Post Insurance Services reports that employee lawsuits in the United States have risen a staggering 400% over the last 20 years. And over 40% of those lawsuits are brought against private companies with fewer than 100 employees. Whether you settle or go to court, it’s not cheap. “The cost of settling out of court averages $75,000, and the average jury award hits $217,000 if you go to court and lose,” says Post. If you think Canadian businesses are shielded from lawsuits and awards like these, you’d be wrong. In 2019 and 2020, several courts upheld employee claims and awarded damages of up to ..read more

  If you construct commercial or institutional buildings, you know the market for new construction has had its ups and downs. Contractors benefited from an uptick in commercial and multifamily starts in 2021 and 2022 only to see demand fall in 2023 due to rising interest rates and tight credit. According to construction market research company Dodge Construction Network, higher interest rates, increased energy costs and continued political uncertainty mean a “return to broad-based growth in construction starts is still some time away.” Contractors must also contend with building material ..read more

  People who work in food service often aspire to run a restaurant or bar of their own. Many restaurant owners started their career as an entry-level food service worker. It can be a very rewarding business, especially if you love preparing food and interacting with people. Managing a restaurant or bar is hectic, though. You have many demands on your time, from food procurement to hiring staff. In the press to get everything done, don’t forget about insurance! You’ll need insurance to protect your establishment from liability exposure and property damage claims. Let’s look at some risks ..read more

  Who’s responsible when the snowflakes fly and the drifting blows over the walkways at your rental? You might have to clear away a few layers to get to the answer. Snow removal is a problem when you’ve got accessibility and public safety issues to consider. Read your local ordinance for snow removal laws It’s best to familiarize yourself with your city’s snow removal codes (usually posted on the city’s website). For example, Toronto’s city bylaws are clear. The website is specific about snow removal expectations and timeframes for when you need to remove the snow. Homeowners and busines ..read more

As a condo administrator in Alberta, you are the main representative of the condominium corporation. You are integral to the day-to-day operations of the building and corporation, serving as the point-person for issues relating to condominium management. With so many hats to wear, let’s take a closer look at your duties, and how to go about fulfilling some of these responsibilities. The job of condo administrator  The responsibilities you have as a condo administrator are varied. Not only are you responsible for managing the budget and maintaining the building, but you are also in charge ..read more

In a confined space, it only takes seconds for atmospheric toxins to incapacitate a worker. Refer to the following checklist to keep your employees safe whenever they’re working in a confined space. But first, it’s important to know the difference between a confined space and a permit-required confined space. Confined space classifications According to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, a confined space: is enclosed or partially enclosed; is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy; and has a limited or restricted means of entry or exit or an internal confi ..read more

Construction defects include design flaws, poor workmanship, product defects and subsurface deficiencies. When the products and materials you use are defective, you can be held liable. That’s because the project owner can name you in a lawsuit, even if you aren’t at fault. Imagine you’ve installed a roof. The roof starts leaking, and the owner calls you to complain. There are no workmanship problems, but the owner sues for a replacement roof and damages the leak did to their building. You decide to make the customer whole and pursue insurance coverage from your commercial general liability (C ..read more

While over-the-road and regional vehicles traverse large areas and cross borders, local trucks remain within metropolitan areas. As a result of that tight-knit territory, local freight truckers must navigate smaller roads. They also face a wider array of potential accidents. Hazards include congestion, one-way streets, pedestrians, cyclists and traffic mitigation measures like roundabouts and lights, as well as tight loading docks and loading/unloading processes that differ by customer and location. Given these challenges, having the right local freight trucking insurance is imperative for yo ..read more

This goes without saying, but winter driving is one of the most hazardous driving conditions there can be. The visibility is poor, there is no traction, and it’s freezing outside! These types of conditions can turn a typical drive into quite the safety hazard. 1. Icy Roads (Black Ice) Ice is probably going to be the biggest danger out there when it comes to winter driving, especially black ice. Black ice can look like normal pavement and it’s some of the most slippery ice there is. Be sure to ALWAYS keep your distance behind other drivers during winter as you never know when you can hit a p ..read more

Keeping Your Home Safe While You’re Away When preparing to leave for a vacation, it’s easy to overlook basic home safety precautions. To protect your residence while you’re away and enjoy a worry-free trip, keep in mind the following tips. Preparing for Vacation There are a number of hazards that could affect your home while you’re away, including lightning, theft and flooding. In order to keep your property safe while you’re on vacation, consider the following: Unplug small appliances and electronic devices. Stop the newspaper and mail. For instructions on how to do this, visit Canada Po ..read more