We’re back this week with another FAQ in terms of workers compensation. At Wolpert Insurance, we make it a priority to be the point person when it comes to questions and concerns about Massachusetts workers compensation rules and regulations. This week, we will address the following question: What is my responsibility in reporting injuries? If it has come to your attention that an employee has been injured and/or files a work injury claim and he or she has been disabled for 5 full or partial calendar days, you must file an Employer’s First Report of Injury or Fatality Form – … Continue reading Employer FAQ: What is my Responsibility in Reporting Injuries?

If you were not aware, split point information has been updated. This week, our agency has the details. First, what is the split point? The split point is that point below which claims are applied dollar for dollar when calculating your experience. Above the split point, the claim is only counted at roughly 5-11% of the total claim (when applied in calculating experience.) This prevents large claims from having a severe impact. But since medical costs have risen significantly when the 5k point was established, the board has reassessed and said that the split point needs to better reflect these … Continue reading ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: A Change in the Experience Modification Rate Formula

If you recall, our agency had written a blog focused on the misclassification of independent contractors and workers compensation. This week, we have some news regarding misclassification and the President’s FY 2014 budget. Recently, President Obama released his FY 2014 budget. Within, it includes a request that Congress continues to fund the federal government’s intensifying efforts to combat employee “misclassification” . It states on page 126: “When employees are misclassified as independent contractors, they are deprived of benefits and protections to which they are legally entitled, such as minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, and anti-discrimination protections. Misclassification, together with the … Continue reading Obama’s FY 2014 Budget and Misclassification

As an employer in the state of Massachusetts, workers compensation is a critical part of your business insurance package. If you took our workers compensation quiz last week, you now understand that this policy is MANDATORY. If employers DO decide to operate without this insurance, there will be consequences. There are a number of penalties that employers may face when they fail to obtain a workers’ compensation policy. Civil fines and/or criminal penalties may ensue. Consequences include: • Imprisonment • A STOP WORK order issued to the business • Civil fines that may be up to $250 a day • … Continue reading Massachusetts Laws: The Penalties of Passing on Workers Compensation

Last week, our agency made it a point to answer a frequently asked workers compensation question. As an employer, it is your duty to be able to answer most questions that will be thrown your way from an employee. When it comes to Massachusetts workers compensation, many employees may not be educated or aware of the proper procedures in order to file a claim. Once the time comes to file, he or she may be lost! To ensure that all of your employees are on the same page, it is important to have a full understanding of how workers compensation … Continue reading How Long Do Employees Have to File a Claim After Injury?

At Wolpert Insurance, we want to make sure that each and every business owner has a full grasp and understanding of their Massachusetts workers compensation policy. To do this, we like to answer a few FAQ every once in a while! Your employees may wonder about the workers compensation that your company provides. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to be able to answer their questions. Let’s take a look at a common question today… Your employee may ask: How long does the insurance company have until they start sending me my checks after injury? The answer: When … Continue reading Workers Comp FAQ: How Long Until Checks are Sent to an Injured Employee?

Last week, we discussed the first five most common workplace injuries, according to the American Training Resources website. As promised, we are back with another five to go over. At Wolpert Insurance, we make it a priority to ensure that our business owner clientele are being as safe as possible in their work environment. Unfortunately, the more accidents that occur on the job, the higher their workers compensation premium may end up being. That is the last thing we want to see happen to our wonderful clients! Without further adieu, here are five more common workplace injuries and solutions to … Continue reading Top 10 Common Workplace Injuries, Part 2

Life is full of risks. However, men and women who head to work should not have to worry about the possibility of a serious injury while driving into work each and every day. While some accidents are unavoidable, there are a number of common workplace injuries that CAN be avoided. As a business owner, you should be aware of these things. Too many injuries in the workplace could lead to a higher workers compensation premium – remember that! Over the next 2 weeks, our agency will share a list of the top 10 most common workplace injuries – and HOW … Continue reading Top 10 Common Workplace Injuries, Part 1

We are excited to announce the addition of Joelle Palaima, Account Executive, who will be primarily responsible for the continued development of our very successful Auto Body and Repair niche business as well as Personal Lines. Joelle can be reached at 508-459-4712 or by email atjpalaima@wolpert.com We also welcome our new Senior Sales Representative, Mike Swistak. Mike has more than twenty years of experience in the insurance industry and looks to develop a very successful practice with us now. He will primarily responsible for developing Commercial P&C business generated in RI area. Mike can be reached at 508-459-4716 or by … Continue reading Say Hello to New Employees at Wolpert Insurance!

The month of March continues! Before it is over, you may want to take a moment to recognize Workplace Eye Wellness Month. According to Prevent Blindness America, “thousands of eye accidents happen each day and 90 percent of these are preventable with the use of appropriate safety eyewear.” As a business owner, it is important to be aware of this increasing issue and of course, prevent possible accidents as best as possible. How? Our agents at Wolpert Insurance can help! We have put together a list of six ways that you can reduce the number of eye injuries in the … Continue reading 6 Eye Safety Tips You Need to Read NOW!