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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.

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!

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.

The more injuries your workers sustain, the higher your Contractors Insurance premiums. One all-to-common injury is traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results from falling debris, tools, and materials; flying objects; and hitting low beams. 

The construction industry has the highest number of fatal and nonfatal work-related (WR) TBIs. “From 2003 to 2010, 2,210 construction workers died because of a TBI (a rate of 2.6 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers),” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “These deaths represented 25% of all construction fatalities and 24% of all WR TBI fatalities among all industries during that period.” 

The CDC states, “More severe TBIs can impact a worker’s ability to return to their pre-injury job and be expensive for both workers and employers in long-term rehabilitation and disability costs.” And don’t think that just because you own or operate a small construction company, your workers are immune to TBIs because workers in small construction companies are 2.5 times more likely to die from a TBI. 

Protective headwear is an essential part of protecting construction workers from WR TBIs. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires construction employers to provide head protection for “employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or electrical shock and burns.” 

However, protective headwear does more than protect workers from WR TBIs. The appropriate hard hat or safety helmet can also protect workers from electrical shock, burns, and more. 

Not all hard hats are created equal, and the proper head protection depends on the type of hazards the worker will be subjected to. Here is some information about hard hats and safety helmets to help you and your workers choose the most suitable headgear. 

All Good Protective Headwear Should do the Following:

• Be water resistant
• Be slow burning
• Include a suspension system
• Be resistant to penetration and blows to the head
• Absorb impact
• Provide insulation from electrical shock
• Shield the worker’s scalp, face, shoulders, and neck 

Hard Hats Vs. Safety Helmets

There are two types of head protection – hard hats and safety helmets. The purpose of the traditional hard hat is to protect a worker’s head from objects falling from above; however, not all hazards come from above. Therefore, safety helmets - which are equipped with more internal padding, adjustable chin straps, a small brim, face shields, ear protection, and other safety features - might be a better choice in many cases. Safety helmets, which look and feel different than a hard hat, usually sit closer to the head and provide additional protection from lateral impacts. 

Classes and Types of Hard Hats and Safety Helmets

Hard hats and safety helmets that comply with OSHA standards are marked inside with a class and a type. The class and type are the same for both hats and helmets. 

The class is based on how much electrical protection the headwear provides:

CLASS G (general) has been tested to withstand low-voltage electrical conductors of up to 2,200 volts.

CLASS E (electrical) has been tested to withstand high-voltage electrical conductors of up to 20,000 volts.

CLASS C (conductive) provides no protection from electrical conductors. 

And there are two types of head protection:

TYPE 1 reduces impact force from hits to the top of the head.

TYPE 2 reduces impact force from hits to the top and sides of the head. 

Training, Fit, and Maintenance of Hard Hats and Safety Helmets

Workers should be trained on OSHA requirements, your company’s policies, when and how to wear a hard hat or safety helmet, what type of headgear is most appropriate for each job, and how to maintain protective headgear.

The top reason workers give for not wearing head protection is a bad fit, and a hard hat or safety helmet that does not fit correctly can reduce its effectiveness. To ensure a proper fit…

• The head harness should leave a 1 to1 ¼” gap between the hard shell of the hat and the worker’s head
• The headgear should not fall off the worker’s head when they bend over
• The rim should face forward 

Over time, hard hats and helmets take a beating, so workers should inspect them regularly for cracks, dents, etc., to the shell; tears and frays in the straps; and fading or chalky appearance in the plastic to ensure they continue to provide good head protection. If, upon inspection, any of these are discovered, the head protection should be replaced. 

Lower Your Contractors Insurance Cost

Want to learn more about minimizing injuries? Check out American Insuring Group’s blog.

Want to learn how you can lower your contractors insurance costs? Call American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online!

One of the most effective ways to lower Contractors Insurance costs is to reduce the number of claims. But unfortunately, construction sites are filled with hazards that cause injuries. In 2020, there were 165,300 injuries in construction, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the highest number of fatal work injuries (1,008) in any industry. 

