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Blog

Nine expert tips that can lower your workers’ compensation costs

Employers have some control over workers’ compensation premiums. Here are our best tips for controlling your losses, and as a result, your premiums.

What employers should know about marijuana safety and impairment policies

An employer's legal marijuana safety and impairment policy options may depend on the level of operations the company has with the federal government.

Can you screen job applicants for prior workers' compensation claims?

Asking job candidates about past work injuries, disabilities or medical histories isn't appropriate under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or state laws.

Why employee happiness is so important

The numerous benefits of a positive workplace make a compelling case for building a supportive, affirming work environment where employee happiness is valued.

De-escalation tactics can prevent violence in the workplace

Employees in a variety of occupations can find themselves in situations with the potential to become violent at work. De-escalation tactics can be used to defuse volatile situations so they don’t reach the point of violence.

Join us for the 2024 SFM Foundation golf events

Registration is now open for the SFM Foundation 2024 Minnesota and Iowa golf fundraisers. The Minnesota golf event is scheduled for Monday, June 10, at Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury, and the Iowa event is set for Monday, May 20, at Hyperion Golf Club in Johnston.

Letter from the President: Following a tough act

Key takeaways and highlights from 2023 at SFM from President & CEO Terry Miller.

SFM continues growth outside of Minnesota

SFM is diversifying and expanding its footprint in the realm of workers’ compensation insurance.

Webinar recordings: foundations of hiring and onboarding, more educational videos

SFM recently hosted another educational webinar for our policyholders and agents on hiring and onboarding, which is available to view on our website.

Featured resources for agents and policyholders

SFM’s online resource catalog offers a wide range of educational resources designed to help policyholders prevent injuries, manage their claim activity and learn more about workers’ compensation.

SAM security enhancements coming soon

SFM is introducing multi-factor authentication and new password requirements.

SFM enhances MyPayroll premium audit system

SFM is making upgrades to its online MyPayroll system with new features and a streamlined process to make it even easier for policyholders to complete their annual premium audit.

SFM underwriter accomplishments

Updates and milestones for SFM’s underwriting staff in the last quarter of 2023.

SFM attending upcoming 2024 industry events

SFM is attending several 2024 industry events.

Reminder: SFM offers pay-as-you-go option

SFM’s pay-as-you-go wage reporting system allows policyholders to make premium payments that match with payroll throughout the year.

Workers’ compensation rates continue to decrease

As rates for other lines of insurance climb, workers’ compensation rates are steadily decreasing. The explanation for this positive trend is simple – workers’ compensation claim frequency has declined for all but two of the past 20 years, according to NCCI.

Get to know an SFM employee: Meet a member of our in-house legal team

Peter Lindquist has been part of the legal team at SFM since 2018. He has been a practicing attorney for several years. We asked Lindquist to share a little bit about his background and role.

Why watching prescriptions closely is so important
Why watching prescriptions closely is so important

SFM works hard to make sure injured workers’ medications are managed well, and as part of that effort, SFM partners with pharmacy benefits manager, myMatrixx.

New CompOnline administrator guide available

SFM has released a new version of CompOnline. The improvements enhance security, provide more permissions to the administrator and streamline our behind-the-scenes processes allowing us to serve you even better.

SFM’s 2023 mid-year results: Strong premium development, competitive pricing, continued claim challenges

The first half of 2023 is in the books, and it’s already been a remarkable year for SFM in a number of ways. New and renewal premium results have been outstanding, customer retention continues to be very strong and claim activity is trending in the right direction as the year unfolds.

Multi-factor authentication coming to CompOnline

To enhance security, SFM is introducing multi-factor authentication and longer password requirements for CompOnline users starting January 5, 2024.

SFM to host educational webinar for policyholders on hiring and training new employees

Join us on November 15 as we discuss best practices for hiring and training new employees. Learn how establishing good fundamentals can increase employee safety and help your business succeed in the long run.

Sign up for alerts in SAM

Did you know you can get email alerts to help you keep up with your clients’ claim developments? Learn about the various alerts you can get through SFM Agency Manager (SAM).

Featured resources for agents and policyholders

SFM’s online resource catalog offers a wide range of educational resources designed to help policyholders prevent injuries, manage their claim activity and learn more about workers’ compensation.

SFM underwriter accomplishments

Here’s a look at the promotions, awards, retirements, and other milestones of SFM underwriters so far in 2023.

SFM Foundation to host two fall fundraising events

This fall brings two opportunities to support the SFM Foundation with events in Minnesota and Iowa with the Minnesota Fall Fundraising Event on November 9 and new Iowa Bowling for Scholarships event on November 2.

MN work comp law change regarding notice of non-emergency surgery

Minnesota workers’ compensation law changed recently to allow an employee to notify their employer directly of a request for non-emergency surgery. Once notice has been given, the employer or insurer has seven days to give a response to the request.

Hiring practices: Thorough processes can prevent injuries and problem claims

Following a thorough hiring process is one important way you can prevent problem workers’ compensation claims, along with other challenges. Choosing the right employee for a role is rarely easy, but there are steps you can include in your process to help you more confidently make hiring decisions.

Pre-task planning: Prepare and be aware for successful injury prevention

Taking time for pre-task planning allows employees to focus on recognizing hazards and putting controls in place to prevent incidents from occurring.

Get to know an SFM employee: Meet a member of our in-house bill review team

Kirsten Peterson has been a Medical Support Representative at SFM for two years, and in the workers’ compensation industry for 15 years. Kirsten is part of SFM’s in-house bill review team. We asked Peterson to share a little bit about her background and her role.

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