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Workers Compensation and your plumbing business....
Is your Plumbing business paying too much for workers compensation ? Did you know that office workers have a lower rate that the guys in the field? What about your estimator ? Or supervisor ? The next time you get an audit, ask your auditor about your classifications. The rate for a plumber is much higher than a secretary's rate.
Code 5183 applies to employers engaged in general plumbing operations which include the installation, fitting, repair and maintenance of various kinds of piping systems in buildings for water, gas and drainage. This classification encompasses various operations such as installing sinks, bathtubs and toilets, pipe fitting, unclogging drains, replacing fixtures, fixing leaks, etc. Mostly all plumbing work consists of installation at a customer’s premises. However, this classification includes shop operations such as pipe cutting, shaping and welding. Operations may include outside shop repairs and in-shop preparations.
Code 8810 applies to clerical office employees whose duties include creation or maintenance of financial or other employer records, handling correspondence, computer composition, technical drafting, and telephone duties, including sales by phone, and any other related duties, provided the employee is not:
- regularly or frequently exposed to an operative hazard of the business;
- a stock or tally clerk whose work is necessary, incidental, or part of any other operation of the business other than clerical office;
- a cashier in a store whose duties include the handling of merchandise or is otherwise exposed to the store operations; or
- an executive officer, outside salesperson, or representative.
If the employee performs any of the duties described in (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) above, then the entire payroll of the employee is assigned to the carrier’s highest rated classification of work to which the employee is exposed.
A clerical office employee must work in an area separated by floors, walls, partitions, counters or other physical barriers. These employees are not to be regularly exposed to the operative hazards of the business.
The workers' comp rate for plumbers (NCCI code: 5183) is $2.19, and for clerical or office workers (NCCI code: 8810) is $0.35. Thats over 6 times higher !
Did you know NYSIF is "reclassifying" 8810 employees ? Phase I and II have started already - Click here to see how this affects your plumbing business. Phase III is coming this winter. Click here to find out more about phase III.
Who is cutting multimillion-dollar checks to plumbers ?
How do Trump's policies affect the Westchester Plumber ?
When it comes to green energy, it’s important to consider the broader impact of policies, regardless of whether you voted for Donald Trump or not. Trump’s approach to green energy focused on balancing energy independence with innovation, benefiting many industries, including plumbing. His administration prioritized deregulation, which allowed for greater domestic energy production and job creation in traditional energy sectors like natural gas, oil, and coal. For plumbing businesses, this meant fewer burdensome regulations and more room for growth in both residential and commercial sectors. Trump’s policies also helped support natural gas production, which is a key energy source for many homes in Westchester County, providing a stable and affordable option for residential plumbing systems. While critics argue his policies were less focused on renewable energy, Trump did support the growth of wind and solar, which have had a direct impact on plumbing through the demand for energy-efficient systems, like tankless water heaters and solar water heating systems. His policies helped ensure that plumbing businesses could take advantage of green technologies without facing excessive regulation, which allowed companies to invest in new energy-efficient solutions for their clients. Ultimately, Trump’s approach to energy policy created a favorable environment for plumbing businesses to thrive, while also opening opportunities to integrate more sustainable practices and technologies into their services.
"To be green or not to be green, that is the question."
What really is the best fuel to use ?
Con Ed's website states ....."New York State’s ambitious climate law requires the transition to a zero-emission electric grid by 2040, which is why Con Edison is a key partner—working with customers, regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders—in reimagining energy for the future"..... Click here to read the article .
Click here to see how some claim Governor Hochul's green energy push is causing massive rate hikes and affecting homeowner's bottom line. Did you know that customers are forced to pay city property taxes imposed on utilities — passed along in their gas and electric bills — under a law concocted by city and state lawmakers. What ???
So is it better to be green or not ? Click here to read what one landlord / licensed plumber did with his rental property.
Did you know that National Hug A Plumber Day is April 25th? This day reminds everyone across the world to sing the praises of the men and women who make sure that modern living remains clean.
