U.S. Labor Secretary Solis has announced the We Can Help program, which is designed in part to encourage reports of alleged Fair Labor Standards Act non-compliance.  Solis declared that there is “a new sheriff in town” and outlined steps such as launching an advertising campaign; distributing videos, posters, and booklets; introducing theme-focused items on the Labor Department’s website; providing a hotline; and working through community activists and others.

The Labor Department will pay particular attention to food service, hotels and motels, home-healthcare, construction, janitorial work, and immigrant workers.  But no employer is immune; experience suggests that this initiative will have a broader impact.  For instance, it could include what enforcement officials call “low wage” occupations in areas such as retailing, temporary services, day-care, and agriculture.  And in the past, the Labor Department has targeted businesses and other organizations that are small or new, or that operate in multiple locations, or that were previously found to have violated the FLSA.

In addition, the Labor Department sometimes assigns teams of investigators to special projects or task forces.  For example, it did this in connection with Katrina-related recovery work on the Gulf Coast, and in two, extensive “Operation Child Watch” enforcement efforts aimed at the unlawful employment of minors.

We Can Help might well lead to employee dissatisfaction about things having nothing to do with the FLSA (or with any other law the Labor Department enforces).  In at least one video, the actor says that he complained because his paycheck “just wasn’t right.”  Of course, the FLSA only requires that wages be “right” in certain, very-specific ways.  Even so, employees seeing the video might be moved to act upon any unhappiness with their pay.

Every employer should immediately ensure that its compensation practices (1) comply with the FLSA and all other applicable laws, and (2) are consistent with employment contracts and pay-related policies.

Look at a Sample Policy is best to look at a business insurance policy in your industry to familiarize yourself with coverage and terms.

This article is focused on whether your business should purchase its insurance online.  When looking online for insurance for your business, you will want to stay with the sites offered by the insurers.  Before using an online source consider whether your business is appropriate for an online quote or purchase of business insurance.  You may only be required to answer numbers or references from these documents, or you may be required to scan them and submit copies electronically with your online application.  A general online business insurance inquiry will also likely provide you with common terms.

This article summarizes the many different types of handyman insurance available and it explains how they differ from one another.  In order to be sure you have the proper coverage for your handyman business, you will need to familiarize yourself with the types of handyman insurance available.  Learn how handyman insurance coverage works for you, the different types of handyman insurance coverage and protection available, as well as business insurance terms, so you can choose the right type and policy for your company.  Two of the most common types of handyman insurance are property insurance and commercial auto insurance.  Frequently asked questionsI wonder, What are the types of handyman insurance coverage.  However, because a small business owner has so many demands on their time, and often, no real interest in the subject of insurance beyond knowing they need it, I want to provide a quick summary of some common types of business insurance that small businesses should consider.  There are many types of handyman insurance plans out there, but how do you know which one will cover your needs.

The main page displays Handyman Insurance coverages and quotes.   Just press the QUOTE button for an insurance quote and each coverage option is listed for you on the main page.

Today, most comprehensive private health insurance programs cover the cost of routine, preventive, and emergency health care procedures, and most prescription drugs, but this is not always the case.  Comprehensive health insurance pays a percentage of the cost of hospital and physician charges after a deductible (usually applies to hospital charges) or a co-pay (usually applies to physician charges, but may apply to some hospital services) is met by the insured.

Annual benefits maximums for a typical scheduled health insurance plan may range from $1,000 to $25,000.  By providing choices for both health insurance companies and types of health plans, combined with free online health insurance quotes, side-by-side health insurance benefit comparison, and live agent support, we enable you to choose a health insurance plan from the health insurance company that is right for you.

Get free health insurance quotes from the nation’s top carriers & local agents.  By matching you with top, local insurers; providing free health insurance quotes; teaching you what to look for in the right health insurance plan, and helping you sort through your health insurance options, we prepare you to prosper and thrive no matter what life throws your way.  That way, you and your family get the cheap health insurance you deserve with absolutely no worry.  These articles can help you become more educated on your health insurance options.

