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Monthly Archives

July 2014

Jul 01
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When Do Contractors Become Design Professionals? Does your insurance company know?

By Construction Insurance Bulletin

Great news! You won the contract to build that new project. You’ve seen to the details, like sending certificates of insurance to the owner that meet their workers’ compensation and general liability requirements. And now, you begin gathering submittals, shop drawings and change orders. What’s missing?

Have you ever considered the engineering, value engineering or design aspects of these documents? General liability excludes these critical services from coverage. Let’s delve into these grey areas.

Any time you vary from the architect’s or engineer’s drawing, you are technically redesigning the project. Obviously, many changes are minor and inconsequential to the overall building strength and endurance. But many seemingly minor changes do corrupt the building systems.

Suppose you can’t find a specific light fixture and substitute a slightly less efficient one. You probably just violated the newest energy codes. Since energy code compliance is design driven, you may have inadvertently stumbled into a professional liability claim.

When the architect gets sued for the compliance issue, he’s going to prove his design was scrapped and point to you. This claim becomes a grey area. Did you fail to complete your operation correctly, or did you redesign the energy usage for the building? Most of the former, some of the latter is correct.

Do you build or use pre-fabricated components? Roofing structure comes immediately to mind. Does the manufacturer submit drawings for the structural design? Do you endorse them?

Does your company do any construction management, even as an expediting process? How about value engineering?

When you submit change orders, do you suggest better design or function elements in your request?

These actions reflect professional consulting, design or engineering. Errors might be treated as professional liability claims.

There is an element of design and value engineering in every decision. Where the grey ends is a difficult line to draw. Be aware of this issue.

Suppose you use a high-early concrete mix so you can get steel up quicker. Do the long-term setting qualities change the structural integrity? Memorialize this question in a memo to the project architect or engineer; let them decide.

If you do actively engage in consulting, value engineering or design work, purchase professional liability coverage regardless of project insurance requirements.

Jul 01
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OSHA Reporting – use these data wisely

By Construction Insurance Bulletin

Safety should be your most important employee benefit. Everyone goes home healthy. So, what tools can you use to create a safer work environment?

As a contractor, you’re required to keep injury logs for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Don’t do this just for them – use this tool.

Record every injury, no matter how minor. Any time the first aid kit is used, jot down why, what kind of injury, and who.

Insurance companies learned long ago that the frequency of accidents reflects more accurately the efficacy of a safety program than does the severity of any one accident.

Many small injuries suggests bigger safety issues than one big injury does.

Review and analyze your OSHA logs. Is any one person particularly injury prone? Is any one type of injury prevalent? Is any one job description, that is general labor, carpenters, drivers, suffering injuries more frequently? Do injuries point to a too crowded work space?

If the analysis suggests one person is accident prone, decide whether to keep that person employed or not – nobody wants to be on a construction site with accident prone coworkers – or retrain them in safety practices. Drug test accident prone people.

If one type of injury occurs regularly, review your personal protection equipment. For example, are steel tiers wearing appropriate gloves? Is everyone wearing safety glasses? Correct the issue and emphasize the safety concern in the next training session.

If one job category stands out, review that process with an eye toward safety. Communicate the concern to employees in this job. Purchase new or replace antiquated safety equipment. Discipline the employees to wear or use protective gear properly. Create a safer environment.

Speaking of the environment, do records indicate the work area is too crowded? Has a plumber been hit on the head with lumber as it was hauled in? Are employees fighting over power outlets? Rethink jobsite organization. Often these injuries indicate poor site management rather than labor safety issues.

This process is hindcasting. Analyzing past claims and discovering ways they could have been avoided.
After your review and analysis, forecast the future. Have these dominant injury issues been rectified?

Don’t accept injuries as part of the game, create a safe work environment; the best employees appreciate it as a benefit.

Jul 01
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Easy Ways to Protect Your Teeth and Create a Healthy Smile

By Life and Health

Proper oral care does more than give you a smile you’re proud to show off. They also improve your overall health. Research has found that chronic inflammation caused by gum disease is linked to heart disease and strokes. Implement six tips into your oral care regimen as you protect your teeth and create a healthy smile.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains does more than fuel your body. It also strengthens your tooth enamel. Ensure all your meals include healthy elements, and limit sweets and soda as you keep your mouth healthy.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Residue on your teeth wears away enamel and can cause plaque growth. If it’s not removed, plaque turns into tartar and causes gingivitis. Drink plenty of water to wash away food residue and improve your oral health.

