Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

April 2012

MORE ATTRACTIVE DISABILITY INSURANCE RATES

By Life and Health

Disability coverage replaces lost wages for people who are unable to work. In recent years, Disability insurance was the industry’s biggest eyesore. Due to suspicious payouts for claims of stress and nerves, companies that sold this coverage suffered major losses during the 1990s.

After suspicion rose for these claims, an investigation by insurance commissioners in several different states began. The investigation showed that some of the nation’s largest insurers delayed and blocked legitimate benefits payments. In addition to this, the insurers committed various other trust breaches. A series of lawsuits led to the end of many companies selling individual policies. Insurers that remained in the business had to raise their rates for new buyers and restrict underwriting rules, which made it much more difficult to obtain adequate coverage.

Disability insurance is regaining its reputation now. This means that it is easier today to find a policy than it has been in many years, which is the top reason why it is a good time to buy. Another reason why it is a good time to buy a policy is that insurers are showing more flexibility about who can obtain coverage. For example, if a person who is diagnosed with depression but it is controlled by medication, they may not be rejected now. In the past, those who started new businesses were not eligible for coverage for up to one or two years after the start of their business venture. Many insurers today take new business owners immediately if they can show proof of five years of successful employment with a business prior to beginning their own venture. In addition to this, they require that people stay in the same industry and show proof of business contracts for the immediate future.

How Much Is Needed? To determine how much Disability coverage is needed or whether it is best to add existing coverage, add monthly living expenses together. It is important to determine how much money is needed for living expenses if disability becomes a reality. Keep in mind that transportation costs may be lower or higher depending on whether a car is owned or not. Subtract any benefits from a workplace plan. Since workplace benefits end at about 60% of pretax income, employer group benefits are not nearly enough to live on. Although it is not possible to replace every dollar of current income, it is possible to find a policy that allows a disabled person to live comfortably. Discuss the different available policies with our agents to learn more about their details. Keep in mind that premiums vary with gender, age and occupation.

Choosing a Policy. The most comprehensive policy choices are own-occupation policies that offer benefits if members are unable to perform the substantial and material duties of their own occupations. This means that they receive benefits even if they can do other types of work. For example, a construction worker who becomes disabled would receive benefits even if he or she could perform office duties for lower pay. It is ideal for skilled professionals who are unable to perform the work they were trained to do but are physically able obtain lower-paying jobs that are related to their industry. Some policies have a modified version of own-occupation policies. To understand the differences, discuss them with our agents.

Coverage That Stays Current. One of the disadvantages of paying for any amount that is less than full coverage is receiving a smaller amount each month if disability becomes a reality. Many disabled people regret not paying for full coverage because their income provides more flexibility with complete coverage. In addition to lost salary, there are retirement shortfalls to consider. These are the most overlooked aspect of such policies. One of the best solutions for this problem is purchasing a rider for the policy, which makes retirement savings contributions up to 401(k) maximums for the duration of the disability. To learn how much these policies will add each year, discuss personal details and options with our agents.

STATE MINIMUM AUTO LIABILITY: IS IT ENOUGH?

By Personal Perspective

State minimum insurance requirements are minimal. Most states demand less than $100,000 for bodily injuries and $50,000 for property damage. Some states require only $10,000 for property damage coverage.

How many cars valued at greater than $10,000 travel the highways? How many trucks carrying cargo are worth more than $10,000? $50,000? $100,000?

According to the 2010 census, the median family net worth exceeded $200,000. That amount includes houses, cars, savings, retirement funds, cash in the bank, college savings, and furniture and personal effects. Half the families are worth more, half have assets less than $200,000; all of it is hard earned.

If the family is underinsured for liability, their net worth is vulnerable to be seized in a lawsuit based on injuries or property damage caused by any family member driving a vehicle. The car owner and the car driver become parties to the suit.

Bodily injuries sustained in car wrecks devastate lives. People unable to work, the high cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation expenses, and the pain and suffering can only be compensated with money. The money comes from the insurance company or the liable party’s personal wealth.

Not convinced you need higher limits? Not all liabilities are released in bankruptcy. Many states have specific legislation disallowing debt reduction for certain accidents, most notably driving while intoxicated. Wage plans reduce take home pay by as much as 33%. Many employers do not tolerate either bankruptcy or wage garnishments.

Still not convinced? How about a selfish motivation?

Other drivers are either uninsured or underinsured. Most insurance companies will not provide uninsured motorist coverage in limits greater than the liability limits of the policy.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage from your policy pays on behalf of the driver who hits you if they are poorly insured. In a classic exercise of the golden rule, insurance companies only sell limits commensurate with the protection you offer others.

