Guest Blog: Hy-Safe Technology- General Contractors: Implementing an Effective Fall Protection Plan

Posted on September 3, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance

Hy-Safe Technology

In an industry that’s full of many safety risks, such as the construction industry, safety equipment and fall protection is vital at every job site.  Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry.  Each year over 100,000 injuries and deaths are attributed to work related falls.  Every employer has the responsibility to act and ensure the protection of their workers.

Hy-Safe Fall Protection in Action

The General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act SEC. 5. Duties 29 USC 654 states that each employer 1) “shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees…”

In addition to having to comply with the General Duty Clause, each employer must comply with all safety OSHA standards, including fall protection standards. Any time a worker is at a height of four feet or more, the worker is at risk and needs to be protected. Fall protection must be provided at four feet in general industry, five feet in maritime and six feet in construction (29 CFR 1910, 29 CFR 1926).

Although general contractors often work with subcontractors, the company that holds supervisory control over the worksite must be responsible to prevent and detect all safety violations, whether or not those violations directly affect their own personal employees.  This is even more important when the supervising company has the power to correct safety and health violations. If the subcontractor is considered an employee of the general contractor, OSHA holds the right to cite the general contractor for any violations.

It is important for general contractors to have a fall protection safety program in place.  A fall protection plan must be well established and enforced.  The fall protection program should provide a method to: identify, evaluate and eliminate or control fall hazards.  The fall protection program should also ensure: effective training of personnel exposed to fall hazards, proper installation and use of installed fall protection systems, rescue systems and rescue procedures. There should be someone who is responsible for monitoring accountability and enforcing 100 percent tie off policy.  In addition to this there must be a competent person who is capable of identifying hazardous or dangerous conditions in the personal fall arrest system or any component thereof, as well as in their application and use with related equipment.

All outside contractors working in or on the premises should be required to follow the guidelines set forth in the fall protection program.  Contractors in post-award meetings should also be informed of these requirements as well as any other on-site construction rules. Workers should also be reminded of all fall protection and safety rules on a consistent basis. A great way to do this is toolbox talks that continuously educate workers.  Toolbox talks are generally short, interesting, and relevant.

Many companies now realize that injuries and prevention have an influence on indirect and direct costs, such as workers compensation, quality,

OSHA fines, insurance rates and productivity.  Studies show that a good safety program can save $4 to $6 for every $1 invested.  An enforced fall protection program will lead to decreased falls and accidents, improved employee morale and productivity and ultimately better cost control.

Hy-Safe Technologies

Hy-Safe's Mr. Fall No More Teaches the Importance of Safety

Hy-Safe is a turnkey fall protection provider single source for risk assessments, custom design, engineering, fabrication, training and annual recertification. As a fall protection leader, we work hard every day to provide the utmost in customer service, while bringing to you innovative solutions and the highest quality fall protection equipment.  Every Hy-Safe engineered fall protection system is 100% safe, OSHA compliant, and meets ANSI standards.  Call us today for a free assessment of your company!  800.642.0775   www.hysafe.com info@hysafe.com

Follow Hy-Safe and EZContractors Insurance on Twitter @FallNoMore @EZContractorIns

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Avoid the Five Deadly Traps of General Liability Insurance

Posted on September 3, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance

This video outlines the traps to avoid when buying general liability insurance.

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Trench Boxes Can Reduce Workers Comp Claims and OSHA fees

Posted on August 26, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance

Per OSHA, any excavations deeper than 4 feet require bracing, such as trench boxes or stepping the excavation.  Some contractors try to cut corners, and have the trench boxes on site, but to increase production and save time, they choose not to use them.  More pipe can be laid without using a trench box, but the risk of injury is so much higher.  Contractors workers compensation claims can skyrocket because of this.

Without the use of a trench box, during excavation, the stability of the embankment is reduced due to the removal of the soil. Natural soils can weigh up to 140 pounds per cubic foot.  If a man is standing in a 5 foot excavation and the wall collapses, that’s equal to approximately 700 pounds of soil and dirt falling onto the worker- from each side.

Currently OSHA has been frequenting job sites on a more regular basis.  While OSHA is more likely to go to the high profile projects, if an accident happens on a residential job, they’ll be there too.  A contractor we know was fined in the range of $4000-$5000 dollars for having workers in a trench that was deeper than 4 feet, without the use of a trench box.

Yes, an OSHA fine is definitely not good- not for your wallet and not for your business.  Imagine facing an employee injury without the right workers compensation coverage.

