September 23, 2024
Managing safe driving at workThis is the third in a four-part series of SFM blogs recapping our driving safety webinar.
September 23, 2024
Managing safe driving at workThis is the third in a four-part series of SFM blogs recapping our driving safety webinar.
September 17, 2024
The work comp claims process following a driving incidentWhat does the workers’ compensation claims process look like following a driving incident?
September 10, 2024
SFM featured resources: Avoiding common injuriesStart with the basics in workers’ compensation by avoiding common injuries. These three featured resources will help you get started.
September 3, 2024
The data on dangerous drivingThe first in a four-part series about safe driving: Data on dangerous driving from SFM's Driving Safety webinar.
August 19, 2024
Four steps toward building a successful safety programCreating an organizational culture where everyone is dedicated to building and maintaining a safe work environment requires commitment to safety from the top down. It’s everyone’s job to set an example and make safety part of the foundation of your organization.
August 19, 2024
New employee safety: Get your new hires off to a safe startEmployees are at higher risk of injuries during their first six months on the job, according to SFM claim data. Effectively training new employees on safety can be challenging, but it’s key to protecting and retaining quality employees.
August 19, 2024
Preventing injuries among aging workersWhy older workers are more at risk for workers’ comp injuries, and four tips for preventing injuries among older workers.
August 19, 2024
Preventing hand injuries in the workplacePreventing hand injuries in the workplace is vital for a number of reasons.
August 19, 2024
SFM featured resources: School safetySFM has a wealth of resources related to school safety.
May 10, 2024
Outdoor hazards to watch for during warm weather monthsWarm weather is not without its own risks, especially for people who work outdoors. Watch out for tripping hazards, heat stress, severe weather and insects.
May 9, 2024
Safe driving practices for employeesMore 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.
May 9, 2024
Muscular injuries: How to combat common ergonomic challengesWhile 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.
April 2, 2024
Ladder inspections: What to look forA 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.
March 4, 2024
How floors can help prevent slips and fallsSlips 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.
February 27, 2024
Top seven safety tips for office workersWhile 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.
January 23, 2024
Be on your guard for slips and falls all winter longSnow and ice can cause severe injuries at any time throughout the winter season.
January 23, 2024
What employers should know about marijuana safety and impairment policiesAn employer's legal marijuana safety and impairment policy options may depend on the level of operations the company has with the federal government.
January 23, 2024
De-escalation tactics can prevent violence in the workplaceEmployees 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.
September 25, 2023
Pre-task planning: Prepare and be aware for successful injury preventionTaking time for pre-task planning allows employees to focus on recognizing hazards and putting controls in place to prevent incidents from occurring.
April 26, 2023
Ergonomic and safety tips for remote and hybrid employeesWith the shift to remote and hybrid work in recent years, many employers are quickly learning how to support employees in their new work environments. As with in-office workers, remote and hybrid employees are subject to cumulative injuries, which are typically a result of poor ergonomics at their workspace.
March 10, 2023
Expert tips and best practices to make your safety committee thriveAre you looking for ideas to start or re-invigorate your safety committee?
December 21, 2022
Reducing repetitive motion workplace injuriesThe potential for injury from repetitive motion and awkward positions in jobs is widespread across many industries and businesses. You can greatly reduce the likelihood of these injuries by implementing best practices in workplace ergonomics.
December 21, 2022
How to prevent safety hazards due to impairmentDrug and alcohol use and misuse are on the rise. As an employer you can establish or update your drug and alcohol program to prevent the safety risks of drug and alcohol use on the job. Learn how to prevent safety hazards due to drug and alcohol impairment.
November 17, 2022
Health care worker and patient safetyEquipment designed to help health care workers lift and move patients safely doesn’t just benefit the workers. It can also improve patients’ quality of life.
September 8, 2022
Legal and safety considerations for hybrid workersIf you have employees who work both remotely and on-site, there are some important legal and workplace safety considerations to be aware of.
September 8, 2022
Loss prevention insight from the expertsThe only controllable item in an organization’s workers’ compensation premium cost is its experience modifier (e-mod) which is directly impacted by claim costs and severity.
