It’s a tough landscape for the building trades in Connecticut. Jobs are out there, but bidding is competitive and margins are tight. We’re nearly 10 years past its beginning, but we’re still not fully recovered from the Great Recession that wiped out trillions of dollars in real estate equity. Given that reality, it doesn’t surprise me when a construction firm … Read More
8 Steps to Vet Construction Subcontractors
As a general contractor, it’s likely that you’ll use subcontractors at some point. Subcontractors can be an efficient way to outsource work. As specialists, they’ll often do a better job than a generalist and their smaller size means they can work quicker and leaner. However, the construction job is your responsibility. The performance of the subcontractor will reflect on you. … Read More
Trucking companies (or companies that just use trucks): Make the most of your industry associations
Strength in numbers. The power of a team. A built-in support system. No matter the size of your fleet, if you use trucks in any capacity, joining an industry association is a smart idea for your business. From big rig haulers to landscapers with a couple of light duty box trucks, the trucking industry has particular needs and a host … Read More
Trucking Risk Insights: Top 10 Vehicle Violations – 2016
Top 10 Vehicle Violations—2016 A roadside inspection is an examination of individual commercial motor vehicles and drivers by a Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) inspector to determine compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and/or Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs). Serious violations result in the issuance of driver or vehicle out of service (OOS) orders. These violations must … Read More
Trucking P&C Pro-File Newsletter – February 2017
New Study Links Multiple Health Conditions to Preventable Crashes It can be extremely difficult for commercial truck drivers to stay healthy on the job. Drivers often work long hours without rest, stay seated all day and don’t have access to exercise or nutritious meals. However, a new study conducted by the University of Utah School of Medicine found that drivers … Read More
Construction P&C Pro-File Newsletter – February 2017
New OSHA Beryllium Standards On Jan. 9, 2017, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule to amend its beryllium standards for the construction, shipyard and general industries. The final rule will reduce the eight-hour, permissible beryllium exposure limit from 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. It also establishes a short-term exposure … Read More
High blood pressure — A hidden danger for your truck drivers
If you’re running a logistics business or division, you know how important it is to have reliable and healthy truck drivers. Although most health conditions are easy to diagnose and treat, there’s one in particular that’s tricky to spot — High blood pressure. That’s because high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) often doesn’t show any symptoms, and that’s a … Read More
The Modern Office & Managing the Risk
Today’s employers are placing a premium on employee wellness and engagement. And rightfully so, hard working employees deserve some love. But in addition to doing right by their people, businesses that provide comprehensive wellness plans and lifestyle perks for their employees are realizing huge benefits from it. But with more unconventional and physical activities going on in the office, there … Read More
Changes from the Affordable Care Act in 2017 — What you need to know
The Affordable Care Act is making some changes in 2017 and if you’re providing health insurance via a group plan you need to make sure you’re compliant. Here’s a quick guide to the main changes and what you need to do to ensure you meet all the new guidelines and regulations. Remember, we’re here to help, so if you have … Read More
Understanding the changes in rules for Crane Operators
Back in the year 2010 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented a rule outlining new regulations for the certification of crane operators. The new regulations stemmed from a high rate of accidents and fatalities related to crane operation in the construction industry. Since the new OSHA standards were released much has transpired regarding some specifics of the rule … Read More