Risk Tamed and Rewards Claimed: Requiring Subcontractor Bonds

Author, Matt Gaynor, Director of Surety, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

We often receive questions from our contractor clients regarding if/when they should require a subcontractor to provide the protection of a performance & payment bond for a project. Although the premium charged for the bond will add cost to the project – on many occasions the benefit of the bond will far outweigh the cost. 

Identifying Proper Procedures for the Injury and Illness Prevention Program

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

In this second installment of exploring an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) we will be taking a closer look at the procedures for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards, investigating occupational injury or illnesses, and correcting unsafe or unhealthy conditions, work practices and procedures.

The Critical Role of Pollution Liability Insurance for Mechanical Contractors

Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Mechanical HVAC contractors are essential to making sure that buildings around the globe have controlled temperatures and are energy efficient. Nationwide, the demand for mechanical HVAC contractors often keeps these businesses with full backlogs. These companies use various materials that create the potential for a pollution liability claim. Refrigerants, gases, flammable liquids, and lubricants are examples of these types of pollutants. If leaked or exposed, walls, ceilings, and floors can develop damage or mold that is not covered by standard commercial general liability policies.

Cal/OSHA to Enact ETS for Silica Exposure in Artificial Stone Industry

Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On July 20, 2023, the Cal/OSHA board approved a petition that requested an emergency temporary standard for respirable crystalline silica, a byproduct of manufacturing and cutting artificial stone material.  

Taking the Mystery out of Bonding for Public Works Projects

Author, Andy Roberts, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Obtaining bonding for public works projects can be a complex process but understanding what bonds are, why they are required, and what information the bond company needs can take a lot of the mystery out of the process and make it seem a lot less daunting.

Seasonal Demands Lead to Increased Risk for Landscapers

Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

With summer in full swing and the autumn months close ahead, landscapers are at their busiest time of the year. During this time, landscape companies often increase their employee numbers with temporary hires to meet the seasonal demands. Due to this, employers are encouraged to be more cautious of the increased risk of injuries to their workers, particularly those who are young and less-experienced.

First Four Steps to Take Immediately After a Data Breach

Author, Sam Brown, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Friday, July 14th Rancho Mesa hosted a popular workshop titled “Cyber Liability Explained: Hacking Trends for 2023” with presenter Beau Bechelli of Evolve MGA. His 60-minute presentation educated the audience on the cost of cyber-attacks, the most common types of attacks, and practical ways to help reduce the threat of a breach.

Take Your Safety Program to the Next Level through Leading Indicators

Author, Drew Garcia, Vice President of the Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

When it comes to measuring safety, most green industry (i.e., lawn, landscape, and tree care) businesses rely on OSHA rates, the experience modification, and, if you’re a Rancho Mesa customer, your Safety KPI Dashboard. This data is important; however, it only captures lagging information. Take your safety program to the next level by measuring predictive, preventive, and proactive - leading indicators.

Pure Premium Increase for Landscape (0042) in Consecutive Years

Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

When my baseball career ended in 2021, it was time for me to do something new with my life. For me the decision was easy and one that I am very grateful for. My dad, Dave Garcia started Rancho Mesa 25 years ago and throughout the years he and many others have contributed into what Rancho Mesa is today, a 16-time National Best Practices Agency. I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to join such an amazing organization.

A Deeper Dive Into Professional Liability

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

In Episode 315 of Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee and Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton discuss pollution liability, and why virtually all general liability policies exclude this coverage.

Improving Safety with Mechanization in the Tree Care Industry

Author, Rory Anderson, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Mechanization refers to the process of introducing machinery, equipment, or automated systems to replace human labor. Today, the tree care industry is becoming more mechanized with many technological advancements that are greatly improving the productivity, profitability, and safety of the industry. Let’s focus on safety.

A Brief Discussion on Pollution Liability

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

In Episode 315 of Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee and Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton discuss pollution liability, and why virtually all general liability policies exclude this coverage.

Breaking Down the First Few Components of the IIPP

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Building upon Sam Brown’s article “Guidance for Developing an Effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program” (IIPP), I would like to delve further into some of the key components of an IIPP. In this first installment, I will explore assigning the right person to create the IIPP, compliance with safety regulations, and effective communication.

Heat Illness Awareness Vital for California's Construction Companies

Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

California faces a critical need to prioritize heat illness awareness among its workforce. The combination of Southern California's recent above average rainfall and the anticipated heatwave resulting from El Niño has created the possibility of an extremely warm summer. Construction companies must remain vigilant and adaptable, implementing appropriate measures to address these changing weather dynamics and ensuring the safety of their workers. By staying informed about weather forecasts and implementing flexible work schedules and site preparations, companies can effectively navigate these challenging conditions and prioritize the well-being of their employees. By understanding the significance of heat illness awareness, companies can ensure the safety and well-being of their workers while fostering productivity, minimizing downtime, and improving overall project efficiency.

Implementing Best Practices when Hiring in the Construction Industry

Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

With unemployment rates settling near 4 percent, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the right employees to help grow your construction company. With most able-bodied workers having secure employment, this leads to having either apprentice-type employees that come with unique challenges or pulling from an aging workforce that can bring cumulative injuries and risks. Navigating these issues can be complex and there is not a perfect solution, but employer’s hiring practices need to change in order to keep up with the current state of the industry.

Guidance for Developing an Effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program

Author, Sam Brown, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

As some company leaders may recall, since 1991, all California employers are required to maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). An IIPP is an understandable and accessible safety program tailored to a business’ operations. An effective IIPP will help an employer establish and maintain a safe workplace while setting expectations and protocols for all employees.