August 12, 2022
Winter-proof your workplace to stop slips and fallsFollow these steps to get your employees ready for the risks of winter weather and cut down on slips and falls in the workplace.
June 9, 2022
Talking about safety: Techniques for effective safety training and communicationA strong safety culture starts with a high level of safety awareness among employees. Getting there requires consistent, effective communication between leadership and front-line workers.
June 9, 2022
Protect your workers from the threats of extreme heatPrevent heat-related illness among your employees with these tips and tools for working in extreme heat.
June 8, 2022
Workplace ergonomics: Tips to create a neutral postureRead our ergonomics in the workplace tips to learn how to adjust your work space to allow for neutral posture at work; both in and out of the office.
May 24, 2022
Work injuries among school employeesSFM conducted an in-depth study of school employees in Minnesota to learn which employees were most likely to be injured, and how. What they learned might surprise you.
September 15, 2021
Prepare to prevent winter slips and fallsWinter slips and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries. As an employer, there’s a great deal you can do to prevent these injuries at your workplace.
September 13, 2021
Artificial intelligence-powered tool helps prevent pain and strainA new artificial intelligence-powered tool helps loss prevention representatives quickly identify any high-risk body positions during a job task.
May 5, 2021
Top blog posts of all timeSFM's most viewed blog posts cover important safety and workers' compensation claims topics.
April 29, 2021
Increasing blue light exposure has a dark sideRelatively short exposure to blue light can temporarily stimulate the brain and improve mood. Prolonged exposure, however, is likely to damage retinal cells over time.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 7, 2020
Combat the dangers of sitting: Add movement to your workdayHere are six ideas for cutting back on sitting time and adding movement to your day.
March 19, 2020
Ergonomic and safety tips when working from homeFollow these guidelines to avoid pain and strain while working from home.
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 25, 2020
Our most popular safety videosWe have many safety-related videos on our YouTube Channel that you can watch and share with your staff.
November 20, 2019
Safety tips for manufacturingWorkers 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
An easy way to prevent falls: Use handrailsSerious 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
Safety video: Avoid slipping this winterWatch this video to learn how to avoid slipping and sliding this winter.
October 10, 2019
Forward-looking safetyIf 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
Why chasing shoplifters is an unsafe choice for retail employeesYou 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 4, 2019
Welding and cutting torches: Protect yourself from ear damage caused by hot slagEar 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 7, 2019
Preventing and responding to burns in kitchen environmentsUse these tips to avoid burns while working in a kitchen.
July 24, 2019
Creating a policy for employee cell phone use while drivingIf 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
15 ways to be your own SAFETY HERO, like SkipDefend yourself against workplace accidents by being aware of hazards. Be a good example. Practice safety in every aspect of your job.
June 19, 2019
Tips to prevent re-injury after return-to-workWhen 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 6, 2019
Cut down the risk of injury for your new employeesMake sure prospective hires understand the job and that new employees are properly trained to cut down the risk of injury.
April 3, 2019
Slip-resistant shoes prevent falls in kitchen environmentsLessen 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 7, 2019
Prevent late-winter slips and falls at the workplaceThawing 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
How to prevent eye injuries in the workplaceAn 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 23, 2019
Managing hazardous chemical risks in the workplaceKeeping workers safe from dangerous materials is vital, yet compliance standards for proper management of hazardous chemicals can present challenges.
January 11, 2019
The health care workers at greatest risk for on-the-job injuriesIt’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
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.
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.
October 10, 2018
Safe driving isn’t an accidentWhile technology and safe driving don't always go together, technology can help increase safe driving behaviors with in-vehicle monitoring systems.
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 8, 2018
Second annual Safe + Sound Week approachingThe second annual Safe + Sound Week raises awareness about the value of safety and health programs.
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.
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 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.
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 3, 2018
Eight tips for defensive drivingLearn how to keep safe on the road by following these tips for defensive driving
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.
October 26, 2017
Video highlights danger of falls in parking lotsAs the weather brings colder and more slippery conditions, it’s a good time to remind your employees to walk carefully when outdoors.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.