Proper limits of liability allow you to protect yourself from the improper coverage other people maintain.

So how much coverage is enough? What are reasonable limits of liability?

Ask our insurance professionals. And consider this:

Your assets are your excess insurance coverage. This means that when the limits of your policy are reached, your assets are at risk. Excess insurance – Umbrella policies, for example – is available in $1 million layers over your Automobile and Homeowners liability limits if those limits qualify – are high enough. Protect yourself against underinsured drivers by increasing your uninsured motorist coverage.

UNDERSTANDING THE PAYMENT PROCESS

By Personal Perspective

An insurance adjuster is responsible for inspecting damage to a home following a claim. These individuals are also responsible for offering a specific sum of money that is to be used by the policyholder for necessary repairs. As a general rule, the first check received from the insurance company is meant as an advance toward the total amount of the settlement. It’s important to remember that it’s not the final payment. Separate checks are issued for each category of damage. Checks to cover living expenses are usually also sent separately. Individuals who are offered a settlement amount on the spot might choose to accept the money. If further damage is identified later, it’s possible to reopen the claim to request more money. Keep in mind that most policies require all claims to be filed within one year of the disaster’s occurrence. It’s best to check with one of our agents to learn about rules pertaining to individual state insurance departments.

People who have mortgages on their homes will receive a check for repairs that is payable to them and their lenders. This is because lenders usually require that their names be placed on the Homeowners policy, which means they’ll also be named on any checks for claims. Since the lender has a vested interest in the property for as long as it’s under a mortgage, they have equal rights to the checks issued by Homeowners insurance companies. When a lender’s name is on the check, the document must be endorsed by the lender before it can be cashed. As a general rule, lenders place the funds in an escrow account. They use the money to pay for the repairs until the work is completed. Borrowers must communicate with their lenders to ensure the repairs are done quickly and efficiently. After receiving a bid from a contractor, show it to the lender. Let them know how much money the contractor requires up front to start working. Keep in mind that a lender might want to have the work inspected before releasing enough funds to pay the rest of the bill.

There are some construction companies that require customers to sign a form that permits their Homeowners insurance company to pay the company directly. If this is the case, it’s important to be sure the final work product is acceptable before telling the insurance company to complete the final payment. There are specific guidelines that lenders must follow after a disaster occurs. To learn about these rules, contact our office.

The first step to take after a disaster occurs is to total up the cost of all personal belongings. Use photos, videos and any other means necessary to prove ownership or show the condition of items that were destroyed. If there are receipts or sales records of any items, be sure to save them. Homeowners who have a replacement cost policy will receive reimbursement for the purchase of new items. Cash value policies provide reimbursement minus the cost of depreciation. Most companies require policyholders to purchase new items before they offer reimbursement for the destroyed items.

Checks for additional living expenses are made payable to the policyholder. Since the lender has nothing to do with these expenses, they don’t receive any of the money. Those whose homes have been destroyed have several options. They may rebuild on the same site. If this option is chosen, the amount of money awarded to rebuild will depend on the type of policy purchased and the amount specified under the declarations section. Some homeowners might decide to rebuild elsewhere. If this option is chosen, the amount awarded will be determined by state law, policy provisions and court rulings. If you are considering either option, contact us before making a decision.

WHY EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT EVERYWHERE

By Personal Perspective

When most people think about earthquakes in the United States, California and Alaska are the two states that come to mind. However, earthquakes can happen in any part of the country. Many people move out of areas that are prone to earthquakes after experiencing one to escape the possibility of a repeat experience. The truth is that there is no place that is completely safe from earthquakes. They are a very real threat that everyone must consider and plan for. One of the most vital aspects of proper preparedness is having ample insurance coverage.

Earthquake damage isn’t covered in the majority of Homeowners policies. This is also true for business policies. Both types of policies specify that damage from earth movement is not covered. Although actual damage from a quake might not be covered, property insurance might provide coverage for fires and other incidents that occur as a result of it. Policyholders should scour their policies to understand the specific exclusions. If the policy seems difficult to read, it’s important to contact an agent with any questions.

Many people think they won’t experience a major earthquake during their lifetime. This is especially true for those who live in areas where earthquakes happen every 100 years or less. Although many people might not experience a strong earthquake like the recent Virginia incident, there are over 5,000 incidents recorded each year by the USGS. Damage from earthquakes has been recorded in all 50 states in history. There have been reports of damage in 39 states alone since 1900. This proves that although some people might not live in areas that commonly experience earthquakes; they’re still not immune to the threat.