To get a free workers compensation insurance quote, visit www.ezcontractorsinsurance.com

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Contractors and Twitter- How to do it and make it work for your business- Part 3

Posted on August 9, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance

Now that you have become more comfortable using Twitter, we’ve got some helpful tips that will make using Twitter easier, and some ways for your account to gain more exposure.  There are several sites that work hand-in-hand with Twitter, that allow you to access your Twitter account with more functionality.  Both HootSuite and TweetDeck are two really great sites you may want to check out.  TweetDeck is a program that is downloaded to your computer, and HootSuite can be used through the internet, or downloaded to your desktop or even your iPhone.

HootSuite is a great way to manage multiple Twitter accounts, or if you have multiple people managing your Twitter account.  When you have more than one person managing an account it allows you to see replies that people on your team have made to followers.  HootSuite allows you to see what other people post, people that have mentioned you, and your direct message inbox, all at once.  This is a great site because it lays everything out for you on one page!

Both HootSuite and TweetDeck are helpful if you want to schedule your tweets.  By scheduling tweets, you can save yourself some time by not having log in to Twitter several times a day.

Through HootSuite, you can also view statistics, such as, popular tweets for the day, or who clicked on your tweets.  In addition, you can integrate your Google analytics with HootSuite.

You may also want to check out Twellow and Wefollow.  Both of these sites are sort of the “yellow pages” for Twitter.  On these sites you can enter some basic info and keywords about your Twitter account.  By submitting this information, it will make it more likely that your Twitter page will pop up under people’s searches.

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Contractors and Twitter- How to do it and make it work for your business- Part 2

Posted on August 2, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance

The most important aspect of Twitter is your followers, but how do you go about finding the right ones? You should consider the types of people that you want to connect with on Twitter.  Keep in mind that it is not the amount of followers that you have, but rather the quality of followers.  A quality follower is someone that meets one of the following criteria.

  • Potential or current customer
  • Vendors
  • Other contractors or companies that have a strong Twitter presence
  • News sources for contractors
  • Fun or interesting people that have similar interests as you

The best way to gain followers is to search these types of people out and follow them.  By following them, it makes it likely that they will check out your page and follow you back.  To search for people on Twitter, click on “find people” at the top of the page.  Try typing in key words that relate to your company or products.  You can also go to search.twitter.com/advanced.  This is a more advanced search option that allows you to narrow down your search.  You can type in a key word, or search for people within your area.

Another way to find followers is to check out the competition and who they’re following.  You’re likely to find some quality followers for yourself this way.

It is also important to promote the fact that you’re on Twitter.  Include your Twitter information on your website, blog, or email – anything to get the word out there!

The main thing you need to remember is that Twitter is a social media site, so make sure to be social and interact with your followers.  Generally, you’re not going to get people interested in your company if you simply use Twitter to promote your blog or send out the same generic tweets about your company or products.  Seek out your followers and interact with them.  Be helpful and provide useful information.  Most importantly, be real!  People on Twitter want to feel like they’re actually talking to a person and not just a robot!

Check back soon for our next blog that will tell you how to use some Twitter friendly sites that will save you some time and make using Twitter a breeze!

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Contractors and Twitter- How to do it and make it work for your business- Part 1

Posted on July 28, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance
Contractors Can Use Twitter Too!

Contractors Can Use Twitter to Build Relationships with Clients

Twitter is a free social networking site that, believe it or not, can be a great tool for contractors.  It can help market your company, get your message out to clients and fans, and ultimately gain you more business.  Even if you’re not exactly media-savvy, have no fear.  We’ll take you through the basics and tell you what you need to know to get started on Twitter.

First, if you don’t already have a Twitter account, create one! Go to twitter.com and click ‘create account.’ Your username can be either your name or your company’s name; however, if you plan on delegating Twitter responsibilities to someone else, then use your company’s name.

After your account is created, the first thing you should do is change your avatar (or picture icon). The avatar is going to represent your company, so it should be a logo, a picture of yourself, or something along those lines. To change your avatar, click on ‘settings’ (at the top of the page), then select ‘profile.’ From here you can browse for a picture already on your computer and upload to Twitter.  While on your profile, you should also update some basic information about you company like your location, a short bio, and even a link to your website.

Next, you’ll want to send out your first ‘tweet.’ At the top of the page click on ‘profile’, from here you can type your first tweet into the box under ‘what’s happening?’ This can be something basic like introducing yourself or company to the Twitter universe.

You’ll also want to ‘follow’ people on Twitter.  By following others you can see their tweets and even comment on them.  By doing so, they will hopefully take a look at your profile and follow you back. Followers are ultimately what will help your company! To search for people, click on ‘find people’ at the top of the page.  You can search for people you know or other companies.  While on your search for people to follow, make sure to check out EZContractorsIns and follow us! We’ll be sure to follow you back! If you’re looking for some ideas for people to follow, don’t be afraid to check out some of our followers.

