10:00 in the morning is an expensive time of day for many organizations. There is a spike in injury frequency in the service/hospitality, construction/natural resources and healthcare industries, according to Pinnacol Assurance. The Colorado workers’ compensation insurer released trends based on five years of its claims data in four industries. The results can help employers in the industries take positive steps toward improved workers’ comp injury prevention.

Trends

Injury Frequency. While many injuries occur to newly hired workers, some industries were noteworthy for other spikes in injury frequency

• Healthcare – 3 – 4 years after the hire date
• Clerical/professional – more than 10 years after the hiring date

Also, in healthcare, 38% of injuries happen during the first year on the job, whether the worker is new to the organization OR new to the industry.

Danger Zone Times. A drop in blood sugar levels is speculated as a reason for the increase in injuries at 10 a.m. in several industries. Additional times of frequency spikes include:

• Service Hospitality: 9 p.m. saw a spike in the most expensive injuries
• Construction/natural resources: 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 3 p.m.
• Clerical/professional: 8 – 11 a.m., with a significant spike at 2:00

Vulnerable Body Parts. The lower back is the most commonly injured body part in both the professional/clerical and construction/natural resources fields.  It’s also the most expensive location for injuries in construction/natural resources.  Other commonly injured and/or expensive body parts injured include

• Service/hospitality: fingers, hands and lower back are most commonly injured. Lacerations, contusions, strains, sprains, and burns are the most expensive injuries.
• Construction/natural resources: lower back, knee, foot, lower leg, and fingers are the most expensive body parts injured.
• Healthcare: lower back, shoulder, knee, wrist, and ankle are the most expensive. Strains, strikes (needlesticks) and strains (lifting/carrying) are the most frequent causes of injuries, while animals are number 8 on the list of causes, due to home health care incidents.
• Clerical/professional: lower back, knee, fingers, shoulder and wrist are the most commonly injured body parts. The most expensive injury types are contusions, strains, sprains, fractures and The most frequent causes of injures are strains from lifting, falls from ice/snow, falls on the same level, repetitive motion, and motor vehicle incidents.

Lessons and Strategies

While the reasons for the trends are not all known, employers/payers can use the data to focus their injury prevention efforts.

1. Train/retrain. All four industries reported a higher frequency of injuries among newer workers. But in at least two, there were frequency spikes years after the hiring date. Employers should provide thorough training for all new hires, including temporary workers. For example, 30% of injuries occur during the first year of employment in the clerical/professional industry. The top cause of injuries are strains from lifting. Proper lifting techniques should be a mainstay of the training. Knowing there is a spike in injury frequency more than 10 years after hiring, the training should be repeated on an ongoing basis, such as annually.

2. Encourage movement. In three of the 4 industries, there is a spike in injuries at 10 a.m. In clerical/professional organizations, most injuries occur between 8 and 11 a.m., with a significant spike at 2:00. Knowing this, employers should schedule activities that will get workers moving.

1. Walking meetings, for example, are a great way to get the body and brain going.
2. Getting fresh air is another good remedy, so scheduling short breaks and encouraging workers to step outside can be effective.
3. Stretching properly for even a couple of minutes can have a positive impact.
4. Group activities require social interaction, which revs up the body and mind.

3. Provide protection. Lower back injuries are rampant among all four industries. Provide protection for employee with the following:

1. Employers in the healthcare industry should seriously consider devices to help lift and move patients.
2. Construction companies can take simple steps, such as locating cement and other heavy materials close to where workers will use them, to prevent unnecessary handling. Padding for workers’ shoulders should be provided when they will be carrying heavy lumber.

• Clerical/professional workers might have less risk of sustaining a low back injury with ergonomically appropriate chairs and workstations. This need not be expensive. Having an ergonomist show employees a proper workstation set-up and providing instructions on new chairs can go a long way.

1. Lacerations caused by non-powered tools and broken glass account for the most frequent and expensive injuries in the service/hospitality industry. Employers should be especially vigilant about training workers to use tools and ensuring broken glass is cleaned up quickly and thoroughly.

4. Modify schedules/tasks. Knowing that more injuries are prone to occur during certain times can help employers determine when to require certain tasks be undertaken. The riskiest work should be avoided during times of high injury frequency, such as 10 a.m. for many industries, as well as early afternoon in construction/natural resources and clerical/professional, and 9 p.m. for service/hospitality.

Conclusion

Insight into when and how more workplace injuries occur can help employers/payers tailor their prevention strategies. Data from Pinnacol and other sources can be invaluable in protecting workers and reducing workers’ compensation costs.

Author Michael Stack, CEO Amaxx LLC. He is an expert in workers’ compensation cost containment systems and helps employers reduce their workers’ comp costs by 20% to 50%.  He works as a consultant to large and mid-market clients, is a co-author of Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering Workers Comp Costs, a comprehensive step-by-step manual of cost containment strategies based on hands-on field experience, and is founder & lead trainer of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center .

Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.

Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: https://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/

©2018 Amaxx LLC. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.

