Tuesday, September 29, 2020

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course - Mohawk Valley Builders Exchange

 October 15th & October 16th , 2020  7:30AM-1:30PM

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course.  The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.

Please contact Ms. Tracy Page at (315) 731-2441 for registration. Masks are required and social distancing will be obtained.




Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Section 32 Waiver Agreements

Sometimes it is in the interests of both claimants and employers to compromise to settle a claim. For example, an employee with a diabetic foot alleged that he injured the foot at work. The employer disputed the claim, stating that no work accident occurred and that the employee’s problems were entirely preexisting. The carrier controverted the claim. There was a substantial chance that the claim could be established by the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) as a work injury with an aggravation of his underlying condition. In that event, the cost of the claim would exceed $100,000 for wage replacement (known as indemnity benefits) and medical costs. 

The claimant, on the other hand, faced the prospect of having his claim completely denied. Rather than take the risk of litigation, both parties elected to settle the claim for $15,000, under Section 32 of the Workers’ Compensation Law. Section 32 states as follows: “No agreement or release except as otherwise provided in this chapter by an employee to waive his right to compensation under this chapter shall be valid.” It then goes on to provide a framework within which a waiver agreement can be entered into and be approved by the Workers’ Compensation Board. A carrier, including self-insured employers, and a claimant can agree to resolve a controverted claim, settle a dispute, or bring finality to ongoing claims involving permanent disabilities. 

Settlements can be limited to wage replacement benefits and are referred to as “indemnity only.” The carrier will be responsible for the payment of continued medical treatment. A “global settlement” covers both wage replacement (indemnity) and medical treatment. A “medical only” settlement is possible but rarely utilized. Indemnity settlements are typically paid as a lump sum, but structured settlements, where claimants receive weekly or monthly annuity benefits, are an acceptable alternative.

Since the passage of legislation in 1980, the Federal Government has implemented a complex series of rules to make sure that workers’ compensation settlements were not shifting the medical costs of work-related injuries to Medicare. When medical costs are included in a settlement, the interest of Medicare must be considered in regard to future medical costs and past payments that Medicare may have made. A Medicare Set Aside Arrangement (MSA) is an allocation of a portion of the settlement for future medical care. When the following conditions are met the MSA can and should be submitted to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for approval: claimant is a Medicare beneficiary and the total settlement amount is greater than $25,000.00; or claimant has an expectation of Medicare enrollment within 30 months and the anticipated total settlement amount is expected to be greater than $250,000.

The MSA is comprised of prior payments made by Medicare and a projection of future costs based on current ongoing treatment including prescription drugs. The MSA’s often have very high values. When handled properly, Medicare will assume responsibility for payment if an MSA is exhausted. Under certain circumstances, an unwise carrier may unexpectedly find itself liable for past and/or future payments. 

Evidence and experience suggest that some claimants overutilize medical services in order to bolster their claims, especially if there is a concurrent third-party lawsuit. After the claimants have settled their workers’ compensation case, it is not unusual for there to be a significant drop in the utilization of medical services, and very often there is a complete cessation. Therefore, it is often preferable to settle the claims as “indemnity only,” which often reduces the propensity of claimants to seek treatment. These types of settlements avoid the added expense and complexity of the MSA.

Settlements are also often used on established permanent partial disability claims. Workers’ compensation benefits are paid weekly, over a fixed period of time. Some claimants prefer to receive their benefits all at once in a lump sum. Carriers will settle claims in a single payment, but only if such settlements offer a significant discount against the future value of the claim. 

Settlements are final ten days after being approved by the WCB and will not be disturbed absent a showing of fraud or misrepresentation. When wisely negotiated, settlements offer the benefits of lowering claim costs, removing uncertainty, and reducing the cost of administering claims. 

 

Monday, August 31, 2020

New York City Council has passed a bill postponing LL 196 full compliance deadline until March 1, 2021

We have just been informed that the New York City Council has passed a bill postponing LL 196 full compliance deadline until March 1, 2021.

For most contractors this refers to the additional 10 hours of training.

It is expected that the Mayor will sign this bill prior to September 1, 2020.

The NYC DOB Local Law 196 currently requires a total of 40 hours of training for employees to receive their SST cards. 

This includes the 30 Hours OSHA class PLUS 10 hours of additional training. 

Please note, if the employee has taken the 30 Hour OSHA class, an additional OSHA 10 Hour class will not satisfy the additional 10 hours of training requirement. 

