Sarasota businesses should make the most of their
workers compensation insurance policies by having a safe elevated jobsite to reduce claims. Scaffolding hazards continue to rank high on the list of the most frequently cited standards in the construction industry. Numerous injuries and fatalities occur each year due to improper scaffolding safety. Besides problems with planks and guardrails, the main causes of injuries and deaths on scaffolds are; poor planning for assembling and dismantling, collapse due to missing tie-ins or bracing, loads that are too heavy, slippery conditions, and being too close to electrical hazards including overhead lines. Also, falling objects often hurt people below scaffolds. The standard that regulates the design, erection, dismantling and use of scaffolds is Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction standard 29 CFR 1926.451
Scaffolding Basics For Workplace Risk Management
All metal frame scaffolds share common components. Platforms, base supports, side brackets, and support trusses. Scaffolds and their components must be capable of supporting without failure at least four times the maximum intended load, and be properly secured or braced to permanent structures. Employers are required to train each employee who works on a scaffold on the hazards and the procedures to control the hazards. A competent person must be involved in the inspection, erection and dismantling of all scaffolding, and scaffolds greater than 125 feet in height must be designed by a registered professional engineer.
Fall protection is required on all scaffolds where the working height is more than 10 feet above a lower level. Each worker more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected from falls by guardrails or a fall arrest system. Top rails shall be about 42” in height. Mid-rails must be installed approximately halfway between the top rail and the platform surface. When “X” bracing or cross bracing is used as a mid-rail the intersection of the “X” must fall between 20 and 30 inches above the work platform. To protect workers from falling objects such as tools and debris toe boards should be installed in addition to the wearing of hard hats. Scaffold footings must be level and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold. All metal frame scaffolds must have a means of access. This access can be gained from attached or portable ladders, stairways, or the adjacent structure.
Fall Protection
In the U.S. construction industry falls are the leading cause of worker fatalities. Each year, on average, between 150 and 200 workers are killed and more than 100,000 are injured as a result of falls at construction sites. The safety standard for fall protection in the construction industry is Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1926.500. This standard sets a uniform threshold height of 6 feet which means that construction employers must protect their employees from fall hazards and falling objects whenever an affected employee is 6 feet or more above a lower level. Protection also must be provided for construction workers who are exposed to the hazard of falling into dangerous equipment. Typically fall protection is provided through the use of; Guardrail systems—A barrier with a top rail located 42 inches above the floor and a midrail. Screens and mesh may be used to replace the mid-rail as long as they extend from the top rail to the working level
- Safety net systems—Netting that is installed as close as practicable under the walking/ working surface on which employees are working and never more than 30 feet below such levels
- Personal fall arrest systems—A system that includes anchorage, connectors and a harness and may also include a deceleration device and lifelines used to arrest (safely stop) a person who is already falling from a working level
- Positioning device systems— A body harness system rigged to allow an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall, and work with both hands free while leaning backwards. The worker should not be able to freefall further than 2 feet
- Warning line systems—A barrier erected on a roof to warn unsecured employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge
- Covers—Are fastened over holes in working surfaces to prevent falls
- Safety monitoring by a competent person—This allows a trained person to monitor others as they work on elevated surfaces and warn them of any fall hazards.
If you need workers compensation insurance as the experts at
Sarasota insurance agency Valek Insurance and Bonds.
posted by Jim Valek on
Thu., Nov 17th, 2011 in
Be prepared
Safety
workers compensation
Is it a bad idea to skimp on long-term
disability insurance to protect your family? This is a question that many Boomers who are buying family
health insurance and
life insurance to protect their families are asking. A recent survey by Harris Interactive for America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) found that most Baby Boomers underestimate their risks for an extended period of time due to a disability. Why do baby Boomers underestimate their risks? One reason might be that they believe that they are more likely to suffer a disability than to die prematurely.
