STAFFING CYBER LIABILITY INSURANCE - 2023

As a staffing company, you’re responsible for the data that you handle and store. You also have a responsibility to your clients and candidates regarding their personal information. With cyber liability insurance, you can protect yourself from financial loss caused by a data breach or malware attack. You can rest easy knowing that your business will be covered in the event of a security breach, since most cyber liability insurance policies cover costs associated with recovery from an attack on websites and platforms.

What is a data breach:

A data breach is an incident in which sensitive, protected or confidential data (e.g., personal, medical, financial or biometric information such as a scan of your fingerprint) is copied, transmitted or viewed by an individual who should not have access to that information. This can occur to systems and files within a company or on any network connected device (even computers and smart phones connected at home).

What is a Malware attack:

Malware is a general term for software designed to disrupt computer operations, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. A malware attack is a virus or other form of malicious code that has been installed on your computer either through trickery or when you download free software that may contain hidden code.

If you are a small staffing business, it’s important to understand the implications of cyber liability insurance for your staffing company, it can have a serious impact on your bottom line, especially when it comes to data breaches.

For a Staffing Insurance Cyber Liability quote contact our team at Akker, LLC.

email - info@akkerins.com

Insurance Requirements for Staffing Agency

Staffing INSURANCE

What insurance coverages does your staffing company need?

Proper Staffing Insurance is an important part of a staffing company's business. What would happen to your business if one of your employees was injured or became ill? What if one of your employees was involved in an accident at work? Would your staffing company still be able to continue operating if you had to pay for their medical bills or other claims?

Staffing Insurance is a crucial part of a staffing company's business plan. Without insurance, your company could be in a very precarious situation. Below are examples of insurance coverages that are available to staffing companies.

INSURANCE EVERY STAFFING COMPANY SHOULD HAVE:

General Liability Insurance

General Liability is the basic insurance any staffing company might be required to carry by their clients. This includes things like third-party injuries and damage claims, property damage, reputational harm, and copyright infringement.

Professional Liability Insurance

A very important coverage for any staffing company that is in the business of staffing temporary workers or perm placements. Professional Liability can protect your business from malpractice, errors, or negligence in the rendering of your duties. Since you are providing employees to your clients you can run into trouble if any of the employees fail in their duties. For example, an employee not having the necessary skills for the job, not meeting the conditions of your contract, or failing to adhere to industry regulations.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers compensation insurance protects employees and employers alike from financial loss as a result of injuries sustained on the job.

-Workers compensation reduces the financial risk for employers in the event of employee injuries.
-Workers compensation insurance means that employees are not uninsured, which is a benefit to employees and employers alike.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGES AVAILABLE FOR STAFFING COMPANIES:

Cyber Liability Insurance

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Hired and Non-Owned Auto Insurance (HONA)

Crime/3rd Party Theft Insurance

Property Insurance

Employment Practices Liability

Employee Benefits Liability

Abuse & Molestation Insurance


Contact our team at Akker, LLC we would love to help you with your staffing insurance needs. Akker, LLC works with A+ rated national staffing carriers.

email - info@akkerins.com

Hiring Remote Employees? Are they covered by Workers Compensation?

In today’s innovative technology work force, more and more employers are hiring their employees for remote positions. Those remote employees who live and work in geographic location outside of the employers business location.

Although hiring remote workers has its advantages for example a wider pool of employee talent and savings on overhead cost of office space.

Some employers come to a surprise when they forget to add their remote employees state to their workers compensation insurance.

An employer should notify its workers’ compensation carrier about the remote work arrangement and the employee’s remote location. In most cases, remote employees will be considered localized in the state where they work remotely. Workers’ compensation coverage obligations and systems vary by state.

For example, Texas has an elective workers’ compensation system which allows employers to opt out of workers’ compensation insurance and allows injured employees to seek general tort damages against their employer. If a remote employee is injured in a work-related accident while working from home, it is still the employer’s responsibility and most states will require proper coverage.

Staffing Risk Tips - Pre-Employment - Staffing Safety Tip

Pre-Employment Physicals

- Pre-Employment physicals are a risk management tool used to screen individuals for risk factors that may limit their ability to perform a job safely and effectively.

- Function testing before starting work can prove essential function capability, limiting the risk of injuries associated with certain jobs.