When employers hear the word ergonomics, they tend to think about teaching their employees proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries and to prevent the resulting workers’ compensation claims. As back injuries for laborers account for a disproportionate share of the number of work comp claims and a disproportionate share of the cost of work comp that is understandable. However, there are a significant number of workers compensation claims to office workers that could be prevented through proper office ergonomics.

Prevent Injuries by Applying Ergonomic Principles

Sitting in an office chair that is incorrect for the employee is often the cause of back pain. Using a computer keyboard that is placed improperly often results in carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries. These types of injuries can be prevented by applying ergonomic principles – the scientific study of individuals and their physical relationship to the work environment.

An office ergonomics plan should have the goal of adapting the workplace to fit the individual needs of each specific employee. To accomplish this, three areas need to be considered.

• Physical shape and size of the employee
• Employee’s job description
• Tasks the employee is required to complete.

In an office environment, a comfortable workstation depends on how the workstation is set up. The location of the computer screen, where the keyboard is placed in relation to the hands, and the type of office chair. An ergonomically incorrect workstation is easy to identify by the employee who is sitting forward in his/her chair, hunched over looking at their computer. The correct workstation will have the employee looking straight ahead while sitting back in their office chair, which provides the employee with lumbar support to keep the back straight, and the neck and head erect. Another quick tip-off that the office is not ergonomically friendly is when all the cubicles have the same height for the work surface, and all the cubicles have the same style office chair.

Incorrect Computer Usage Results in Musculoskeletal Problems

Incorrect computer usage and computer placement results in musculoskeletal problems, eye strain, blurred vision, and headaches. Using a computer involves sitting at the same place for an extended period of time, while engaged in small repetitive motions of the hands and fingers, and repetitive movement of the eyes. These activities will cause the employee to develop various strains and fatigue.

The office employees should be encouraged to:

1. Shift positions, stretch, walk or take a short break every hour.
2. Vary their work to utilize different muscles.
3. Have annual eye exams.
4. Be sure their workstation or workspace is set up ergonomically correct to fit their physical needs and requirements.

There are four steps to setting up an office workspace to be ergonomically correct.

1. The work surface height is designed for the employee’s specific job.
2. The office chair is adjustable for the employee.
3. The height of the computer screen is adjustable for the height of the employee.
4. The computer keyboard is placed correctly.

Make Design Adjustable to Employee 

The work surface height, whether the employee is sitting or standing should be designed to fit the job being done taking into consideration the tools used or equipment used. For example, the height of the work surface of an artist would be higher than the work surface of a writer. The work surface height also needs to be adjustable to the height of the specific employee who will be working at that location.

An adjustable office chair should be provided for employees seated at a desk. The chair should be raised or lowered so that the employees work surface is elbow high – the employee when sitting straight up in the office chair, with his arms at his side, can rest his elbows on the desk without slouching. The chair should provide lumbar support, neck and head support with the backrest pushing the low back slightly forward. There should be three to four inches from the front edge of the seat to the employee’s leg calf. To avoid pressure on the back of the legs, the height of the chair should cause the thighs to be slightly above the front edge of the chair. If necessary, a footrest should be provided to raise the knees slightly to eliminate pressure on the back of the thighs.

When the height of the work surface has been adjusted to fit the employee, and the chair has been adjusted, the employee should sit in the chair with proper posture and look straight ahead without tilting the head downward or upward or to the side. The center of the employees gaze is where the center of the employee’s computer monitor should be placed. The computer monitors support stand should be adjustable to put the computer screen at this height.

Primary Main Cause of Carpal Tunnel is Placement of Keyboard

The computer keyboard should be placed so that the employee does not have to twist to either side to use the keyboard. The keyboard should be directly in front of the employee and set at a level where the employee does not have to bend the wrist either downward or upward to use the keyboard. (The primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome for office workers is the incorrect placement of the keyboard causing the employee to bend their wrist while typing).

A proper setup of the workstation will eliminate most back strains and repetitive motions strains incurred by employees. The appropriate placement of:

• the height of the work surface,
• adjustment of the chair,
• computer monitor,
• and computer keyboard are all critical.

By preventing the causes of office related strains, the employer will eliminate most office related workers’ compensation claims

Author Michael Stack, CEO Amaxx LLC. He is an expert in workers’ compensation cost containment systems and helps employers reduce their workers’ comp costs by 20% to 50%.  He works as a consultant to large and mid-market clients, is a co-author of Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering Workers Comp Costs, a comprehensive step-by-step manual of cost containment strategies based on hands-on field experience, and is founder & lead trainer of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center .

Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.

Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: https://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/

©2018 Amaxx LLC. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.

As if managing workers’ compensation claims isn’t challenging enough, we’re increasingly seeing comorbid conditions among injured workers. We know that these health issues can increase the likelihood of workplace injuries and illnesses, and then add to the complexity and costs of managing a claim. The aging workforce means we’ll probably see more multiple comorbidities per claim in the years ahead.

Some jurisdiction, such as California, require employers to pay for treatment of a comorbidity if it hampers recovery. Even in states that don’t have that requirement, it still benefits payers to identify and address comorbid conditions that are present or, ideally, try to prevent them in the first place.