3. Floss Every Day

Dental floss removes food and bacteria from between your teeth. Bacteria can cause swollen and bleeding gums, two signs of gingivitis. Spend a few minutes once a day flossing carefully between all your teeth as you protect your smile.

4. Brush Regularly

A soft tooth brush and low-abrasion toothpaste removes food residue without damaging your tooth enamel. Prioritize teeth brushing after every meal. To do it right, brush for at least two minutes and be sure to reach all surfaces of every tooth.

5. Invest in Mouthwash

More than a breath freshener, antibacterial mouthwash also removes bacteria from your mouth. It should be an essential part of your daily oral care routine.

6. Schedule Dental Appointments

Dentists are able to identify early signs of enamel deterioration, gum disease and other oral hygiene issues. Schedule a dental cleaning and exam every six months, and follow your dentist’s advice about proper oral care, too.

Your healthy smile starts with healthy teeth. Dental insurance and following six tips help you protect your teeth, keep your smile healthy and say cheese.

Jul 01
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Grill Fruit and Veggies to Boost Your Summer Health

By Life and Health

You already cook meat on the grill. Why not add fruits and veggies? They help you boost your summer nutrition and taste delicious.

Choose Fresh Produce

Whether you decide to grill pineapple, watermelon, corn or asparagus, make sure it’s fresh. Ideally, the produce you grill should be firm and picked within the past three days.

Brush on the Oil

You’ll want to stock quality canola, olive or coconut oil in your pantry before you grill produce. It adds extra flavor to your grilled produce and a light coating works together with foil packets or a non-stick grate to ensure the fruits and veggies don’t stick to the grill.

Mix a Few Marinades

In addition to the oil, prepare a few marinades. Olive oil infused with herbs, raspberries, mint or other flavorings, honey and low-fat or Greek yogurt enhance the taste of your grilled produce.

Leave the Skin On

The skin of many fruits and veggies contains healthy nutrients. So, leave veggie skins on when you grill them and maximize the nutrient content of the grilled veggies you eat. Most fruits, however, grill better without the skin.

Pre-Cook Some Veggies

Certain veggies cook more evenly on the grill when you pre-cook them in the kitchen. To prep asparagus, beets, broccoli, parsnips, potatoes, squash and carrots for grilling, steam or blanch them until they’re al dente. Alternatively, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers, mushrooms, onions and eggplant will cook evenly when you grill them raw.

Use the Right Temperature

When you cook fruits and veggies over moderately hot coals, the outside could cook faster than the inside. You’ll want to rotate the produce between direct and indirect heat so that each piece cooks evenly and completely.

Whether you cook for one or 100, prepare fruits and veggies on the grill and enjoy a summer nutrition boost. They help you stay healthy, and you’ll feel good knowing that you’re helping your family and friends stay healthy, too.

Jul 01
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Avoid Sunburn and All Its Painful Side Effects

By Life and Health

Most people have experienced the pain of too much sun. Not only does overexposure to sun cause your skin to age prematurely and wrinkle, but it can also cause sunburn, sun stroke and skin cancer. Avoid sunburn and all its painful side effects when you follow four tips.

1. Use sunscreen.

*Sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, of 15 or higher will protect your skin.
*Look for sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection or a broad spectrum protectant. UVA rays cause skin aging and skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer.
*Remember to apply sunscreen to all your exposed skin, including ears, elbows, scalp and the backs of your knees and the tops of your feet.
*Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
*Use waterproof sunscreen if you plan to swim. It provides 80 minutes of protection as you swim while water resistant sunscreen only stays on for 40 minutes. Remember to reapply waterproof varieties after you get out of the pool or ocean and dry off.

2. Stay indoors when the sun shines its brightest. Typically, those hours fall between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you have to be outside, look for shade or wear a cover-up.

3. Cover your skin. A hat, scarf, sunglasses and lightweight, breathable long sleeve shirt and pants protect your skin when you need to work or play outdoors on sunny days. A large umbrella, tree or other shade can also provide the protective cover you need.