Pre-Employment Training

- Try to stop the accident from happening in the beginning! You can do this by implementing training videos to make sure that your employees know what kind of work hazards they will be around and how to deal with them properly.

- Make sure that you hold regular training sessions to keep employees up to date on new rules and regulations and remind them of the correct safety procedures.

Healthcare Staffing - Insurance Considerations

Generally, healthcare staffing agencies employ doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, medical technicians, and others as contractors on offsite patient facilities. This presents unique liability conditions that require appropriate insurance coverage. Unlike a medical facility that hires workers directly, agencies face the combined challenge of employing medical professionals and dealing with c-employment laws. Typically healthcare staffing agencies have insurance needs that include:

General Liability

Whether a healthcare agency staff worker at a doctor’s office, hospital or for at-home patient care, general liability insurance is a must. This type of insurance plan protects the agency from onsite property damage or physical injuries sustained at the medical facility and agency office. An agency and its assets are also protected if a client files claim against workers or the agency. With general liability, the agency is covered to defend against such claims whether they are fraudulent or not.

Medical Professional Liability

Medical professionals working for a healthcare staffing agency could face claims of negligence or malpractice. Claims against professional competence are not uncommon and do not exclude healthcare staffing agencies. In a litigious society, the agency must protect itself with a medical professional liability insurance policy. Basically, medical professional liability insurance offers protection for a staffing agency that faces liability claims from a worker’s failure to use due care. Somewhere during treatment, the standard of care that a patient expected was not fulfilled. Any bodily injury that resulted in an act of negligence, along with mental anguish, can be covered under this policy. In most cases, a higher percentage of the premium costs go towards defending a negligence or malpractice claim.

Workers’ Compensation

A workplace injury can occur at any time that an agency places a medical worker on a job. Working around chemicals and medical devices increases the potential for serious accidents. Workers’ compensation insurance can protect workers with guaranteed financial benefits for qualified injuries sustained on-the-job. All states require employers, which include healthcare staffing agencies, to carry workers' compensation insurance.

Also known as workman’s comp, this type of insurance is a compromise between workers and staffing agencies. For workers, they relinquish the right to sue the agency if they suffer an illness or injury while at a client’s worksite. In return, the staffing agency agrees to provide state-mandated benefits as a result of the illness or injury. These benefits may include medical care and a percentage of the workers’ pay.

Fidelity Bonds

If at any time a worker is accused of stealing from one of these workplaces, the staffing agency can be held equally responsible for the worker’s actions. Fidelity bonds, which can be individual, scheduled or blanket, will protect the agency against the costs of theft and subsequent legal actions. Issued as a guarantee for clients against losses that result from worker dishonesty, fidelity bonds are an essential part of the staffing agency’s insurance program.

To receive a Staffing Insurance quote for your Medical Staffing Company contact us today.

Website - www.akkerins.com

Email - info@akkerins.com

NEW COVID-19 EMPLOYER REGULATIONS in CALIFORNIA

With COVID-19 effecting every state nation wide it is important to know new regulations in every state.

State of California has some major Regulations Changes coming in 2021. This could effect the Staffing Companies in the state of California been employer on record. See the changes California will face in January 2021.

Film Insurance & Unattended Vehicle Exclusion

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Why do rental houses ask to remove unattended vehicle exclusion from their insurance policy?

Whenever permitted, we can remove this exclusion from your policy because the carrier will not pay for loss or damage resulting from theft in any unattended vehicle, unless at the time of the theft its windows, doors and compartments were closed and locked and there were visible signs that the theft was the result of forced entry. Always remember to have a police report in case of a theft with or without signs of a break-in.

Most of the short term film insurance policies have the unattended vehicle endorsement on their policy. It is possible to remove the endorsement from the policy by providing the carrier with your inventory list, resume of the producer, location where equipment will be stored, security in place, and the rental agreement copy from the rental house that requires the unattended vehicle endorsement to be removed. Most of the annual insurance carriers will have the unattended vehicle endorsement already removed, but you will need to check with your insurance agent as carriers policies tend to change every year.

An increasing number of rental houses are requesting that clients’ insurance coverages have the unattended vehicle exclusion removed before they lease equipment; while others have it hidden in the fine print of their rental agreements. If you were unaware of this detail or failed to adhere to it, you could be left holding the bag for the entire cost of any stolen equipment. Having proper coverage is the key to protect your next production.