Immediately after providing just a few details on our secure website you are able to compare all of the best health insurance plans complete with monthly premiums.  With our online comparison tools, free phone consultation, custom recommendations, and personal assistance we are able to provide you with the information and answers to all questions and input you will need to find medical benefits that are right for you.  If you cannot afford health insurance, I may be able to help you find resources in your state and give you some tips on how to save on your healthcare.  Just put your 5 digit zipcode to get your insurance quote.

Plenty has changed since 2006, the latest year that the uninsured of California was counted by the U.S. Census. But even then, many months before the current recession hit, the percentage of people living without health insurance in our state was startling.

This week, the Sacramento Bee laid out the statistics, finding quite a disparity between those with health insurance and those without. Just in the five-county region The Bee covers, Yolo County posted an uninsured rate of 22 percent of people under 65, while the more prosperous Placer County — with more employment-based coverage — posted a 13.7 percent rate.

That’s quite a disparity, and the article by Phillip Reese and Anna Tong is worth reading. But the Bee doesn’t limit information to its circulation area, it also posts online a comprehensive rundown of each of California’s 58 counties’ uninsured rate, along with an interactive map of the state and rollover charts.

Here’s a sampling of what the authors wrote:

“The uninsured present an immense fiscal and public health challenge: 18,000 Americans die each year because they aren’t covered, according to the Institute of Medicine, a nonprofit research organization. This is because having insurance is closely tied to health outcomes: The uninsured won’t see a doctor regularly, and if they seek care it is likely to be inadequate or too late.

Moreover, the uninsured are a cost for society: One economist recently estimated the tab at $56 billion per year, 75 percent of which is paid by governments. In cash-strapped California, that cost is critical: 6.6 million residents went uninsured in 2007, more than in any other state, according to the California Healthcare Foundation.”

You can bet that, with massive layoffs and small businesses closing since that Census count, the number of those among us — members of our communities — who are going without health insurance is a great deal larger. Factor in the Governor and Legislature’s cuts in health and insurance programs for lower-income Californians, their children and the elderly, and you get an unimaginable sum of fellow Californians without access to affordable, quality health care — notably, preventative health care, with better outcomes.

This is what the conversation about health care reform boils down to, not pumped-up talking points and hyper-emotive protests based on misinformation. This is not a partisan issue. It is a people issue. And the bottom line is that the majority of Americans have already voted — for substantive change for a better future for our country.

Just about every state in the country requires individuals to have compensation in place for property damage that they may cause with their vehicle and either bodily injury liability for injuries caused to others and/or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to pay for an injury suffered by the policyholder regardless of who is at fault.

States will enforce these laws which are known as the Financial Responsibility and No Fault laws. Although there are a few different ways to satisfy these laws such as making a cash deposit with the state or obtaining a surety bond for a specified amount, most motorists choose to purchase auto insurance and maintain coverage through an insurer.

Although not all states require it, it may be a good idea to always carry proof of car insurance at all times while operating an automobile. If a person is involved in a traffic accident they will need to swap policy information following the incident so having the documentation readily available can make it a whole lot easier and faster to go through the claims process.

In many states it will asked for by a law enforcement officer upon arrival at the scene of the collision and in many cases not having proper proof will give the officer the assumption that you do not have coverage which may result in a fine and the need to appear in court with the documentation necessary; both of which can be avoided by simply carrying that piece of paper.

Additional Information about Proof of auto insurance

When a motorist purchases an automobile policy, the carrier or representative of the insurer should provide temporary proof of insurance also called identification cards as soon as the transaction is complete and the finalized documentation should be mailed to the residence of the newly insured. On the identification cards most states require that particular information is stated on the documentation; in most cases states require that the cards show the name of the insurer, a policy number, the effective date and expiration date of the coverage, the name of the insured, a description of the year, make and model of vehicles including the “VIN”. It is the responsibility of the policyholder to ensure that all information is correct.

Motorists should make themselves aware of whether or not the are required by law to have proof on them at all times while driving because fines can get quite expensive and become a hassle if caught without the proper documentation (even if the state does not require identification cards to be carried it is probably a good idea to do so anyway.)