One of the biggest causes of injuries in the construction industry is heavy equipment – boom lifts, backhoe loaders, bulldozers, etc. - which are, of course, an essential part of just about any worksite. According to OSHA, “Approximately 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes.” OSHA also reports that “being struck by vehicles, heavy equipment, and other objects is the top cause of injuries and the second cause of death for construction workers.” 

Heavy equipment accidents, such as the following, can cause lacerations, crushed or broken bones, spinal cord damage, internal damage, and more:

• Being pinned and/or crushed under heavy equipment
• Falling off heavy equipment
• Being struck by heavy equipment
• Rollover accidents
• Being run over or backed over by heavy equipment
• Being caught between two pieces of heavy equipment

Heavy Equipment Safety Tips

When you work with or around heavy equipment every day, it’s easy to become complacent, but everyone – operators and ground workers - should be alert wherever heavy equipment is used. Most construction site accidents can be avoided with these tips:

Owners/Managers Safety Tips

• Only allow trained (and, where required, certified) equipment operators
• Provide safety training
• Provide an operating manual to the operator
• Provide spotters where needed
• Install rollover protection on equipment
• Ensure good communication, such as standardized hand signals
• Maintain equipment
• Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where needed
• Provide proper lighting when appropriate

Operators Safety Tips

• Be familiar with the equipment
• Do not make sudden or sharp turns or swings
• Honk at intersections
• Wear seat belts
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE
• Do not jump on or off of the equipment
• Understand the company’s policy on the right-of-way
• Inspect equipment before using
• Inspect the ground conditions, looking for holes, uneven surfaces, obstructions, etc.
• Work in well-lit areas
• Avoid working parallel to slopes or embankments
• Do not overload vehicles
• Only ride in approved seats
• Stay alert

Ground Worker Safety Tips

• Wear high-visibility clothing
• Do not stay in equipment blind spots
• Avoid working near heavy equipment
• Ensure that the operator sees you before approaching them

 Crane Safety Tips

The Construction Center of Excellence reports that approximately 82 deaths occur every year due to crane accidents at construction sites and offers these safety tips specific to cranes, such as mobile, overhead, gantry, and jib cranes:

• Know load limitations and the weight of the load to be lifted.
• Evaluate the center of gravity of the load when attaching the rigging.
• Ensure rigging and cribbing is adequate to support the crane and the load.
• Understand the reach and travel limits of the crane before moving the load to avoid extra handling, sudden stops, and uncontrolled load swings.
• Ensure the crane is able to move the load without tipping.
• Inspect ground conditions, outriggers, and weather before lifting a load.

5 Backup Safety Tips

The Construction Center of Excellence reports that “one out of four accidents occur because of bad backing-up techniques and procedures.” The report also states that backing-up accidents account for 500 deaths and 1,500 injuries annually. (2014 study)” Here are backup safety tips.

• Inspect your vehicle and identify potential overhead or underground hazards
• Identify blind spots
• Work with a spotter when appropriate
• Watch your speed
• Identify overhead and underneath obstructions (powerlines, trees, trenches)

Lower Contractor's Insurance Costs the Quick and Easy Way

Want to learn more about how to lower the cost of your Contractors Insurance? Call American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connect with us online. We specialize in Contractors Insurance and understand the unique challenges and needs of the industry.

We'll compare competing insurance providers to find you the coverage you need at a great price!

One of the best ways to lower Contractor Insurance costs is by creating safer worksites. Construction sites are filled with hazards – moving vehicles, falling objects, heavy equipment, etc. These are the more noticeable hazards because if an accident occurs, it's immediately apparent. One hazard that may not be as obvious is cold winter weather because the harmful effects of cold weather may not appear immediately. 

Hazards of Working in Cold Weather

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, "Anyone who has to work in a cold environment may be at risk of cold-related illnesses and injuries, or 'cold stress.'" Here are cold-related illnesses and injuries to watch for.