Before starting production on your next project, be sure to consult with a film production insurance specialist at Akker, LLC by visiting us at www.akkerins.com. Our film specialist will guide you through the specific types of coverages and tailor a production package to your specific needs. For more information email us at stan@akkerins.com

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Film Insurance - Third Party Property Damage

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Why should I have Third Party Property Damage when General Liability has property coverage already?

This is a common question a lot of filmmakers start asking when purchasing Production Insurance Policy. A lot of filmmakers assumes that General Liability will cover the locations they are renting under their Production Insurance Policy. Here is a reason why for your next Production Insurance policy you should have Third Party Property Damage added. 

Third Party Property Damage covers damage done to locations over which you have the care, custody, or control. For example, you rented a Studio or a Sound Stage for your next production. The moment you have custody and control, the production company assumes the responsibility for any damages. This is where having a proper limit for Third Party Property Damage is important. 

Most locations will ask for General Liability only because they believe it covers their property for Damages. The truth is General Liability in a Film Insurance policy only covers damage to third party sites. The building next door, location upstairs or downstairs would be considered a third party site under General Liability Policy. General Liability Policy does NOT cover the actual location where you are filming. 

Third Party Property Damage is the most ideal coverage to insure your filming location. It will provide coverage for the damage or destruction of property of others while the property is in the care, custody or control of the production company and is used for production.

If you have more questions about your Film Insurance Policy contact us anytime at www.akkerins.com or stan@akkerins.com our team looks forward to working with you.

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State of Film Insurance during COVID-19 - August 11 2020

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As productions are starting to define what is the "new normal" in this COVID-19 era, our team at Akker is receiving various calls and emails regarding the state of insurance for the Film and Entertainment Industry. In this blog we outline the most common questions and solutions available for filmmakers. 

  • Can I still get insurance right now for my Film Production? 

    • Yes, our team at Akker LLC works with 5 Carriers that are underwriting policies for projects nationwide. The Carriers have been very meticulous on what projects they choose to underwrite.

  • Is COVID-19 included under the insurance policy? 

    • No. As of right now, COVID-19 is one of the major exclusions on the policies from our Carriers. We are keeping our ears open for potential COVID-19 policy options but currently this is a unicorn waiting to be found. 

  • How long is the underwriting quoting process? 

    • We can turn a quote around in 12 hours (or less) for films under 1M in budget. Film projects with budgets $1M+ are experiencing a slower turnaround. Underwriting can take 3-5 days, even up to 2 weeks depending on the Carrier. So please remember if you're starting pre-production, allow our team enough time to properly shop and quote your insurance policy. 

  • How has the pricing changed since COVID-19 started? 

    • The pricing has changed drastically in the last few months. We are seeing Carriers say "NO" to more projects than before. Quotes for $1M+ projects are ranging 2-3% of the total budget. Note there are various factors affecting the quote, for example: stunts, cast coverage and State where the project is filmed. On budgets below $1M the pricing has increased as well and there are less options of quoting available at this time. 

  • Can we still get insurance for Cast and Essential Elements coverages? 

    • Carriers are either saying "NO" to cast coverage or providing very limited coverage. An example of that would be a $15M budget film receiving a $3M in cast coverage vs the full budget as it would be standard prior to COVID-19. With that being said, it is important to allow our team at Akker plenty of time to shop your coverages and find the best solution possible for your project, especially if you're working with a distributor or a completion bond company that might require higher limits. We are seeing some essential elements quotes however with very limited Carrier options and their underwriting process requires more approval. 

  • Are the Carriers requiring any COVID-19 safety guidelines?

    • Insurance Carriers are asking for the production to submit COVID-19 safety protocols at the point of quote submission. This is required for the quote to be bound, so remember to work with your team to build proper COVID-19 safety protocols for your film set. You can always reach out to our team at Akker and one of our film insurance agents can assist you with the information you need. 

  • What coverages are currently available for film insurance?

    • The coverages currently available are: general liability, worker’s compensation, auto liability, equipment rental, owned equipment, third-party property damage, E&O insurance, props, sets, wardrobe, cast coverage, umbrella, essential elements and more. 

Please feel free to contact our Film Insurance expert Stanislav Shkilnyi - stan@akkerins.com. Stan comes from 16 years of film industry background and 9 years of experience providing insurance for film projects worldwide. He understands how to build a proper policy for his clients on time and within budget. 