States which require motorists to have policies on them at all times will allow law enforcement officer to ask for identification cards at routine traffic stops and if unable to furnish the driver can be cited. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing those who are caught operating an automobile without coverage can be given a fine of at least $450 which can be close to the amount it would cost to purchase a policy. It may be wiser to always have the documentation ready and never risk driving uninsured.

California’s farmers and ranchers are struggling with health care bills that, in some instances, threaten the viability of their family businesses, according to a report Wednesday by the Access Project and funded by the California Endowment.

The report finds that while almost all farm and ranch operators have health insurance, one in five says that California insurance premiums and other out-of-pocket health care costs are causing financial difficulties for themselves and their families.

These families report spending 37 percent of their income on health care coverage and medical costs.

“A better term for health insurance that leaves nearly one in five purchasers in financial jeopardy might be called ‘product failure’,” says Carol Pryor, a report author and policy director for the Access Project.

The survey also found that more than three in 10 farmers and ranchers (31 percent) are spending at least 10 percent of their annual income on health insurance premiums, prescriptions and other out-of-pocket medical costs. Spending this much on health care is a commonly used indicator of financially burdensome health care costs, the report’s authors say.

Farm and ranch operators are especially hard hit because they are often forced to buy insurance on the individual, non-group market, where insurance generally costs more and covers less, says the report.

The study shows that on average, those farmers and ranchers purchasing insurance in the non-group market spent almost twice as much on health care as those who got their health care coverage through off-farm or off-ranch employment. The median amount spent by farmers and ranchers who got insurance on the non-group market was $8,500 a year (including premiums and out-of-pocket costs), compared to $4,630 spent by people who got insurance through employment off the farm or ranch.

Three in 10 of the study’s respondents purchased health coverage directly on the open market. Nationally, only 8 percent of Americans obtain their health insurance this way.

“Right now farmers are faced with increasing costs for everything – fuel, feed, fertilizer. Adding exorbitant health care costs on top of these expenses is simply not sustainable and threatens the viability of family farm operations,” says Lynn McBride, director of the California Farmer’s Union.

One-fourth of those surveyed (26 percent) report having to draw on other financial resources to cover the costs of care. Of these respondents, 70 percent dipped into family savings and nearly one in three (29 percent) incurred credit card debt or increased existing debt. Others took out a loan, borrowed against their farm, withdrew money from a retirement account or turned to friends and family for help.

Click here for your free California health insurance quote now!

A JCB digger was recently stolen from a construction site near Great Casterton, in Leicestershire. Luckily, the hire company that owned it had fitted a Tracker stolen vehicle recovery device, which was activated to help police trace the missing JCB. Less than seven days after the theft, Essex Police picked up the signal and together with support from the helicopter unit they followed the silent signal to the Dartford River Crossing.

Essex Police temporarily closed the QE2 Bridge in pursuit of the stolen JCB digger, which was recovered thanks to a signal from a Tracker stolen vehicle recovery unit. The successful operation resulted in Police recovering plant equipment and other items, including the original missing JCB.

Officers managed to narrow the signal down to the back of a lorry on the QE2 Bridge, during rush hour. The bridge had to be closed while police stopped the lorry and arrested the driver. Once they checked the lorry, police discovered another stolen tractor and items valued at £350,000.

Sgt Colin Sheard from Essex Roads Policing Unit said, “This was a great result, involving excellent teamwork from Officers from Essex Police’s RPU and Air Support Unit as well as the co-operation of staff from Dartford River Crossing and members of the public. Without a Tracker unit installed in the JCB, this machinery would be well on its way to Europe. The owner of the second stolen tractor is very lucky to have his machinery back.”

Adrian Davenport, Tracker’s Police Relationships Manager says, “The successful recovery of this stolen JCB illustrates the need for plant owners to keep security and the safety of their fleet high on their agenda. Without Tracker’s GSM, GPS and VHF, jammer-proof technology, that JCB could have been taken abroad and never seen again.

