WorkSAFE Center Expert Insights Feed

OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements are Worth Keeping Up With

Flint Walton — 02/17/2012

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

Mark Woodward — 01/27/2012

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

Shann Sievers — 01/09/2012

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

Mark Woodward — 12/30/2011

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

Brad Williamson — 12/16/2011

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.

Everyone Wins with Sound Safety Incentive Plans

Mark Woodward — 11/29/2011

Business owners and safety managers are often undecided about whether incentive plans actually work. The answer is yes, they do. Incentive plans are a great way to thank employees for safe work now, encourage future safe behavior and develop a positive safety culture.

Personal Protective Equipment: Provide, Train, Require

Mark Woodward — 11/22/2011

Personal protective equipment can be a broad and somewhat vague term. By definition, PPE applies to any gear worn on the body that creates a barrier between the hazard and the employee. However, simply creating a barrier is not enough. Employers can follow a few simple steps to ensure employees are getting the best protection possible.

Audits are on Your Side

Chonna Patterson — 11/09/2011

You might be surprised to know that insurance audits don’t have to be painful or negative in nature. With a little preparation and a knowledgeable consultant, audits can be one less thing you don’t look forward to.

Insurance Fraud Starts With an Attitude

Bill Byington — 10/27/2011

You may be surprised to learn that many people equate insurance fraud with a white lie. Perhaps it seems harmless and is just the cost of doing business for an employer. If you are an employer, you know that is definitely not harmless and you have most likely paid the price. There are ways to address misconceptions about insurance fraud.

Return Employees to Work with Confidence and Cost Savings

Terri Sweeten — 10/24/2011

Light duty, transitional duty, modified work schedule—no matter what you call it, a return to work program is a valuable tool for any business. Statistics indicate that successful return to work programs can result in cost savings to an employer of $8-10 for every dollar invested. In today’s economic conditions, it’s hard to find many solutions with such a high rate of return. The best part is that putting together a return to work program isn’t difficult or costly when you follow some best practices.

Safety on the Job Can Stop a Flood of Injuries for Water Districts

Mark Woodward — 10/18/2011

Lives and livelihood depend on making safety a priority for water and wastewater district employees. Employee injuries and damage are preventable and result in suffering and financial waste. Roughly 45% of Missouri water and wastewater districts are paying more than the suggested retail price for their workers compensation insurance. Why? Injuries cause insurance costs to rise.

Don't Let Slips, Trips and Falls Take Your Employees Down

Mark Woodward — 10/11/2011

All industries have exposure to slips and trips injuries. What is your company’s experience? How much time and money have you spent on slips, trips and falls injuries? When you review your records, you might be surprised. Your workers compensation carrier can produce a report that itemizes each injury and how it affects your experience modifier rate and premium. There is some good news, claims as common as slips, trips and falls can be prevented with a minimal investment.

Put Drug and Alcohol Screenings to the Test in Your Workplace

Ted Jeffries — 09/27/2011

Common sense tells us that work does not mix with drugs and alcohol. In addition to workplace accidents, drug and alcohol use can cost a business in other, very insidious ways. One of the most effective ways to combat the problem is by implementing a drug screening process for current and potential employees.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policies are a Must Have

Mark Woodward — 09/16/2011

MEM recommends drug-free workplace policies for all Missouri businesses. Employers can and should require employees to work free from the aftereffects of drugs and alcohol. Making the the investment in drug-free workplace policies and training is guaranteed to pay off —increased productivity and decreased claims.

Start New Employees Off Right with Safety Orientation

Shann Sievers — 09/06/2011

Employees should have the expectation that their workplace will offer a safe environment where they can complete their assigned tasks. Workplace safety is a tremendously important responsibility, but with the proper start to an employee’s career with your organization, everyone wins.

Emergency Response in Ambulances: Avoiding Head-on Collisions on Two-Lane Roadways

Mark Woodward — 08/31/2011

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 168 ambulance crashes in Missouri in 2009. In 26% of those crashes, the ambulance was on an emergency run. In that same year, 60% of Missouri ambulance crashes involved striking another vehicle and a person was killed or injured in an ambulance crash every 4.5 days. The following article provides safety best practices to ambulance crews responding to emergencies using sirens and lights.

Understanding E-Mods, Not Just Another Number

Joyce Underwood — 08/26/2011

Lots of employers have them. Some employers are happy with the one they have and some employers are not. Some employers don’t even qualify for one—Experience Modification (e-mod) factors. Making sense of your e-mod doesn’t have to be complicated and the more you know, the better. Get some practical answers to practical questions here.