Hypothermia – When exposed to the cold, your body loses heat faster than it can produce. Extended exposure to cold temperatures can result in the loss of your body's stored energy, leading to hypothermia or dangerously low body temperatures. Hypothermia can occur at temperatures above 40 degrees F if you're chilled by sweat or snow.

Frostbite – The Mayo Clinic describes frostbite as "an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues." Body parts particularly prone to frostbite are fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Frostbite can occur when the air temperature is below 32 degrees F.

Trench Foot – When your feet are wet and cold for an extended time, moisture can cause your feet to lose heat, which can slow blood flow and damage tissue. 

3 Tips to Avoid Cold Weather Hazards

Training
Empower your workers to make smart choices by training them on working in cold weather. That training should include the following:

• The hazards of cold weather
• Proper PPE
• Symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot
• How to treat these conditions

Personal Protective Equipment PPE
The right PPE can help protect your workers from the dangers of cold weather and help lower your Contractor Insurance costs. Plus, comfortable and healthy workers are more productive. OSHA does not require that employers provide ordinary clothing used solely for protection from the weather, such as coats, gloves, and hats; however, sometimes, it makes good business sense to do so.

• Heavy-Duty Work Boots – Feet are particularly susceptible to frostbite. Waterproof leather boots with rubber bottoms and a warm lining are typically best when working in cold weather.
• Insulated Gloves – Which gloves are best depends on the type of work you are performing. Typically, the best gloves provide a thin nylon layer against your skin to wick moisture away, a liner for insulation, and a thicker exterior. Water-resistant materials are a must if your hands will be submerged in water or snow.
• Hard Hat Liners – Hard hat liners can help protect your head, neck, and ears when working in cold weather.
• Eye Protection – The sun's glare reflecting off snow can be intense. Polarized safety glasses with anti-fog and foam lining are the best defense against sun glare and the wind.

Clothing Layers
Layering clothing is key to keeping warm and safe in any weather. There are three layers you should consider:

• Base layer – The base layer sits directly against your skin and should wick away moisture and regulate your body temperature. Synthetic, merino wool, or silk materials are good options but avoid cotton.
• Mid Layer – The next layer should provide insulation. Merino wool, micro-fleece, and soft shells are good choices.
• Outer Layer – The outer layer should protect you from wind, rain, and snow. This layer should be breathable and either water-resistant or waterproof. 

Call Us If You Want to Save On Contractor Insurance!

Another step to lowering Contractor insurance costs is calling American Insuring Group at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 or connecting with us online. Our independent agents will compare the cost of your insurance with several insurance companies to ensure that you pay the lowest premium.

To help you lower Contractors Insurance costs, we share many blogs and tips about keeping workers safe because fewer accidents translate to lower costs. We all know that construction sites – with large pieces of machinery, power tools, moving vehicles, and heavy objects - can be hazardous places. After all, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that the construction industry experienced the most workplace deaths in 2020.

Typically, construction site accidents do involve workers; however, your workers don’t work in a bubble. Worksite hazards can also affect the public; therefore, construction safety must go beyond protecting workers.

You also need to consider the safety of the public to ensure your work activities don’t put them in harm’s way. The public – pedestrians and drivers - can be particularly susceptible to worksite injuries because, unlike your employees, they probably have not received safety training. Therefore, they may not recognize hazards common to construction sites.

Assess the Site

Every project occurs in a different environment, which makes potential hazards to the public unique to each worksite. Therefore, the first step to protecting the public is to assess potential risks at each worksite and determine how your work could impact the public. This assessment should occur before work begins and periodically throughout the project, as potential hazards can change.

This assessment should help you determine worksite boundaries. It should be crystal clear where public space ends and construction zones begin. Unfortunately, many accidents occur when adults or children - unaware of the dangers construction sites may pose - inadvertently wander into construction zones.

