| Greetings!
At The Gaudreau Group, we keep our clients informed of important issues that matter to them. It's just another way we take care of our clients. |
| Employment Practices Liability Insurance:
Should your business have it? |
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Employment Practices Liability Insurance, or EPLI, is a relatively new form of liability insurance. It provides protection for an employer against claims made by employees, former employees, or potential employees. EPLI covers discrimination (age, sex, race, disability, etc.), wrongful termination of employment, sexual harassment, and other employment-related allegations. It covers your firm, including its Directors and Officers.
While most suits are filed again large corporations, no company is immune to such lawsuits. So whether you have 100 employees or 10 or 5, remember that employment-related lawsuits don't discriminate against company size.
It is estimated that 3 out 5 firms will be sued by an employee. Even if the claim is groundless or fraudulent, the defense of a suit can be expensive in time, resources, and financially.
Here's a real world example of a situation in which EPLI could help an employer:
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Smith v. Jackson that employment practices that have a disparate adverse impact on workers 40 and older may violate the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The Court subsequently ruled that once an adverse impact is shown, the employer has the burden of proving the statutory defense that the employment practice was based on "reasonable factors other than age."
The professionals at The Gaudreau Group can help you identify your exposure to Employment Practices Liability and get you properly protected. Call one of our Commercial Insurance experts today. |
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What should you do in the event of a loss? |
Your first call should be to The Gaudreau Group. We'll initiate your claim and get you in touch with Complete Restoration Solutions, our trusted restoration partner.
CRS has some helpful tips for dealing with Fire, Smoke, Soot, Water, and Mold/Mildew damage. Visit their website, www.mycrsinc.com, for more details.
Fire and Smoke Damage
After fire damage, it is natural to want to clean a building and its contents. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize or impede satisfactory restoration.
DO...
Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.
Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapery and carpet.
Open windows for ventilation.
Change furnace filter if blower is still operating
Empty refrigerator and freezer completely if electricity is off, keep doors opened.
Clean and protect smoked bathroom fixtures with a light coat of oil.
Pour non-toxic antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks, and tubs to prevent freezing if the heat is off.
Wash plants with water on both sides of the leaves.
Remove pets to a clean environment.
DO NOT...
Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
Use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided.
Use exposed food items, or canned goods which have been exposed to excessive heat.
Use TV's, stereos, or other electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.
Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke and odor.
Soot (Furnace) Damage
Although smoke and soot may seem to be identical, experienced professionals recognize the important differences and appropriate emergency action can help in restoring walls and furnishings damaged by soot. Wrong action can make recovery more difficult and greatly delay the restoration process. These emergency tips can increase your chances for prompt and successful restoration.
DO...
Change furnace filter
Cover upholstery with clean sheets before use
Tape doubled pieces of cheesecloth over all air registers with masking tape
Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpeting.
DO NOT...
Attempt to clean walls or ceilings
Use do-it-yourself home carpet and upholstery cleaners
Water Damage
Water is an essential part of our daily lives and the benefits are numerous but not always controllable. When water incidents such as burst pipes, washing machine malfunctions, flooding, ice damning or water heater leaking occurs, damage to property and personal belongings can be catastrophic.
Be assured. the professionals at CRS are available 24/7/365 to help.
DO...
Remove as much water as possible
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
Place aluminum foil or furniture blocks under the furniture
Open drawers and cabinets to begin drying process
Remove oil paintings, art objects, and other valuables to a safe place
Blot wet carpeting with white towels
Punch small holes in the sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water, place a bucket underneath the holes
DO NOT...
Leave wet fabrics in place, dry them as soon as possible
Leave books, magazines or other colored items on the wet carpets or floors
Use your household vacuum to remove the water
Use TV's or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on concrete floors
Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retaining water
Mold and Mildew Damage
While hundreds of species of mold exist and surround us each and every day with little or no threat to our well being, it is generally the opinion of experts that visible mold on interior surfaces and the pungent odor that typically accompanies it is never a good thing. Our certified project managers and remediation technicians are trained in the handling and remediation of mold damaged materials and work closely with the property owner and hygienists to identify the types of mold, severity of the contamination, and the proper protocols to be followed to ensure a safe and successful outcome.
If you suspect that your property may be affected by mold and mildew contamination, call the professionals from CRS and let us help you put not only your mind at ease but those of your family or employees as well
DO...
Try to identify a source of unwanted water intrusion - mold needs moisture to grow.
Keep the area as well ventilated to the exterior as possible
Keep the area isolated from other areas of the home or business
Keep the area as well lit and bright as possible.
Remember - mold thrives best in areas that have a moisture source, are dark and humid, and have an organic food source from which to feed (wood, drywall, etc).
DO NOT...
Attempt to clean with bleach or other household products
Disturb the visible mold
Allow children, older adults, and persons with respiratory conditions in the area
Assume that only what you can see is the problem - it can thrive in hidden areas such as wall cavities, cabinets, and crawl spaces to name a few. |
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
-COBRA and Short Term Unemployment Insurance Extensions
-OSHA Log Requirements |
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 On March 2, 2010, the 15-month 65% COBRA premium subsidy for which involuntarily terminated individuals are eligible was extended from March 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010.
Applications for federal emergency unemployment compensation had an end date of February 28, 2010. The end date has been extended to April 5, 2010. The period for which terminated individuals may be paid benefits has been extended from July 31, 2010 to September 4, 2010.
The expiration date of the supplemental $25-per- week federal additional compensation was also extended, from February 28, 2010 to April 5, 2010.
 The OSHA form 300, the Log of Related Injuries and Illnesses, was required to be posted on February 1 and remain posted until April 30. The Log requires classification of each work-related injury and illness and requires the employer to record the extent and severity of each case. A Form 300 Log is required for each location that is expected to be in operation for at least one year.
At The Gaudreau Group, one of the many ways we provide an extraordinary level of service is by helping our clients with Compliance issues. Our Employee Benefits and Commercial Insurance professionals have many tools, such as our Client Connect program, to get you compliant and keep you there. Call us today to find out more. |
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Client Profile |
Have you been thinking about improving your lifestyle and home value with a pool or spa? Call our client, 21st Century Pools and Spas. They're New England's largest Jacuzzi dealer, and they specialize in that brand. "Our knowledgeable sales and service team will guide you through your purchase and provide exceptional care when handling maintenance issues on your pool or spa," says John Whiting, 21st Century Pools and Spas President. Though his business has grown substantially over the past 22 years, John is proud that 21 Century maintains a "neighborhood" feel, setting him apart from the competition. Visit the showroom at 1801 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, MA, or visit them online at www.21stpools.com. |
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The staff at The Gaudreau Group is here to help you. We craft innovative solutions for our clients' insurance and financial services needs. Please call us to talk with one of our professionals about any of the articles you've read today.
Sincerely,
The Professionals at
The Gaudreau Group Inc |
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| Professional Profile |
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Michelle Arsenault, CISR
Commercial Insurance Services
If you have a Commercial Insurance policy with The Gaudreau Group, Michelle Arsenault knows your business. Michelle is a key component in our Commercial Lines department, as she's experienced, knowledgeable and competent. She's been with The Gaudreau Group for the past 12 years and has served as Personal Insurance Manager and Assistant to the President as well as her current role in Commercial Insurance Services. Michelle has earned the designation of Certified Insurance Services Representative, furthering her ability to provide exceptional customer service.
Michelle's clients love her. She's great at saving them money while ensuring that they have the right coverage for their unique exposures.
Originally from Southbridge, Massachusetts, Michelle currently resides in Western Massachusetts. |
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