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Safety

Managing safe driving at work

This is the third in a four-part series of SFM blogs recapping our driving safety webinar.

The work comp claims process following a driving incident

What does the workers’ compensation claims process look like following a driving incident?

Avoiding common work injuries
SFM featured resources: Avoiding common injuries

Start with the basics in workers’ compensation by avoiding common injuries. These three featured resources will help you get started.

The data on dangerous driving

The first in a four-part series about safe driving: Data on dangerous driving from SFM's Driving Safety webinar.

Four steps toward building a successful safety program

Creating 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.

New employee safety: Get your new hires off to a safe start

Employees 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.

Preventing injuries among aging workers

Why older workers are more at risk for workers’ comp injuries, and four tips for preventing injuries among older workers.

Preventing hand injuries in the workplace
Preventing hand injuries in the workplace

Preventing hand injuries in the workplace is vital for a number of reasons.

School safety resources
SFM featured resources: School safety

SFM has a wealth of resources related to school safety.

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
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.

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.

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.

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.

Be on your guard for slips and falls all winter long

Snow and ice can cause severe injuries at any time throughout the winter season.

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.

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.

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.

Ergonomic and safety tips for remote and hybrid employees

With 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.

Expert tips and best practices to make your safety committee thrive

Are you looking for ideas to start or re-invigorate your safety committee?

Reducing repetitive motion workplace injuries

The 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.

How to prevent safety hazards due to impairment

Drug 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.

Health care worker and patient safety

Equipment 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.

Legal and safety considerations for hybrid workers

If you have employees who work both remotely and on-site, there are some important legal and workplace safety considerations to be aware of.

Loss prevention insight from the experts

The 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.

Winter-proof your workplace to stop slips and falls feature image
Winter-proof your workplace to stop slips and falls

Follow these steps to get your employees ready for the risks of winter weather and cut down on slips and falls in the workplace.

Talking about safety: Techniques for effective safety training and communication

A 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.

Protect your workers from the threats of extreme heat

Prevent heat-related illness among your employees with these tips and tools for working in extreme heat.

Workplace ergonomics: Tips to create a neutral posture

Read 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.

Work injuries among school employees

SFM 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.

Prepare to prevent winter slips and falls

Winter 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.

Artificial intelligence-powered tool helps prevent pain and strain

A new artificial intelligence-powered tool helps loss prevention representatives quickly identify any high-risk body positions during a job task.

Top blog posts of all time

SFM's most viewed blog posts cover important safety and workers' compensation claims topics.

Increasing blue light exposure has a dark side

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.

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).

Four quick tips for safe snow shoveling this winter

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

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.

Chemical safety tips for your employees

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

Keeping employees safe and engaged while working from home

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.

Ladder safety poster
Ladder safety resources

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.

Safe lifting techniques for preventing injury

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.

Laptop and tablet ergonomics

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

Combat the dangers of sitting: Add movement to your workday

Here are six ideas for cutting back on sitting time and adding movement to your day.

Ergonomic and safety tips when working from home

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

Standing desks and other alternative workstations come with both risks and benefits

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.

Our most popular safety videos

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

Safety tips for manufacturing

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.

An easy way to prevent falls: Use handrails

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.

Safety video: Avoid slipping this winter

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

Forward-looking safety

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.

Why chasing shoplifters is an unsafe choice for retail employees

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.

Welding and cutting torches: Protect yourself from ear damage caused by hot slag

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.

Preventing and responding to burns in kitchen environments

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

Creating a policy for employee cell phone use while driving

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.

15 ways to be your own SAFETY HERO, like Skip

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

Tips to prevent re-injury after return-to-work

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.

Cut down the risk of injury for your new employees

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

Slip-resistant shoes prevent falls in kitchen environments

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.

Prevent late-winter slips and falls at the workplace

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

How to prevent eye injuries in the workplace

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.

Managing hazardous chemical risks in the workplace

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

The health care workers at greatest risk for on-the-job injuries

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.

What safety pros keep in their winter emergency kits

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.