Managing Claims for Successful Outcomes

Brad Williamson — 08/09/2011

Even with strongly enforced safety policies and a commitment to reducing workplace injuries, sometimes accidents do happen. There are several basic steps employers can take to ensure injured employees receive the most appropriate medical treatment and facilitate a fast, safe return to work—all while reducing the overall costs of the claim.

How to Avoid Year End Audit Surprises

Chonna Patterson — 07/28/2011

With the uncertain economy, the last thing you want to incur at the end of your policy year is is a large audit balance. The simplest way to avoid these unexpected charges is with proper record keeping. By monitoring overtime, subcontractors, and proper classifications the risk is better managed and financially maintained. Don't forget the possibility of a reduction in workers compensation premium.

Create a Safety Net With Fall Protection Gear

Mark Woodward — 07/21/2011

Gravity works and makes exceptions for no one—even the most experienced workers. Think of it as a rooftop seat belt. Performing work at heights without fall protection puts employees’ lives and your business at risk.

Preventing Employee Claim Fraud

Ed Uebinger — 07/13/2011

Most compensation claims involve legitimate accidents and injuries; however, there are those that don’t. Employee claim fraud is the most frequent type of workers compensation fraud. It occurs when an employee attempts to obtain benefits they are not entitled to. Claiming to have been injured at work when it actually happened at home, faking a more serious injury than actually occurred or even staging an accident that never happened are all examples of employee claim fraud. A little awareness and a solid fraud prevention plan can decrease the costs associated with employee claim fraud.

Keeping Up With an Increased Aging Workforce

Kim Woll-Hulsey — 06/28/2011

An aging workforce is among the critical issues facing society. Great numbers of workers are approaching traditional retirement years, and fewer workers are coming into the workforce to replace them. By 2025, the projections state that there will be 31.9 million older workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) applies the term “older worker” as those workers whom are at least 55 years old. Employers will be presented with opportunities as well as challenges with an older workforce.

Heat Stress: A Hot Topic for Employees and Employers

Tyler Laughlin — 06/23/2011

The temperature outside is rising, and from the look of things it’s only going to get hotter. This means that Missouri employers need to think about heat stress and how it affects their employees. Heat stress does not just include the danger of being exposed to extreme heat due to the weather; many occupations also have operations that create hot environments. In either situation, workers may be at risk of developing heat stress.

100 Years of Workers Compensation

Steve Millikan — 06/14/2011

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of workers compensation in the United States. This centennial is not just a reason to celebrate. The occasion also offers the opportunity to take a look at the American workers compensation system as it has evolved from being strictly benefits driven to an increasing focus on injury prevention.

OSHA Expands Company Driver Cell Phone Policy

Mark Woodward — 06/09/2011

Distracted driving is at epidemic levels in the United States. Smart phone use, texting, and even simple phone conversations are proven distractions. Employers are responsible for the safety of the fleet, and must address how technology is used when employees are driving on company business. To deal with the growing problem, OSHA has expanded the ban on cell phone use to include employees of all industries and license types.

What to Expect From Your Workers Compensation Provider

Barry Kelly — 06/08/2011

To some employers in Missouri, Workers Compensation insurance is a necessary evil. They do not understand why they are required to purchase this type of insurance coverage by law, even if they have as few as one employee. The reasons for the requirement are simple: protect employers and employees. Your Workers Compensation insurance provider should be a partner invested in the success of your business. Does your provider have the key ingredients needed to help you succeed?

WorkSAFE Week 2011: Make Your Safety Program More Powerful with Documented Expectations

Flint Walton — 05/31/2011

There should be no unwritten safety rules. All expectations must be clearly documented, and employers must never condone unsafe acts. Safety rule enforcement is a key aspect of creating a safe working environment. Employees must know that unsafe acts will not be tolerated. When management permits unsafe acts, they set a bad example and teach younger employees that it’s acceptable to work in an unsafe manner.

WorkSAFE Week 2011: Drug-free Workplace Policies Help Attract and Retain Safe Employees

Mark Woodward — 05/26/2011

Assuming that drugs and alcohol aren’t a problem within your organization is risky. It’s even riskier to know you have a problem and fail to address it. The vast majority of drug users are employed, and when they arrive for work, they don’t leave their problems at home. Employees fall prey to binge drinking, alcoholism, methamphetamines, marijuana and heroin. Drug and alcohol use often develops into an addiction that affects all aspects of a person’s life, including their work.

WorkSAFE Week 2011: Establish Safety Rules for a Strong Safety Culture

Mark Woodward — 05/23/2011

Written safety rules help prevent accidents by establishing guidelines. Formal safety rules share the responsibility of a safe work environment between employee and employer. Document safety expectations and require employee signatures on an annual basis. Enforce the rules when unsafe behaviors are discovered, and reward employees when they’re working safely.

