January 9, 2019
What safety pros keep in their winter emergency kitsWe asked SFM’s loss prevention representatives what we’d find in the safety kits they keep in their cars in case of roadside emergencies. Here's what they said.
December 19, 2018
Prevent litigation, stay in contact with injured employeesMany litigated workers’ compensation cases could have been avoided if the employer had taken the time to show concern for the employee’s welfare during the early stages of the claim.
December 12, 2018
Keeping problem employees on staff can increase workers’ compensation costsDealing with employee performance problems can be much more challenging if that employee claims a work injury. To avoid this, address performance issues right away.
November 21, 2018
Help your employees achieve the four elements of financial well-beingAddress financial stress in your employees by applying the four elements of personal financial well-being to a financial wellness program.
November 16, 2018
Inexpensive safety solution: Replace old utility knivesConsider replacing old manually retractable and fixed-blade utility knives with a concealed blade version for a safer option.
November 14, 2018
Safety video: Moves you can use to avoid winter slips and fallsUse this lighthearted video to remind and train your employees to avoid winter slips and falls, a common cause of workplace injuries.
November 7, 2018
Snow days aren’t just for schools: How to develop a workplace severe weather policyWhen winter weather turns dangerous and it’s unsafe to travel, do you have a plan – for yourself and your employees?
November 5, 2018
The dangers of drowsy drivingDriving while drowsy can cause drivers to pay less attention to the road, slows their reaction time and affects the ability to make good decisions.
October 31, 2018
Watch out for these top 10 OSHA violationsList of the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA violations of 2018, with training resources for each
October 15, 2018
School bus drivers can be safety heroesThis year’s theme for National School Bus Safety Week, “My Driver – My Safety Hero,” reminds us of bus drivers’ important roles in getting people where they’re going safely.
September 26, 2018
Minnesota manufacturer invests in safetySFM policyholder Jones Metal takes full advantage of SFM’s safety resources, including help applying for a MN OSHA safety grant.
September 12, 2018
Safety tips for home health care workersHome health care workers face many unique safety risks. Hazards include getting to and from work, transferring clients, slips and falls and more.
August 29, 2018
Optimizing safety programs for all generationsEmployers must tailor safety and health programs for four distinct generations in the workforce.
August 15, 2018
10 statistics that make the case for workplace wellness programsThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce report “Winning With Wellness” makes the case for workplace wellness programs with some key employee health statistics.
August 8, 2018
Second annual Safe + Sound Week approachingThe second annual Safe + Sound Week raises awareness about the value of safety and health programs.
August 6, 2018
Help your employees with these smoking cessation resourcesSmoking can significantly increase the length and cost of a workers’ compensation claim. Here are several state and national resources to help your employees quit smoking.
July 25, 2018
"Ban the Box" doesn't prevent criminal background check"Ban the box" is a national movement that prevents employers from asking about criminal history prior to interviewing applicants. In some cases, criminal background checks can be a useful hiring tool.
July 11, 2018
What the 'gig economy' means for worker protectionsA growing gig economy might leave some workers with gaps in workers' compensation and other protections.
June 20, 2018
Alternatives to opioids for treating chronic painThe medical community is identifying alternative ways to help individuals with chronic pain such as exercise, acupuncture and virtual reality.
June 18, 2018
Teach your employees about trench and excavation safetyTrench and excavation hazards cause more than 100 deaths and 1,000 injuries every year. Knowing the proper safety procedures and what hazards to watch for will reduce risk of injury.
June 13, 2018
Are your workers independent contractors or employees?Employers' workers' compensation requirements differ for workers considered employees versus those considered independent contractors.
May 30, 2018
Hidden costs of work injuriesFew employers realize just how costly a work injury can be until they experience one at their organization. That’s because there are so many hidden costs of work injuries that aren’t covered by workers’ compensation benefits, such as lost productivity, overtime costs, and impacts on the injured worker and their family.
May 7, 2018
Fall prevention focus of Safety Stand-Down weekMay 7-11, 2018 is the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Take the time to educate your workers on the importance of fall prevention.
May 2, 2018
Watch out for everyday electrical safety hazardsIt’s easy to forget that everyday activities like using extension cords and outlets can pose a risk for fires, shock and even electrocution if done improperly.
April 25, 2018
Prevent obesity in the workplace to reduce costs, research saysObesity has high costs both in terms of a worker’s health and costs to the employer, and the workplace can be a contributing factor.