4. Don’t sunbathe. Lying in the sun or a tanning bed and purposely trying to get a tan causes damage to your skin. Instead, be safe when you avoid intentional tanning and remain thankful for your skin color.

Even with these four tips, you might find yourself overexposed to sun. Your doctor can offer soothing medication, evaluate your skin health and provide additional information that helps you avoid sunburn and all its painful side effects in the future.

Jul 01
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Health Insurance Options for Vacations Aboard

By Life and Health

Before you leave the country on your summer vacation, check your health insurance policy. Why? Because your current health insurance might not cover medical treatment, emergency evacuations or medicine when you cross the border. Learn about your options to ensure you have the health coverage you need.

Decide What Medical Needs You Have

The length of your vacation, your destination, pre-existing conditions and your itinerary affect the type of medical coverage you need. Use this information to determine exactly what type of coverage you must obtain.

Talk to Your Current Insurance Provider

Most health insurance providers don’t cover medical treatment abroad, but yours might include limited coverage for certain locations or types of medical care. Always ask your agent exactly what’s covered in your existing policy before you spend money on a brand new one.

Check With Your Travel Agent

Your professional travel agent can look over your destination and itinerary to determine what type of coverage you may need. Then, he or she can recommend reputable insurance companies.

Search the U.S. Department of State Website

Find reputable insurance companies that offer international health coverage when you visit the U.S. Department of State website. Here, you’ll also find resources that help you stay healthy no matter where you travel.

Purchase from an Established Insurance Company

For your safety, only purchase health insurance from an established and reputable company. It should offer 24-hour customer support, guarantee payments abroad and pay directly to foreign doctors and hospitals.

Know Exactly What You’re Buying

Exact coverage types and amounts, deductibles, exemptions and policy cost are all important factors to consider as you compare health insurance policies. Read your policy carefully, ask your agent questions and be sure you completely understand the policy before you buy it.

With the right health insurance, your medical treatment is covered as you vacation abroad. Find the right policy for you when you talk to your agent and examine your options before you take off.

Jul 01
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Backyard Trampoline Safety and a Homeowner’s Liability

By Personal Perspective

Trampolines help your kids burn off excess energy, and they’re a great weight loss tool for you. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all consumers avoid using trampolines because unsafe use of this backyard toy can cause head and neck injuries, fractures and sprain. As a homeowner, don’t set up a backyard trampoline until you find out more about your liability.

Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Trampolines are fun, but the expenses could quickly outweigh any enjoyment. Some insurance companies will not insure your home if you have a trampoline. They may either cancel your policy or exclude coverage for any trampoline-related injuries. Either way, you’ll be personally liable for any injuries that occur.

Set It Up Properly

If your homeowners insurance policy does cover your trampoline, be sure you set it up properly as you increase its safe operation.

*Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up and using the trampoline.
*If possible, place the trampoline at ground level rather than above ground.
*Remove tree branches and other hazards located nearby.
*Provide adequate padding on the springs as you prevent pinching.
*Secure a safety net around the trampoline.
*Inspect the trampoline and all its parts regularly for wear and tear.

Provide Constant Supervision

Guests who are injured while using your trampoline can sue you. Be sure you provide constant supervision to ensure everyone practices safe jumping. That means only one person at a time should jump, and no one should do somersaults or flips, two major causes of spine injuries.

Fence-In Your Yard

You’re liable for injuries that occur by anyone who uses your trampoline, even if the jumper doesn’t have your permission or trespasses in your lawn. Protect yourself with a tall fence. It should have a self-latching lock on the gate for greater security.

Your family and friends can enjoy fun in your backyard thanks to your trampoline. Be sure to understand your liability, though, before you install one.

Jul 01
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How to Choose Bicycle Helmets for the Entire Family

By Personal Perspective

Bicycling can be a fun activity your entire family enjoys. Plus, it’s heart-healthy and reduces stress. Before heading out for a ride, be sure everyone in your family owns and wears a correctly sized bicycle helmet.

1. Verify Safety

Helmets manufactured since March 1999 must meet Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) standards. Look for the CPSC label or sticker inside the helmet and know that this safety equipment will reduce the effects of any impacts.

2. Select the Right Size

Helmet size varies between brands, so take head circumference measurements before you buy helmets. To find your circumference, wrap a ribbon around your head. It should sit on your forehead, just above your ears and extend to the bottom of your hairline on your neck. Then, stretch the tape on a ruler.