How far off are the risk estimates for most Americans? A study sponsored by the Life and Health Insurance Foundation or Education called " The Real Risk of Disability in the United States" has found that white collar workers between 35 and 65 years of age have a 27 to 31 percent chance of becoming disabled for 90 days or longer. Unfortunately, the duration of disabilities has increased within the past few decades. In the 1970s and 80s, a 35-year-old-male with such a disability would have been out of work, on average, almost four years. Today it's six, because better medical care means that people with a terminal types of illnesses will be able to live longer. It does not mean, however, that they are able to pull in their pre-disability income while they are ill.
Steven Crawford, a disability specialist, believes that a well designed disability insurance policy is the key to a sound financial plan. The problem is that often, a financial planner does not advise his or her clients that their income is their most valuable asset.
Everybody should have the maximum benefits they can afford, and many factors will change the cost of a given insurance premium. As an example a policyholder 20 years of age will have a greater risk and as a result a larger liability than a married 55-year.
It is an extremely time consuming process to figure out how to find low quality health insurance to meet your specific needs. First, you have to determine how much you will need to maintain your lifestyle remembering to factor in new expenses that could arise due to your disability. These include benefits from your employer's group plan, your personal savings and possibly government benefits that are related to social security and disability insurance.
Policies and coverage amounts are many and varied so consult with a
Sarasota Insurance Agency to be sure you are getting the correct coverage for your financial protection.
posted by Jim Valek on
Mon., Sep 12th, 2011 in
Be prepared
Insurance
Insurance Company Industry News
Policy Coverage
Valek Insurance, in the Sarasota, FL area is advising people to check their
homeowners insurance during this hurricane season. Researchers from Colorado State University are
predicting above average hurricane activity is expected, and that the U.S. coastline has a higher than usual chance of being in the path of at least one major hurricane this season. Researchers estimate the likelihood of at least one hurricane making landfall on Florida is 71%, and 5 major stoms (a category three, four or five) is markedly above the 2.3 average for the last century.
The official Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1st through November 30th.
Once a storm is within range of land it is too late to change or add coverage. Valek Insurance says it is imperative that people review their homeowners insurance right away.
Valek Insurance is offering the following tips to make sure Floridians homeowners insurance will provide adequate coverage this Florida hurricane season:
Hurricane Deductible - Some states have implemented separate deductibles for hurricanes based on a percentage of the home’s insured value. Note that wind damage caused by non-hurricane storms is subject to the policy’s general deductible not the hurricane deductible.
Flood Insurance -
Flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowners’ policy, but flood insurance is essential in high risk areas.
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value — Replacement Cost policies cover the amount needed to replace or repair a home without a deduction for depreciation. These policies generally cost about 10 percent more, but they provide much more comprehensive coverage than Actual Cash Value policies.
Guaranteed or Extended Replacement Cost — Provides additional coverage if widespread damage inflates the cost of building materials and labor.
Inflation Guard - Automatically adjusts policy limits to reflect changes in construction costs so homeowners do not have to increase limits each year.
Building Code Upgrades - If a home is severely damaged, it will need to be rebuilt to comply with current building code standards that could add increased building costs. Law and ordinance coverage ensures these extra costs are covered.
Additional Living Expenses - Covers the costs of living elsewhere while a home is being rebuilt or repaired.
To protect assets this hurricane season, also:
- Inventory, photograph or video tape all household items. Keep receipts, inventory lists, copies of the homeowner’s insurance policy and insurance company contacts in a safe place that can be accessed in the event of a storm.
- To minimize losses, take steps to protect personal property when a hurricane is imminent, such as covering windows with shutters, siding or plywood.
Keep materials such as plywood and plastic on hand for temporary repairs after a storm. Keep receipts as repairs are made, as they may be reimbursable by an insurance company.
- Be wary of rushing into a contract or placing a hefty deposit with a company for repairs. Unfortunately, fraudulent contractors often flock to natural disaster sites, so it is important to consult with an insurance agent before hiring anyone.
