Tag

Contractors Insurance Agency Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Contractors Insurance Agency

May 24
0

Ensuring a Safe Job Site is Essential

By | Uncategorized | No Comments
For the first time in many years, OSHA has made significant changes in their PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements.  We urge you to take a look at this “Quick Glance Card” they have issued, to make it easier to understand.

The basics of these new requirements regarding policy and certificates are:

  1. When it comes to liability insurance for contractors in terms of PPE, it is vital that you have a current liability policy for yourself and any and all employees at all times.*
  2. You’ll always be issued a Certificate of Insurance that should be kept with you at all times on the job.
  3. This certificate verifies that you hold fully active insurance coverage, workers’ compensation, employer (contractor) liability, general liability, and what the liability limits are.
  4. There is a lot of coverage in this, but to boil it down, ensure that the coverage includes premises and operations, independent contractor, products, completed operations and contractual liability.
  5. The Certificate should clearly state that your primary coverage is contractor liability.
It’s important to understand that the Certificate of Coverage is simply that—a certificate stating you have coverage. It is neither indefinite nor a guarantee of coverage. It’s your responsibility to make sure your coverage is valid. As a contractor, you are responsible for maintaining all PPE requirements for yourself and any and all of your employees. As we’re sure you already know, most people are aware of what PPE is— equipment designed to protect your head, eyes, body, extremities, and even lungs. It’s safe and smart to use, even if you’re only going to be on site for a few minutes. The old adage “better safe than sorry” is never truer than here! So, the laws state PPE is necessary when high-risk work is being undertaken, and responsibility for supplying it is in the hands of the contractor, along with liability insurance as you are, in effect, self-employed.

What are your obligations?

In brief—please remember, this is not an all-inclusive list and we, along with OSHA’s guidelines, will help you make your way through all the jargon-filled twists and turns!
  • Performance of a complete and comprehensive survey and assessment of any and all workplace hazards
  • Identification of all required PPE and ensuring adequate quantity
  • Full training in the usage of PPE
  • Inspection and maintenance of the PPE, replacing when necessary
  • Record-keeping of any and all safety incidents
  • Remember—it is your responsibility to strictly enforce the wearing of and adherence to all PPE regulations, and to update your compliance program whenever circumstances may change

A few best practice tips for you as a contractor to achieve safety compliance and work without complications:

  • Make sure your PPE policy is in writing, and everyone can easily and quickly refer to it when necessary. A written policy is a requirement of OSHA.
  • Keep up-to-date with state and federal regulations that are specific to your industry. Professional associations can help you with this, if you’re unsure of them.
  • Enforcement, enforcement, and enforcement yet again! Hold everyone responsible, set the rules, and be ready and willing at all times to set the example. Remember, you and your employees are your responsibility.
  • Your PPE policy should follow all regulations set forth in any Material Safety Data Sheets—make sure these are at-hand and everything is in perfect sync.
  • Check you have the correct level of hard-hat protection for the job, as there are three classes of protection.
  • The proof is in the details! Check to make sure, just as with the hard-hats, that gloves and the like are adequate to the job hazard presented.
  • Record-keeping, record-keeping, and more record-keeping! Just like with enforcement, this needs to be stressed.
So when it comes to your liability protection, PPE compliance is only one among many. Along with talking to us here at Contractors Insurance, OSHA’s website is your go-to. It contains some easy-to-understand information for contractors. We have also created a downloadable checklist for a PPE audit. Download it now. ___________________ * This information is not to be deemed legal advice on your insurance liability responsibilities, and legal counsel should be retained if you have questions. This information is for liability insurance requirement purposes regarding Personal Protective Equipment.
Jan 24
0
mobile

Four Procedures For SAFE Utilization Of Jobsite Cell Phones

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

Mobile technology can be a valuable tool for the construction industry, but when it comes to using it on the job site, there’s one device workers should probably leave behind…their cell phone.

Although cell phones can be a necessary method of communication on job sites, they can also distract workers from potential hazards and recommended safety practices.  And despite an absence of OSHA regulations pertaining exclusivity to cell phones on the job site, OSHA can cite employers for violating the general duty clause, which states the requirement to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.

Employers can also violate OSHA’s cranes and derricks standard by allowing cell phones on the job site, since it states “the crane or derrick operator must not engage in any practice or activity that diverts his or her attention while actually engaged in operating the equipment, such as the use of cellular phones.”

Phones may be used for signal communication but OSHA requires a hands free system for the operators’ reception of signals. A construction worker who uses a cell phone while operating a motorized vehicle may face civil or criminal liability for damages they cause.  An employer can also face liability for the acts of its employees if it fails to enforce a policy that prohibits texting while driving.

General contractors can also face OSHA liability for worksite hazards if they fail to address actions by subcontractor employees who use mobile phones improperly on site. As such, general contractors should be cautions of improper mobile phone usage by their subcontractors.

Employers in the construction industry should consider implementing the following Four Procedures For Work Site Cell Phone Safety:

  • Enacting and enforcing clear policies that prohibit texting and talking on the cell phone while operating any kind of motorized vehicle on site.
  • Consider a prohibition on workplace cell phone use in specific areas where distractions could create employee hazards, regardless of whether the employees are operating motorized vehicles.
  • For company issued cell phones, consider the use of applications that block internet access and texting functionality while in a moving vehicle.
  • Make construction sites cell phone free zones and post signs in designated areas to remind workers. Only allow workers access to their cell phones during break period and in designated areas.

Besides the potential for OSHA penalties and legal liabilities, insurance rates can also be affected by job site cell phone use. With distracted employees causing an increase in accidents, the cost of workers’ comp and other insurance coverage is likely to increase.  For further information contact your insurance specialists at the Contractors Insurance Agency.

Jan 10
0
Technology

Seven NEW Technologies that are Improving Workplace Safety

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

The following Seven NEW Technology enhancements are creating opportunities for employers to further improve worker safety.

Exoskeletons

Workers can wear exoskeletons to transfer weight from repetitive tasks and use less energy when moving objects. The result is a reduced risk of injuries as well as increased strength, dexterity and productivity.

Virtual Reality

This technology replicates physical environments and presents training opportunities for employees. It also allows workers to stimulate hazardous tasks and identify safety needs. More benefits are expected as technology matures.

Wearables

Wearable devices offer real time monitoring of workers vital signs. They can alert workers to the presence of environmental dangers. They can also cut health care costs by reducing health risks such as respiratory problems, cancer, dermatitis and hearing damage. An added bonus to employers is that wearables can provide valuable information as to what may have caused the employee’s injury before filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Hand Held Mobile Devices

Although the use of mobile devices can be a distraction and safety liability, there are useful apps that detect safety hazards, log safety incidents, track OSHA requirements and even determine when the heat index is too high on job sites. The key to improving worker safety with hand held mobile devices is using them responsibly.

Drones

Sending drones into high hazard areas instead of humans helps safely assess damage and plan emergency response.

Data Science

In addition to utilization of new devices, Data Science is enabling companies to analyze photos from job sites and then scan them for safety hazards, using an algorithm that correlates those images with their accident records.

Update and Implement Processes/Procedures

Before seeking out new technology, consider ways to improve your processes otherwise it can be a waste of money. No amount of technology will help if its’ your processes that need to be improved.

 

//Function generates a current year and adds language for copyright notice. var currentYear = function() { var d = new Date(); var n = d.getFullYear(); document.querySelector(".copyright-text").innerHTML = '© Copyright ' + n + ' Contractors Insurance Agency'; }// ~end copyright currentYear();