Small: 52-58 centimeters
Medium: 56-62 centimeters
Large: 60-66 centimeters

Ideally, helmets should fit snugly but comfortably. They also should fit level on your head with the “Y” of the strap falling at your ear lobe’s bottom. Helmets should also rest low on your forehead and sit about one to two finger-widths above your eyebrows. With it on, you should be able to hear and see clearly.

3. Look for Padded Inserts

Sometimes, extra padding helps a helmet fit better, especially for kids. Follow manufacturer’s instructions when inserting the padding properly.

4. Choose a Color

Whether you want a helmet in your favorite color or one that matches your bike, the color isn’t as important as the fit. However, you may need to prioritize the helmet’s color as a way to encourage your reluctant children to wear and enjoy their bicycle helmets.

Your family can bicycle together and stay healthy as you bond. Just be sure to wear bicycle helmets. They prevent head injuries and are a must each time you step onto your bike. Choose the right helmet and stay safe.

Jul 01
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Affordable Fencing Options That Keep Your Property Safe

By Personal Perspective

Your backyard oasis may include beautiful landscaping, a spacious storage shed and a comfortable patio. You want to protect it from unwanted neighbors and stray animals or wildlife that may wander into it. Plus, you need to keep your children and pets safely within your property boundaries. What type of protective fencing is the most affordable?

Wood

A white picket fence gives your property a quintessential appearance. You can also paint, stain or decorate it to match your personal preferences. To save money, transform pallets, barn materials and other salvaged wood into a reliable fence.

Wire

With an abundance of chicken wire, you can create a fence that keeps your children and pets inside and unwanted invaders outside. Secure the wire to sturdy posts at regular intervals to ensure the fence remains upright.

Bamboo

Strong and mature bamboo gives your backyard an organic appearance. Be sure to keep it trimmed if your homeowners association has rules for plant height.

Hedges or Evergreens

Like bamboo, thick hedges or evergreens can protect your property. Choose plants that will thrive in your soil type, and plant them at an interval that ensures they grow healthy and strong.

Stone

In mountainous areas, you may be able to harvest enough stones to create a decent privacy fence. It will need to be high and sturdy, though, to ensure safety.

Combine More Than One Type

The best type of protective fencing depends largely on your preference, needs and budget. The best choice might actually be a combination of two or more types of fencing. For example, you may plant bamboo on one side of your property but install wood fencing on the other three sides. Contact a local landscaping company for advice and pricing.

To keep your property safe from unwanted invaders and escaping children and pets, erect a secure fence that fits your budget. Be sure to discuss your fence with your insurance agent to take advantage of any homeowners insurance discounts available, too.

Jul 01
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Does Your Home Insurance Cover Your Pool?

By Personal Perspective

Summertime fun often includes swimming in the pool. Whether you already have a pool in your backyard or are thinking about putting one in this year, consider whether your home insurance will cover your pool.

Personal Liability Coverage

If someone is injured while swimming in your pool, the personal liability coverage on your homeowners insurance policy will pay for it. Update this coverage amount when you install your pool to ensure it’s sufficient.

Related Structure Coverage

Your insurance company may classify your new in-ground pool as a related structure, similar to a storage shed or detached garage. Increase the related structure coverage on your homeowners insurance policy to cover damage to your pool. Keep in mind that this coverage won’t pay for pool maintenance.

Geography Matters

Find the majority of backyard pools in warm climates. Based on this fact, insurance costs for your pool may be cheaper if you live in the warmer southern states and more expensive if you live in cooler northern states.

Erect a Fence

To prevent accidents in the pool, many insurance companies stipulate that you surround your pool with a fence that includes a self-latching gate. Consider whether or not you have the space and ability to erect a fence before you install a pool.

Consider the Diving Board or Slide

Some insurance companies won’t cover accidents that happen on the diving board or slide. That policy will influence whether or not you install one of those pool accessories.

Consider an Umbrella Policy

Even if your homeowners insurance policy covers your pool, consider an umbrella policy. It provides extra coverage after your homeowners insurance limits are met. The extra protection gives you peace of mind if you need to file any pool-related claims.

A backyard pool provides hours of fun every summer. Before you install one, though, talk to your insurance agent. Get all the facts about whether your company offers pool coverage and how much it will cost.

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