Monthly Archives

November 2018

How Carpenters Can Manage Their Risks, risk management strategies for carpenters

How Carpenters Can Manage Their Risks

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Due to the inherently physical nature of their work, carpenters are susceptible to a considerable amount of on-the-job risks. While having the right professional insurance is one way to protect yourself from the risks you face, there are other steps you can take to stay safe.

Learn more about these risk management strategies for carpenters.

  • Equipment Inspections

Carpenters rely heavily on their equipment to carry out their work. However, if your equipment and tools are not functioning properly, you are at greater risk for injury and damages. This is why, before you begin work for the day, you should conduct an in-depth inspection of all the equipment you will be using. Your inspection will not only ensure that you have the right equipment to complete the job, but will also ensure you stay safe while doing it.

  • Utilization of PPE

PPE, or personal protective equipment, is something that all carpenters should wear while on the job or on a construction site. PPE consists of things such as gloves, helmets, steel-toed boots, goggles, respirators, and so on. Donning the proper safety equipment will reduce your risk for sustaining an injury while completing your work. Additionally, because PPE is enforced by OSHA, using the proper protective equipment will also help you avoid sanctions and fines.

  • Updated Training

The construction world is evolving rapidly as new techniques and technologies are being introduced. These changes also occur within the field of carpentry. To ensure that you are safely using new equipment and properly administering new techniques, it’s important that you receive professional training. While this may seem tedious, keeping up to date with this growing body of professional knowledge will help you stay safe, as well as improve your marketability in the field.

These are some of the most important risk management strategies for carpenters. Want another way to protect yourself? Make sure you have the right commercial coverages in place. For assistance with all your professional insurance needs, contact the experts at Contractors Insurance Agency today.

workers compensation and volunteers

Are Volunteers Covered Under Workers Comp Insurance?

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Volunteers are a wonderful asset that many businesses and organizations like to tap into. However, any volunteer that works at your place of business opens themselves up to potential on-the-job injuries. This begs the question: Does workers compensation insurance extend to volunteers?

Here’s what you need to know about coverage for injuries in your workplace.

Volunteers are not paid employees of your company so most states specify that they are not covered under workers compensation insurance. Even if you add a voluntary compensation endorsement onto your workers comp policy, this extra coverage will only apply to employees not covered under standard workers comp insurance.

For instance, this endorsement will offer coverage for paid workers, such as employees who are traveling overseas, domestic or farm workers, and so on. So, despite the misleading name, even a voluntary compensation endorsement will not extend coverage to your volunteers.

How can I secure coverage for my volunteers?

This comes down to your state’s laws.  When speaking to an agent, ask the following questions:

  • Where in my policy can I find who is covered under my workers compensation and the limitations?
  • What options do I have for adding workers comp coverage for volunteers?

If you cannot afford to offer coverage to your volunteers, then your business should only work with volunteers who have coverage through other means. For instance, many volunteers have personal coverage options or are insured through a different management company. If your company is unable to offer coverage, all volunteers should sign waivers that explain your inability to provide coverage.

Interested in speaking to an insurance professional regarding the limits of your workers compensation insurance? If so, contact the experts at Contractors Insurance Agency. Our dedicated team is ready to offer you the advice and assistance you need today.

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