As always, the Lovell Safety Management Safety Department will provide you with up to the minute details.

You can access NYC DOB approved Online training at:

OSHA 30 Hour:

www.clicksafety.com/lovell (discount automatically applied)

NYC SST-302 2-Hour Drugs and Alcohol Awareness for Construction

https://clicksafety.com/courses/detail/nyc-drugs-and-alcohol-awareness-for-construction

NYC SST-305 4-Hour Fall Prevention for Construction

https://clicksafety.com/courses/detail/nyc-sst-305-4-hour-fall-prevention-for-construction

NYC SST-307 8-Hour Fall Prevention for Construction

https://clicksafety.com/courses/detail/nyc-sst-307-8-hour-fall-prevention-for-construction

Use Discount Code PK15 for 15% off NYC-SST courses

For questions or further information, please contact the LSM Safety Department at 212-709-8899 lsmsafetydepartment@lovellsafety.com

Thursday, August 13, 2020

NYC DOB Local Law 196 currently requires a total of 40 hours of training for employees to receive their SST cards.

Dear Group Member,

NYC DOB Local Law 196 currently requires a total of 40 hours of training for employees to receive their SST cards. 

This includes the 30 Hours OSHA class PLUS 10 hours of additional training.

Please note, if the employee has taken the 30 Hour OSHA class, an additional OSHA 10 Hour class will not satisfy the additional 10 hours of training requirement.

The current deadline for full compliance with LL 196 is September 1, 2020.  We have been informed that the NYC Council is considering extending this deadline to March 1, 2021. Though this has NOT become law, as of yet, it appears that this a real possibility.

As always, the Lovell Safety Management Safety Department will provide you with up to the minute details.

You can access NYC DOB approved Online training at:

OSHA 30 Hour:

www.clicksafety.com/lovell (discount automatically applied)

NYC SST-302 2-Hour Drugs and Alcohol Awareness for Construction

https://clicksafety.com/courses/detail/nyc-drugs-and-alcohol-awareness-for-construction

NYC SST-305 4-Hour Fall Prevention for Construction

https://clicksafety.com/courses/detail/nyc-sst-305-4-hour-fall-prevention-for-construction

NYC SST-307 8-Hour Fall Prevention for Construction

https://clicksafety.com/courses/detail/nyc-sst-307-8-hour-fall-prevention-for-construction

Use Discount Code PK15 for 15% off NYC-SST courses

For questions or further information, please contact the LSM Safety Department at 212-709-8899

lsmsafetydepartment@lovellsafety.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

NYC Department of Buildings "Best Practices for Social Distancing on Construction Sites"

Dear Group Member,

The New York City Department of Buildings has just issued their “Best Practices for Social Distancing on Construction Sites.”   They are based on the latest COVID-19 guidance from the CDC, OSHA and other publications. Employers are responsible for enforcing social distancing and safety measures on their job sites. These guidelines may help you develop and manage appropriate measures customized for your job sites. If you need any additional information or assistance, please contact the Lovell Safety Department.


Safety Department
lsmsafetydepartment@lovellsafety.com
212-709-8899



Thursday, April 2, 2020

Working at Home - Keeping Yourself Safe

Dear Group Member,

The global spread of COVID-19, is forcing many of us to work from home.  Whether you are new to the work-from-home lifestyle, or have been doing it for years, please see the attached information  to help you, and your staff, keep safe and healthy. 

As always, The Lovell Safety Department, and the entire Lovell Safety Management staff, are available to respond to your safety and worker compensation needs. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. 

 Safety Department
212-709-8899



Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Lovell is Always Here


Thursday, March 26, 2020

COVID 19 - Pandemic Safety and Health Policy

Dear Group Member,

The Lovell Safety Department has prepared a COVID-19 Pandemic Safety and Health Policy. 

This is a generic policy based upon the most recent World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC) and OSHA recommendations. This pandemic is ever changing and, though the policy can be used as a guide, the information in it may need to be changed day to day.

This policy DOES NOT need to be submitted to anyone unless requested to by an organization you are working with.

For a copy of the policy, please contact the Lovell Safety Department.

Please review the policy, follow the directions on Page 2, personalize it your company and your work environment and update it as needed.

Safety Department
Lsmsafetydepatment@lovellsafety.com
212-709-8899

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Important Safety Alert Regarding COVID-19

Dear Group Member:
Attached please find some recommendations to help you protect your workers on construction sites. As always, if you need any additional information or guidance, please contact your local safety representative or the Lovell Safety Department.


Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Important Information for Our Group Members

Dear Group Members:
To help reduce the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on businesses, workers, customers, and the public, it is important for all employers to have a plan of action.  We have attached the most recent OSHA alert on COVID-19 as well as a more detailed Guidance Document.
There are many guidelines and safe work practices that have been published by multiple recognized organizations.  We recommend you utilize their guidance. Some suggestions can be found below:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
COVID-19 Webpagehttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 
World Health Organization (WHO)
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Please remember, the Lovell Safety department and the entire staff of Lovell Safety Management
is available throughout this crisis to aid you in all of your Worker Compensation needs.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
212-709-8600
212-709-8899 (Safety)

lsmsafetydepartment@lovellsafety.com 
www.lovellsafety.com


Monday, March 16, 2020

Important announcing regarding COVID-19

We are working hard to keep our employees safe, continue our operations, and to do our part to protect and care for our neighbors. We understand that the COVID-19 emergency will have complex and unanticipated impacts on your employees and your businesses. We remain available to provide you with service, and to help you navigate this unprecedented emergency. 

Our offices are open, though they are currently staffed only with essential employees. Most of our employees are now working from home. Our claims field staff remain available to answer questions, to respond to immediate needs, and to conduct virtual meetings. Our safety staff likewise continues to be available to answer questions and make virtual office visits. They will also be available to make limited field visits when proper social distancing protocols can be observed. We do not believe it is prudent for our field staff to continue office visits, but they will be accessible by phone and email.

NYSIF has implemented aspects of their emergency preparedness and business continuity plan. They are continuing business operations. We anticipate that they will need to make adjustments to auditing and other procedures, and we will inform you of these adjustments once they are known to us. 
On Sunday night, The Workers’ Compensation Board announced that they will be conducting ALL workers’ compensation hearings remotely, using the Board’s Virtual Hearings service. This system allows all of the participants at a hearing to use a computer or mobile device to communicate. At the same time, the Board has closed eight downstate locations to the public. Their bulletin said that they will soon be issuing additional guidance related to COVID-19 and the current health emergency. If you or your employees were scheduled to attend a hearing, please contact our claims department for further instructions.

The New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board announced that all of their employees will be working remotely beginning Monday, March 16th. They remain available via email and telephone, and plan to continue to meet their statutory and regulatory obligations. 
Some have raised questions regarding whether a worker can make a claim if they contract the COVID-19 virus. That question will need to be decided by the Workers’ Compensation Board if and when they are presented with the specific facts and circumstances of a claim. Your policy promises to “pay promptly when due the benefits required of you by the Workers’ Compensation Law.”  Thus, if the Workers’ Compensation Board finds that a worker has contracted the virus in and out of the course of employment, then your NYSIF policy would provide coverage. 

It is difficult at this moment to anticipate all of the issues that we will face as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. We encourage you to contact us with your questions and concerns, so that we can continue to advocate on your behalf. 

Wishing you all safety and good health,
Barry Lovell


Barry Lovell
Lovell Safety Management Co., LLC
110 William Street
New York, NY 10038

212-709-8607

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course NRLA - Rensselaer, NY

March 31st & April 7, 2020 8:00AM-2:00PM
To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course. The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.
*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.


Monday, March 9, 2020

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course - Syracuse (SYBE)

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course - Syracuse (SYBE)
April 16th & April 17th, 2020 7:30AM-1:30PM
To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course. The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.
*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.


Tuesday, February 11, 2020

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course - MVBE (Whitesboro

MARCH 4th & March 5th , 2020 7:30AM-1:30PM

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course. The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.

*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.



Monday, January 13, 2020

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course - NRLA

February 19 & February 26, 2020 8:00AM-2:00 PM
To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course. The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.
*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.
 

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

OSHA 10 HR CONSTRUCTION COURSE - BUFFALO

February 3 & February 4, 2020 8:00AM-2:00PM

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course. The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.

*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.



Tuesday, January 7, 2020

CLAIMS & SAFETY SEMINAR - (SYRACUSE & ROCHESTER AREAS)

Dates: January 17th  (Syracuse)  & January 24th  (Rochester)
Please join us for this informative seminar concerning Workplace Safety and Worker Compensation! Your local Safety and Claims representatives will be presenting important information and answering your questions.