A. It is expressly agreed that OWNER/OPERATOR shall always be acting as an independent contractor during the performance of any services arising under this Agreement, and further that this Agreement does not constitute, and shall not be construed as constituting or creating, an employer/employee relationship between OWNER/OPERATOR and B+Y LLC. Under no circumstances is OWNER/OPERATOR an agent of B+Y LLC, and OWNER/OPERATOR has no authority to bind B+Y LLC in any manner.
B. OWNER/OPERATOR is solely responsible for the means and methods of carrying out its services under this Agreement. OWNER/OPERATOR warrants and represents that OWNER/OPERATOR is in business for itself, has invested in its own equipment, is regularly engaged in providing the types of services being provided hereunder, and is available to provide the same or similar services to other companies or enterprises.
C. OWNER/OPERATOR shall report and pay in a timely fashion all necessary amounts for worker’s compensation insurance, federal and state taxes, unemployment insurance, social security, and other withholdings or insurances for itself and its employees, which includes any individual providing services on behalf of OWNER/OPERATOR to B+Y LLC under this Agreement. OWNER/OPERATOR agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless B+Y LLC, its owners, affiliated companies, employees, agents and representatives, from any and all claims, demands, damages, suits, losses, liabilities, causes of action, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of OWNER/OPERATOR’s failure to comply with the terms of this paragraph. The foregoing statement shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the provision of services by OWNER/OPERATOR to B+Y LLC under this Agreement.
D. In connection with the services performed under this Agreement, it is the policy of B+Y LLC and, by operation of this Agreement, a requirement of OWNER/OPERATOR to observe and comply with the Civil Rights Act (Title VII) of Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Executive Order 11246, the Veterans ReAdjustment Act of 1974, American Disability Act of 1992 and all applicable and pertinent regulations related thereto, the basic requirement of which prohibit discriminating against any individual because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or handicap. OWNER/OPERATOR shall take affirmative action to hire employees without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or other protected class, or because he/she is a veteran or disabled veteran in regard to any position for which the employee or applicant for employment is qualified. The aforesaid provisions shall include, but shall not be limited to, employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. OWNER/OPERATOR agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless B+Y LLC, its owners, affiliated companies, employees, agents and representatives, from any and all claims, demands, damages, suits, losses, liabilities, causes of action, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of OWNER/OPERATOR’s failure to comply with the terms of this paragraph.
E. B+Y LLC, maintains a strong commitment to provide a safe workplace and to establish policies promoting high standards of health and safety. In keeping with this commitment, it is B+Y LLC’s intent to maintain a drug/alcohol free workplace for all employees, contractors and visitors. OWNER/OPERATOR agrees to exclude from B+Y LLC, jobsites, premises and work areas any illegal and unauthorized drugs, controlled substances and alcohol. Any OWNER/OPERATOR found in violation of this policy will be removed from B+Y LLC jobsites, premises and work areas immediately and when appropriate, such individuals will be reported to the proper law enforcement agencies.