Month: April 2013

The Right to Know Law in Massachusetts

Back in 1984, the Massachusetts Right to Know Law became effective. At first, this law only applied to the private and public sector in Massachusetts. Over time, Federal OSHA began to regulate the private sector with similar requirements under the Hazard Communication Standard. At this time, the RTK Law ONLY applies to State, county and municipal workplaces in the state of Mass.

What is the Right to Know Law?

This law requires that information on chemical hazards be given to employees. This means that it is mandatory to provide the employees in your shop with access to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). It also means that you must label ALL containers and train ALL employees on safe work procedures.

As the owner of a garage and auto body shop in Massachusetts, it is important to be familiar with this law. Many of your employees are working with chemicals day in and day out. If you are not complying with this law, you could find yourself in trouble much sooner than later.

The employees in your shop have certain rights under this law, and it is important that you are aware of them. Their rights include:

•    The right to request a copy of a MSDS

•     The right to refuse to work if an MSDS is not provided (certain circumstances)

A frequently asked question about MSDS sheets, though: Does OSHA Really Require Employers to Keep MSDSs for 30 Years? The short answer for this is, no. The longer answer? Be sure to come back in the next few weeks and you will find out!

If you are interested in hearing more about the Right to Know Law, do not hesitate to reach out to our experts at Wolpert Insurance. While we may be your go-to for garage insurance concerns, we are also educated in the garage and auto body shop field. We would be happy to share our knowledge on the subject.

Be sure to come back in the next few weeks – we will be discussing this law in depth and answering a few FAQ!

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Garage Insurance Broadened Coverage 101

At Wolpert Insurance, it is our #1 goal to provide auto body and repair shop owners with the right coverage for their garage. We take the time to assess all risks in order to provide a solid garage insurance policy. However, not all garage insurance policies are created equal. This week, let’s talk about CA 25 14 – Broadened Coverage for Garages.

If you are looking for coverage that combines premises liability, products and completed operations liability with auto coverage, a simple Garage Coverage Form will do the job. However, depending on your business, you may be in need of more protection. The CA 25 14 – Broadened Coverage for Garages adds the following coverage to a Garage Cover Form, in order to close most gaps:

•    Additional Persons Insured
•    Automatic Liability Coverage (for Newly Acquired Garage Business / 90 days)
•    Damage to Rented Premises
•    Host Liquor Liability
•    Incidental Medical Malpractice Liability
•    Limited Worldwide Liability
•    Non-Owned Watercraft
•    Personal and Advertising Injury Liability

Remember: This endorsement applies ONLY to garage activities and NOT to liability involving ownership, maintenance, or use of any covered vehicles.

For more information on the CA 25 14 – Broadened Coverage for Garages, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experts at Wolpert Insurance. Our agents are experienced in both insurance and the garage industry. We are committed to pinpointing the risks that pose a threat to your business and will match you up with a comprehensive and affordable garage insurance policy. Please call 800-299-6819 for a free quote, today!

Material Safety Data Sheets 101

As an employer in the auto shop and garage industry, it is important that you are 100% aware of the best practices to prevent injuries and accidents on the job. One of your most important duties of all is to always be on top of reviewing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) with employees.

What are Material Safety Data Sheets?

MSDSs are forms that discuss a specific product/chemical, informing individuals of its health hazards as well as proactive measures that are recommended by the product manufacturer.

Should I keep these sheets or toss them?

It is important for employers to keep these sheets organized and readily accessible on the job. If you receive a new product in the shop, make it a point to go over the sheet with your employees in order to relay ALL safety information and precautions. Many of the products in your shop can cause a number of health issues, from blindness to asthma. By reading these sheets WITH your employees, front to back, everyone will be aware of the risks and the preventative measures that must be taken.

It is important that you also keep up with these forms and file them away in a safe place. In the event that a chemical or product has an updated MSDS, be prepared to relay the information to your workers and then replace the old sheet with an updated one.

What do I do if a product arrives without an MSDS?

It is best to place the product in a holding area. DO NOT USE IT! Contact the manufacturer and let them know that you will not accept the delivery until there is an MSDS attached to it. This will not only keep your employees feeling secure, but will prove to your supplier that you insist on being informed. This is a great reputation to hold.

MSDSs are very important in the auto shop and garage business. At Wolpert Insurance, we want to make sure you have a full understanding of WHY they are important. Any questions or concerns you may have, you can always contact our agency.

It is our priority to keep both you and your employees protected – and your garage insurance premium low! The fewer claims that are made on your insurance, the lower your premium will remain. For more information, contact us today.

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Taking Your Customers Keys: Your Responsibilities

As the owner of a garage and auto body shop, you have a great number of responsibilities. The second that a customer hands over his or her keys, you can be held liable for something that is or is not done. You could be held liable for theft, damage and more. To ensure that you are ready for the worst case scenario, it is important that you are equipped with the proper coverage. This is where our experts at Wolpert Insurance come into the picture.
At Wolpert Insurance, we can provide your shop with comprehensive and affordable garage insurance policies. Policies such as general liability and crime and theft coverage may protect your liability, in the event that a customer comes at your business with an issue or worse, a lawsuit.
This week, our agency also has some advice to extend. The following three points may be your top three responsibilities as an auto body shop owner.

