Workers Comp News

If you own a company that transports hazardous materials, it might be necessary to complete HAZMAT registration with the U.S. Department of Transportation.  This registration is annual and will include a fee payment.  Funds collected

under this program go towards education and preparation for emergency response for hazardous materials.  This program has been operating since 1992. 

 

Not everyone who transports HAZMAT materials is required to register.  There are 6 categories that need to register:

1.      Anyone transporting a highway route controlled quantity of radioactive material.

2.      Anyone transporting more than 55 pounds of Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosive materials.

3.      Anyone transporting more than one liter per package of material that is toxic if inhaled, needs to register. 

4.      Anyone transporting hazardous material in bulk packaging, that is 13,248 liters or more (for liquid and gas) and 13.24 cubic meters (for solids).

5.      Anyone transporting 2,268 kilograms of hazardous material in something other than a bulk package.

6.      Anyone transporting an amount of hazardous material that demands a placard.  Transportation of these substances can be by road, rail, or air.  Farmers are excempted on many of these requirements.

 

There are a number of exceptions for the required registration:

• Federal government agencies.
• State agencies.
• Agencies of political subdivisions in the states.
• The Indian tribes.
• People employed by the above that have it specifically in their job description that they handle hazardous materials.
• Employees of Hazmat companies.

• under this program go towards education and preparation for emergency response for hazardous materials.  This program has been operating since 1992. 

   

  Not everyone who transports HAZMAT materials is required to register.  There are 6 categories that need to register:

  1.      Anyone transporting a highway route controlled quantity of radioactive material.

  2.      Anyone transporting more than 55 pounds of Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosive materials.

  3.      Anyone transporting more than one liter per package of material that is toxic if inhaled, needs to register. 

  4.      Anyone transporting hazardous material in bulk packaging, that is 13,248 liters or more (for liquid and gas) and 13.24 cubic meters (for solids).

  5.      Anyone transporting 2,268 kilograms of hazardous material in something other than a bulk package.

  6.      Anyone transporting an amount of hazardous material that demands a placard.  Transportation of these substances can be by road, rail, or air.  Farmers are excempted on many of these requirements.

   

  There are a number of exceptions for the required registration:

  • Federal government agencies.
  • State agencies.
  • Agencies of political subdivisions in the states.
  • The Indian tribes.
  • People employed by the above that have it specifically in their job description that they handle hazardous materials.
  • Employees of Hazmat companies.
  • Companies that transport hazardous materials from places around the world to the United States.  This employee has to live outside the United States in a place that does not have Hazmat registration or fees.  This employee also can’t transport hazardous material that fits the descriptions and amounts that require registration.
  • A farmer who uses hazardous material to support his or her farming.

   

  The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) allows companies to register by mail and online.  If your company registers online, you will be able to print a certificate of registration immediately after payment.  To register by mail, simply fill out the registration forma and mail it in with payment. 

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Whether you have a small business that you run out of a home office or a contracting business that you run primarily out of a truck or a plumbing business where you employ 20 other plumbers and cover half the state you can make it look as professional as IBM.  This article will discuss 3 simple ways to enhance your business image without breaking the bank.

 

#1. The first thing to do is get professional business cards made.  Don’t worry; it’s simple and inexpensive.  Most printing companies have online sites that allow you to easily design a professional looking card.  Be sure to carry them everywhere you go in order to distribute them to people you meet. You might be surprised to learn how many people you encounter every day that need your expertise. Make a practice out of handing them out to everyone you talk to about business and to every client you work for.  A good-looking business card is invaluable for marketing purposes.  This is a nice touch that is simple and cost effective.

 

#2. Get a toll free phone number for your business.  Toll free is a necessity unless you are strictly a local company.  However, even a local company while benefit from a toll free number. Toll free numbers lend an air of professionalism to your small business and make it appear larger and more professional. Also keep in mind, with internet telephones and VOIP, many local area business or individuals may have long distance numbers.  Toll free numbers are now easy to get and reasonable in cost.  There are Internet companies that assign toll free numbers and incorporate an entire call center operation.  People tend to feel more comfortable about a business when they can dial an 800 number.

