SFM-The Work Comp Experts

April 2, 2024

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.

April 2, 2024

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.

March 4, 2024

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.

February 27, 2024

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.

February 16, 2024

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.

January 23, 2024

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

January 23, 2024

An 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

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.

September 25, 2023

Taking 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

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.

April 25, 2023

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.

March 10, 2023

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

December 21, 2022

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.

December 21, 2022

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.

November 17, 2022

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.

September 8, 2022

If 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

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.

August 12, 2022

Follow 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

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.

June 9, 2022

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

June 8, 2022

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.

May 24, 2022

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.

September 15, 2021

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.

September 13, 2021

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

May 5, 2021

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

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.

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 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 31, 2020

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.

November 16, 2020

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

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.

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 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.

May 22, 2020

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

April 7, 2020

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

March 19, 2020

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

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.

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 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 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 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 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 6, 2019

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

May 22, 2019

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.

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 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 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.

November 28, 2018

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

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.

October 10, 2018

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

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 8, 2018

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

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.

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 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.

February 21, 2018

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.

February 7, 2018

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.

January 3, 2018

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

November 29, 2017

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

November 21, 2017

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

October 26, 2017

As 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-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

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

October 4, 2017

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

September 27, 2017

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.

August 23, 2017

Research has quantified the connection between contact by loss prevention representatives and reduced lost-time injuries in the construction industry.

August 18, 2017

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

August 17, 2017

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.

June 30, 2017

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.

June 28, 2017

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?

June 8, 2017

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

June 7, 2017

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

May 17, 2017

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.

January 11, 2017

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

December 13, 2016

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

September 13, 2016

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

August 12, 2016

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.

January 29, 2015

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

October 9, 2014

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