The Concklin Blog

Mistaking an employee for an independent contractor could be a costly mistake – and it’s not exactly up to you to decide. Whether an individual is an employee or independent contractor will depend on the facts and circumstances of the situation, not the label used by the employer. Since employees are, in general, more expensive to hire due to employee benefits, and unemployment compensation contributions, there is preference for employers to misclassify employees as independent contractors.

June is safety awareness month! Follow these tips to raise awareness of risks in your home, business and surrounding areas.

Do you have a plan for the unexpected?It is estimated that nearly 4% of workers will experience short term disability lasting up to 2.5 months, and 2% of workers will experience a disability that will hamper their ability to work for 6 to 12 months every year. These may not seem like high numbers, but the reality is over 1,700,000 working age Americans have already experienced a disabling illness or injury in 20191. Plus, the average long-term disability lasts over 30 months and accounts for over half of personal bankruptcies and mortgage foreclosures 2. Yet it is a risk many people ignore.

Retention ponds have become a common feature of suburban and urban areas.  They serve a critical purpose in water filtration and preventing flash floods during heavy down pours.  Plus, they can be a charming part of the neighborhood with plants, fountains and wildlife.  People often think of them as ponds rather than structures, and while it’s important to be cautious around both – retention ponds have unique risks you may not be aware of.

Spring is here, or at least it should be. The weather is turning warmer, albeit slowly.  Even these slightly warmer days make us want to fling our widows open and air out our homes.  It is a season of optimism with trees budding and flowers about to bloom, the promise of life is evident everywhere you look.  This can sometimes lead us to forget about the hazards that can come with spring.

Today, March 21st, is World Down Syndrome Day. On this day, people with Down Syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organize and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down Syndrome. March 21st symbolizes the presence of a 3rd – 21st chromosome which is the cause of Trisomy 21, the most common form of Down Syndrome.

Liquor Liability Insurance offers coverage against claims of property damage and injuries that are the result of the consumption of alcohol. Commonly this coverage is closely associated with taverns, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that serve alcohol. However, liquor Liability Insurance is not as straight forward as you might think. So, we asked the experts.

It is no secret that stress is hard on the heart. It can lead to high blood pressure which, if left untreated, can result in heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease has become wide spread – effecting more than 1 in 3 women and is the leading cause of hospitalization among men. The majority of Americans list their jobs as their biggest source of stress, pointing to heavy workloads, pressure to preform, long work hours, office politics and conflicts with coworkers as the largest contributors to their stress.

Frozen pipes can bust, causing damage to your home or business, wrecking electronics, furniture and more. A busted pipe can be a very expensive and messy experience.

When we talk about distracted driving, we often think cellphones – texting, social medias, music… We all have that guilty memory of checking a text or trying to change what playlist is on.  We know these things are dangerous to do while driving, and we do them anyway, we think that because we know we are distracted we can be extra alert to compensate.  It’s simply not true. Distracted Driving is a serious problem. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), approximately 25% of all automobile crashes are related to cell phone use.  However, cell phone use is not the only form of Distracted Driving.  Driving while tired is another major problem.

Injury and illness prevention programs are an effective tool for reducing occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Many workplaces have already adopted similar approaches as part of OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) and Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for small employers.

Jim plowed into the side of a passing car. The accident resulted in serious injuries to the driver and passenger of the other vehicle. Jim was sued, found at fault and ordered to pay $1 million for medical expenses, lost wages and the “pain and suffering” of the injured parties. After a hectic work week, Jim Marshall was looking forward to a relaxing weekend with his wife and kids. He was just a few blocks from home when his cellphone rang. He glanced down to see who was calling. That split-second distraction was all it took for him to miss the approaching stop sign.

 All jobs have some physical stressors, and waiting tables is no exception. While serving food and beverages, keep the following safe work practices in mind to stay healthy and injury-free.

If you are a Director or Officer, you could be. As a Director or Officer of your company you are open to litigation risks due to the decisions you make to influence the company.  How you choose to respond after a Data Breach and how you have influenced Cyber Security measures within your company could lead you to be held personally responsible for damages following a breach.  The acts you commit as a board member, including plans and decisions need to be protected.

What is a Lone Worker? Lone workers are classified as any person whose work is completed in isolation from other workers. They do not have direct supervision and are expected to fulfill their duties efficiently while adapting to any unforeseen circumstances and are generally expected to use their best judgement. With the increase in technology and automation the number of lone workers is rapidly increasing.  There are many industries in which employees may find themselves working alone, either on location, out in the field, or at home. This leaves great potential for safety concerns.

The Open Enrollment for 2019 Marketplace plans began November 1st, 2018 and will close December 15th 2018.  All plans purchased during this time will go into effect on January 1st, 2019. Many people find the process of enrolling on the Marketplace to be both intimidating and frustrating. 

Winter is more than cold weather, snow and hot cider – it’s also winter storms and ice, which means potential hazards and costly liabilities. If you deal with either commercial or residential property it is important to know what side effects of winter you are responsible for.

A wise way for homeowners to make additional income is to invest in properties to rent, manage, or renovate and sell. But without the right kind of insurance, these properties could potentially lead to lawsuits that could put homeowners’ other properties and assets on the line.

One major lawsuit can have the potential to drain a bank account and leave those involved with nothing — even if the incident was a complete accident. Therefore, nearly every state requires drivers to carry auto liability insurance and many protect their property with homeowners liability insurance. However, basic coverage might not be enough in certain situations.

Most of us rely on our vehicles to get to work, the store, and to social engagements every day. Because of this reliance, it’s important to get the insurance coverage you need to protect both yourself and your vehicle in case of an accident. Automobile accidents can cost thousands of dollars of property damage and bodily injuries — and that might just be to one driver!

Insurance is a necessity in today’s world. One car accident, fire, or other disaster could leave you paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, legal fees, or hospital bills. Because of this critical need to protect yourself, your family, and your assets, you’ll want to select a great insurance plan.