As a homeowner you have a responsibility to those people who visit your home. Not only do you have to ensure that invited guests are safe, but, when Halloween comes around, you need to be aware of the potential dangers to young trick-or-treaters and the hazards outside your home. In addition, you also need to ensure your family stays safe.
Hidden dangers in decorations
We all love to make sure our home puts on a show for are trick-or-treaters. This often means decorations that you probably have not used since last year. Before you start decorating your home keep some things in mind:
- Open flame hazards – it is fun for children to see a jack-o-lantern all lit up on the porch of a home they are visiting. Often, we use candles in these to provide a spooky welcome to children. Instead of using traditional candles, consider the battery-operated type to avoid potential burns to visiting children.
- Electrical hazards – strings of orange lights may look great outside or inside your home but if you have not used these lights since last year you may want to carefully inspect all cords. Worn cords should be thrown away to avoid a fire hazard.
- The little things – you may not think about dog toys, children’s toys or garden tools laying around your yard. However, these all can pose a risk to visitors who are unfamiliar with your home. Keep everyone save by carefully checking all walkways and surrounding areas for items that could cause falls.
Adults and children alike can enjoy the fun and excitement of Halloween if proper safety precautions are taken. Taking the proper precautions such as making sure your home is well lit, making sure your family pets are indoors where they cannot be hurt or frightened by trick-or-treaters and making sure you have prepared for your visitors will help make sure everyone has a safe and happy experience.
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Nearly all business owners carry some type of insurance. However, if you are carrying a standard business liability policy, it may be worth your time to review your policy and determine if you have employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) coverage. Not all liability coverage includes this important feature.
What is EPLI?
EPLI coverage includes wrongful termination protection for employers. This allows you to file a claim to cover the cost of legal defense anytime you are sued for wrongful termination. This insurance would also pay claims if you should lose your case.
What is wrongful termination?
Wrongful termination claims may be filed by an employee who feels they were fired from their job unjustly. Some of the common reasons why an employee may claim wrongful termination include:
- Age discrimination – employees over the age of 40 may file an age discrimination claim even if they were fired for other reasons.
- Other discrimination – claims may be filed if an employee believes they were terminated because of their gender, sexual orientation or a disability.
- Whistleblower termination – California law makes it illegal to terminate an employee for reporting certain actions including workplace safety, public interest or other activities that may be considered illegal.
- Written contract violations – while California is known to have an “at will” employer/employee agreement, employees who are fired and have written contracts may still be fired under certain circumstances. This may not prevent them from filing a wrongful termination suit.
Minimizing your risk of wrongful termination claims
Keep in mind, the better you document your reasons for terminating an employee, the less likely you are to face wrongful termination claims. Some ways to avoid this include:
- Documentation of wrongdoing – anytime you reprimand an employee it should be documented in their employment file.
- Witnesses can be helpful – if you need to have a conference with an employee about their conduct on the job, it may be helpful to have another manager or supervisor sit in on the conference.
- Consider consulting an attorney – if you need to terminate an employee, it may be helpful to discuss your strategy with an employment attorney first.
Oftentimes, wrongful termination claims are simply retaliatory but having EPLI coverage can make good financial sense for those unexpected claims.
Sources:http://www.business.ca.gov/StartaBusiness/AdministeringEmployees/EqualEmploymentOpportunityLaws/AtWillEmployment.aspx
http://www.calchamber.com/california-employment-law/pages/termination.aspx
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Sexual harassment suits may be filed against a business for any number of reasons. In fact, some employers are surprised to learn that sexual harassment charges have been filed against them because of suggestive posters, suggestive items on display in the workplace or because of lewd jokes told in the workplace. However, under California law, all of these are considered a violation of workplace rules.
Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace
Employers in California who have five or more employees are under an obligation per the laws in the state to provide a workplace where employees do not feel they are subjected to sexual harassment. It is important to note that there are two specific categories of harassment which are “quid pro quo” and “hostile work environment”. As an employer, you should be aware of what each of these terms means, specifically:
- Quid pro quo – when an employee feels they were denied opportunities for advancement or increase in pay because they refused a sexual advance on the job. In some cases, if an employee reports a sexual advance and were subsequently dismissed from their job this may also be considered quid pro quo.
- Hostile work environment – when other employees, regular visitors or others are telling offensive jokes regularly, an employee may feel the environment is hostile. Keep in mind this could mean racially insensitive jokes, jokes of a sexual nature or other behaviors an employee finds offensive.