About Valek Insurance
As an independent
insurance agency serving Sarasota and all of Southwest Florida, we will work hard to find the best options for your unique insurance needs. Valek Insurance and Bonds can search our extensive number of insurance carriers to find the best price. Our clients benefit from the years of experience and local knowledge of Sarasota, Bradenton and all of southwest Florida. We inform our clients of not only the least expensive policy options but the best options available to ensure the right decision. Gain peace of mind with the experts at Valek Insurance. Call now for
free quote
posted by Jim Valek on
Sat., Jul 16th, 2011 in
Be prepared
Hurricane Season
Insurance
For Sarasota Florida's residents living with hurricanes every year is not new. However even though last year was relatively quite with thankfully nothing like hurricane Katrina, Charlie or Gustav, If you don’t prepare yourself, your home, your car, and other valuables you could pay the price later. The best way to avoid disaster is to be prepared, and these simple tips will help you do so.
Plan Your Hurricane Evacuation
The local weather authorities will issue Florida hurricane evacuation warnings, but many times it’s too late, or the traffic on the road may prevent you from leaving for hours placing you and your family into a potentially dangerous situation. It is best to monitor the storm yourself, instead of waiting for the final decision from the authorities. If it's going to b a powerful storm evacuate beforehand, just to play it safe, many in Katrina's path had grown complacent over the years and Floridians should lear that lesson. In your hurricane evacuation plan do not forget to bring social security cards, government IDs, banking information, home and car titles, and of course, your
auto insurance; which you should have in your car at all times.
Hurricane Car Safety
Before storm season an a hurricane is heading toward the coast, have a mechanic inspect your car for any potential problems - a mechanical failure with a category 3 or 4 hurricane bearing down is a worst case scenario. During hurricane season include with your storm preparation checklist that you keep your car or truck with a full tank of gas. Many Floridians will remember hurricane Charlie increased in strength from a category 2 to a monster 4 in only three hours - not a great time to be at the gas pump! You may have to gas up days before the evacuation date, as gas shortages are fairly common in these desperate situations. Take your car to the mechanic to get an oil change, necessary repairs, and new tires, if any of these are needed. Driving conditions during these brutal storms, can be equally dangerous and the biggest hazard will be other drivers so be sure your auto insurance coverage is adequate.
You of course should reinforce the house where ever possible to reduce damage. Windows and doors are particularly important to board up - the special screws for securing plywood to Florida's masonry block homes are called "Tap Cons", and it is advisable to have a supply handy before hurricane season - your local hardware or home improvement store may be sold out during an oncoming storm leaving home owners of older pre-storm shutter homes no way to board up the windows. Don’t forget to reinforce your garage as well! Large objects like ladders and wood should be moved from the garage to avoid unnecessary damage. Cover your car with a tarp, or something with padding, if you have it. Secure the tarp as best you can. - Before hurricane season check you
homeowners insurance coverage! many homeowners find out only when it's too late that they were under insured and have to pay for major home repairs out of their own pockets.
Hurricane Auto Insurance Tips
Protection from hurricane damages requires a comprehensive coverage policy. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, get comprehensive coverage well in advance. Some Southwest Florida
insurance companies will refuse to sell auto insurance to those living in these areas during hurricane season, and federal law requires it take 30 days before comprehensive coverage goes into effect from time of signing. Don’t procrastinate on getting coverage, hurricane season is under way, and you’ll be happy you did.
posted by Jim Valek on
Fri., Jul 15th, 2011 in
Be prepared
Hurricane Season
Insurance
Safety
When You are involved in an auto accident, there are some warning signs to look for that indicate you have been the victim of a staged accident.
Staged Auto Accident Warning Signs:
- The car in front of you slammed on it's brakes for no apparent reason.
- The car you have hit is a large older model car
- There are at least three people in the car and they are anxious to leave the scene of the accident before the police arrive.
Here's What the Law-biding Driver can do to Avoid Being the Victim of a staged accident:
- Don't tailgate! Criminal drivers view tailgaters as prime targets.
- Be a defensive driver. If another driver suddenly darts in front of you slow down and nrease the distance between your vehicles.
- Get names and addresses of independent witnessess at the accident scene. These witnesses may be able to verify the accident looked like a setup.