#1: Maintain car condition. If you operate a garage repair shop, It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to keep the cars that come into your shop in the SAME CONDITION as they came in. Any damages, dents or accidents that are caused by you or your employees will result in a problem with the customer and could land your shop into financial trouble without the right coverage.

#2: Lock up to avoid theft. Be sure to properly lock up your shop at the end of every single day. If not, your customers could lose their vehicle or possessions in a case of break-in and theft. You could be held liable for this if you are not careful.

#3: Have insurance in place. Your customers will feel much better knowing that your business is properly insured in the event of an accident or mishap. Having solid coverage will not only keep your business safe, but it will come off as professional and trustworthy to your clients. This may improve your business and reputation in the long run! Make it a point to focus on coverage.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your responsibilities and the coverage that can protect you, please call Wolpert Insurance at 800-299-6819, today.

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Taking Your Customers Keys: Your Responsibilities

As the owner of a garage and auto body shop, you have a great number of responsibilities. The second that a customer hands over his or her keys, you can be held liable for something that is or is not done. You could be held liable for theft, damage and more. To ensure that you are ready for the worst case scenario, it is important that you are equipped with the proper coverage. This is where our experts at Wolpert Insurance come into the picture
At Wolpert Insurance, we can provide your shop with comprehensive and affordable garage insurance policies. Policies such as general liability and crime and theft coverage may protect your liability, in the event that a customer comes at your business with an issue or worse, a lawsuit.
This week, our agency also has some advice to extend. The following three points may be your top three responsibilities as an auto body shop owner.

#1: Maintain car condition. If you operate a garage repair shop, It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to keep the cars that come into your shop in the SAME CONDITION as they came in. Any damages, dents or accidents that are caused by you or your employees will result in a problem with the customer and could land your shop into financial trouble without the right coverage.

#2: Lock up to avoid theft. Be sure to properly lock up your shop at the end of every single day. If not, your customers could lose their vehicle or possessions in a case of break-in and theft. You could be held liable for this if you are not careful.

#3: Have insurance in place. Your customers will feel much better knowing that your business is properly insured in the event of an accident or mishap. Having solid coverage will not only keep your business safe, but it will come off as professional and trustworthy to your clients. This may improve your business and reputation in the long run! Make it a point to focus on coverage.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your responsibilities and the coverage that can protect you, please call Wolpert Insurance at 800-299-6819, today.

BE AWARE! Chemicals in Your Shop That are Harmful to Workers

In the automotive service and repair industry, chemicals are a crucial part of the business. Cleaning chemicals, spray paints, and even gases are used on a daily basis. As the owner of your own shop, it is critical to be aware of which chemicals in your shop are considered hazardous. As long as you are “in the know,” you will be able to take the proper preventative measures to keep both yourself and your employees safe.

There are a variety of hazardous chemicals that you must be careful with. Here are just a few to be aware of:

•    Acids: Battery acid contains a harmful chemical, sulphuric acid.

•    Aluminum cleaners: These types of cleaners in your shop contain a highly dangerous hydrofluoric acid.

•    Benezene vapors: This volatile organic compound is commonly found in auto repair shops but can be handled effectively with the right air filters in place.

•    Solvent cleaners: Substances like kerosene and turpentine contain hazardous ingredients, such as xylene.

•    Solvent degreasers: This type of solvent may contain turpentine (containing xylene) and methylene chloride.

As your trusted garage insurance provider, we want to make sure that you eliminate the risk of accidents and injuries as best as possible in your shop. The more claims made on your policy, the higher your premium may be in the long run. We wouldn’t want to see that happen!

For more information on our garage insurance options, do not hesitate to call us. At Wolpert Insurance, we always put our clients concerns and questions first!

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BE AWARE! Chemicals in Your Shop That are Harmful to Workers

In the automotive service and repair industry, chemicals are a crucial part of the business. Cleaning chemicals, spray paints, and even gases are used on a daily basis. As the owner of your own shop, it is critical to be aware of which chemicals in your shop are considered hazardous. As long as you are “in the know,” you will be able to take the proper preventative measures to keep both yourself and your employees safe.

There are a variety of hazardous chemicals that you must be careful with. Here are just a few to be aware of:

• Acids: Battery acid contains a harmful chemical, sulphuric acid.

• Aluminum cleaners: These types of cleaners in your shop contain a highly dangerous hydrofluoric acid.

• Benezene vapors: This volatile organic compound is commonly found in auto repair shops but can be handled effectively with the right air filters in place.

• Solvent cleaners: Substances like kerosene and turpentine contain hazardous ingredients, such as xylene.

• Solvent degreasers: This type of solvent may contain turpentine (containing xylene) and methylene chloride.

As your trusted garage insurance provider, we want to make sure that you eliminate the risk of accidents and injuries as best as possible in your shop. The more claims made on your policy, the higher your premium may be in the long run. We wouldn’t want to see that happen!

For more information on our garage insurance options, do not hesitate to call us. At Wolpert Insurance, we always put our clients concerns and questions first!