How a California EPLI (Employment Practices Liability) Insurance policy can help your business!

A strong relationship between an employer and employee can be key to a successful business and is an important goal for many business owners. When both are working together as a team, your company runs more smoothly and solid camaraderie can develop. However, when an employer and employee are at odds, that relationship can grow bitter rather quickly.  As the employer, you never know how things will transpire with an employee so it is important to be prepared and protected if an argument with one of your workers escalates into a lawsuit, as a lawsuit can potentially affect the well-being of your company. California Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can help. It provides protection for your business for such incidents between you and your employee (s). Although unpleasant to discuss, the risk of an employee going after you and your company for a variety of reasons is always present and needs to be planned for, thus your business must be properly covered. Let’s go over how a California EPLI quote can help and protect you.

From Whoever

Not only can current employees file suit against you but also former employees and even potential new hires. This is important to be aware of and understand that regardless of how responsible you are at conducting your business and keeping immaculate records, anyone involved in your company’s employment process can sue you. However, a California EPLI coverage quote defends against suits made from any type of employee so you can feel secure knowing those potential risks will be protected against.

For Any Reason

Wrongful acts (or claims of wrongful acts) can arise from essentially any part of the employment relationship.  Such reasons for a suit from an employee include:
-failure to promote
-whistleblower retaliation
-breach of employment contract
-wrongful termination
-violation of civil rights laws
-discrimination or harassment
-wage and hour (sometimes excluded and can be added as endorsement)

For Anyone

Regardless of your business size (whether a small, local business or a national corporation), your company is still at risk and could result in bankruptcy from one employee lawsuit if EPLI coverage is not in place. Since allegations and altercations can occur whether you have one employee or 1,000 employees, all types of businesses can benefit from California EPLI quotes and the security it provides.

As you can see, a California EPLI quote is a vital part of any business to ensure you are protected from within. Reach out to an insurance broker about receiving a quote and adding EPLI coverage to your business so you can start enjoying the process of building a solid work team knowing you have the coverage and peace of mind to do so.

Do I need California Professional Liability Insurance? What exactly does it cover?

No one is perfect and, we can all admit that at one point or another, we have made a mistake while at work. Whether it was forgetting to relay that phone message to a coworker or writing down a customer’s dinner order incorrectly; mistakes happen. However, for professional occupations, even the smallest mistakes can result in serious consequences, such as lawsuits and/or a ruined business reputation. Since mistakes are inevitable, protect against them with a Professional Liability insurance quote. Such a quote will instill coverage that one may need when the unpredictable or the imperfect occurs at the job site, protecting business owners in the event that a client sues for negligence, inaccuracies, or oversights. Professional Liability, also known as Errors & Omissions, covers defense costs for these lawsuits, which is sometimes not covered by other types of insurance in California and thus is truly significant in providing full coverage.

Most California business owners ask their insurance agents for a General Liability quote however, as essential and important as this coverage may be, it does not protect against the errors that may occur during a professional service. General Liability protects against advertising slander, injuries and damage that can occur during a job or by a business, including the medical and defense fees. Professional Liability, on the other hand, protects against claims and lawsuits of inaccurate professional services and/or advice. In other words, General Liability provides cover for damage by a trade business while Professional Liability provides coverage for damage by a business consisting of licensed professionals. If you are accused of negligence in a field you are licensed in, Professional Liability comes to your defense.

As the name suggests, professionals can most optimally benefit from a California Professional Liability quote. Business owners who are licensed or certified to provide a professional service to clients are at risk of getting sued for negligence during a service, which is not covered by standard General Liability coverage. Professionals include doctors, consultants, contractors, attorneys, engineers, photographs, beauticians, trainers, and accountants to name a few. Being a licensed professional is an incredible accomplishment and is worth adequate protection. California business owners’ deserve professional coverage that can only be provided by a Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions policy.