If you need help at any point, click on ‘help’ at the top of the page.  There’s even a business 101 section for getting started on Twitter.

Make sure to check back next week for our blog on how to get the most out of Twitter, along with a few helpful tips that make using Twitter A LOT easier!

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Protect Yourself and Your Employees From the HOT July Heat! (And save yourself a workers comp claim or two!)

Posted on July 19, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance

Summer is in full swing, and these July heat waves can certainly take a toll on your body while working long hours.  It’s important to take precautions to protect yourself when working in extreme heat.  Here are some tips that can help you stay cool on the job site.

  1. Remember to stay hydrated, and that means water, water, water!  Other drinks such as Gatorade or soda can provide a quick energy burst, however they will soon leave you feeling dehydrated.  Also, consider using an insulated water bottle that will keep water cool for several hours.
  2. It is important to maintain your electrolyte levels while working on the jobsite.  Low electrolyte levels can cause you to feel dizzy or your muscles to start cramping.  Eating foods that contain high levels of potassium is a better option than drinking sports drinks.  Foods that are high in potassium are bananas, watermelon, and meats.  Try packing a cooler with a sandwich and some fresh fruit to boost your energy levels.
  3. Dressing for the weather is also something to consider.  Try and wear natural fabrics like cotton, rather than polyester, rayon, or other artificial fibers.  Cotton is a more lightweight and breathable material that will keep you cooler in the hot sun.  If possible, you should also try and wear light colors.  It isn’t just a myth.  Darker colors absorb the sunlight and can actually make you hotter.
  4. Hats can keep the sun off your face; however, hats can prevent heat from escaping your body.  Instead, try wearing a Chill-Its Bandana you can buy here for under 5 bucks.  When soaked in water, they provide cool comfort for hours.  Another option is the Chill-Its Cooling Towel.  It provides cool comfort and absorbs sweat.
  5. Your body knows best!  Don’t be afraid to take a brake and get out of the sun.  If you’re feeling overheated or run down, take a five minute water break and cool off!

If you are a contractor- consider printing this out and handing it out to your employees and subs.  Making sure your employees take care of themselves- especially in the heat will help you keep your workers compensation insurance costs down.

For more information on workers compensation insurance or to check your policy for adequate coverage- go to http://www.ezcontractorsinsurance.com

Filed under: Efficiency, Safety, Worker's Compensation, general liability insurance, work comp | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Reduce Workers Comp Claims, Save Money, Prolong Health!

Posted on July 1, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance

Working out in the field is not always better than sitting behind a desk.  When you’re up on a roof replacing shingles with the sun beating down on you, or sitting in an excavator while your joints are being rumbled, your body takes a beating.  There are things you can do to prolong your body, your finances, and your career.

  1. Remember sunscreen!  Keep a bottle of sunscreen next to your toothbrush and put it on before you leave the house.  Keep a bottle in your truck or even in your lunch box and put it on throughout the day.
  2. If you’re an operator of a machine that produces vibrations, you’re body is subject to vibration stress.  Vibration stress is one of the major causes of workplace injuries.  Minimize whole body vibration stress by angling your seat forward properly.  Use a cushion to sit on- a pillow or a chair cushion works great.  Wrap foam around your gears and steering mechanisms to help reduce the transfer of vibrations to your hands and wrists.
  3. Most heavy machine operators are subject to major neck and upper and lower back pain from straining to turn.  Add large mirrors to your machines to reduce the time you spend straining to look backward while using a digger, backhoe, or excavator.
  4. Protect your eyes- buy a good pair of sunglasses.  Sunglasses with a good UV protectant offer the best coverage.  You can buy sunglasses made for the construction industry here.
  5. Stay away from the roach coach!  The food is high in fat and calories, and low in protein and fiber which you need to keep your strength up through the day.  Bring a cooler, fill it with water, snacks, and a healthy lunch and you’ll save your health and your wallet.
  6. Get a smart phone.  It’s well worth the cost.  With the iPhone, you can sign documents from the field, download hundreds of free construction apps including calculators, levels, maps, GPS, traffic information and more.  Take a look at one of our blogs, where a civil engineer explains how his iPhone has made his life a little easier.
  7. Make sure you, and your employees have adequate health insurance, life insurance, and workers compensation insurance.

Get a free quote for workers compensation and general liability insurance on EZContractors Insurance.

Filed under: Efficiency, Equipment, Safety, Worker's Compensation, general liability insurance | Tagged: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Are the hidden costs of Workers Comp eating you alive?