WorkSAFE Week 2011: Seat Belts Aren't Optional

Flint Walton — 05/19/2011

If an employee doesn’t wear a seat belt and is injured in a wreck, could those injuries have been prevented or reduced? Were the injuries foreseeable and preventable? Is it reasonable to assume that a company driver could be injured in a vehicle collision? The answer to these questions is yes. Vehicle crashes are the most deadly form of work related injury. Seat belt use can change that statistic.

WorkSAFE Week 2011: Create a "There are No Accidents" Attitude

Mark Woodward — 05/17/2011

All work-related injuries and fatalities are preventable. Unfortunately, they usually happen time and time again. The word accident implies that nothing could have eliminated the situation and is nothing more than an excuse. If Missouri business owners fall victim to the attitude accidents happen, they have enabled complacency within their workplace. Accidents cost Missouri companies money, resources, time, personnel and production. Often families pay the price, as well. How can you improve your safety culture and the way you look at accidents?

WorkSAFE Week 2011: Safety Strategies for No Accidents

Mark Woodward — 05/13/2011

Every year Missouri Employers Mutual dedicates the first week in June to encouraging employers and employees to increase their workplace safety knowledge. WorkSAFE Week 2011, June 6-10, encourages employers to adopt the attitude There are no Accidents. There are however, lots of opportunities to educate employees about how to prevent injuries. Taking some time out to implement five simple strategies can make all the difference in preventing workplace injuries.

Home Health Employees Depend on Your Safety Plan

Mark Woodward — 05/10/2011

Home health workers go above and beyond each day to help others. But how can home health workers help others when they’re injured themselves? It’s not a surprise that home health workers are exposed to a variety of hazards including slips, trips, strains and sprains, violence and vehicle accidents. Home health agencies must recognize these hazards and act to prevent injuries that lower service levels, increase stress on other workers, and restrict their ability to help others.

Trucking Safety Done Right Saves Lives, Time, and Money

Mark Woodward — 04/21/2011

Did you know that the number one way for a Missouri worker to die is in a vehicle crash? When driving is your industry, this fact amplifies the need for effective safety measures that directly address work-related vehicle crashes. Every organization, especially those in the trucking and transportation industries, should have a written seat belt policy, safety rules, and a drug and alcohol-free workplace policy.

Medical Management Has a Place Before, During, and After an Injury

Linda Karl — 04/13/2011

Many policyholders have very few reportable injuries requiring medical assistance or none at all during the course of the year. Because of this, a supervisor may not know the protocol for dealing with an injury. Knowing what to do when an injury does occur can make the experience better for you as an employer and your injured employee. There are some easy ways to prepare. Check out MEM’s list of things to consider in your injury management plan.

The Added Benefits of ADA Compliance: Safety for Every Employee

Julie Brinkhoff — 04/06/2011

It is common knowledge that making accommodations in the workplace for employees or visitors with disabilities is required for compliance with the ADA. But have you ever considered that many of these accommodations might benefit others in your workplace? You might be surprised at how these requirements can make your workplace safer for everyone.

New OSHA Roofing Guidelines Reinforce Fall Protection

Mark Woodward — 03/29/2011

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the number one way to die on a construction jobsite. Any company that performs rooftop work inherits the risk of falls that could result in debilitating or fatal injuries. When a roofer’s luck runs out, fall protection equipment must be in place to catch them. OSHA is implementing changes to fall protection standards effective June 16, 2011. Are you ready?

Fraud Reduction in Small- to Mid-Sized Businesses Leads to Cost Reduction

Ed Uebinger — 03/22/2011

Workers compensation fraud can be very costly for small- to mid-sized businesses. Many of these businesses are working hard to maintain safe workplaces to protect employees and the bottom line. When employees report fraudulent claims, that work is quickly undone. The increased number and cost of claims impacts the company’s experience rating, which in turn results in higher workers compensation premium. The good news is that there are a number of ways to help prevent fraud from taking over your business.

Impact of the Economy on Claims Management

Annelle Whitt — 03/16/2011

Underwriting performance in the workers compensation industry is directly linked to economic recovery. You may not have ever made that correlation, but workers compensation claims and costs are reflective of current economic conditions. You can’t control the economy and where it is headed, but can take steps to understand how it affects claims and manage your workers compensation costs.

What to Know When Hiring Temporary Employees

Ralph Gifford — 03/16/2011

There are many reasons you may decide to hire temporary employees. Temporary work is just one of the ways that businesses can offer flexibility and at the same time better meet their own needs. It might be an easy way to manage the costs of seasonal or peak periods. To make your decision pay off, there are some critical financial and safety related points to consider when heading down the road of hiring temporary employees.

