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Blog

New changes to Minnesota workers’ compensation law

A number of changes to Minnesota's workers' compensation law go into effect in 2024. Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill on May 8, 2024. The legislation contains 50 sections with amendments to chapter 176, many of which are technical or cleanup provisions recommended by the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Why early return-to-work benefits your employees and bottom line

Strong return-to-work programs lead to better outcomes for injured workers and can help control workers’ compensation premium costs for employers.

Outdoor hazards to watch for during warm weather months

Warm weather is not without its own risks, especially for people who work outdoors. Watch out for tripping hazards, heat stress, severe weather and insects.

Safe driving practices for employees

More than 43,000 Americans died in a traffic-related incident in 2022, a number that has been on the rise in recent years. Defensive driving and other safe driving techniques are learned habits. Here are some tips to help equip employees and yourself with the knowledge you need to be safer on the roads.

Total Worker Health: What you need to know

Total Worker Health offers an integrated approach to worker health, safety and well-being with a proactive approach to overall health and wellness.

Data export feature available in CompOnline

If you use CompOnline, you can create customized reports on your workers’ compensation claims.

Muscular injuries: How to combat common ergonomic challenges

While injuries commonly occur when lifting or moving is involved, implementing a program that focuses on proper ergonomics can greatly reduce incidents. Challenges with larger muscle groups (primarily the back and shoulders) are often easier to identify and control than those associated with repetitive motion risk factors.

Helping students, regardless of who insured the injured: SFM Foundation

Of the 232 scholarships the SFM Foundation has awarded over the years, nearly 95 percent have gone to students whose parents’ employers were not covered for workers’ compensation by SFM Companies. In fact, the SFM Foundation does not consider the work comp insurer when awarding scholarships. We aim to serve the entire community, and more than 60 different insurance companies have had scholarships awarded by our program.

SFM’s Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) reaffirmed by AM Best

SFM announced that its Financial Strength Rating of “A- (Excellent)” and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” have been reaffirmed by AM Best Rating Services, Inc.

SFM expands charitable giving, reaches new milestone

SFM has become a member of the Minnesota Keystone Program, which promotes corporate philanthropy by recognizing and honoring companies that donate at least 2 percent of their pre-tax earnings to charitable organizations.

Sarah Hunter promoted to VP of Operations

Sarah Hunter recently took over as SFM’s VP of Operations. She will work with SFM’s current Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Dave Kaiser, until his retirement at the end of 2024.

2023 Results: Customer service focus drives another strong year

SFM recorded yet another excellent year in 2023, continuing its strong performance across all core metrics, from policyholder retention to new business and total written premium.

SFM resource catalog upgrades

SFM has made several enhancements to its resource catalog to create a better user experience for policyholders and agents.

SFM continues to improve SAM system

SFM recently made additional enhancements to its SFM Agency Manager (SAM) system to streamline the process for agents and make SAM more user friendly.

SFM prioritizes in-house premium audits

While agents often hear frustrations from clients when it comes to dealing with third-party vendors for premium audits, SFM continues to conduct nearly all audits in-house.

Injured worker portal – easy access to claim information

Remind policyholders to tell injured workers to register for our Claim Connection portal so they can track the progress of their claim.

SFM underwriter accomplishments

A look at the latest updates and milestones for SFM’s underwriting staff over the past few months.

SFM attending spring 2024 industry events

SFM is planning to participate in several 2024 industry events in the coming months.

SFM supports local artists in remodeled office space

SFM tapped the local art community when adding artwork to its remodeled offices.

Ladder inspections: What to look for

A fall from a ladder can be devastating, so take the time to make sure your ladder is in good shape with these ladder inspection safety tips.

SFM hires Kate Daly as corporate counsel

SFM Mutual Insurance Company, a regional workers’ compensation insurer, has hired Kate Daly as Corporate Counsel.

OSHA electronic reporting requirements for employers

You may have questions about whether your business is required to submit information to OSHA electronically, and what information you will need to submit.

ROI and VOI: A strong wellness program measures both

When making the case for wellness programs, measuring both ROI and VOI will illustrate the impact the program has on your organization.

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 annual premium audits.

How floors can help prevent slips and falls

Slips and falls can happen to anyone. Doing what you can to make your floors more slip resistant is one way you can prevent workplace injuries.

Top seven safety tips for office workers

While office jobs are generally considered safer than others, they do have their own unique hazards. Here are seven tips for office workers to prevent workplace injuries.

SFM Foundation scholarship applications accepted until March 31

SFM Foundation will be accepting scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 academic year until March 31, 2024.

Can employers pay small medical bills without submitting them to their workers’ compensation insurer?

Choosing to pay a workers' compensation medical bill yourself can create a ripple effect of future problems.

Does workers’ compensation insurance cover injuries from car accidents?

In some cases, automobile accidents are covered by workers’ compensation. Here’s what to if you’re involved in a work-related car accident.

How to boost workplace safety efforts by connecting wellness

If your organization treats workplace safety and wellness as two separate initiatives, maybe it's time to start thinking about the connections between the two.

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