Inexpensive safety solution: Replace old utility knives

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

Safety video: Moves you can use to avoid winter slips and falls

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

Snow days aren’t just for schools: How to develop a workplace severe weather policy

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

The dangers of drowsy driving

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.

Watch out for these top 10 OSHA violations

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

School bus drivers can be safety heroes

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.

Safe driving isn’t an accident

While technology and safe driving don't always go together, technology can help increase safe driving behaviors with in-vehicle monitoring systems.

Minnesota manufacturer invests in safety

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

Safety tips for home health care workers

Home health care workers face many unique safety risks. Hazards include getting to and from work, transferring clients, slips and falls and more.

Optimizing safety programs for all generations

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

Second annual Safe + Sound Week approaching

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

Teach your employees about trench and excavation safety

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.

Fall prevention focus of Safety Stand-Down week

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.

Watch out for everyday electrical safety hazards

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.

How loss prevention visits target business safety risks

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

Checklist helps keep employees safe during school construction projects

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

Health care worker safety closely tied to patient safety

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.

Hand and power tool safety

When 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.

Safety tips to protect warehouse workers

The 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.

Eight tips for defensive driving

Learn how to keep safe on the road by following these tips for defensive driving

Business owner using a mobile safety app
Three apps to make your workplace safer

Mobile safety apps can help you identify heat-related risks, use ladders safely and encourage better ergonomics.

The risks of multitasking: Why single-tasking is more productive — and safer

Multitasking has infiltrated our work and home lives. Distracted driving and walking both pose dangers.

Video highlights danger of falls in parking lots

As the weather brings colder and more slippery conditions, it’s a good time to remind your employees to walk carefully when outdoors.

Forklift safety tips for drivers and pedestrians

Forklift-related injuries most often result from inattention, distraction, excessive speed, poor driving habits and lack of training. See our forklift safety tips infographic.

Workplace violence in healthcare feature image
In harm’s way: Workplace violence in health care

Injuries from workplace violence are much greater for health care workers than the average.

OSHA updates walking-working surfaces and fall protection standards feature image
OSHA updates walking-working surfaces and fall protection standards

OSHA’s final rule for general industry walking-working surfaces and fall protection standards was updated in 2017.

Reduce workplace injuries with job hazard recognition feature image
Reduce workplace injuries with job hazard recognition

Using 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.

Two workers speaking at a construction site
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.

Survey: U.S. working conditions taxing, but also friendly

A Rand Corporation survey released this week sheds light on working conditions in the United States, and results are mixed.

man sweeping construction site
Four housekeeping tips for a safer construction site

Accidents 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.

The danger of distracted walking

Walking 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.

Four signs you genuinely value workplace safety

It’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?

Top 7 workplace safety tips

These seven essential safety tips, identified by SFM's loss prevention staff, will earn your company a gold star in workplace safety.

How three school districts reduced their workers’ comp losses

Safety improvements and early return-to-work have carried many school districts insured by SFM to the head of the class.

New equipment and culture change cut hospital’s lifting injuries

As a side benefit of a patient-first mentality and focus on employee safety, St. Luke’s Hospital has kept workers’ compensation costs in check.

11 common sense tips for safe winter weather driving

Follow these tips to keep safe while driving in snowy and icy winter weather.

Iowa manufacturer builds machine to prevent lifting injuries

In an effort to prevent lifting injuries, Iowa-based manufacturer Katecho built a machine that would do the lifting for them.

Bart Anderson, U.S. SiteWork CEO
CEO Q&A: Planning for safety helps projects run more efficiently

Our interview with U.S. SiteWork CEO Bart Anderson on why safety is his company’s mission.

Hospital staff trains for a frightening possibility

The 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.

How one school district prevents falls among staff

The Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools decreased falls by making stepladders easily accessible throughout its buildings.

Jim Andrews, CEO of ADO products
CEO Q&A: Company's emphasis on safety starts at the top

ADO Products CEO Jim Andrews talks about his company’s emphasis on employee safety.

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