library of Medicine (NLM) study of long-haul truck drivers found that 69% of respondents were classified as obese, which increases the risk for many severe health conditions, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, many types of cancers, mental illness, body pain, and low quality of life.

Another NLM study found that 78.6% of truck drivers have musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). “Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are soft-tissue injuries caused by sudden or sustained exposure to repetitive motion, force, vibration, and awkward positions,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. “These disorders can affect the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, and cartilage in your upper and lower limbs, neck, and lower back.“

Optimal Seating Position

Understanding the optimal seating position can help alleviate many health issues by decreasing strain on various body parts. Plus, it can increase driver comfort, increase safety in a vehicle accident, and optimize the visibility of the vehicle controls while driving.

Experts recommend these steps to adjust your seat optimally:

• Step 1: Using the forward and reverse seat controls, adjust your seat so your knees are slightly bent. A two-finger gap should exist between the back of your knee and the seat.
• Step 2: Raise the seat until your hips are level with your knees.
• Step 3: Adjust the backrest so that your back is at a 100-degree angle.
• Step 4: Adjust the headrest so that it is centered with the back of your head.
• Step 5: Adjust the lumbar support control so that it fits in the curve of your lower back

Experts recommend these tips to sit in your seat optimally:

• Sit with your body the whole way back in your seat.
• Hold the steering wheel in the “9 and 3” position. Driving with two hands is safer and causes less strain on the spine.
• Keep your left foot on the footrest as much as possible. This helps minimize strain on the back and pelvis.
• Adjust the seat belt so that it wraps around your pelvis area and not your stomach. This will ensure the most protection in the event of an accident.

Regular breaks and stretching are another critical step in alleviating many health consequences of long-haul driving. The rule of thumb is to take a 15-minute break for every two hours on the road.

Stretching before, during, and after a trip and during regular workouts can also help. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” according to the Harvard Medical School. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

Lower Your Commercial Truck Insurance Cost

American Insuring Group is committed to providing affordable commercial truck insurance. As Truck Insurance experts and independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage among multiple insurance companies to ensure that you pay the lowest premium for the right coverage.

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

Workers' Compensation (WC) Insurance is required for almost every employer in nearly every state, including Pennsylvania. WC provides wage-loss and medical benefits to employees injured on the job and reduces employer litigation costs. However, no employer wants to pay more for WC insurance than necessary, so savvy businesses are always on the lookout for ways to lower WC costs.

Good job descriptions can lower Workers' Comp and other operating costs, but sadly, many businesses have inadequate or no written job descriptions.

What is a Good Job Description?

"A job description is a tool that explains the tasks, duties, function, and responsibilities of a position," according to Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). "It details who performs a specific type of work, how that work is to be completed, and the frequency and the purpose of the work as it relates to the organization's mission and goals."

HR experts suggest that all job descriptions include the following elements:

• Heading Information – job title, pay range, reporting relationship, hours, and likelihood of overtime or weekend work
• Summary of Objectives of the Job – general responsibilities, essential tasks, expected results
• Qualifications – education, experience, training, technical skills
• Physical Requirements (essential for lowering WC costs) – Is heavy lifting required? Are there long periods of standing? Does the job require climbing? Is driving a part of the job? Are specific body parts taxed more than others?
• Job Duties and Responsibilities – what tasks need to be performed and accomplished

SHRM recommends the following steps to create a good job description:

1. Perform a Job Analysis
2. Establish the Essential Functions
3. Organize the Data Concisely
4. Add the Disclaimer
5. Add the Signature Lines
6. Finalize

Why Are Good Job Descriptions Helpful?

No law requires employers to create job descriptions, but they can be extremely useful for the following:

• Recruiting and hiring purposes – A detailed job description will attract candidates with the right qualifications to perform the job, limiting the number of applicants and saving you time.
  
  
• Determining salaries – When job requirements are laid out – education, training, certification, physical requirements, etc., it's easier to determine appropriate compensation.
  
  
• Conducting performance reviews – A detailed job description provides a gauge managers can use to evaluate an employee's performance.
  
  
• Mitigating risk and limiting liability – An accurate and updated job description can become a helpful legal document if an employee files a lawsuit against you.
  
  
• Exempt vs. non-exempt – A job description can help justify an employee's exemption status under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  
  
• Lowering Workers' Compensation costs – Correctly matching a worker's physical abilities to the physical demands of a job can decrease the risk of an injury and a resulting WC claim. Fewer claims mean lower WC premiums. Also, a detailed job description is an essential tool for a physician who is determining whether an injured worker is capable of returning to work in either a full or modified capacity. Studies have shown that getting an injured employee back to work as quickly and safely as possible is the best approach for both the employee and the company because claims are resolved more quickly; administrative costs, overtime pay, absenteeism, lawsuits, and staff turnover are reduced; productivity, employee morale, and employee relations are improved.

Do You Want to Lower Your Workers' Compensation Costs?

At American Insuring Group, we offer cost-effective Workers' Comp insurance from various competing insurance companies. We work diligently to ensure you receive the best price on quality insurance that protects your employees and your business.

Ready to save? Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online!

Toolbox talks are designed to improve safety, minimize the risk of injury, and save money – including Contractor Insurance costs. Construction sites are filled with hazards. “In 2020, 4,764 workers in the United States suffered fatal work injuries,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Over that period, the private construction industry accounted for 1,008 deaths or 21.2 percent of total deaths.” 

Hand and power tools are a necessity on any construction site, but even the simplest tool can become a hazard when poorly maintained or misused. 