- If a collision seems to be a set up immediately advise your insurance company and law enforcement officials
How Can You Help Fight Auto Insurance Fraud?
You can help fight insurance fraud. Join law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the insurance industry in bringing these costly and sometimes violent crimes under control.
Don't be a victim. Drive defensively, an thoroughly document all auto accidents in which you are involved.
If you know of insurance fraud, report it to our auto fraud hotline at 1-888-662-6616.
Let your family, friends and neighbors know that insurance fraud affects everybody in the form of higher insurance rates. Encourage them to get involved in the fight against auto insurance fraud.
posted by Jim Valek on
Tue., Jul 12th, 2011 in
Be prepared
Insurance Fraud
Safety
There are all kinds of
Florida Auto Insurance fraud, including staged accidents, inflated medical bills, phony injuries, owner give-ups, false repair bills and claim padding.
Millions of people fall victims to staged accidents every year without realizing it. These apparently simple fender benders are actually premeditated crimes, involving organized rings of doctors, lawyers and body shop owners.
Major Categories of Auto Fraud
Staged Car Accident.
A conspirator's pulls in front of an innocent driver's car and stops suddenly, causing the innocent driver to rear-end the conspirator's car. Sometimes a second conspirator's car providing the "excuse" for the sudden stop. The innocent driver believes he is responsible for the accident.
Typical Victims of this trap are usually driving alone in late model or expensive cars. Often a large older sedan is used by the criminal driver and two or three passengers will be riding along. Invariably the victim is later contacted by the criminal driver's lawyer, and the victim's
insurance company is expected to pay large, fraudulent medical bills for the driver and all the passengers in the car.
Owner Give-Up.
Car owners who arrange to have their cars "stolen" and disposed of so they can collect insurance money. It is estimated that about 15 percent of all vehicle theft claims fall into this category.
Auto Insurance Claim Padding
Car owners increase the amount often otherwise legitimate claim to receive more money than they are due. It's estimated that 10 percent of all claims are at least partially fraudulent.
posted by Jim Valek on
Tue., Jul 12th, 2011 in
Be prepared
Insurance
Insurance Company Industry News
Insurance Fraud
A Real-life Example of Living Benefits
We never think the worst could happen to us, until it does. Mike Anderson was a healthy, physically fit 63-year-old. In February of 2008, Mike suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and was in total paralysis. This life-threatening condition put his family into immediate shock, due to the fact that he was so active and had no history of health issues. Mike and his wife,
Laurie*, made a good living. They had educated their four children and had recently purchased a high-priced home that came with a big mortgage. Clearly, Mike’s health was the most important issue, however it was hard for Laurie and her family
to ignore the medical costs that were ahead of them. “This came out of nowhere and we were going to need a miracle,” comments Laurie. Fortunately, as a former life insurance agent, Mike knew the importance of life insurance and had two policies with Midland National Life Insurance Company.
Midland National offers an additional benefit called the Accelerated Benefit Rider – Chronic Illness (ABR-C), which allows an eligible policyholder to “accelerate” up to 24% of the
death benefit annually. For the Andersons, the ABR-C made a world of difference.
After qualifying for the benefit, the family received a check for $145,000 to help cover the expenses for Mike’s care. In Mike’s case, he was eligible to receive benefits from the ABR-C, because he was either unable to perform two of six activities
of daily living or suffered from severe cognitive impairment1.
“I believe we got the best of both worlds because we received a portion of the policy proceeds and still have the remainder of the death benefit. It was truly a gift that we were able to be helped,” says Laurie.
The unexpected can and does happen. But with Midland National, there are options for these difficult situations…options that can offer peace of mind for you and your family. How do you plan to pay for extended nursing care2? If you plan to use your own
funds, keep the potential costs in mind. Here are some of the average costs of extended nursing care services3:
• Private room in a Nursing Home — $74,260 per year
• Assisted Living Facility (Private One Bedroom) — $2,825
per month
• Home Health Aide (Medicare Certified) — $46 per hour
posted by Jim Valek on
Thu., Dec 23rd, 2010 in
Be prepared
Insurance
