13 Dec Protect Your Staffing Agency With Errors & Omissions Insurance

Errors & Omissions insurance protects agencies from risks related to both clients and workers

Staffing agencies frequently become defendants in discrimination and harassment lawsuits for poor conduct that happens on their clients’ sites. Discrimination lawsuits are actually among the most common lawsuits for staffing organizations. These can involve allegations of discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics. Staffing agencies may be accused of discriminatory hiring practices, assignment decisions, or treatment of temporary workers.

For this reason, the majority of agencies carry Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, also known as Professional Liability insurance. Errors and Omissions insurance protects agencies from risks that can occur related to both clients and temporary workers. Here are examples of the benefits E & O provides:

Legal Protection: Staffing agencies provide a critical service by matching job candidates with employers. In the course of their work, they may make recommendations or representations about a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience. If a candidate placed by the agency fails to meet the client’s expectations or causes harm to the client’s business due to an alleged error or omission in the hiring process, the client may file a lawsuit against the staffing agency. E&O insurance provides legal protection and coverage for legal expenses in such situations.

Financial Protection: Defending against a lawsuit, even if it’s ultimately found to be without merit, can be costly. E&O insurance helps cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, or judgments, which can protect the staffing agency’s financial stability.

Risk Mitigation: Staffing agencies are exposed to various risks related to errors, omissions, or negligence in their hiring and placement processes. E&O insurance acts as a risk mitigation tool by providing a safety net in case a mistake or oversight occurs.

Maintaining Reputation: Lawsuits and disputes can harm a staffing agency’s reputation, making it challenging to attract clients and job candidates. E&O insurance helps agencies address issues and disputes while maintaining a positive reputation in the industry.

Industry Requirement: Some clients may require staffing agencies to have E&O insurance as part of their contractual agreements. This requirement can be a condition of doing business with certain clients, especially those in industries where hiring mistakes can have significant financial and legal consequences.

Compliance and Regulation: In some regions or industries, staffing agencies may be subject to specific regulatory requirements. E&O insurance can be a way to demonstrate compliance with these regulations.

Peace of Mind: E&O insurance provides peace of mind to staffing agencies and their clients. Knowing that there is insurance coverage in place can create trust and confidence in the agency’s ability to handle potential issues.

Overall, Errors and Omissions insurance is a fundamental tool for protecting staffing agencies from financial losses, legal challenges, and reputational damage that can arise from errors, omissions, or alleged professional negligence in their work. It is a critical component of risk management for businesses in this industry.

Barrow Group is a niche insurance broker offering comprehensive, tailored insurance solutions to staffing agencies for over 30 years. With expertise in workers’ compensation, liabilities, employee benefits, and captive insurance we provide specific expertise in managing the risks associated with the placement of temporary workers. Contact us at 770.338.7392 or visit www.barrowgroup.com