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Film Set Safety - COVID19

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SAFETY IDEAS - PREP & PRODUCTION

PREP - Begin work in office only when necessary. Discuss what portions of Prep can be done remotely/at home with production.

LOCATION SCOUTING - Limit the crew size for location scouting with only 2 people per car.

TECH SCOUT - Allow crew members to self-drive, when possible.

SAFETY PERSON - Consider having a designated individual during prep to have a thermometer, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes and other necessary items.

PREP TEST - Consider testing the crew during the prep stage. Determine the availability of COVID tests, in order to effectively implement.

CONFERENCE CALLS - Modify large meetings - consider conference calls or video group calls instead.

PRODUCTION OFFICE - Do not use each other’s desks, electronics and etc.

CAMERA & SOUND DEPT. - Minimize the crew around camera while cast is on set. Make sure Camera and Sound Department crew have their PPE(gloves and masks N95) on while cast is on set.

PRODUCTION TRAVEL - Encourage cast/crew from traveling, visiting crowded places such as bars, restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, shopping malls, and everything that has crowds during the production stage.

LUNCH TIME - Divide the lunch hour into two times, to avoid large number of people in catering.

HYDRATION - Provide constant hydration to office and set personnel.

LOCATION DEPT. - Budget for Location Department to deep cleanse at the end of each wrap day. Disinfect all departments, restrooms and all other high-touch points of locations throughout the day.

TRANSPORT - Budget and Schedule for transportation vehicles to be disinfected several times a day.

ENTRANCES - Consider budgeting for temperature check areas before the crew/cast enters the lot, sound stage, office and etc. Consider having hand sanitizers and hand washing stations at the temperature check areas.

QUARANTINE STORAGE - Identify and designate an area where purchased and rented items can be cleaned before being brought to the set, production office, and etc. 

NO VISITORS - Absolutely no personnel is permitted on set, production office or any stages. Keep it to essential cast and crew only.

DISTANCE - Maintain 6 feet apart for all cast and crew unless absolutely necessary.

CONTACT - Avoid any unnecessary physical contact and touching your face.

PHYSICAL SPACE - No crew should be near cast, unless they are part of the Hair, Make Up, Sound or Wardrobe Departments. All Crew should be wearing a mask (N95) and gloves when near talent.

SANITATION STATIONS: Hand sanitizers should be available and visible in all areas of film set, production office and film stages.

PPE - Make sure your Film Budget includes costs to provide gloves, and respiratory protection (masks N95) for cast/crew to wear, when not on camera or set.

WIPES - Budget to provide disposable, disinfecting wipes so that commonly used surfaces and items can be wiped down before each use.

CATERING AND CRAFT SERVICE - Provide individually wrapped meals for your cast and crew.

CLEANING SERVICES - Budget for a cleaning service to be engaged to clean the production office, stages, and film set daily.

HEALTH CHECKS - Conduct a daily health/body temperature checks of cast/crew and anyone entering set, stage, office, and etc.

HEALTH PERSONNEL - Budget to increase health personnel to monitor, test and keep awareness high on the film set. 

FEELING SICK? WHAT TO DO?

FEELING SICK WHEN AT HOME If you ‘re feeling sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, stay home and immediately inform your set supervisor. Consider seeking medical care right away if needed. Do not return to set if aforementioned symptoms persist. 

FEELING SICK WHEN ON SET Immediately put on both a face mask and gloves. Immediately inform your supervisor and leave the premises if possible. Avoid contact with other cast, crew, and set areas. If you are unable to leave the set, find an area to isolate until production can arrange transportation for you. 

IF EXPOSED: If any cast/crew have been in close contact with a suspected or known case of COVID-19, while that individual was ill. They should self-quarantine at home for 14 days. If you were within 6 feet of the ill individual for more than 10 minutes, or having had unprotected direct contact to respiratory secretions of the ill individual (for example cough or sneeze). 

The Set Safety in this document are suggestions only please consult with your legal team to develop proper safety procedures for your film set. Akker, LLC was founded by Stanislav Shkilnyi (IMDB LINK) a film industry expert with 16 years of film and television experience. He is well-known and trusted for providing insurance to a variety of independent filmmakers and A-list actors. Contact us today our team would love to help with insurance for your next production. (912) 247-3075 or stan@akkerins.com

COVID-19 Employer Playbook For a Safe Reopening

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The State of California considered the reopening of the state as a very important topic. On July 31, 2020 the state issued a COVID-19 Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening for Employers. This includes the Guidance and procedures for employers and employees in enforcing mask requirements.