Earthquake insurance is available as a rider, which is added to a business or personal property policy. People who have one of these types of coverage should contact their insurer to find out what coverage options are available. Since they’re unpredictable and happen suddenly, it’s best to be prepared for all types of disasters. Earthquake insurance is so important that it can’t be stressed enough. Although the majority of people assume all California homeowners have this type of coverage, research indicates that about 12% actually have this type of insurance. The nation’s average is less than 12%.

Earthquake insurance costs vary by location, building type and the age of the building. It’s much more expensive to insure older buildings. In addition to this, brick structures are more expensive to insure. Buildings with wood frames withstand the force of earthquakes better, so it’s cheaper to insure them.

To offer an example, a home with a wood frame in Washington might cost between $1 and $3 per $1,000 of coverage. The same home might be less than $.50 per $1,000 insured on the East Coast. However, a brick home might cost between $3 and $15 per $1,000 in the Pacific Northwest. In most East Coast locations, the same home might only be between $.60 and $.90 per $1,000.

Every earthquake policy also has a deductible. This means that homeowners must pay upfront for a portion of the damages before the insurer pays the remaining amount. The deductible might be up to 20% of the structure’s replacement value. The percentage depends on the insurer and the location of the structure.

There are also options for renters. There are coverage policies that protect personal property. In addition to this, they usually cover living expenses if the building becomes uninhabitable after an earthquake. It’s important for renters to keep a list of belongings and their values. Major appliances, furniture, electronics and other expensive items must all be documented properly. A new way of creating a record of belongings is making a narrated video tour of the home and focusing on belongings. Contact one of our insurance agents to secure the earthquake coverage that is right for your individual needs.

PROFESSIONAL ERRORS AND OMISSIONS: PROTECT YOUR PRACTICE

By Business Protection Bulletin

Professional Liability insurance funds losses caused by errors or omissions in the rendering of services. What does this mean? Professionals are human and errors do occur. In medicine and science, the client benefits from the best course of action suggested by an experienced practitioner at the time the service is rendered. The best course of action, though, has some risk of failure. It is wise to cover this potential.

Some examples of typical professional liability claims include: An attorney misses a filing date for a lawsuit and the client loses the right to sue a surgeon removes too little, too much, or the wrong tissue. A hair stylist misuses chemicals and burns the client. A computer consultant provides incompatible software, causing damage.

Some examples of actual, but unusual claims: Although machinery is tagged as under repair, a building inspector is held responsible for a new system because they merely reported the tag-out rather than investigating the nature of the repair required. A real estate agent sold a home that the listing agent reported as located in the wrong school district. The selling agent did not correct the error although they were never asked to verify the information. A stockbroker advises a client to sell some stock and balance their portfolio. The client refuses and loses money. The client sues for mismanagement.

Most professional services contracts offer advice, design, expertise, politics, negotiations, or any skill associated with a particular profession. Beyond laws and regulations, professions self-govern by way of setting minimum performance and ethical standards. When these performance standards are not met, either by an error occurring or an omission of an important service duty, a potential claim results. Expert witness testimony is often a feature of litigation in these claims to determine the definition and scope of the malpractice.

Doctors, lawyers, and certified public accountants (CPAs) spring to mind when discussing Malpractice insurance, Professional Liability, or Errors & Omissions insurance. How about architects, engineers, office designers, barbers, dog groomers, bankers, clergy, web site designers, software producers, or computer consultants? Any profession that provides a service instead of a product has a professional liability exposure. Almost any product includes some element of design. So, what separates a product from a service?

A service is defined by the acts of the professional, not by the finished product or outcome. Concrete contractors are covered by completed operations insurance; construction managers who select and supervise the concrete contractor fall under professional liability. If you provide a professional service, advise clients, act on behalf of a client, or provide an outcome or consequence rather than a specified product or completed operation, you need Professional Liability insurance.

Professional Liability policies define the acts, errors, and omissions covered both in general and specifically. Restrictions or exclusions are enumerated as well. Standard forms exist for many professions; however, different forms are used and it pays to have knowledgeable advice.

Reputation creates value in any professional practice. One major difference between standard business and professional liability is the professional’s right not to settle. The downside to this decision, however, is the policy limit of liability decreases for that claim to the accepted claim offer, including costs and legal fees, a very risky strategy. Claimants and their legal counsel prefer to negotiate with an emotionally distraught practitioner than a dollars and cents experienced adjuster who knows the potential court outcome.

