Work Safe

OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements are Worth Keeping Up With

When a workplace injury occurs, there is a mountain of paperwork to go with it. Somewhere in that mountain are OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements. Although injury recordkeeping can seem like just another thing on your to-do list, the information it provides is not only required but it is vital in preventing future injuries. Recordkeeping data identifies past problems and trends to consider when updating your workplace safety program.

Slips, Trips and Falls Plague School Districts and Increase Work Comp Premium

Employee slips, trips and falls are pervasive in Missouri’s schools. In 2011, MEM received more than 2,000 claims originating from these types of incidents. Injuries that result from slips, trips and falls can be physically painful and costly. Perhaps what hurts the most is that these injuries are preventable.

The Link Betweeen Stress and Workplace Injuries

Stress is an unavoidable emotion that finds its way into all facets of life, and the workplace is no exception. Stress is commonly associated with headaches and upset stomachs, but it can also lead to more serious problems for both employees and employers.

Protecting the Volunteer Firefighter

Safety should be a top priority in all fire departments. Volunteer fire departments are no exception and must do their part to prevent accidents at the fire station, when driving and at emergency scenes. Firefighting comes with many risks, and those risks become more complex for the volunteer firefighter.

Claims Investigations Provide Valuable Details

There is a perception that any injury occurring at work or during work hours will automatically be covered under workers compensation. If this were true, there would be no need for an in-depth investigation beyond a few basic questions regarding when and where the accident occurred. Once these questions have been answered, benefits would begin. However, this “rubber stamp” perception is not an accurate reflection of the workers compensation system. Investigations can provide a clear picture in the complex claims process.  

Predictive Analytics and the Four Safety Truths

A new white paper identifies four safety truths and discusses how predictive analytics play a role in preventing occupational injuries.

Get Out of that Chair and Get Moving

An occupational therapist at Saint Louis University has some bad news for office workers: Research has identified a link between sedentary behavior and heart disease, which means employees who are deskbound for most of the workday may be putting their health at risk.

Is OMB-Caused Delay in OSHA’s Silica Rules Resulting in Deaths, Cases of Silicosis?

A proposal submitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget by OSHA to update the standard that protects workers from exposure to crystalline silica dust has languished there for a year, even though the review should have taken 45 days.

Efforts to Reduce Injuries and Fatalities in Residential Construction Extended by OSHA

OSHA has added another 6 months to its temporary enforcement measures in residential construction. The temporary enforcement measures, now extended through Sept. 15, include priority, free, on-site compliance assistance; penalty reductions; extended abatement dates; measures to assure consistency; and increased outreach.

U.S. Chemical Safety Board Requests $11.4 Million for FY 2013

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board is asking for $11,403,000 for FY 2013, an amount that will allow for the completion of open investigations and allow the agency to hire additional chemical incident investigators.

Excavation and Trenching Safety

MEM is partnering with Missouri Dig-Rite to provide free seminars focusing on the safety precautions critical to excavation and trenching industries.

Contact Missouri Dig-Rite online at http://www.mo1call.com/meetings/safety_2012.php or call 1-800-DIG-RITE to register and inquire about specific times and locations.

Breakfast is provided.

OSHA 10

This 10-hour OSHA course is an outreach program geared toward entry level construction workers. The day-and-a-half course provides general knowledge required to recognize and prevent construction site hazards.

March 8   8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
March 9   8 a.m.-noon

Fees are payable at the door by check or cash. Break refreshments provided.

Lunch is not provided.

Work Comp Works

Participants will learn best practices of claims management, including prompt reporting, documentation and return to work programs. Other topics include getting familiar with MEM’s websites and technology, NCCI’s experience modifier rate changes, subrogation, legal issues and pitfalls of improper claims handling.

Note: The seminar located in Sikeston will be held in the Clinton Community Building.

Work Comp Works for Agencies

This course is provided specifically for insurance agents. Get up to date on the latest claims management best practices, legal issues in workers compensation, NCCI’s changes to the e-mod calculation and an OSHA regulatory update.

Note: The seminar located in Sikeston will be held in the Clinton Community Building.

National Safety Council's Defensive Driving 4

Send your company drivers to this session! Participants will learn about safe driving decisions and common driving errors. We’ll discuss how distractions, anger, fatigue and impairment affect how we drive. Learn the five steps to being a safer driver. It’s a perfect session for anyone that does company driving.

Fleet Safety: Combating the #1 Killer of MO Workers

Vehicle accidents are the number one killer of Missouri workers. All businesses should be working to reduce their exposure. We’ll focus on a ten-step method that provides focus in your fleet safety efforts. This session is not DOT compliant, but a review of simple, achievable safety measures you can put in place.

Increasing Profitability Through Small Business Safety

This session focuses on small businesses. Participants will learn how to keep their employees safe. Topics include the main types of construction injuries, employee selection, handling common unsafe acts and conditions, training and documentation. Workers compensation topics include early reporting, claim management, light duty programs and a legislative update.

Safety Essentials for Construction Companies

We’ll focus on how to control the biggest risks in construction. Topics include an analysis of common construction injuries and fatalities, jobsite inspections, training and awareness and documentation. Workers compensation topics will include investigations, claim reporting, necessary documentation and light duty programs. Anyone who performs construction activities is invited to attend.