April 18, 2018
New studies on opioids show ineffectiveness, high costRecent studies have shown that opioids are less effective than common painkillers and delay return to work. SFM has been working since 2014 to reduce long-term use of opioids by injured workers.
April 11, 2018
How loss prevention visits target business safety risksWhat to expect during a loss prevention visit from one of SFM’s trained occupational health and safety professionals
April 4, 2018
Checklist helps keep employees safe during school construction projectsSFM’s loss prevention staff created a checklist to help schools keep employees safe throughout construction projects.
March 12, 2018
Health care worker safety closely tied to patient safetyIn healthcare, patient and caregiver safety go hand-in-hand. Based on independent research and SFM's claims data, moving patients manually puts healthcare workers at risk for severe injuries.
March 1, 2018
Wisconsin law makes workers’ compensation ‘exclusive remedy’ for temp worker injuriesWisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill into law on February 28 that prevents temporary employees who sustain work injuries from suing their employers, rather than going through workers’ compensation.
February 21, 2018
Hand and power tool safetyWhen using hand and power tools, it's important to use a tool that fits the job and is in good condition. Most injuries result from misuse and improper maintenance.
February 7, 2018
Safety tips to protect warehouse workersThe rate of fatal injuries in the warehouse industry is higher than the average for all other injuries. Here's how to keep your employees safe.
January 10, 2018
A healthier workforce: Tips for starting and building your workplace wellness programTips for starting and building your workplace wellness program: If you’ve been thinking about offering a wellness program, but don’t know where to begin, start here.
January 3, 2018
Eight tips for defensive drivingLearn how to keep safe on the road by following these tips for defensive driving
December 13, 2017
Workplace safety and claims resources for employees with limited English proficiencySFM offers a number of resources to help keep employees with limited English proficiency safe, and assist if they are injured.
November 29, 2017
Three apps to make your workplace saferMobile safety apps can help you identify heat-related risks, use ladders safely and encourage better ergonomics.
November 21, 2017
The risks of multitasking: Why single-tasking is more productive — and saferMultitasking has infiltrated our work and home lives. Distracted driving and walking both pose dangers.
November 15, 2017
Are injuries at a work holiday party compensable?Although in most cases injuries that occur during a work holiday party would not be compensable, there are some exceptions.
November 8, 2017
Does your workplace offer a wellness program? Survey results from SFM policyholdersIn a recent wellness program survey, we found out which employers are more likely to have a workplace wellness program and what topics they address.
October 18, 2017
Forklift safety tips for drivers and pedestriansForklift-related injuries most often result from inattention, distraction, excessive speed, poor driving habits and lack of training. See our forklift safety tips infographic.
October 11, 2017
In harm’s way: Workplace violence in health careInjuries from workplace violence are much greater for health care workers than the average.
October 4, 2017
OSHA updates walking-working surfaces and fall protection standardsOSHA’s final rule for general industry walking-working surfaces and fall protection standards was updated in 2017.
September 27, 2017
Reduce workplace injuries with job hazard recognitionUsing job hazard recognition is a great way to review a work area in order to identify, eliminate or control work-related risks that could cause injury.
August 23, 2017
Q & A with researcher Katie Schofield, Ph.D.Research has quantified the connection between contact by loss prevention representatives and reduced lost-time injuries in the construction industry.
August 18, 2017
Survey: U.S. working conditions taxing, but also friendlyA Rand Corporation survey released this week sheds light on working conditions in the United States, and results are mixed.
August 17, 2017
Four housekeeping tips for a safer construction siteAccidents such as trips and falls, being struck by falling objects and cutting or puncturing the skin can often be avoided by keeping a construction site neat and organized.
June 30, 2017
Do volunteers qualify for workers' compensation?Volunteers generally aren’t eligible for workers' compensation benefits, but there are exceptions, and state laws can differ.
June 30, 2017
The danger of distracted walkingWalking while distracted can cause you to miss a potential hazard like ice, snow or a change in the walking surface, putting you at risk for a fall.
June 28, 2017
Four signs you genuinely value workplace safetyIt’s easy to say “safety first.” It’s tougher to truly carry it out. Does your organization practice what you preach when it comes to employee safety?
June 14, 2017
Two key factors for a successful workplace wellness programWhat makes a workplace wellness program successful? Here are two best practices revealed by researchers.
June 8, 2017
Top 7 workplace safety tipsThese seven essential safety tips, identified by SFM's loss prevention staff, will earn your company a gold star in workplace safety.
