Specializing in workers' compensation for employers
based in Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota
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General workers' compensation
 

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  Basic guide
Basic return-to-work policy - CompTalk
UPDATED
2 pages
For MN, WI and SD

SFM encourages each employer is required to demonstrate its commitment to return-to-work by putting a basic program in writing. This walks you through the four steps. See also the sample program below.
 
 
 
  Basic guide
Educating your supervisors - CompTalk
6 pages
For MN only

Educate your supervisors to help them become ambassadors of your safety culture. Explains how to raise their level of understanding so they help prevent injuries and get injured workers back to work.
 
 
 
  Basic guide
Educating your supervisors - CompTalk
6 pages
For WI only

Educate your supervisors to help them become ambassadors of your safety culture. Explains how to raise their level of understanding so they help prevent injuries and get injured workers back to work.
 
 
 
  Basic guide
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry - CompTalk
4 pages
For MN only

Better understand the functions of Minnesota's Department of Labor and Industry, the governing body of workers' compensation in Minnesota.
 
 
 
  Basic guide
Return-to-work program - sample
1 page
For MN, WI and SD

Use this sample to help you write a return-to-work program for your organization. Download as a WORD document. See also "Basic return-to-work policy" above.
 
 
 
  Benefits
Beyond workers' compensation - CompTalk
4 pages
For MN only

Work comp is not always the only source of benefits for injured employees. Other sources, such as Social Security or auto insurance, may come into play. Learn how and when they may affect a work comp claim.
 
 
 
  Benefits
Understanding benefits - CompTalk
2 pages
For MN only

Explains the benefits injured employees are eligible to receive under Minnesota law.
 
 
 
  'Bottom line'
E-mods - CompTalk
5 pages
For MN, WI and SD

Is your organization's work comp 'temperature' too high? By bringing it down, you reduce your workers' compensation premium. Here's a two-part approach.
 
 
 
  'Bottom line'
Making decisions about your workforce at a time of business growth - CompTalk
4 pages
For MN, WI and SD

Business growth sometimes leads to expensive work comp claims. This explains why and how to avoid it.
 
 
 
  'Bottom line'
The premium audit - CompTalk
2 pages
For MN, WI and SD

Prepare for your organization's annual premium audit. A checklist of items needed is included as well as a list of frequently asked questions.
 
 
 
  'Bottom line'
Top 10 tips to lower your workers' comp costs
2 pages
For MN, WI and SD

Offers 10 tips for employers to lower their workers' compensation costs.
 
 
 
  'Bottom line'
Understanding your premium - CompTalk
4 pages
For MN only

You control your premium more than you may realize. This explains where to look.
 
 
 
  Coverage
Employers required to provide workers' compensation coverage - Legal Advisory
3 pages
For MN only

Explains the exceptions to Minnesota's requirement that employers insure for workers' compensation.
 
 
 
  Coverage
Employers required to provide worker's compensation coverage - Legal Advisory
3 pages
For WI only

Explains the exceptions to Wisconsin's requirement that employers insure for worker's compensation.
 
 
 
  Coverage
Injuries occurring in other states - Legal Advisory
2 pages
For MN only

Explains the workers' compensation benefits an employee is eligible for under Minnesota law if he or she is injured outside Minnesota.
 
 
 
  Coverage
Small business owner exemptions - Legal Advisory
2 pages
For MN only

Certain "owners" and their close relatives who work in family businesses are exempt from the Minnesota Workers' Compensation Act.
 
 
 
  Employment
Alcohol and drug policies - CompTalk
4 pages
For MN only

Guidance for developing a substance abuse policy for your workplace. Offers steps to help you develop a policy.
 
 
 
  Employment
Alcohol and drug testing of employees and job applicants - Legal Advisory
3 pages
For MN only

Legal guidance on an employer's right to require testing, testing standards, an employer's right to discipline, confidentiality and how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) comes into play.
 
 
 
  Employment
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Legal Advisory
3 pages
For MN and WI

Learn about the federal Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), which helps protect the disabled from discrimination including those with work comp injuries.
 
 
 
  Employment
Employee handbook policy - CompTalk
2 pages
For MN, WI and SD

Tips on developing a written workers' compensation policy for your employee handbook. Includes sample language.
 
 
 
  Employment
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) - Legal Advisory
4 pages
For MN and WI

Like the ADA, the FMLA may provide additional protection to an employee with a work-related injury. Employers should be familiar with their responsibilities under the FMLA when making employment decisions that involve workers' compensation claimants.
 
 
 
  Employment
Hiring minor employees - Legal Advisory
3 pages
For MN only

A review of fair labor standards and workers' compensation laws applicable to employees under the age of 18.
 
 
 
  Employment
Hiring people from other countries - CompTalk
6 pages
For MN, WI and SD

Explains best practices to head-off costly injuries when you and your employees don't speak the same language.
 
 
 
  Employment
Hiring right, hiring smart - CompTalk
4 pages
For MN only

Solid tips on subjects like pre-employment physicals, drug testing and screening for prior injuries to help you sharpen your employment process.
 
 
 
  Employment
Hiring teens - CompTalk
1 page
For MN and WI

Learn two steps to help train teenage workers to avoid injuries. Includes a review of types of jobs underage workers can perform.
 
 
 
  Employment
Physical impairment, false representation on job applications - Legal Advisory
2 pages
For MN only

An employee's false representation as to his physical condition at the time of hire may preclude a later award of workers' compensation benefits. However, limitations to this defense apply.
 
 
 
  Employment
Pre-employment physical examinations - Legal Advisory
2 pages
For MN only

Helps you develop a pre-employment physical examination program to determine whether prospective employees are physically capable of performing the jobs they seek.
 
 
 
  Employment
Screening job applicants for prior workers' compensation claims - Legal Advisory
1 page
For MN only

Walks through legalities of asking job applicants about prior workers' compensation claims.
 
 
 
  Employment
Undocumented workers - CompTalk
1 page
For MN and WI

How to watch for false identifications when hiring workers from other countries. Be sure you are hiring workers who are legally documented and allowed to work in the United States.
 
 
 
  Employment
Volunteers in the workplace - Legal Advisory
2 pages
For MN only

Learn the differences between an "employee" and a "volunteer," why a volunteer is not eligible for workers' compensation benefits, and the state's exceptions to that rule.
 
 
 
  Employment
Volunteers in the workplace - Legal Advisory
2 pages
For WI only

Learn the differences between an "employee" and a "volunteer," why a volunteer is generally not eligible for worker's compensation benefits, and the state's exceptions to that rule.
 
 
 
  Subcontracting
Hiring subcontractors - CompTalk includes Determination of independent contractor status form
3 pages
For MN only

Explains what you need to do when hiring subcontractors, so that you don't become liable for their employees' work injuries. Includes the form you should complete and keep in a file.
 
 
 
  Subcontracting
Special liability of general contractors - Legal Advisory
2 pages
For MN only

Explains potential workers' compensation liabilities for general contractors working with independent contractors. A must-read for anyone who subcontracts work.


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