Greetings!
Although you wouldn't know it by looking around Whitman, Autumn has officially arrived, and the folks in our NH office are beginning to see splashes of color here and there. While the peak of foliage season is still a couple of weeks away for them, it's as if nature has taken a colorful brush and scattered splatters of special paint (say that ten times fast) from wooded glen to curbside bench tree.
You might be surprised to learn that according to horticulturists, the reason some seem to burst forth in color so much earlier than others is that they're "stressed." It can come from any number of factors... changes in weather patterns, insect damage, even soil compacted by construction equipment.
Do you find it interesting (as I do) that seasons of difficulty tend to result in a kaleidoscope of color? The additional challenges the trees face are actually what brings them into their brightest glory. Hmmmm.
When we are faced with adversity, we can do one of two things. We can shrink back and let it beat us down, or we can use the challenges as a way to propel us into something new... something better. Henry J. Kaiser wrote that "Problems are only opportunities in work clothes."
We all wish there wasn't such a glut of houses on the market, making it more difficult for homebuilders to get new starts. It would be nice if banks were more willing to front cash for projects. And staying on top of new government regulations is a challenge all unto itself. So what are we to do?
Robert Redford took the basis of Kaiser's quote and expanded on it: "Problems can be opportunities when the right people come together." We each have a unique perspective on things, and we all have something to contribute. I would encourage you to get involved with your local NAHB or NARI Chapter (if you're not already), and join the free expression of ideas (links to local Chapters are in listed under "Quick Links" on the right). Come alongside some great people who are using difficulties as stepping stones to success. You might learn something. Better yet, we might learn from you. Stress can equal success. :)
Tom Messier, Vice President
Mason & Mason Insurance Agency
M&M Assurance Group, Inc.
P.S. Join the conversation at our blog, Risky Business, or you can LIKE us on Facebook (and by all means, invite your friends!) You can also look me up on LinkedIn. Don't forget our website: www.mmins.com. If you have any questions, give us a call at (800) 298-0802. We'll be happy to hear from you!
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Insurance Certificates Do Not Ensure "Additional Insured" Status
Contributed by John H. perten, Esq.
Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green PA
The requirement that one party name another as an "Additional Insured" on an insurance policy is common. For example,  oftentimes as part of a lease, a landlord will require that it be added as an "Additional Insured" sto a tenant's liability policy. In a construction setting, typically the owner will require "Additional Insured" status under the general contractor's or subcontractors' liability policies. Consultants are often asked to name a project owner as an "Additional Insured." As an "Additional
Insured," one can make a claim directly against the policy even though it is not the policy holder. An "Additional Insured" can also demand direct indemnity and defense rights by the insurer should they be sued.
In order to confirm that one has, in fact, been named an "Additional Insured," insurance agents often issue a certificate of liability insurance, sometimes referred to as a "binder." The person to whom the certificate is issued is usually identified at the bottom of the page as a "Certificate Holder." Note, however, that being a "Certificate Holder" is not the same as being an "Additional Insured." Typically, although an insurance company will "endeavor" to provide notice to a "Certificate Holder" of any policy cancellation, beyond that, no rights are conveyed nor liability incurred. A "Certificate Holder" and an "Additional Insured" are not the same thing. Even if you are also listed on the certificate as an "Additional Insured," most certificates make it clear that unless you are also named as an "Additional Insured" by a rider or endorsement to the actual policy, the mere...
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Ten Loss Control Tips to Keep Your Work Laptop Safe
The growing trend of staying competitive by using the mobility and freedom provided by technology can often be a double-edged sword. Although taking your show on the 
road to off-site business meetings is a lot more efficient and easier when everything you need to make an eye-catching presentation is right there on the laptop, the mobility of technology does open the door to losses from theft.
Here are some simple loss prevention practices that employees can adopt to ensure their laptop stays safe and secure at and away from their work-site...
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Don't Wait Until a Fire Ignites on Your Construction Site to Start Fighting Fire
The wildfires experienced by Californians recently are just one of the many examples we see when it comes to just how threatening and damaging fire can be. Since job site fires pose a constant threat to construction projects, contractors should prepare for a potential fire by periodically confirming that their risk management plans adequately address the issue.
Don't wait until you actually have a fire on-site to start your fight against fire. The following tips have been recommended by the International Marine Underwriters Association to help keep construction sites free from the threat of fire...
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About Mason and Mason
For more than 20 years we've been committed to meeting the insurance and bonding needs of the construction industry. The success and leadership of our practice has led to strategic and proprietary relationships with insurance companies similarly committed to the industry. Our clients benefit from our insurer relationships in the form of products designed with their special needs in mind. Our access to many construction specialty insurers also assures our clients are afforded a range of options at various cost levels in order to match the level of protection for their particular needs. As important as these insurer relationships are, our true competitive edge is the people who serve our clients. We have team of construction insurance professionals who understand the complexities of the worker's compensation and general liability insurance regulatory environment as applied to the industry. We leverage this specialized knowledge and our broad risk management expertise to the benefit of our construction industry clients.
Mason and Mason Insurance M&M Assurance Group
458 South Avenue 3304 White Mountain Hwy
Whitman, Massachusetts 02382 North Conway, NH 03860
T (800) 759-1452 T (800) 298-0802
F (781) 447-2832 F (603) 356-9290 |
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We did!
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OSHA Lead In Construction Manual
Looking for more resources about Lead Paint Compliance? Click here for your copy of OSHA's Lead In Construction Manual! |
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If you've heard about payroll deducted workers comp and have questions, give us a call! We can fill you in on the advantages (and disadvantages) of this program and see if it's right for you. That's what we're here for! :) |
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