 

#3. The final touch to your small business is a professional website.  Begin by finding a good domain name. Choose a name that relates to your business and is easy to type into a web browser.  Next, find a hosting company.  Buying a domain name and getting a contract at a hosting company are both quick and simple strategies to making your business appear bigger and more professional.  The most expensive part will be selecting someone to design and write your website.  You will want a professional appearance and content because a poor looking site or improperly written content will actually drive business away.  The website also needs to be easy to navigate, provide basic information about your business and offer enhancements to make doing business easier for both you and the customer.

 

These three steps are simple and will put you on the same playing field as bigger companies, at least in terms of marketing.

 

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Most people starting a plumbing business understand that they need to follow state and local regulations when working.  Sending out licensed plumbers will assure customers that all the work will be up to code and the employees will follow proper procedure.  This is a proper way to build a good business.  To protect both the business and the assets every plumbing company needs workers’ compensation insurance and to be bonded.  These are 2 responsible steps to take that will cost some money but work to save the business entity in case of an accident.

 

Workers’ compensation insurance covers employees who get injured while on the job.  All insurance plans vary, but most of them cover the basics of medical bills, rehabilitation bills, and lost wages.  An injured employee accepts workers’ compensation in lieu of taking the employer to court for damages.  Not only does this insurance cover the business, but it signals to employees that you are looking out for their interests too.  Plumbing is a very physical job with heavy equipment, tight spaces, and waste products.  The possibility for injury is there.  Every state has different requirements for workers’ compensation insurance.  Please refer to state business laws to discover required coverage.  Setting up workers’ compensation insurance requires finding a licensed insurance company that provides that type of insurance in your area.

 

Becoming bonded is important in ensuring customers that they will get quality plumbing.  Many people hear the terms “licensed and bonded” but don’t know what they mean.  Being licensed means that you know how to repair or install plumbing as set by state and local requirements.  Being bonded is a financial guarantee to your customer.  There are different types of bonds that guarantee payment for damages and guarantee you will do the work bid on.  Becoming bonded is not a complicated process.  Find a bonding company through a phone directory or online.  When you speak with them about a bond they will ask for your personal information.  The personal information is basic.  They will also perform a background check on you to make sure you are upstanding.  If satisfied with your background they will offer you a bond.  This bond will pay, at a price you determined, for any losses or damages that occurred as a result of your company.

 

Being a responsible business owner means that you think ahead and take steps to protect assets, employees, and customers.  Accidents are an unavoidable part of business, especially the plumbing trade.  Being bonded and having workers’ compensation insurance will give everyone involved peace of mind.  They will cost money, but the cost of not having them could be the loss of your business.

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Logging may be the most dangerous job available.  In 1997 there were 128 logging deaths for every 100,000 loggers, and 14,000 injuries per 100,000 workers.  All this equals very expensive workers’ compensation insurance.  Besides wanting to cover employees in case of accidents, a logging business should take the steps necessary to reduce the number of accidents.

 

There are organizations available, including workers’ compensation insurance companies that specialize in dangerous occupations, that will help create a safe environment for workers.  Every logging company needs a strict safety plan in place.  This safety plan needs to include information on dangers in the woods, using equipment safely, first aid training, transportation safety, and handling wood safely.  Logging companies needs to consult OSHA to find out what specific safety standards are already in place.  Their website is http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/logging/index.html.  Some states enforce their own standards that differ from the Federal standards pushed by OSHA.  Beyond OSHA, logging companies can find information about safety from www.loggingsafety.com.  This site includes a first year safety program.  A high number of accidents occur during the first year of employment.

 

Another option to make sure your logging company is doing everything it can for safety is to hire a safety professional.  Workers’ compensation insurance companies that specialize in dangerous jobs, like PCG.com have dozens of choices to make sure you obtain the most competitive rates at the best possible prices. These safety professionals are always taking training courses that update the quality of safety requirements and products.  This is a great option to make sure your safety program stays current.