According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, during 2011 there were more than 11,000 sexual harassment cases filed. More than 15% of these were filed by male employees. No employer, regardless of size is guaranteed to never have a suit filed against them. It is important to note, that of the more than 11,000 suits filed, settlements exceeded $52 million for suits that were found to have merit. It is imperative to verify that you have the right coverage to protect your business in the event you are sued for sexual harassment.
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Let’s talk about chimney fires
We’ve been discussing home improvement tips before the winter season come. We have discussed the importance of maintaining your home, cleaning out your gutter, and a general list of other to-do’s this fall. Now we are going to discuss about the importance of taking care of your chimney.
Why do I need my chimney inspected?
Creosote is what gets left behind after burning wood, and it’s highly flammable. Pine wood is notorious for leaving a lot of creosote behind. If your chimney has too much creosote (or under the right conditions) you could find yourself in the middle of a chimney fire.
How often should I get my chimney inspected?
It’s a good idea to get your chimney inspected annually. Most chimney sweeps will not only check for built up creosote, but will also check to make sure that everything is working properly. It’s not a bad idea to get your chimney cleaned out each year. It’s a good preventive measure to save you and your family.
By calling a chimney sweep and getting your wood stove, pellet stove, or fireplace inspected, you are maintaining your home and ensuring the safety of your family. Plus, you’re also meeting the maintenance requirements for your homeowner’s insurance policy.
For more information about your homeowner’s insurance policy, contact the friendly agents at Scurich Insurance Services.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
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Comfort zones are there to tell us that we need to start to break out of our quicksand of comfortability. In your comfort zone there is no growth, no discovery, your journey gets stagnant, and routine becomes your best friend.
Now don’t get me wrong, stability is necessary, but boredom is not. It’s time to get a little uncomfortable. Not sure how? Check out these tips.
Go out and socialize, no matter how you feel. It’s Friday night and you’ve been invited out with your friends but after a long week all you really want to do is curl up on the sofa with a good movie. Stop right there. This is where you fight your initial urge to lay up and force yourself to make the move to go out.
Talk to someone you don’t know. You’re riding the bus or standing in line at the store. Stop and say hi and make small talk. You could be the sun that brightens their day and vice versa.
You know that thing that you’ve been avoiding because you’re terrified? Yeah? Do that. The point is, don’t let fear get the best of you. You go out and get the best of fear.
Try new things. When you keep doing the same things over and over again, life can get pretty boring. It’s time to break the habit of your tuna sandwich for lunch and head out to that new restaurant.
Break out of your funky, old stagnant life and find the excitement that is ready to meet you. Your future self will thank your present self. I guarantee it.
Content provided by Transformer Marketing.
Source: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15436/5-ways-to-live-a-bolder-happier-life.html
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You need to protect and insure your business. Accidents happen. Fires, floods, slips, falls, sicknesses and even fatalities. They all happen. Everyday. That’s why no matter what size business you’re running, from a two-man operation or a corporation worth millions of dollars, you SHOULD ALWAYS have commercial property insurance.
Not everyone who is looking for business insurance actually understands what it is, though. Or why they need it. Here’s our brief but informative round-up of information to get you started.
3 Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Property Insurance
My Business is Brand New…Do I Need Insurance on my Commercial Property Already?
Absolutely. Think of it this way: If you could suffer a loss then you need insurance. It doesn’t matter if you’re on day 1 of business or day 1000…you need the insurance.
If I Work From Home Do I Still Need Commercial Property Insurance?
Yes. In most cases you’ll only be insured and reimbursed for up to $2,500 of damage or loss to business assets that occurr within a homeowner’s insurance policy. It is best to purchase additional insurance and protection under your home coverage or add on a commercial property insurance policy to cover anything over the $2,500 amount.
What Steps Can I Take to Lower My Commercial Property Insurance Premiums?
Every policy and insurance premium is based upon the amount of risk involved. Show high risk and you’ll pay more. Mitigate that risk and you’ll pay less. Here are some simple steps you can take to mitigate the risk and lower the premium on your commercial insurance policy:
- Have a well-lighted work place (in and out).
- Keep electrical systems maintained.
- Install adequate sprinkler and fire safety systems.
- Teach and preach on the job safety to every employee and keep records of safety training.
- Keep the minimal amount of cash needed on hand. Make daily or twice daily bank deposits.
Those are our most FAQ and the answers we give. If you have any more questions or require any further detail, please contact and ask.
Source: http://legalzoom.com
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