Breaking Down the E-mod Rating: How the Latest NCCI Filing for Missouri Impacts Your Rating

Annelle Whitt — 03/07/2011

The latest filing in Missouri by the National Council on Compensation Insurance should reduce the impact of medical-only claims on your experience rating modification, or e-mod. Effective July 1, medical-only losses will be reduced by 70 percent in the experience rating formula.

Severe Weather is Just a Forecast Away: Is your plan ready?

Mark Woodward — 03/07/2011

The season for severe weather is here. Get creative in your planning efforts and use technology and communication to keep employees safe during severe weather. Don't wait until the warning sirens are sounding.

Refresher Training is an Investment That Pays You Back

Mark Woodward — 02/23/2011

It’s early 2011 and the pefect time to make sure it is an accident-free year. With the downturn in the economy and narrowing profit margins, businesses are having a harder time than ever absorbing the direct and indirect costs of accidents. Refresher training is an opportunity to get in front of your employees with an “accident-free year” message. There are some key things to consider when putting together your annual training.

Does your work site have any of OSHA's top ten violations?

Mark Woodward — 02/08/2011

Each year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases a top ten list of the most frequently cited safety standards for both the construction and general industries. The list is a great guide for business owners and management ready to make safety improvements within their own organizations. Do any of these common problems exist in your work site?

Prompt Claims Reporting Now Mandated by Medicare

Greg Goodwin — 01/25/2011

The New Year brings changes, and 2011 is no exception. As of Jan. 1, federally mandated claims reporting changes took effect regarding injured workers who may be or become entitled to Medicare benefits during their claim. Failure to report claims to the workers compensation insurance carrier can result in sizable fines for employers.

Safe and Healthy Work Environments are a Win/Win Solution

Kim Woll-Hulsey — 12/30/2010

Health is one of the most important and complex issues facing employers and workers today. The workplace is not only the source of health insurance for most Americans, but it also has significant influence on an individual’s physical and emotional health. A workplace with an environment that includes safety policies and preventative health programs can expect fewer workers compensation claims and more productive workers.

Winter's Hidden Dangers: Slips and Falls

Steve Holmes — 12/03/2010

The snow and ice that come with a Missouri winter create conditions that produce a high number of injuries both on and off the job site. It is important not to underestimate the dangers of slips and falls to your employees and customers.

Food Service Safety Myths

Mark Woodward — 11/23/2010

Worker safety should be a priority in the food service industry. Injuries like falls, lacerations, strains and sprains are common and costly—but mostly preventable. Food service management can improve worker safety, reduce accidents and injuries, and maintain profitability by making safety the standard in the workplace. Learn the truth behind seven of the most common food service safety myths.

Robinson vs. Hooker Challenges Exclusive Remedy

Annelle Whitt — 10/28/2010

Based on the outcome of the recent case Robinson vs. Hooker, WD 71207 (Mo. App. August 3, 2010), an employee injured on the job can file a separate negligence lawsuit against a co-employee after they have settled the workers compensation claim. In Robinson vs. Hooker, the plaintiff and defendant were street cleaners working together. The defendant lost control of a high pressure hose and the water struck the plaintiff, causing blindness in one eye.

Driving Myths

Flint Walton — 10/27/2010

There are about 200 million licensed drivers in the United States and almost as many ways to be involved in an accident. Staying safe on the road starts with knowing the facts—not myths.

Safety Myths

Flint Walton — 10/22/2010

In the world of safety there are some common myths about workplace injuries and how they happen. Businesses with a WorkSAFE attitude can make all the difference in preventing injuries on the job. Check out the most common misconceptions and see if any of them sound familiar.

Who's Fighting Substance Abuse in the Workplace?

Greg Goodwin — 09/24/2010

Addressing substance abuse in the workplace makes good business sense. Implementing a drug and alcohol-free workplace policy not only helps protect lives, but helps protect your bottom line.

Reduce Your Claims Costs With Prompt Injury Reporting

Ted Jeffries — 09/24/2010

Reporting claims promptly can dramatically impact the outcome of claims—and it’s the law.

OSHA and the Public Sector

Flint Walton — 09/24/2010

In Missouri, private-sector businesses and construction companies are covered by OSHA’s safety laws. Publicly-funded organizations like counties, municipalities and water districts are not necessarily regulated by OSHA. The distinction between the public and private sector companies does not excuse the public sector from abiding by OSHA’s safety rules. Legislation is being proposed to close this loophole and require OSHA to enforce safety standards in the public entities.