Posted on June 21, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance

Workers Compensation is one of those “must buy” insurance policies. And you know the more accidents you have the higher your Workers Comp premiums will be. The higher your insurance premiums, the lower your profit margins. And you’re probably aware, but don’t often think about it, that both direct and indirect costs must be reimbursed through the profit margin on each item you sell. Studies have shown that the hidden costs of workers compensation are 4 to 5 times the direct costs.

Some examples of these hidden costs

•              Lost productivity of your injured worker.

•              Lost productivity and morale of surrounding workers.

•              Time spent investigating the accident and processing related paperwork.

•              The cost of temporary help or training for substitute workers.

•              Incidental costs of interrupted production.

•              A potential OSHA investigation

Let’s analyze a $2,000 accident from a reputable study

•              A soft drink bottler would have to bottle/sell 244,200 cans of soda

•              A food packer would have to can and sell over 944,000 cans of corn.

•              A bakery would have to bake and sell over 952,000 donuts.

•              A butcher would have to process and sell about 268,000 pounds of hamburger.

How much more product would you have to sell just to cover your profit when an employee suffers a Workers Comp claim?

Accident cost at 1% profit margin

$1,000                              $100,000

$5,000                             $500,000

$10,000                           $1,000,000

$25,000                           $2,500,000

$100,000                        $10,000,000

Accident cost at 2% profit margin

$1,000                              $50,000

$5,000                             $250,000

$10,000                           $500,000

$25,000                           $1,250,000

$100,000                        $5,000,000

 Accident cost at 3% profit margin

$1,000                          $33,000

$5,000                         $167,000

$10,000                       $333,000

$25,000                       $833,000

$100,000                    $3,333,000

Accident cost at 5% profit margin

$1,000                          $20,000

$5,000                         $100,000

$10,000                       $200,000

$25,000                       $500,000

$100,000                    $2,000,000

Do the math. How much does it really cost you when an employee suffers a workers comp claim? Now, when you tack the sign “safety pays” onto your bulletin board you can translate that into real dollars. Communicate those real costs of the accident to your employees. Share the wealth for those safety free days.

Accident free days leading to increased profit margins all starts with having the reputation as being a fun and productive place to work. With that reputation, you can find the right employees who practice safety, who care, and who can put those hidden dollars into your pocket. Call for your “hidden cost” checkup today.

Learn more about workers compensation insurance and get a free, instant online quote at EZContractors Insurance

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Federal Workers Compensation Fund Covered in Oil?

Posted on June 17, 2010 by ezcontractorsinsurance

The oil spill has raised a lot of questions and concerns for our country.  One in particular is the health of the people who are working so hard to clean up the spill and help fix the rig.  There are people working to clean up the beaches, people working to fix the broken pipe, and people working to help the animals affected by the spill.  These people are putting their health on the line to help restore our country.  Who’s going to help restore them?

Federal Workers Compensation Insurance Hangs In the Balance

The Federal Workers Compensation Fund is already unbalanced... What effect will the oil spill take on it?

Workers are reporting symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and other flu like symptoms.  They’re facing physical ailments from the clean up that are related to ingesting toxic chemicals.  Is it from the oil itself or possibly from the dispersants being used to clean up the oil?  No one really knows.  They need to be seen by medical professionals, and the question is- who’s going to foot the bill?  BP?  The government?  At what point does workers compensation come into play?

Employees of BP are certainly covered under a workers compensation insurance policy, but how about independent contractors- which many of the new hires for BP are.  Consider the volunteers- volunteers  are often covered under a liability policy, but when it comes to workers compensation, that’s not always the case.

The federal government has been known to set up a workers compensation program for cases like this, but at what cost?  Obama is requesting that BP sets up a $20 Billion dollar fund for “payment of economic damages and clean up costs” and BP has so far agreed to do so, but with over 60 million gallons of oil spilled so far, those funds aren’t going to go far.

As we know with workers compensation insurance, claims need to be monitored, premium audits must be managed and verified, experience modifications must be double checked for accuracy, the contract must be analyzed, and sub-contractor’s insurance must be controlled.  We are counting on an independent party- lawyer Kenneth R. Feinberg, the same lawyer who oversaw the 9/11 distributions, to make sure that the claims are processed, the money is controlled, and the fund is financed.

The federal workers compensation fund is already stretched to its limit. The affect of the oil spill on it will be tremendous.  It’s hopeful to believe that the BP fund will help save this, but we will need to wait and see.   The people working so hard to help fix the mess that BP made need to be compensated.  How long they’ll have to wait is anyone’s guess.

Learn more about Workers Compensation Insurance on our website.

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Filed under: Contractor Insurance Issues, Insurance Regulations, Safety, Worker's Compensation, general liability insurance, work comp | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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