June 7, 2017
How three school districts reduced their workers’ comp lossesSafety improvements and early return-to-work have carried many school districts insured by SFM to the head of the class.
June 1, 2017
How employers can take charge of health-related productivity lossesHow do you reduce absenteeism and presenteeism in your employees? Start by maintaining a safe workplace and encouraging health and wellness.
May 17, 2017
New equipment and culture change cut hospital’s lifting injuriesAs a side benefit of a patient-first mentality and focus on employee safety, St. Luke’s Hospital has kept workers’ compensation costs in check.
April 19, 2017
What Iowa’s new workers’ compensation changes meanIowa’s workers’ compensation system will see some significant changes on July 1, 2017, under a bill signed into law by Gov. Terry Branstad in March.
February 16, 2017
How to add mindfulness to your workplace wellness programWorkplaces can build on successful physical wellness programs by incorporating a popular — and proven — technique for emotional health: mindfulness.
January 11, 2017
11 common sense tips for safe winter weather drivingFollow these tips to keep safe while driving in snowy and icy winter weather.
December 13, 2016
Iowa manufacturer builds machine to prevent lifting injuriesIn an effort to prevent lifting injuries, Iowa-based manufacturer Katecho built a machine that would do the lifting for them.
September 13, 2016
CEO Q&A: Planning for safety helps projects run more efficientlyOur interview with U.S. SiteWork CEO Bart Anderson on why safety is his company’s mission.
August 12, 2016
Hospital staff trains for a frightening possibilityThe Dallas County Hospital in Perry, Iowa, held an active shooter drill. This allowed staff to practice sheltering in place or escaping during such an event.
August 4, 2016
Wisconsin medical board adopts opioid prescribing guidelinesThe Wisconsin Medical Examining Board adopted new guidelines for prescribing opioid painkillers aimed at combating heroin use.
November 17, 2015
After severe injury, man recovers, thrives, then helps othersSFM employees recently heard the inspiring story of a man who not only overcame a tragic accident that cost him both legs, but used the experience to help others.
July 30, 2015
Minnesota implements new rules for prescribing opioid painkillersTo prevent injured workers from ending up with painkiller addictions, the state of Minnesota has adopted stronger requirements for prescribing physicians.
July 13, 2015
Nebraska Supreme Court reverses workers’ comp rulingThis 2015 ruling from the Nebraska Supreme court reversed a lower court’s ruling on the workers’ compensation case.
June 17, 2015
Iowa Supreme Court says workers’ compensation surveillance footage need not be disclosed before depositionThe Iowa Supreme Court ruled that employers do not need to provide surveillance footage to workers’ compensation claimants before they are deposed.
January 29, 2015
How one school district prevents falls among staffThe Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools decreased falls by making stepladders easily accessible throughout its buildings.
January 13, 2015
The four most effective tactics to avoid workers' compensation litigationOn-the-job injuries can cost your company time, productivity, money and even employee morale — costs that are compounded when you become engaged in a legal battle.
October 9, 2014
CEO Q&A: Company's emphasis on safety starts at the topADO Products CEO Jim Andrews talks about his company’s emphasis on employee safety.
September 30, 2014
What your employee handbook should say about workers' compensationIncorporating workers' compensation into your employee handbook shows your staff that you take work injuries seriously.
June 16, 2014
How to discipline employees who’ve experienced work injuriesSimply because an employee sustained a work injury does not excuse that employee from performing the duties and expected standards of the job.
March 7, 2014
Minnesota Supreme Court maintains status quo for PTSD claimsThe Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed that an employee’s post-traumatic stress disorder was a non-compensable mental injury under the law in effect at the time of injury.
January 3, 2014
Minnesota Supreme Court reverses appeals court's Dykhoff decisionThe 2013 Dykhoff decision provides insight into what it means for an injury to “arise out of” employment, making it eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
December 23, 2013
Injuries while entering and leaving the workplace: A primerState law requires that employers provide safe, well-maintained and accessible routes for employees to and from their parked vehicles into their place of work.
August 26, 2013
Police officer’s mental injury might have been compensable under amended Minnesota workers’ compensation lawMinnesota law previously did not allow workers' compensation benefits for mental injuries unless they caused or were accompanied by physical injuries.
August 14, 2013
First ‘GINA’ lawsuit settled by EEOCThe U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) settled the first lawsuit it had filed under the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
May 27, 2013
Summer can increase schools' workers' comp exposureAt schools, the summer months can present high potential for workers' compensation exposure, because wage-loss benefits can drag out longer than they would otherwise.
