April 16, 2009

An educational resource for schools served by SFM

Avoid additional financial strain by preventing back injuries

Back injuries can lead to absenteeism and loss of productivity for your janitors, grounds people and food service staff due to the material handling aspects of their jobs.

Avoid making tough economic times even tougher. Here are some ways to keep back injuries and the costs associated with them under control.

Decrease the risk of back injuries in your schools

• Ask your staff for prevention ideas. They know first-hand what the risks are. They can offer practical ideas on how to control them.
  
  
• Remind your staff about seasonal hazards:
  • Outdoor clean-up requires lifting and awkward postures. Tell them to avoid unnecessary bending, twisting and reaching.
    
    
  • Moving furniture, cabinets and heavy boxes can cause unnecessary strain on the back. Encourage janitors to remove drawers for desks and cabinets before moving and to use assisting devices such as furniture dollies or two-wheelers.
    
    
• Continue training staff. Knowledge is power for all staff--not just students. Even experienced staff can take unnecessary risks when not reminded of proper techniques.
  
  
• Train on the four points of safe lifting:
  1. Keep your head up
  2. Keep a neutral curve in back
  3. Bring the load close
  4. Lift with legs
     

With all the attention on current financial circumstances, you may need to exercise a little extra leadership on safety. Be sure your staff is reminded of the importance of staying well and productive and that they are a valuable asset to the district.

Advice from SFM's print publication

Federal FMLA
Recent FMLA changes apply to employees with work injuries

The U.S. Department of Labor in November published final rules amending the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and fully implementing the military leave requirements that were effective earlier this year. The final rule was effective Jan. 16. Beginning that date employers should have begun using the new notice forms, certification forms, and letters of eligibility and determination.

Read about the new FMLA rules that affect the FMLA's application to injured or disabled employees on page 5.

SFM presenting at MASBO conference

Beth Mandel, SFM Senior Defense Counsel and Director of Legal Training, is scheduled to present at the upcoming Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) conference in Brainerd, Minn.

Mandel is scheduled to present two educational sessions, one on the litigation cycle of a workers' compensation claim and another on Gillette, or cumulative trauma, injuries.

She along with Joe Morin, Loss Prevention team leader, and Kent Lindberg, Claims specialists, will be available throughout the conference to answer questions you may have about workers' compensation issues.

Find more information about the conference April 29-May 1 on the MASBO website.