Below are some quick takeaways from the Playbook. You can read the full version of the COVID19 Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening by Clicking Here.

Managing the Outbreak: If an employee has symptoms or tests positive for COVID19 they should be separated from other workers and sent home immediately. Employers should consider working with their LHD to track suspected and confirmed cases and notify the LHD when there is a known or suspected case of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Preventing COVID19 Spread in the Workplace: The Employer and LHD should work together to develop testing and contact tracing strategies, which include processes for interviewing close contacts and instructing them on how to correctly quarantine at home.

Limitations on Identifying COVID-19-Positive Individuals:  Employer should never reveal the identity of the infected individual to other employees or anyone at the work location. The Employer has the duty to inform all close contacts at the worksite that they may have been exposed to COVID19 while keeping employees identity a secret.

Enforcing Mask Requirements: The playbook guides employers on how to train workers in handling situations where coworkers or customers are refusing to wear face masks. Also outlines the 6ft distance rule and avoidance of individuals who are not wearing face masks.

Recording Cases of COVID-19: When a worker contracts COVID-19 at work and results in death, days away from work, medical treatment beyond first aid, diagnosed by medical professional, covered employers in California must record the case in their Cal/OSHA Log 300.

Worker Education: The playbook emphasizes the importances of employees protecting themselves physical distancing should be enforced, when sick workers should stay at home unless in need of medical care. The importance of reporting to your supervisor if symptoms of COVID19 occurs. The importance of washing your hands frequently and wearing of face coverings.

For better understanding of the Playbook read the full guidelines on the link above.

Thank you Akker LLC your Insurance Experts in Staffing Insurance and Film Insurance.

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Staffing Insurance - Employment Practices Liability Insurance

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Does my Staffing Firm really need EPLI Insurance? We have a great HR Department we will never face an EPLI Claim. The common statements made by staffing firm owners.

For the past couple years Staffing Agencies nationwide have been facing an increase in Employment Practices related claims. A majority of staffing companies have 2-3 claims regarding employment related practices a year.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES LIABILITY INSURANCE - What does it cover?

Employment Practices Liability - a type of liability policy that covers wrongful acts arising from the employment process. The most frequent types of claims that are covered under (EPLI):

  • Discrimination

  • Harassment

  • Retaliation

  • Violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act

  • Wrongful discipline

  • Wrongful failure to promote

  • Wrongful termination

Does Staffing Employment Practices Liability cover Wage and Hour Claims?

Wage and Hour Claims are completely different then EPLI Claims. Wage and Hour are claims by an employee that his or her employer has failed to pay overtime wages owed to the employee. Most EPLI policies specifically exclude coverage for wage and hour claims.

With 9+ Years of Helping Staffing Companies Nationwide - Akker, LLC has built trust with competitive A+ rated National Staffing Carriers. Let the Akker team quote your Employment Practices Liability policy and Staffing Insurance.

Contact us today - stan@akkerins.com or call (912) 247-3075

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Cast Coverage & Essential Elements

As Productions start slowing resuming to what is now the new normal post COVID-19. There are two very important and hard to underwriter coverages available. Cast Coverage and Essential Elements are very important coverages to have for your film insurance. See our new slide show blog below and contact us for a quote on your next production.

Staffing Firm Risks

As a Staffing Firm your main focus is the Hiring Process at your firm, Making sure that you are protected is of the utmost importance. Not securing the Correct coverage according to your needs, Never forget that as a Staffing Agency you have a responsibility for handling claims from your Candidates and Clients. Most likely your state Reacquires some form of Insurance for you to operate, Failing to provide adequate Insurance for your Clients can result in severe Client Liability Issues and fines form state regulators 

The employee screening process can include a high range of risk, Potential risk injuries can include various liability and Injury risks. The vetting Process must be done correctly  in order to avoid these serious risks.

Payroll must be insured for Client Side payment issues. Clients may not pay immediately or at the same time. Insuring payroll maintains that the Staffing Firm has a secure payroll and pays on time. 

Make sure that you are protected, Akker LLC can provide your firm with Comprehensive coverage for a price that will fit for your budget.

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