With reputation and time away from the practice already at risk, remove the strain of total financial ruin from the equation and obtain Professional Liability insurance.

THE BASICS OF WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE

By Business Protection Bulletin

Employers must take the proper measures to ensure workplace safety. However, there are accidents even in the safest workplaces. To be prepared for employee accidents, employers must have Workers Compensation coverage. This insurance will provide valuable benefits for the employer and the employee who sustains injuries.

It’s important for employers to understand what is covered by a Workers Compensation policy. Each state has varying statutes regarding Workers Compensation, so it’s important to speak with an agent to learn about individual state statutes. Each state determines what injuries are covered and to what extent. They also determine how much coverage employers should purchase. Businesses that expand to other states must consider the different rules of each state they operate in. Workers Compensation policies cover injuries and accidents that happen while an employee is on the workplace premises or away from the workplace on the course and scope of performing their duties.

Workers who are injured receive the necessary medical treatment. There are several guidelines that outline what treatments and diagnostic tests are considered as necessary. Benefits for income replacement are based on whether the employee’s disability is temporary or permanent. Although some states allow the benefits to be paid for the entire length of the disability, some place limits on the amount of time that benefits can last.

Many employers wonder whether they need Workers Compensation coverage or not. In most cases, unless employees are paid on commission or they’re company partners, employers need to purchase workers compensation coverage. There are some states that exempt employers with only a few workers. However, it’s important to speak with an agent about individual state laws regarding workers compensation insurance.

There are individual state rules regarding where an employer can purchase Workers Compensation insurance. It is not part of a BOP, so it’s necessary to purchase it in addition to this policy. Speak with our agents to learn how to get this valuable coverage.

The premiums paid by employers vary by the nature of their business. For example, employers who hire workers to do dangerous jobs must pay more for Workers Compensation insurance. If the nature of the business is dangerous and is likely to result in a serious injury or disability, it’s important for employers to plan on paying more. Experience ratings can be beneficial for employers who must pay more initially but are able to maintain a low claims volume. Speak with an agent to learn how experience ratings work and how they can help premiums become lower. There are several other important aspects of workers compensation insurance that must be understood. Contact an agent to ensure that ample coverage is in place.

WHY BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ALL EMPLOYERS

By Business Protection Bulletin

With more jobs becoming available today, there is a major problem presenting itself for employers. Employees who are applying for jobs are lying about important aspects of their lives. In most cases, the truth may be a disqualifying factor. To avoid the hassle of hiring an unfit employee, it’s important to conduct a background check.

According to the ADP’s 2009 Hiring Index, 46% of the 1.7 million applicants reviewed had discrepancies in their resume’s employment, credentials, education or reference checks sections. In addition to this, 37% of applicants had traffic violations or convictions, and 6% had criminal charges within the past seven years. While not all applicants lie about convictions, others may fabricate details that make them look more appealing. This practice, which is commonly called resume padding, is a method used by people who aren’t qualified for a position to attempt to obtain it. It’s important to be able to identify both omissions and lies.

Understanding What Is in a Background Check. Not all background checks are the same. There are hundreds of online services that advertise cheap and fast background checks. However, these companies provide limited information, and often have limited access to databases that are not regularly updated. In order to get the most accurate and recent records it is best to use state resources.

How to Perform a Background Check. Usually, the office of the Highway Patrol is the best place to begin a search. Some jobs require a prospective employee to manage a budget and handle money. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to request a credit check also. It’s important to have the applicant’s SSN, date of birth and any last names or aliases they’ve used in the past 10 years. Be sure to have the applicant’s approval before performing a background check. Social media sites, such as Facebook, can also be beneficial when researching a potential employee. Keep in mind that people may make fictitious profiles and claims on social media sites, so this information shouldn’t replace what is available on a background check. However, sometimes discrepancies between resumes and social profiles are enough to raise a red flag against a potential employee.

Be specific in what information you decide to verify with a background check or credit check, and only perform those checks when there is a direct correlation with job duties. For example, don’t request a credit check for an employee who won’t be controlling a budget or working with cash. However, if an applicant will be caring for disabled individuals, it’s important to verify that they don’t have any past charges of abuse, assault or neglect. Always use common sense to determine which bits of information need to be verified.