“Once again Tracker has played a key role in helping police recover stolen vehicles and stop thieves in their tracks. However, we are also helping plant fleet managers and owners manage all aspects of their vehicles and machinery, from safety and efficiency, through to the ultimate in security.”

As part of its ongoing expansion of products and services Tracker will be launching Tracker Plant, bringing fleet telematics together with its award winning stolen vehicle recovery solutions. Designed specifically for the plant market, Tracker Plant allows plant machinery owners to monitor usage on and off-site, helping them meet their employee Duty of Care, increase efficiency and benefit from the ultimate security system.

Source: http://www.constructionnewsportal.com/Construction_article7109.html

As with most states, AZ requires motorists to obtain compensation in order to legally operate a motor vehicle and proof financial responsibility must be shown before an automobile can be registered with the state. The Grand Canyon State allows residents to abide by this law in a few different way including obtaining a bond, certificate of deposit of cash in the amount of $40,000. Although these options are available to residents, in many cases these methods of satisfying the state’s laws may not be feasible for some individuals due to the expense and amount of money needed; not very many people have $40,000 laying around or are willing to deposit it with the state.

The most common way that motorists choose to abide by the Financial Responsibility Law is to purchase a policy from a licensed Arizona auto insurance company. It is for this very reason that it is important that motorists understand how to find the cheapest rates in order to keep the cost of coverage as low as possible in order to maintain continuous protection and state within the state’s legal requirements. Currently, AZ requires as a minimum that motorists carry policies consisting of no less than Bodily Injury Liability of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident and $10,000 for Property Damage Liability. If an individual does not do the necessary homework and take the time to understand how to lower premiums they can end up paying far more than they should for a policy.

Ways to Lower AZ Car Insurance Premiums

If a person is a current policyholder and that have been steadily seeing their rates increase it may be wise to begin shopping around and comparing the prices of various other insurers to ensure that their carrier is still competitively priced compared to other providers in AZ. People may wonder why their premiums increase even if they have not had any tickets or accidents during the term of the policy; in many cases this has nothing to do with the insured, but the insurer themselves. Usually when a carrier begins to raise pricing it is do to the amount of losses that they have experienced in a recent time frame and they must increase revenue to balance out for the money that they have lost. So if an individual sees they have had an increased premium they may want to comparison shop because there is probably a company available that has not suffered the same amount of loss and can offer a more affordable rate; it is also a good idea to occasionally compare rates even if they have seen in increase in their bill because other companies could have lowered rates or a cheaper carrier may have entered the market.

The best way for a person who has yet to purchase a policy can find the cheapest insurers is to shop around and get quotes from as many companies as possible. Each insurer will view each applicant differently based on the criteria of the driver and the experience that they have had with similar drivers; in most cases the lowest priced insurer will vary for two motorists with many similarities due to small differences. The Arizona Department of Insurance also suggests that consumer be sure and take advantage of any discounts that are applicable. Carriers in AZ offer drivers a discount for being accident free, insuring more than one automobile with the same company, being a good student and/or a non-smoker and discounted rates for vehicles with air bags and automatic seat-belts. Motorists should be aware that discounts offered and the amount discounted will vary with each insurer. Another way to lower premiums is to raise deductibles if you have comprehensive and collision coverage, but keep in mind that this is the amount that will have to be paid in the event of a loss so be sure not to choose a high amount that cannot be afforded if the vehicle were to sustain damage.

Contractors Liability is a contract of insurance tailored specifically for those undertaking contracting work.  Contractors Liability Insurance is actually a form of Commercial General Liability (CGL)insurance tailored for the construction contractors market.

1. Contractors liability coverage is a critical component to any Contractor’s insurance program.

2. Contractors General Liability Insurance is a liability insurance policy which is used specifically for coverage in the construction and building trades.

3. Contractors General Liability Insurance is mainly used by contractors who do a variety of work within a specific type of construction or remodeling such as home builders or road construction.