Setting Boundaries

The NSC states “the entire project perimeter and specific hazards within the project site” should be fenced and gated, and “multiple warning signs on the fence instructing the public that this is a construction site” should be installed.

To determine the proper fencing for a particular project, you should consider the following:

• How busy the area is. How many cars and pedestrians will pass by your worksite?
• The type of construction.
• Location of site and proximity to other buildings
• Existing boundaries

5 Most Common Construction Site Hazards to the Public

Once the boundaries are clearly marked, the next step is to look at what type of hazards your worksite may pose to the public and take measures to keep the public safe. Here are the five most common construction site hazards to look for and tips to avoid them:

1. Falling Objects – Construct sidewalk sheds around the walkways where appropriate and install netting or use toe boards on scaffolds so falling objects are caught before hitting anyone. 
   
   
2. Falling into holes, trenches, and other openings - These openings should be covered and barricaded with warning signs posted.
   
   
3. Being struck by moving vehicles - During construction, nearby traffic patterns may change. If the new route is not clearly marked, drivers or pedestrians can end up in the path of construction vehicles. Therefore, erecting barricades and using signage is imperative. If the area receives heavy traffic – especially during rush hour – a flag person should help direct vehicles. Pedestrians are even more vulnerable to moving vehicles; therefore, if sidewalks are rerouted, they must have a clearly identified alternate route that is ADA-accessible. Adequate lighting can also help eliminate accidents.
   
   
4. Scaffolding – To avoid the public being hit by scaffolding, ensure that there is enough room when erecting scaffolding and that it is properly constructed and maintained.
   
   
5. Materials – Materials that are stacked or stored outside the worksite perimeter can cause tripping hazards. Hazardous or flammable materials can also cause injuries. Therefore, keeping materials within the worksite perimeter and hazardous materials stored in approved storage lockers is best.

Don’t Overpay For Contractor Insurance!

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, accidents occur, which is why Contractor Insurance is vital to protect your business. At American Insuring Group, we perform an in-depth review of your business. Then, we compare the costs and types of liability insurance among several competing carriers, providing you with multiple quotes and our recommendation on the best choice for your business.

So start saving today on your Contractor Insurance costs by calling us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Workplace accidents are a significant cause of higher Contractor Insurance costs, so it stands to reason that reducing the number of workplace accidents (and subsequent injuries) will help lower your Contractor Insurance costs. One way to reduce the number of injuries is with Toolbox Talks – informal group discussions that focus on a specific safety topic. 

Since back injuries are a significant concern in the construction industry, a toolbox talk that focuses on safe lifting can be helpful. "Back injuries account for almost 20% of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses with days away from work in construction," according to the Center for Construction Research and Training. "Work-related back injuries and illnesses are caused mainly by repeated lifting of materials, sudden movements, whole body vibration, lifting and twisting at the same time, or bending over for long periods of time." 

And these injuries are costly. The Center reports, "Among all reported injuries in the construction industry, low-back claims are the most frequent and make up the largest proportion of claims costs and days away from work. The prevalence of back injuries among construction workers is probably even higher than the BLS numbers indicate since many injuries are underreported in the construction industry." While you can't eliminate back injuries, you can substantially reduce them with a Toolbox Talk that focuses on safe lifting. 

Two Types of Controls to Prevent Lifting Injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified two types of controls for preventing lifting injuries – administrative and engineering. Engineering controls involve designing workstations to minimize lifting hazards. Examples of this type of control include positioning a work table to avoid long or awkward reaches, using a device to move heavy objects, and redesigning tools. 

Administrative controls include properly training workers, which is what a Toolbox Talk should focus on. 

Proper Lifting Technique

Grainger offers the following steps for safe lifting:

1. Stand close to the load with your feet spread shoulder-width apart. One foot should be slightly in front of the other for balance.
2. Squat down, bending at the knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.
3. Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift.
4. Slowly begin straightening your legs, lifting slowly. Never twist your body during this step.
5. Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to the body as possible. If the load's center of gravity moves away from your body, there is a dramatic increase in stress to the back's lumbar region. 