Employer Reference Considerations. Verifying employment and inquiring about an applicant’s work ethic with a previous employer is important. However, it’s also important to make the reference call count. Never rely on the phone number provided by the applicant. Either look up the number through an online phone directory or use a reliable source to verify the number. Although it isn’t common, sometimes applicants provide erroneous phone numbers that may not belong to the previous employer they listed. In some cases, employees might provide a friend’s number instead. That friend will often provide a false reference to make the employee look good. Be sure to ask pointed and concise questions to the applicant’s previous employer. The following questions are good examples:

  • What are the applicant’s strengths?
  • How does the applicant deal with stress and conflict?
  • In what ways could the applicant improve?
  • How do the applicant’s skills with other team members rank?

The best time to perform a background check is after extending an offer for employment. However, be sure to tell the applicant that their employment with the company is contingent upon them passing a background check. It’s always a good idea to state upfront in the job posting that a background check will be performed for qualified applicants. This is usually effective in discouraging applicants who know they have a checkered past and intend to lie about it. Again, the most important thing to remember is to always obtain an applicant’s written permission before ordering a background or credit check for them.

SHOULD I USE A PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE POLICY FOR MY COMPANY CAR?

By Construction Insurance Bulletin

Automobile insurance covers the owner of the car, the driver of the car, and/or an insured driving a temporary vehicle. If the company owns the vehicle, the company needs to provide liability coverage for its risk of operating the vehicle on the road.

As a driver, you need Liability insurance even if you don’t own a car. Drivers are held responsible regardless of ownership. Entrepreneurs who own a company car and a personal car need both policies.

If you drive your car for business, the company still needs Liability insurance to protect against the risk of operating a vehicle on a public road. Tangential issues include:

Pick-up trucks and vans are excluded from business use in many personal automobile policies. Claims will be denied under these conditions. Courts have been “piercing the corporate veil” recently. If the business and individual are judged to be too closely tied financially, corporate limited liability can be lost. Separating business from personal usage avoids IRS problems when allocating deductible expenses. Keep liability clearly separated. A business issue can destroy your unrelated personal wealth. If employees are transported in your personal car, Workers Compensation coverage blurs into personal liability. Is driving to lunch business or personal? If another employee drives your car causing you an injury, you are exempt from your Liability policy.

Too many scenarios can occur to confuse commercial coverage with personal coverage. If you work for a company as an outside sales representative and drive your own car, use a Business Use Personal Policy. If the company owns the car, your Personal Automobile coverage will provide Liability insurance for you personally, but not the company. If you don’t own a vehicle, but drive a company car personally, purchase a Non-Owners Personal Policy.

Whichever entity owns the vehicle – titled name – requires Liability insurance. Commercial Automobile coverage is designed for automobiles, trucks, vans, pick-up trucks, assorted delivery vehicles, even dump trucks. Rating, that is premium generation, considers multiple drivers of mixed experience and more miles driven.

Personal Automobile policies do not anticipate non-family operators on a regular basis. Usually, the application asks who will be driving the vehicle regularly. It is not favorable to list several employees.

The cargo transportation industry has its own truckers form. Garages and repair shops carry Garage Keepers coverage. The insurance industry creates forms and policies that fit the unique needs of different business models.

WHY EVERY CONTRACTOR SHOULD REQUIRE WORKERS COMP INSURANCE

By Construction Insurance Bulletin

Good risk management plans allow Workers Compensation coverage for any hired subcontractors. Since subcontractors are not able to hide behind statutes for contracts, Workers Compensation coverage may be required whether there are statutory provisions or not.

For those who are in contractor and subcontractor relationships, over 40 states have statutory regulations regarding Workers Compensation benefits. Employees of subcontractors must also be offered Workers Compensation benefits if they are injured. The benefits are paid by the immediate employer or the company hiring the immediate employer for the job. As a rule, general contractors face the responsibility of offering Workers Compensation to employees of uninsured subcontractors. This is true regardless of the number of employees the subcontractor has. Premiums are also assigned to the general contractor.

General Contractors & Independent Contractors. It is important to avoid confusing the subcontractor-general contractor relationship with an owner-independent contractor relationship. A general contractor is the entity the owner contracts with to complete various projects. A portion or all of the tasks are then assigned to subcontractors. In order for a general contractor’s relationship to function, there must be three separate parties. These parties include the owner, an independent contractor and a subcontractor. If any portion of a job is subcontracted, a general contractor’s status changes to independent contractor.

An independent contractor is a party contracting directly with an owner or principal to complete a job. In most cases, independent contractors perform jobs that the principal or owner does not normally do. The entire job is completed by the independent contractor and employees. Keep in mind that they are not considered employees of the principal or owner.

