Risk Management/Safety
CBIA is dedicated to providing quality risk management and safety information to our members. Under the leadership of the association’s risk management and insurance subcommittee, it is our goal to mitigate all types of risks in our industry from work site injuries to construction defect claims.
General Liability/Risk Management
Nearly 85 percent of residential construction claims payments relate to construction defect related claims or lawsuits. California’s Landmark Right to Repair legislation (SB 800) is expected to greatly reduce the exposure to such claims by providing and efficient method for resolving issues directly with the homeowner.
CBIA is committed to provide educational information to builders, trades, attorneys and insurance professionals on a variety of risk management areas. Upcoming educational opportunities include:
• Responding to Attorney Solicitation
Are attorneys carpet-bombing your projects and homebuyers with solicitation letters asking them to "sign on" to a lawsuit? Do you have existing projects or homebuyers that could be subject to solicitations by attorneys? Learn more about an educational program that CBIA has developed and is offering to local BIAs/HBAs throughout the state.
• SB 800 Claims Workshops
These programs are a workshop that will address specific claim handling protocols of SB 800, California's Right to Repair Law. California’s Right to Repair Law has been around nearly six years. As expected, after several years the first of the claims are being reported to builders around the state. In an effort to monitor the impact of the new law, CBIA encourages members to provide a brief background on your experience.
• Return-to-Work Program and Cal/OSHA Citations
State Fund's Employer Education series will hold a free four-hour seminar March 10 in Pleasanton. Learn critical information on two important safety subjects: How to address serious Cal-OSHA violations, and is your company eligible for the State of California Return-to-Work Reimbursement Program.
Home Construction Insurance Co.
Liability insurance for California homebuilders
The CBIA-sponsored risk-retention group for California builders is entering its sixth year of operation. The insurance company, owned by builders, was developed after the successful passage of SB 800, California’s landmark right-to-repair law which became effective in 2003. Builders who were frustrated with outrageous premiums and limited coverage asked CBIA to develop a program that valued builders who embraced the concepts of quality workmanship, excellent customer service and the right to repair. Builders from around the state are now insured under the program, which offers competitive rates, stability and control. To obtain a quote, simply contact one of the preferred brokers below. Additional information is also available by visiting www.hcicinsurance.com
- John Murphy
John O Bronson Insurance
(916) 480-4139; email - Don Sharp
Sharp Insurance
(559) 734-9246; email
Other recent articles on general liability/risk management
• Legal Expert: There Is No 'One-Size-Fits-All' Strategy
• A Brave New World: Effects of SB 800 Remain to be Seen
CBIA Builders' Risk Insurance Program
CBIA is pleased to announce a new CBIA Builders' Risk Insurance Program, designed for CBIA members. During these challenging times for our industry, CBIA has been working with insurance experts Jansen and Hastings to develop a unique course of construction policy with expanded coverage at very competitive rates. It is our desire to provide a program that gives an immediate benefit to members, not only from a pricing perspective, but also one that can assist builders with insuring standing inventory.
As we return to building levels in line with a stable market, the CBIA Builders' Risk Program will provide builders with a broad coverage at reasonable rates with little administrative effort, all while supporting the association.
Find out more about the program.
Join CBIA’s Group Programs
CBIA has partnered with State Fund to provide discounted workers compensation programs for members. The program is now open to both trade contractors and builders. If you are an existing State Fund policyholder and wish to receive the CBIA discount, simply download the applicable conversion form and fax to Kathleen Elyko at (916) 263-5323.
• CBIA Trade Contractor Group 40 Conversion Form
• CBIA Builder Group 41 Conversion Form
If you are currently insured with another carrier and wish to receive a Group Program quote, contact your local insurance broker and mention CBIA Group Programs.
For additional information on how to become a part of the programs visit the State Fund site.
No Charge for Cal/OSHA Consultation
CBIA encourages its members to visit the Cal/OSHA Consultation program. During difficult economic times it may be tempting to cut back on workplace safety budgets, but California employers now have an option to obtain safety information free of charge. California has developed several programs that rely on industry, labor, and government to work as partners in encouraging and recognizing workplace safety and health programs that effectively prevent and control injuries and illnesses to workers.
Click here to find out more about the program.
Safety Matters
Learn about safety training options, including online training and “tailgate talks” by trade and much more. Courage Safety offers a variety of services that will increase safety on your jobsite. Visit the Courage Safety site.
Other Important links
• Cal/OSHA
• U.S Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration
Other recent articles on workers compensation and safety
• Keep Your Guard Up at Elevated Locations
• Read and Heed Product Labels
• Make Ladder Safety a High Priority
• Improve Your Safety Effectiveness
• Simple Steps Can Keep Employees Safe When Temperatures Rise
• Back Belts – Do They Protect Workers?
• First Aid Reporting Requirements
• Precautions in Preventing Heat Illness
• Learn Rules at Multi-Employer Worksites
Questions?
For further questions on safety or risk management, contact Michael Strech at mstrech@cbia.org.