If you need to set the object below waist level, use the same procedures in reverse order. 

Additional Lifting Tips

• Take your time
• Lift smoothly, avoiding jerky movements
• Stretch before lifting heavy objects
• Store heavy materials at waist height when possible
• Have heavy materials delivered as close to the final destination as possible
• Before lifting, determine the best place to grip the material
• Ensure your intended path is free of clutter and slipping hazards
• Use carts, forklifts, or dollies when appropriate
• Ask for help from another worker 

NOTE: "Back belts are not recognized by OSHA as effective engineering controls to prevent back injury. While they may be accepted by individual workers because they feel as if they provide additional support, the effectiveness of back belts in the prevention of low back injuries has not been proven in the work environment." 

Save More on Contractor Insurance!

Another way to save on Contractor Insurance is to work with one of the experienced agents at American Insuring Group, who specializes in Contractor Insurance. We can ensure you have the best coverage for your specific needs. And as independent agents, we will compare the cost of that coverage with several insurance companies to ensure you pay the lowest premium for solid coverage.

So call us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online to start saving on Contractor Insurance costs today!

To lower Contractors' Insurance costs, you need to reduce the number of accidents and subsequent claims. In other words, you need to create safer worksites. Unfortunately, construction sites are filled with hazards - power tools, heavy equipment, etc. – and potentially unsafe conditions. 

Toolbox Talks, defined by Harvard as "an informal group discussion among employees of an individual department that focuses on a particular safety issue," is one way to create a safer worksite and lower Workers' Compensation (and other) costs. You can choose many safety topics for your Toolbox Talk, but one crucial topic is "How to Recognize and Report Unsafe Conditions." 

First Step

First, you must create a workplace where employees feel comfortable reporting potentially unsafe conditions. Here's why. 

Studies have found that nearly 50% of employees did not report a safety issue to their supervisor. The reason? Some employees didn't feel comfortable reporting a potential issue – some even felt it was unsafe. In addition, some employees didn't feel it was their responsibility or that nothing was done when safety hazards were reported in the past. 

It is your responsibility to develop a culture of safety, to encourage your employees to report potential issues, and to make them feel safe doing so. It is in your best interest and theirs because it can minimize accidents and injuries, create happier, more engaged employees, and help prevent litigation and lawsuits against your company. 

Furthermore, ensure you have a straightforward process for reporting potentially unsafe conditions that you communicate to your workers. 

Most Common Hazards on a Construction Site

The following list includes the four most common workplace hazards according to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 500 deaths could be prevented each year if the hazardous conditions leading to the Fatal Four were improved, making it a great place to start a Toolbox Talk about Recognizing unsafe conditions.

• Falls – Fall-related accidents are the most common cause of construction-related fatalities. This includes slipping or tripping, leading to falls and falling off ladders, roofs, scaffolding, etc.
• Caught-In or -Between – Examples of this type of hazard include cave-ins, being crushed between shifting objects or being pulled into or caught in machinery equipment.
• Struck-By – According to OSHA, this type of injury "is produced by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment."
• Electrocution – OSHA states, "Electrocution results when a person is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy." It can occur when workers are exposed to burns, electrocution, arc flash, fire, or explosions.

OSHA offers an in-depth training program regarding these four Hazards. 

