SFM-The Work Comp Experts

April 29, 2021

Relatively short exposure to blue light can temporarily stimulate the brain and improve mood. Prolonged exposure, however, is likely to damage retinal cells over time.

April 29, 2021

A recent study by global staffing firm Robert Half indicates that workers may be suffering from video call fatigue. Among the 1,000 people surveyed, 76% said they participate in virtual meetings and that they spend about one-third of their workday in front of a camera.

April 29, 2021

When one of your employees is injured in the course and scope of employment and a negligent third party bears some responsibility, we can sometimes recover a portion or all of the workers’ compensation claim costs from the responsible party through subrogation.

February 3, 2021

What workers' compensation waiting periods are, what they mean for bringing employees back to work and how they differ between states.

January 26, 2021

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

Your e-mod is used to calculate your workers’ compensation premium that’s based on your workers’ compensation claims experience.

January 20, 2021

Follow these four tips to reduce the risk of injuries while shoveling snow, so you can get back inside safely.

January 14, 2021

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 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

The 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

Keep employees safe by providing them training and personal protective equipment tailored to the specific chemicals they’re using.

November 9, 2020

SFM Foundation was featured on Kare11's "Communities that Kare" segment, showcasing the impact scholarships have made on families.

October 21, 2020

You hope a work injury doesn’t occur, but if one does, use this four-point accident analysis plan to investigate.

October 7, 2020

Reporting minor injuries helps create a record in case the injury becomes more severe. Incident-only claims won’t affect your premium.

September 8, 2020

Amid 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

In 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

It 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

Falls 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

Injured 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

Methods 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

Ideally, 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

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

Immediately reporting injuries improves medical care, accident investigation, contact with medical providers and communication with injured employees.

June 25, 2020

SFM 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

Mobile devices like laptops, tablets and cell phones all pose ergonomic challenges, but here are ways to minimize the risk.

April 22, 2020

Research paints a picture of just how expensive work-related stress can be, both for workers’ health and for their employers.

April 7, 2020

Most 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

With 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

Some 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

Follow these guidelines to avoid pain and strain while working from home.

March 18, 2020

If your organization offers internships, be aware that even unpaid interns could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

March 11, 2020

Standing 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 25, 2020

We have many safety-related videos on our YouTube Channel that you can watch and share with your staff.

February 12, 2020

Because the duration, symptoms, diagnostic testing and treatment in each case are so varied, concussions can be very complex and costly to treat.

February 5, 2020

Post-injury depression can prolong a claim and delay return-to-work. Here are steps employers can take to lower the risk of depression.

January 28, 2020

Managing claims Q&A. Claims representatives answer common employer questions about workers' compensation claims.

January 15, 2020

Workplace safety and health are moving beyond "do no harm" to include overall employee well-being.

January 8, 2020

Here are a few things you should know about independent medical examinations.

January 7, 2020

SFM Foundation's Golfing for Scholarships event ranks #8 of top 25 metro-area golf tournaments in 2019 as published in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

December 6, 2019

While claims representatives are injured workers’ primary contact, they might also hear from medical, rehabilitation or legal professionals.

November 20, 2019

Workers in manufacturing are exposed to a variety of dangers in the workplace. Although manufacturing can be a fast-paced environment, it's important to slow down and focus on worker safety.

November 13, 2019

Serious injuries can result from falling down stairs. Using a handrail and staying free from distractions can prevent you from slips and falls when going up or down stairs.

November 6, 2019

Watch this video to learn how to avoid slipping and sliding this winter.

October 23, 2019

Depression and anxiety. Let’s talk about them. It’s time to shine a light on common disorders that often go unmentioned at work.

October 10, 2019

If you’re like many employers, you spend considerable time and money making sure your organization adheres to OSHA requirements. It may be tempting to view this as the finish line for preventing injuries, but in reality, maintaining a truly safe workplace means going well beyond compliance.

October 2, 2019

You might see retailers chasing shoplifters in the movies, but in the real world it’s not a great idea. An employee could fall, get hit by a car or worse.

September 11, 2019

Learn how SFM is working to prevent opioid addictions with injured workers before they start.

September 4, 2019

Ear injuries can occur anytime someone is welding without ear protection, and the risk is especially high when a welder is working at an odd angle.

August 28, 2019

Employers are can be frustrated to learn that employees injured while violating company safety rules can still receive workers’ compensation benefits in some cases.