Workers Compensation Insurance in California

Safety and security for employees is the spirit of the workers' compensation laws in California and JVRC Business insurance has been helping business in California for over a decade.

Of course it is difficult to find cost effective workers' comp insurance especially in California.

If you need California Workers Compensation Insurance, visit our website and fill out the "Free Insurance Quote" form on the right side of the page linked above.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us using the information on the right side of this blog.

Thank you,
Ryan Clark

Tips to Avoid Work-Place Injuries

Depending on what industry you work in, you will be worried about different types of work-place injuries. For example, if you primarily do clerical work then you are probably worried more about ergonomics or back strain from lifting office supplies; if you work as a nurse you might be worried about getting pricked by a needle; and if you work as a construction worker you may be worried about falling from a roof, scaffolding, or type of machinery.  

In addition to the tips below, your broker or workers’ compensation insurance carrier would also be able to provide you with industry-specific safety pamphlets and tips to hand out to your employees.

Tips for Employees (http://www.workers-comp-news.com/preventing.php)

• While working at a computer, sit with your knees at a 90- to 120-degree angle. Using an angled foot rest can help reduce back strain.
• Make sure your chair fits correctly and is ergonomically designed.
• When lifting heavy or awkward items, life with your knees not with your back. Always bend your hips and knees and squat to pick a heavy object while keeping your back straight and holding the object close to your body.
• Don't twist your body while lifting.
• If you must sit for long periods, take frequent breaks to stretch.
• Exercise regularly, focusing on strength and flexibility.
• Change tools and/or equipment. For example, use tools with extension handles that let you stand up rather than stooping.
• To reduce the amount of overhead work you must do, use a lift to raise yourself so you are closer to the work.
• When you pick up or set down a load, don't reach more than 10 inches away from your body.
• Lift any load using a solid two-handed grip
• Use ergonomically designed tools that are designed to fit the hand and body and the job.
• Avoid overexertion. Many injuries at work occur when employees are tired or strained. Don't overdo it because you could suffer an injury. Instead, give your body and your mind time to rest and recover.
• Report any unsafe conditions immediately to a supervisor. If your employer doesn't do anything to fix the hazardous condition, take your concerns to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or another government agency.

Tips for Employers (http://www.workers-comp-news.com/preventing.php)

• Adopt and enforce safety procedures. OSHA requires employers to follow certain safety procedures, but companies should also develop additional safety rules for their workplaces and their employees.
• Provide adequate safety training for workers and review safety policies with employees on a regular basis.
• Ensure that spills and other potential hazards are cleaned up immediately.
• Do not allow employees to continue working if they are tired or in danger of overexertion because this is a clear recipe for accidents and injuries.
• Ensure that anyone who is operating power equipment or handling hazardous materials has received adequate training on how to use these tools and materials. It's also important that employees know what to do in an emergency.
• Involve employees in the creation of health and safety policies. In addition, listen to workers concerns about unsafe conditions and potentially hazardous processes.
• Correct employees and supervisors who are not following safety procedures
• Create a safety checklist that includes all potential hazards in your workplace.
• Understand the role that ergonomics can play in preventing workplace injuries and reducing repetitive motion disorders.

What if I am not able to pay my insurance premium in full?

Many business owners want to protect their company by carrying the necessary insurance policies, whether it be General Liability, Commercial Auto, Property Insurance, Inland Marine Insurance, or Workers Compensation Insurance. For start-up or small business owners, it can be overwhelming to have to pay the premium in full.

Some business owners may not know that finance companies are available to help lessen the financial burden. Finance companies work the same way as credit cards; they will pay the entire premium up-front and you will pay the finance company a down payment, as well as monthly payments with an interest rate that depends on the size of the loan. You can pay off the entirety of the loan at any point in time without having to pay the interest that would have accrued later in the year. For renewed policies, the interest rate or down payment may increase depending on your previous payment history.

An insurance broker can help set you up with the finance company and finance agreement that will best fit your needs.