Recognizing Unsafe Conditions

Many accidents related to these and other hazards are preventable by increasing awareness and showing workers how to recognize unsafe conditions. Here are a few unsafe conditions workers should be aware of:

• Spills that aren't cleaned up
• Clutter
• Over-stacked loads
• Glare or shadows
• Unprotected edges
• Lack of signs cautioning workers about unsafe conditions, such as slippery surfaces
• Insufficient fall protection
• Unstable or unavailable scaffolding
• Faulty or unsupportive ladders or ladder misuse
• Failure to routinely inspect the equipment
• Poorly maintained equipment
• Frayed or damaged wires
• Unprotected power lines
• Power supplies that are not grounded
• Someone inspecting or repairing equipment that is not de-energized
• Using too many extension cords
• Lack of proper lockout/tag-out procedures
• Insufficient communication regarding safety
• Lack of appropriate PPE
• Lack of adequate safety training
• Lack of the right equipment to move heavy materials

 Call Us to Lower Your Contractor Insurance Costs!

The agents at American Insuring Group specialize in Contractors' Insurance, so we can ensure that you have the right insurance coverage to protect your business. In addition, as independent agents, we can ensure you pay the lowest premium for that coverage. Contact us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online and start saving on Contractors' Insurance today.

As a busy contractor, it may be tempting to simply renew your Contractors' Insurance without reviewing it first. However, failure to review your insurance can result in paying more than you have to or being underinsured. Taking a few minutes to review your current policy, evaluate your current needs, and discuss it with a trusted insurance agent can make all the difference. 

While every business faces certain risks – employee injuries, property damage, etc., it could be argued that contractors face many challenges unique to the industry. For example, the construction industry is currently facing rising material costs, supply chain issues, a shortage of skilled laborers, increased risk of cybersecurity exposures, and more. 

Furthermore, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4,764 U.S. workers suffered fatal work injuries in 2020. The private construction industry accounted for 21.2% of those deaths. The construction industry fared better in non-fatal injuries but still experienced 174,000 injuries out of 2.7 million total non-fatal workplace injuries reported by the private sector. 

The right insurance will help protect you financially from those risks, but to ensure you have the right insurance for your business, you need to take the time to review your policies before renewing them. 

The best time to start the renewal process is three to four months before your current policy's expiration date. This gives you time to review your policy, gather information, determine if there are any changes in your insurance needs, and compare the cost of your coverage. 

7 Insurance Review Tips:

• Identify any changes to your business, such as…
  • Did you increase or decrease the number of employees?
  • Have you added, replaced, or sold any vehicles or equipment?
  • Did you add or change your location?
  • Has your business structure altered in any way?
  • Has your payroll changed?
  • Has the classification code for any of your employees changed?
    
    
• Review your current policy. Is all the information correct – payroll, classification codes, experience modifier, etc.?
  
  
• Run a loss run report. 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. This information is used to determine how risky a business is to insure, which can affect the premium you pay or even if an insurance company will issue or renew a policy for your business. In addition, you can use the information to lower your insurance costs and even improve other areas of your business.
  
  
• Research industry trends. Factors such as litigation, a recession, or the availability of materials can affect your risks and coverages. Knowing what challenges you may face can help ensure you have the right insurance coverage.
  
  
• Work with an insurance agent who specializes in Contractors' Insurance. American Insuring Group specializes in insurance for small to medium-sized construction companies. We start by taking a close look at your business and then recommend the proper types of coverage to protect you, your business, your employees, and your assets.
  
  
• Ask about discounts and how you can lower your premiums. Some insurance carriers offer a discount for the following:
  • Combining policies
  • Paying your premium upfront (rather than monthly payments)
  • Paying by electronic funds transfer
  • Allowing them to access your driving data via an electronic logging device (ELD)
  • Installing certain safety features (burglar alarms, sprinklers, etc.)
    
    
• Compare the cost of your coverage with several insurance companies. The good news is that, unlike many agencies that sell only one insurance brand, American Insuring Group is a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency. That means we are free to offer not just one but more than 25 competing brands of insurance to ensure you pay the lowest rate for your insurance coverage.

 Who to Call for the Best Rate on Contractors' Insurance

Whether it's general contracting insurance, construction insurance, contractor workers comp, carpentry, HVAC, handyman, or any other type of insurance, American Insuring Group has you covered!

Contact us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online and start saving on Contractors' Insurance costs today!