August 26, 2019

SFM was recently recognized by the City of Bloomington as one of eight local employers who are supportive of breastfeeding mothers. 

August 7, 2019

Use these tips to avoid burns while working in a kitchen.

July 24, 2019

If you have employees who drive as part of their jobs, your driving policy should address cell phone use. Use our sample cell phone policy as a guide to create your own.

July 17, 2019

Defend yourself against workplace accidents by being aware of hazards. Be a good example. Practice safety in every aspect of your job.

June 25, 2019

Read our premium audit tips to make sure yours goes smoothly, and understand why your annual workers' compensation premium audit is so important.

June 19, 2019

When an employee returns to work after an injury, make sure the employee understands the importance of working within medical restrictions and take these steps to prevent re-injury.

June 13, 2019

Claims representatives talk about how they help injured workers recover and return to work in a new SFM recruiting video.

June 6, 2019

Make sure prospective hires understand the job and that new employees are properly trained to cut down the risk of injury.

May 29, 2019

Typically, an injury sustained in an activity that is truly voluntary is not compensable. But if the employee is encouraged or required to participate, or the company benefits from the participation in some way, it could be.

May 15, 2019

Employees can experience stress and burnout when they don’t take enough time to fully disconnect from work.

May 9, 2019

Employees who are injured while taking a short break from work can be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. What happens when the injury occurs while the employee is working from home?

April 17, 2019

When injured workers have medical restrictions, it’s sometimes tough to find transitional jobs. That's why SFM created a free listing of ideas, broken down by industry.

April 10, 2019

Employees who are working overseas temporarily are generally covered by their employers' domestic workers' compensation policies.

April 3, 2019

Lessen the risk of a slip-and-fall injury by encouraging or requiring your employees to wear slip-resistant shoes, and providing a stipend to make compliance more likely.

March 27, 2019

Taking opioid painkillers long term, or in high doses can have a major impact on an injured worker’s recovery and return to work.

March 13, 2019

You may have employees who are struggling with their mental health. Offering assistance and education about mental health can help them get back to a healthy place.

March 7, 2019

Thawing and freezing in late winter can cause dangerous slips and falls. Keep an eye on weather conditions and use caution to prevent injuries.

February 27, 2019

An estimated 2,000 eye injuries happen every day in the workplace. You can reduce the risk by knowing the hazards and wearing proper protective eyewear.

January 28, 2019

Fatigue and sleep deprivation in the workplace come with severe costs to health, safety and the economy.

January 23, 2019

Keeping workers safe from dangerous materials is vital, yet compliance standards for proper management of hazardous chemicals can present challenges.

January 11, 2019

It’s more dangerous to work in a hospital than to construct one. That’s based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on non-fatal injuries by occupation.

January 9, 2019

We 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

Many 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

Dealing 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

Address financial stress in your employees by applying the four elements of personal financial well-being to a financial wellness program.

November 16, 2018

Consider replacing old manually retractable and fixed-blade utility knives with a concealed blade version for a safer option.

November 14, 2018

Use this lighthearted video to remind and train your employees to avoid winter slips and falls, a common cause of workplace injuries.

November 7, 2018

When winter weather turns dangerous and it’s unsafe to travel, do you have a plan – for yourself and your employees?

November 5, 2018

Driving 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

List of the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA violations of 2018, with training resources for each

October 15, 2018

This 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

SFM policyholder Jones Metal takes full advantage of SFM’s safety resources, including help applying for a MN OSHA safety grant.

September 12, 2018

Home 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

Employers must tailor safety and health programs for four distinct generations in the workforce.

August 15, 2018

The 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

The second annual Safe + Sound Week raises awareness about the value of safety and health programs.

August 6, 2018

Smoking 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" 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

A growing gig economy might leave some workers with gaps in workers' compensation and other protections.

June 20, 2018

The medical community is identifying alternative ways to help individuals with chronic pain such as exercise, acupuncture and virtual reality.

June 18, 2018

Trench 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

Employers' workers' compensation requirements differ for workers considered employees versus those considered independent contractors.

May 30, 2018

Few 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

May 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

It’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

Obesity 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

Recent 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

What to expect during a loss prevention visit from one of SFM’s trained occupational health and safety professionals

April 4, 2018

SFM’s loss prevention staff created a checklist to help schools keep employees safe throughout construction projects.

March 12, 2018

In 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 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.