Why do I need EPLI?
Whether your business is large or small, if you have employees then you should consider adding Employment Practices Liability Insurance, otherwise known as EPLI.  Your current policy probably does not provide coverage.  Commercial Liability policies exclude EPLI claims and Commercial Umbrella policies often exclude EPLI claims.
  
EPLI Protects You Even When You Are Fault-Free
EPLI protects you from expensive employment litigation.  A wrongful claim can disrupt your business and result  in expensive defense costs.  Even winning an employment lawsuit can still result in $250,000 or more in legal fees.

What is EPLI?
This insurance provides coverage for defense costs and damages related to various employment-related claims including allegations of Wrongful Termination, Discrimination, Workplace Harassment, Retaliation, Privacy Rights and Negligence.  
Each EPLI policy will have specific coverages, so it is important to review your needs and make sure you have the coverages you need in place.  Examples of what EPLI may cover include:

• Employment status claims:  claims of wrongful termination, demotion, evaluation, or failure to promote an employee.
• Discrimination claims:  employees claims employer discriminated against them as a member of a protected class or that supervisors engaged in harassment or bullying can trigger EPLI coverage.
• Privacy rights claims:  employment-related defamation lawsuits or alleged employee privacy rights violations, including unlawful disclosures of employee’s medical or financial information.
• Negligence claims:  claims alleging employer was negligent in failing to adopt or implement employment-related policies and procedures, including the failure to train employees.

How COVID-19 Impacts EPLI Claims
Employers may see an increase in EPLI claims related to COVID-19 especially as employees return to workplaces.  Claims could be due to a number of different allegations:

• An employee alleging they contracted COVID-19 in the workplace as a result of inadequate workplace policies and practices
• An employee alleging the employer failed to provide legally required protective equipment and/or retrofit the workplace resulting in increased risk of COVID-19 exposure.
• An employee alleging violation of privacy protections related to the employer’s contact tracing efforts.
• An employee alleging retaliation after being let go for refusing to comply with the employer’s COVID-19 policies.
• A group of employees alleging that the employer did not accurately represent the COVID-19 health risks or failed to take reasonable steps to improve workplace 
• An employee claiming psychological injury and non-economic damages resulting from the employer’s timing for a return to the workplace during COVID-19 or supervisors permitting too many employees to work together without social distancing.
• An allegation that an employer forced to terminate or furlough a significant number of workers has discriminated against a protected class, such as older workers.  
• An employee claims the employer failed to provide paid leave as required by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. 

In addition, employer policies on vaccination may create a new source of claims.  Advice from the Insurance Journal is to, “Start looking at your accommodations policy and start training your employees and your managers on how to handle accommodations, either religious or disability requests when it comes to the vaccination.”

Review your EPLI Before You Face a Claim
​EPLI premiums are rising in 2021, as much as 10 to 50 percent for some businesses such as healthcare, hospitality and transportation which have been significantly impacted by Covid-19.  Although facing an additional insurance expense may not make you feel happy, it is essential to protect your business with adequate EPLI coverage.  Increased layoffs in 2021 combined with Covid-19 claims are predicted to trigger an increase in age discrimination and other discrimation cases.  We are more than happy to review your insurance needs and then help you get the right EPLI coverage in place.  Give us a call at (610) 724-9717 or email us today info@aisinsurance.net.
Charlie Longen, CEO and Founder
charlie@aisinsurance.net

A backsplash can instantly update your kitchen or bath with modern materials, a touch of color, and new textures, creating a customized focal point to draw the eye and tie your décor together. Adding a backsplash can be a simple job with stunning results, if you take care to apply it safely and securely.
Types of BacksplashesThe backsplash is a protective covering behind a sink, intended to protect the rear wall from splashes, soap scum, cooking grease, steam condensation, and other wear and tear. All types of tile – ceramic, porcelain, subway-style, glass mosaics, etc. – are popular backsplashes, but there are many other materials that can be eye-catching and attractive options. Depending on the style of your kitchen or bath, the size of the space, the design flair you want to incorporate, your budget, and the other materials used in the room, you may want to consider a backsplash of…

• Stone, such as granite or marble
• Pressed tin, available in different colors and patterns
• Mirrored glass or mirror mosaics
• Stainless steel in different color finishes
• Concrete, for a modern industrial look
• Cork for a rustic touch
• Chalkboard, ideal for leaving messages, lists, or notes

Before choosing a backsplash, investigate different styles for inspiration to find exactly the design, color, and pattern you want in your room. It may be possible to use small samples to see how the material would look with your lighting, or consider how it will coordinate with other materials, fixtures, and finishes nearby.
Applying a BacksplashWhile the exact materials and tools you need to apply a backsplash will depend on the wall surface you are covering, the size of the backsplash area, and what type of backsplash you are installing, the basic procedure is the same.

1. Carefully read any installation instructions, guidelines, or recommendations for your chosen backsplash, and be sure you have the proper tools and equipment for the project.
2. Clean the wall thoroughly, removing all grease and other accumulations. Smooth out any rough patches or noticeable bumps that may make your backsplash uneven.
3. Protect the work area with plastic or fabric drop cloths. Remove unnecessary items – small appliances, decorative accents, etc. – from the area to protect them and free up work space.
4. Measure the backsplash space carefully, taking measurements in several places to be sure it is even or that any uneven dimensions are properly accounted for.
5. Cut the backsplash to size if necessary, or cut any essential corners or cutouts to accommodate odd shapes, outlets, switches, etc.
6. Apply adhesive to the wall if necessary. Some backsplashes will have peel-and-stick backing and may not need additional adhesive, but follow all installation instructions carefully.
7. Apply the backsplash slowly and evenly, ensuring it is properly spaced and aligned. Press and hold the backsplash firmly for several minutes to ensure a secure bond to the wall.
8. Apply grout or other edging or filler to the backsplash if needed (this will vary depending on the type of backsplash), filling in spaces thoroughly and evenly.
9. Clean the backsplash gently, removing any excess material. Several cleanings may be necessary as materials dry or season.
10. Allow the backsplash to set for the recommended amount of time, without using the nearby space and risking damage or disruption before it has become fully secure.
11. Enjoy the refreshed, new look of your backsplash!

Applying a new backsplash can take just a few hours, but it is a project you will enjoy seeing the results of for years as it rejuvenates an otherwise overused, outdated space in your kitchen or bath. With the proper steps and attention to detail, you can easily add a new backsplash and will quickly be enjoying its new look in your home.