As a rule, principals are not usually financially responsible for an independent contractor’s injured employees. They are also not responsible for the injuries of employees of subcontractors hired by the independent contractor. General contractors are financially responsible for an uninsured subcontractor’s injured employees.

Principals & General Contractors. If the subcontractor and general contractor both lack Workers Compensation coverage, the principal may be sued for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by an injured worker. Since the principal does not qualify as a general contractor or employer, financial responsibility is not usually an issue. Although employer status is nonexistent, there are other theories of liability that may constitute the need to pay compensation. For example, failing to provide a safe workplace could result in the principal paying an injured non-employee individual. In such a case, a Workers Compensation policy or a General Liability policy usually provides adequate defense.

It is important for general contractors and principals to require any contracting entities to provide Workers Compensation coverage. When an independent contractor or subcontractor purchases this coverage, the act shows that the party does not have any misconceptions about an employer-employee relationship. Contracts between principals and general contractors should be specific in placing responsibilities. In the contract, a general contractor should agree that failing to require this insurance could result in personal statutory responsibility for the subcontractor’s injured employees. The general contractor should also agree to hold the principal harmless in an injury case.

Establishing Relationships with Subcontractors. Although relationships between contractors and subcontractors are most commonly found in the construction business, they are also found in other industries. For example, cities hire special consultants to analyze traffic patterns. The consultant then hires engineers to perform various studies. They may also perform maintenance on traffic lights, or the work may be contracted out. There are plenty of other examples. However, all contractors and subcontractors are subject to the laws regarding Workers Compensation. To avoid facing financial responsibility for injured workers, it is important for general contractors to require all lower tiers of workers to carry their own Workers Compensation insurance.

MAKING CONSTRUCTION WORKERS’ SAFETY A PRIORITY

By Construction Insurance Bulletin

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) constantly looks for ways to lower the amount of work-related injuries and illnesses. For example, they work closely with the construction industry to find ways to protect workers from situations and substances that are potentially hazardous.

Hazard Identification. One of the main concerns of NIOSH is reducing hazards with falls, electrocutions and toxicity. Some of the accomplishments include:

  • Publicized hazards of lead-based paint and recommended lead exposure reductions to prevent poisoning of workers who are involved in construction of bridges and other various structures composed of steel.
  • Pushed for proper elevation of work practices along with utilization of fall arrest and fall prevention systems.
  • Provided assistance to manufacturers working to redesign and reduce asphalt emissions during the process of paving.
  • Released the description of electrocutions commonly occurring when workers were moving, working from or erecting scaffolding units.

Successful Programs. NIOSH conducted investigations, which led to considerable changes in the workplace. They also contributed to the start of successful programs that save money and lives.

Preventing Electrocutions of Crane Operators and Crew Members. NIOSH researchers found that cranes making contact with power lines were the source of more than 10% of work-related electrocutions. Researchers developed precautions and procedures to ensure safe operation of cranes near power lines.

Controlling Exposure to Asphalt Fumes during Paving. When paving roads, waterproofing and roofing, workers are exposed to fumes of molten asphalt. These fumes cause skin diseases, eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation and cancer. NIOSH works with asphalt manufacturers to develop systems designed to reduce exposure to asphalt fumes by trapping emissions from equipment.

Preventing Injuries and Deaths Caused by Falls. Falls from ladders, scaffolds and buildings are the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the construction industry. NIOSH developed recommendations after investigating more than 70 fall incidents. Their suggestions include:

  • Implementation of programs specifically for fall protection.
  • Correct use and selection of fall arrest and fall restraint systems.
  • Site-specific evaluation of hazards that may cause falls.
  • Correct maintenance, erection and use of access equipment.
  • Implementation and maintenance of covers on floor openings, guard rails and other safety barriers.

Monitoring Lead Toxicity in Bridge Workers. Since lead-containing paint is used to coat most bridges, workers who are involved in bridge construction and repair face exposure to extremely high levels of lead. To contribute to a reduction of lead toxicity for these workers, NIOSH provided funds for the Connecticut Road Industry Surveillance Project, which is commonly called CRISP. On a yearly basis, CRISP saves the state of Connecticut more than $2 million in Workers Compensation funds. Workers’ lead-blood content decreased by 50% after the launching of this project. CRISP offers the following benefits:

  • Surveillance systems designed to monitor the blood levels of workers.
  • Medical examinations and necessary procedures to reduce and monitor lead exposure in occupational settings.
  • On-site technical assistance for help in reducing exposure to lead.