Injury prevention
It's the best way to control your work comp costs

SFM works in partnership with employers by offering resources that help them use their investments in safety more wisely and achieve improved results over time.

Here's what SFM can do for you
Your insurance coverage package may include tailored services provided by SFM's experienced loss prevention representatives.

• Walk-throughs and jobsite visits. Analyze employees' work activities and behaviors, and assess workplace conditions based on technical expertise in
compliance issues such as OSHA.

• Ergonomic evaluations. Evaluate the design of workstations and tools to ensure they fit the employee. They also provide training to employees who are at risk for ergonomic injuries.

• Loss runs and loss mapping. Summarize your claims history and costs. They show accident and injury patterns so you can see where your biggest problems are occurring.

• Recommendations and service plans. Show you the steps and opportunities to improve safety and productivity. Service plans including future training, evaluations and other recommended services.

• On-site training and seminars. Train employees, supervisors and management on a variety of topics tailored specifically to your needs and expectations.

• Resources. Make available a variety of materials such as videos, posters, handouts, Prevention Paks, CompTalks, Legal Advisories and more.

Here's what you can do
1. Gain management commitment. Your top leadership needs to be actively involved and visibly supportive of your organization's efforts. For starters, the owner or president of your organization should develop a policy statement affirming your organization's commitment to safety. See the sample safety policy.

2. Set measurable safety objectives. Goals must be specific and achievable. That also helps you hold employees accountable for their safety behavior.

3. Write safety rules and procedures. Written communications are usually clearest. Describe the rules and procedures for all job tasks, equipment operations and safety equipment requirements.

4. Train and involve employees. Conduct employee orientation and training regularly.

5. Provide personal protective equipment. Assess, select and provide PPE and train employees on its use and maintenance.

6. Conduct a workplace walk-through to identify hazards. Assess the operations, procedures, processes, physical environment and individual behaviors that may be hazardous to employees. For more information, see the "Workplace analysis" CompTalk and checklist.

7. Review loss runs online. Use CompOnline to analyze your accident history and determine trends.

8. Take immediate corrective action. Approach employees who are acting unsafely, and demonstrate a safer behavior. Ensure that recommendations from a loss prevention representative or your safety committee are acted upon promptly.

9. Be prepared for emergencies. Stock each worksite with a first aid kit. Train employees in emergency procedures and evacuation. Consider offering first aid or CPR training.

10. Initiate accident analysis. Involve supervisors and your safety committee in the process. Look into any accident or near-miss incident to determine what unsafe behavior or condition contributed to it.