Using the Wrong Tool

Using the right tool for the job may seem so apparent that a toolbox talk addressing the issue appears silly. However, many workers – knowingly or unknowingly – break this rule. For example, imagine a worker discovers he missed that last screw and has already put his drill away, but his pocket knife is handy, so he uses it to drive in that last screw.

You’ve probably seen something similar on a worksite or perhaps even did it yourself. Nine times out of ten, everything goes just fine, but it only takes one time – the blade slips and causes a severe laceration, damages material, breaks a tool, etc. – to become an issue. 

Examples of Using the Wrong Tool:

• Using a tool for a purpose, it was never intended for
• Using a damaged tool
• Using the right tool incorrectly
• Improperly modifying a tool
• Not taking proper safety precautions, such as not wearing appropriate PPE when needed

Reasons workers may not use the right tool:

• They haven’t been trained properly
• They don’t know the hazards
• They don’t know the correct tool to use
• They think an injury can’t happen to them
• It seems easier

Workers can minimize the risk of many injuries by understanding what tool is suitable for the job (and using it) and properly maintaining their tools. A toolbox talk addressing the issue can remind workers of the dangers of using the wrong tool and minimize some of the hazards workers face every day.

Hazards of Using the Wrong Tool

The first step is to remind workers of the hazards of using the wrong tool. They could…

• Injure themselves – getting an electrical shock or electrocution by using uninsulated steel tools
• Injure someone else – a loose, splintered, or cracked wooden handle on a hammer or axe can cause the head of the tool to fly off and hit someone else
• Damage materials – cracking tiles by using the wrong drill bit
• Break their tools – breaking a screwdriver by using it as a chisel or pry bar
• Cause an accident – starting a fire with an overworked, over-heated power tool
• Make the job more difficult than it needs to be – using a dull saw or the wrong type of saw to cut materials

Proper Training

Proper training – including toolbox talks - is crucial. Workers need to understand that your business prioritizes safety and how to use and maintain tools properly. 

The U.S. Department of Labor offers five basic safety rules to help prevent hazards associated with the use of tools:

1. Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance.
2. Use the right tool for the job.
3. Examine each tool for damage before use, and do not use damaged tools.
4. Operate tools according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Provide and use properly the right personal protective equipment.

Additional tool safety tips include the following:

6. Read the manufacturer’s instructions
7. Inspect all tools before use
8. Keep sharp tools covered when not in use
9. Store tools properly when not in use 

Get a Free Contractors Insurance Quote Today

Want to lower your Contractor Insurance costs? Call American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online for a free quote. As independent agents, we compare the cost of your coverage with several carriers to ensure you pay the lowest premium while getting the reliable coverage you need.

Restaurant Insurance provides protection for a variety of establishments – full-service restaurants, bars, nightclubs, pizzerias, delis, caterers, food trucks, and more. And each type of restaurant has different risks and needs, which is why Restaurant Insurance can be complicated and should be customized.

It is a necessary investment for any restaurant, but no restaurant owner or manager wants to pay higher insurance premiums than necessary. So, whether you're still developing your business plan or have been in business for generations, understanding factors that affect your insurance premium can help your restaurant's bottom line. Here are six factors that can affect the cost of your Restaurant Insurance.

1. Type of Restaurant

Every business is assigned a classification code based on the business's industry and activities. It may come from Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) or the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau (PCRB) is the Workers' Compensation rating authority. Cafes, fast food restaurants, fine dining, and family-style restaurants are a few examples. The code assigned to your restaurant can affect the cost of your insurance premium.

Insurance is all about risk; therefore, the more risk you carry, the higher your insurance premiums. For example, a restaurant selling alcohol has more risk than one that doesn't. Furthermore, the volume of alcohol sales in relation to your total gross sales will also affect your premium. If a large percentage of your total gross sales is alcohol, you expose your business to more risk, and your premiums will probably be higher. Some insurance companies won't insure you if they deem the percentage of alcohol sales too high.

If your restaurant offers additional activities, such as entertainment, delivery, off-site catering, a mechanical bull, etc., you may also pay a higher premium due to the added risk.

2. Value of Assets

Another factor affecting insurance rates is how much it will cost to replace or repair something if it is damaged. If your assets – the building, furnishings, electronics, kitchen equipment, vehicles, artwork, etc. – are higher end, your insurance premiums will be higher. So before purchasing an expensive vehicle for deliveries, you may want to consider how it will affect your insurance premiums.

3. The Space

If you lease the space, your lease agreement will probably have specific insurance requirements. If you own the property, you may pay a higher premium for a larger space because there may be more risk and a higher value. Many insurance companies base the rate of property insurance per 100 square feet. The location of your restaurant can also affect insurance costs.

4. Number of Employees

The number of full– and part-time employees can affect several types of insurance, such as health insurance and certain types of liability insurance. Furthermore, in Pennsylvania (and most states), employers are required to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance (WC) for their employees, so the more employees you have, the higher your WC costs.

5. Your Restaurant's History

If you have been in business for a few years and have proven to be riskier than the average restaurant, you may pay higher Restaurant Insurance rates. On the other hand, if you've proven to be a lower risk, you should be able to lower your insurance rates. Insurance companies look at the number of years you've been in business, your loss history, and more to determine your premiums.

6. Independent vs. Captive Insurance Agent

Many insurance companies focus on different types of insurance, so sometimes getting various types– property, liability, WC, etc. – from different carriers is the least expensive route. A captive agent only represents one insurance company. Whereas an independent agent represents several insurance companies and will check with each to ensure you pay the lowest rate for your insurance coverage.

The agents at American Insuring Group are independent agents. We'll help you get the right coverage at the lowest cost. Contact one of our agents specializing in Restaurant Insurance today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.