 

One of the problems with keeping a safe workplace is that standards keep changing.  New safety rules are put into place and better equipment comes on the market.  You want to make sure that your company keeps up with ever-changing safety standards.  An investment in safety is really an investment in the long-term financial security of your logging company.  It is wise to have an employee or department specifically dedicated to safety issues.  This way they can be sure to review your company’s safety plan on a regular basis and stay on top of any new happenings in regards to safety.

 

Workers’ compensation insurance is going to be expensive for your logging company.  The possible danger means that the insurance will be higher.  The best way to keep your workers’ compensation insurance low is to implement a great safety program for your company.  Not only will a safer environment keep your insurance price lower, it will be beneficial to the reputation of your company.  Nobody wants to work for or with an accident-prone company.  Logging is dangerous enough.  Take the steps necessary to make it safer for your workers.

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Taxing Small Business Owners Above $250,000

If Democrats have their way Obama’s small business tax plan will go into effect whether he wins the Presidential nomination or not; what Joe the Plumber has come to know is likely to impact every small to mid-sized company in the nation. If you are a little confused about the exact details then don’t worry – you aren’t alone. The fact is, there is still a lot of work to be done but it works something like this…

1.      If you own a small business that pays you more than $250,000 per year then your personal income would go up in the form of increased FICA and/or Social Security amounts above the current limit. This would not impact your earnings from investments or other sources of profit – only income taxes.

2.      If you own a business that makes a profit of $250,000 or more annually then it will also get taxed at a higher rate than currently; the exact level of tax increases is still open to debate with estimates ranging from 28 percent to 38 percent. Where the actual rate will end up is purely speculation at this point. Keep in mind, the government is anxious to make-up major deficit spending by increasing taxes whatever manner possible.

3.      Taxes on health benefits and other employee provided options is also on the table thanks to McCain’s proposals. Big bail-outs have led to near desperation as the government tries to support a sagging economy without throwing the nation into a recession. Either way, employees will bring home less of their paycheck and expect small business owners to make up the difference.

So, should small business owners prepare for the worst? Yes and no. Chances are changes are coming down the pipeline no matter who makes it into office this week. On the other hand, changes won’t be immediate and there is likely to be a work-around for almost any scenario. One of the main considerations is to remain flexible and keep your options open in order to streamline costs while still growing your business in any situation.  

As the government attempts to make-up for deficit spending and huge bail-out plans don’t be surprised to encounter more taxation rather than less. Reduce your costs now while the option is available; later you might find it more difficult to eliminate excess workers or reduce expenses.

 

 

 

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Many small business owners really aren’t sure whether or not their workers are employees or contractors. In fact, some contractors would be surprised to learn they actually are considered employees by government standards; unfortunately, even the most well intentioned small business owners could be at risk for costly lawsuits by making even a simple mistake when it comes to properly classifying workers. Here to help determine whether your worker is an employee or contractor are a few of the factors the government uses to distinguish between the two…just keep in mind, there are no less than a half dozen different laws each with different requirements so this is just a general guideline.

1.      Control. Contractors are typically in control of how work is performed, when it is performed and other specifications. They operate independently of your business and utilize their own discretion in critical questions related to quality, scheduling and other major decisions.

Independence. Contractors have a large degree of independence and latitude when it comes to their work. Outside of meeting the specifications of the contract, they also typically work for themselves

1.      as evidenced by billing, other clients, business license, training programs etc…

2.      Risk. Contractors bear their own legal risk as well as reward in relation to work performed.

3.      Delegation. Contractors can delegate work unless specifically prohibited by the original contract – workers cannot delegate and are typically responsible for their own work.

4.      Tools and Equipment. Contractors typically provide their own tools, equipment and training with the exception of specified or proprietary materials related directly to the project at hand (and which remain in the ownership and control of the employer).

Make sure your small business understands how to properly classify workers; better yet, let someone else handle it all for you at a fraction of the cost and time required to do it yourself. Remember, it’s completely tax deductible and allows you the extra time required to grow your business during these tough economic times.

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