When applying for CGL type policy keep in mind rates and coverages vary from state to state. You need to remember generally the rates are determined based on your gross receipts. There is a reason for this according to the insurance companies as their thinking is the more you make, the more jobs you are doing, then the more exposure your create for yourself and the insurance company.

General Liability Insurance and Business Liability Insurance for all types of business, contractors, professionals.  General liability insurance is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution: the size, goals, industry and field of a business have a lot of bearing on how much and what kind of general liability insurance is needed.  General liability insurance is something every business can use, but not every business has this basic security in place.

General liability insurance is often necessary when private contractors or temporary employees are giving care or working on your premises.  General liability insurance can come as a component of a business-owner’s policy or it can be purchased separately.  General liability insurance is a type of commercial insurance that aims to cover financial losses arising from any physical injury or damage of property which is caused by the insurer or the employees of his company to others.  General liability insurance is also provided in cases of theft or any damage to the hardware or software of computers in the concerned company.

John Carl (“Jack”) Warnecke, FAIA, died of pancreatic cancer at his ranch in Healdsburg, CA, on April 17.

Webinar, – Date of Event: May 27, 2010

Any company considering Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) must have a clear understanding of its various forms, from the simple to the most complex.

Our panel of experts will provide not only…

Charlotte, North Carolina – Date of Event: September 17, 2010

Registration for the Southeast’s premier home building tradeshow, the 21st Century Building Expo and Conference, is officially open. We invite builders, remodelers, subcontractors, Realtors and other…

Washington, District of Columbia – Date of Event: June 17, 2010

The Modular Building Institute will host its annual Government and Military Construction Conference June 17-18, 2010, in Washington, D.C. at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill.

Join industry coll…

New Orleans, Louisiana – Date of Event: November 8, 2010

1. Negotiating the Key Contract Provisions

2. Choosing the Best Approach: Integrated Project Delivery, CM-at-Risk, Hard Bid or GMP

3. Designing and Construction in Green: Risk-Shiftin…

Atlanta, Georgia – Date of Event: July 27, 2010

Start with the basics of PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) and then move on to troubleshooting, then learn the foundations of good PLC programming while writing your first IEC-1131 compliant PLC pr…

Denver, Colorado – Date of Event: June 8, 2010

This hands-on course starts with an overview of the AB ControlLogix system architecture and an introduction of RSLogix 5000 software. Then, the fundamentals of editing ladder logic , routines, tag dat…

Denver, Colorado – Date of Event: May 4, 2010

Hands-on PLC training workshop (PLC: Programmable Logic Controllers).

Start with basics, move on to troubleshooting, then learn the foundations of good PLC programming while writing your first…

Nashville, Tennessee – Date of Event: November 7, 2010

Mark your calendar for November 7-11, 2010, in Nashville, and experience first-hand the exceptional educational value and unparalleled networking opportunities that the IRMI Construction Risk Conferen…

Whitehorse, Canada – Date of Event: May 26, 2010

Learn to overcome Northern construction and logistics challenges and hear the latest on managing major resource and infrastructure projects in the North.

Wednesday, May 26 to Thursday, May 27, …

Mumbai, India – Date of Event: November 22, 2010

Infrastructure Investment India 2010 is the platform for the entire infrastructure community. Back for the fourth year running, this two-day conference brings together governments, funds, institution…

Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R. – Date of Event: September 27, 2010

Infrastructure Investment World Asia is an event that brings together infrastructure developers, governments, investors, financiers and supporting industries to assess investment, project development …

Amman, Jordan – Date of Event: September 27, 2010

This is the third fair and forum for building industry and architecture professionals.

There will be more than 120 exhibitors from Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Turkey and China.

Participants …

Singapore, Singapore – Date of Event: April 27, 2011

The Aerospace Supplier eXchange (ASX) 2011 is a regional conference and exhibition that will feature the 3rd and 4th tier suppliers who service the vibrant aerospace industry. Showcasing their best pr…

Amman, Jordan – Date of Event: August 2, 2010

Jordan International Building, Construction and Engineering Industries Exhibition – August 2 to 5, 2010.

Jordanbuild 2010 is the only building trade exhibition designed for real and practical f…