workmans comp.

Redefine the buisness and accounting of mahours so that the bulk of the work is landscaping. I.E. ground workers are not tree workesr thay are landscape labor. Tree planting is labor.

I know of one guy who has the climbers devide their time so that only ariel work is accounted for as tree work. The rest is landscape cleanup or something.

His reasoning is that they are working at a lower risk so he should be covered at a lower risk.

I don't know about the legality of the setup. It also looks like a lot more book keeping. But if it changes the premium rate from 25% of payroll to 12% that could make it worth while.

the only other way is to shop for brokers. Mine told me that she is finding less companies willing to underwight our buisness as the economy tightens.
 
John, a lot of companies out here do the same thing. But since tree work was strangely classified in with road building, our rates dropped dramatically. The state runs the program, and amazingly well, for a government, I'd say. They usually issue refunds at the end of the year, believe it or not.

Before the rate drop, to ~$1.90 per hr, the rate hit $6.50. (Base rate, less or more depending on claims) Landscape rate is ~0.90.
I'll bet this rate is lower than just about any other state. It makes it easier to afford to pay a guy what he is worth. I don't offer benefits, but pay 150 and up per day for a good groundman, and 225-300 for a good climber.
 
I hope that it'sa range of total hourly wage. In the US it is against labor laws to salery a worker. There'r defined niches where salery is allowed.

300, that's what I charege as a subcontractor when I travel! Your guys are livin good! If they are maried and the wife has a good plan...Good worker retention I'd say.
 
The insurance coverage for Workmans Comp is changing for our industry. As I have been advised those states that are goverened by NCCI ratings all Tree Service field employees are to be rated as Tree Climbers. I questioned thier theory and it is pretty clearly written under CODE 0106. Visit the web site www.ncci.com or telephone them at 800-787-8701. I am currently working with 2 clients who are facing a large amount of money owed as a result of this past years audit. NCCI advised me that they rate the company not the service provided with the exception of clerical & sales. I have talked briefly with NAA about this subject, and have also contacted a few NAA Associate Member Insurance Firms. Be very clear and make sure that you understand the perimeters of your policy. To have to pay any additional premiums will drastically change your cost of doing business.
 
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