February 3, 2021
Workers’ compensation waiting periodsWhat workers' compensation waiting periods are, what they mean for bringing employees back to work and how they differ between states.

February 3, 2021
Workers’ compensation waiting periodsWhat workers' compensation waiting periods are, what they mean for bringing employees back to work and how they differ between states.

January 26, 2021
Reporting injuries to OSHA and your workers' comp insurer — what's the difference?You must report all workplace injuries to your workers’ compensation insurer, but in some cases you must also report injuries to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

January 26, 2021
How your workers’ compensation e-mod is calculatedYour e-mod is used to calculate your workers’ compensation premium that’s based on your workers’ compensation claims experience.

January 20, 2021
Four quick tips for safe snow shoveling this winterFollow these four tips to reduce the risk of injuries while shoveling snow, so you can get back inside safely.

January 14, 2021
Easy way to avoid winter falls: Step down, not out.Using the “Step down, not out” method when getting out of a vehicle or stepping off a curb forces you to stand up or step flat footed, eliminating the chances of slipping.

December 29, 2020
Iowa commissioner deems rotator cuff a ‘shoulder’ injuryIowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Joseph Cortese determined that an injury to a muscle in the rotator cuff is considered a shoulder injury for the purpose of determining permanent partial disability benefits.

December 29, 2020
MN Supreme Court addresses workers’ compensation caseThe Minnesota Supreme Court addressed the rights of intervenors in workers’ compensation proceedings in the August 12, 2020, decision of Koehnen v. Flagship Marine Company and Auto Owners Insurance Company.

November 16, 2020
Chemical safety tips for your employeesKeep employees safe by providing them training and personal protective equipment tailored to the specific chemicals they’re using.
November 9, 2020
SFM Foundation featured on KARE 11SFM Foundation was featured on Kare11's "Communities that Kare" segment, showcasing the impact scholarships have made on families.

October 21, 2020
Do you have a plan for investigating work injuries?You hope a work injury doesn’t occur, but if one does, use this four-point accident analysis plan to investigate.

October 7, 2020
The value in reporting minor work injuriesReporting minor injuries helps create a record in case the injury becomes more severe. Incident-only claims won’t affect your premium.

September 8, 2020
Keeping employees safe and engaged while working from homeAmid the frenzied transition for many people to work from home, some important aspects of a healthy workplace may have taken a backseat, such as mental health considerations, communication practices, ergonomic adjustments and general safety preparations.

September 4, 2020
Streamlined phone reporting option availableIn response to feedback from employers and workers, we’re offering a new option when you call the SFM Work Injury Hotline to report injuries.

September 4, 2020
A legal perspective on injuries while working from homeIt can be challenging to determine whether an employee’s injury is considered work related, even in the typical work environment. Working from home can present unique workers’ compensation issues due to the inevitable mix of work-related and personal activities.

July 29, 2020
Ladder safety resourcesFalls from ladders continue to be a top cause of workplace injuries. Remind yourself and your employees about proper ladder safety with resources from SFM.
July 15, 2020
SFM rolls out online portal for injured workersInjured workers covered by SFM now have 24/7 digital access to their claim information through SFM’s website through a new online portal.

July 8, 2020
Safe lifting techniques for preventing injuryMethods for safe lifting include: keep your head up, keep the load close, use a staggered stance, and remember "nose follows toes" to avoid twisting.

June 29, 2020
Why you have to stay vigilant on work injuriesIdeally, your employees will let you know if they are injured, but what if they don’t? You might still be legally required to report.

June 29, 2020
What happens when you choose the SFM Work Injury Hotline nurse option?Reporting injuries through the SFM Work Injury Hotline provides injured employees the opportunity to speak with a nurse and get a treatment recommendation. Here's what to expect when you call.

June 29, 2020
Four reasons why reporting work injuries immediately helps you and your employeesImmediately reporting injuries improves medical care, accident investigation, contact with medical providers and communication with injured employees.
June 25, 2020
Star Tribune names SFM a Top Workplace for 2020SFM ranked ninth among medium-sized employers in the Star Tribune's Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota for 2020 based on anonymous surveys of employees.

May 22, 2020
Laptop and tablet ergonomicsMobile devices like laptops, tablets and cell phones all pose ergonomic challenges, but here are ways to minimize the risk.

April 22, 2020
Research finds stress is bad for workers, bad for businessResearch paints a picture of just how expensive work-related stress can be, both for workers’ health and for their employers.

April 7, 2020
Retirement presumption can affect workers’ comp benefitsMost Minnesota workers retire at 67, but employers may have to continue permanent total disability benefits if an employee continues working past the expected age.

March 30, 2020
Information for employers: Injuries while working from homeWith more employees working from home due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, many policyholders have turned to SFM for answers on liability questions concerning the home office.

March 25, 2020
Cumulative injury coverage under workers' compensationSome work injuries don’t occur at a specific time, but rather they are the result of a degenerative process that takes place over months or years.

March 19, 2020
Ergonomic and safety tips when working from homeFollow these guidelines to avoid pain and strain while working from home.

March 18, 2020
Even unpaid interns may be eligible for workers’ compIf your organization offers internships, be aware that even unpaid interns could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

March 11, 2020
Standing desks and other alternative workstations come with both risks and benefitsStanding desks or sit/stand workstations are becoming an increasingly common option, but they come with their own risks and benefits for worker health and safety.

February 12, 2020
What employers need to know about concussionsBecause the duration, symptoms, diagnostic testing and treatment in each case are so varied, concussions can be very complex and costly to treat.