The Stats

The rate of claims with comorbid conditions per claim nearly tripled between 2000 and 2009.  These claims are more likely to include lost time and have about two times higher medical costs than comparable claims.

Obesity, addiction, mental health and hypertension are those with the greatest impacts on negative outcomes. Obese workers, for example, file two times as many claims as non-obese workers, have medical costs that are seven times higher, and incur an average 13 times more days away from work.

Diabetes has one of the lowest impacts on claims among comorbidities; and yet it is associated with increased recovery times, delayed healing, an increase in the likelihood of infections and other complications, and results in increased reserves.

When more than one comorbidity is present the increases are staggering.

• 76 percent increase in claims duration.
• 341 percent increase in total incurred costs.
• 285 percent increase in temporary total disability days.
• 147 percent increase in litigation rates
• 123 percent increase in surgery rates.

Pre-Loss Strategies

Preventing chronic health conditions is the best way to avoid the challenges of comorbidities in workers’ compensation claims. There are a variety of actions employers are finding to improve the health habits of their employees, many of which are fairly inexpensive.

1. Know your risks. All workplaces are not the same and the health risks facing your employees may be different from those of other organizations. You can assess and make decisions based on that. Health risk assessments are usually available through your insurer or EAP and can determine aggregate information on things such as physical activity, nutrition, weight and family history, without violating individual privacy.

2. Wellness. These encompass a wide variety of activities. They may be formalized programs or just a few simple steps. For example, changing snacks in vending machines from chips and candy to fresh fruit, and sodas to water is one option. Bringing in nutrition and/or diet experts to talk with employees and, if financially feasible, create programs for workers is another idea.

Employees with sedentary jobs can be encouraged to move more, whether through gym memberships, group walks during lunch, or access to resources about community activities such as fun runs/walks. Weight management initiatives and smoking cessation programs can be done either onsite or within the local community and can help reduce the risk of a number of comorbidities. Finding internal wellness champions, or other workers who are devoted to the wellness plans can help generate interest among employees.

3. Sit/stand options. The hazards of prolonged sitting are being increasingly recognized and have led some employers to invest in sit/stand workspaces. Employees can also be encouraged to stand more, by giving them the option to stand during meetings.

4. Information. Tidbits to promote healthier habits can be provided via email, newsletters or educational workshops. Working with insurers and third-party administrators, or partnering with local medical facilities can be good sources of such information.

It’s also important to make sure your employees are fully aware of the health resources and programs that are available, such as employee assistance programs or specifics from your health benefits provider. Also, make sure you are taking full advantage of all resources available to you. You could also offer an anonymous ‘ask the expert’ initiative through you company’s intranet or internal newsletters. Someone from your insurer or a local medical professional could respond and the comments made available to your employees through internal communications.

Post Loss Strategies

The sooner you are aware of comorbidities in a claim the faster you can intervene with appropriate treatment and ensure best outcomes. Such knowledge also helps set realistic expectations for recovery and return to work. Be aware too that some comorbidities — such as depression — might not be present until the claim is in progress. There are several ways to identify comorbidities:

5. Patient intake. Treating physicians and nurse case managers should be instructed to collect and record the injured worker’s health beyond just the occupational injury or illness, to determine if comorbidities are present.

6. Monitor the data. Looking at data continually will signal if a new comorbid condition has developed. That allows earlier treatment of these conditions and may also signal a poor response to the treatment. In some cases, that could actually prevent litigation.

7. Look at the meds. Pharmacy benefit managers should review medications to see if the injured worker is filling those prescribed and also determine if other drugs are being purchased that may interfere with them. Physicians should be instructed to access the prescription drug monitoring program, if one is available. Such information could signal the injured worker is taking medications for an undisclosed comorbidity.

Conclusion

When comorbidities are identified in a claim, all team members should become involved in a coordinated treatment plan. The treating physician, injured worker, claims adjuster, nurse case managers and others should work together to make sure the comorbid conditions are properly treated in conjunction with the occupational injury or illness.

For additional information on workers’ compensation cost containment best practices, register as a guest for our next live stream training.

Author Michael Stack, Principal, Amaxx LLC. He is an expert in workers compensation cost containment systems and helps employers reduce their work comp costs by 20% to 50%.  He works as a consultant to large and mid-market clients, is co-author of Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering Workers Comp Costs, a comprehensive step-by-step manual of cost containment strategies based on hands-on field experience, and is founder & lead trainer of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center. .

Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.

Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: https://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/

Live Stream WC Training: http://workerscompclub.com/livestreamtraining

©2017 Amaxx LLC. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.

One of the leading — and most preventable — causes of workplace fatalities is being struck by objects. Whether it is falling, flying, swinging/slipping or objects on the ground level, fairly simple precautions can all but eliminate these incidents.

Struck-by incidents were recently named the leading cause of work-related deaths in North Carolina last year, at 19. Nationally, the government estimates 10 percent of workplace fatalities each year are due to struck-by accidents. Awareness, education, training and the use of personal protective equipment are generally all that are needed to prevent these tragedies.

The vast majority of struck-by fatalities involve trucks, cranes or other heavy equipment. The main hazards are vehicles, falling or flying objects, and constructing masonry walls. Here are ways companies can mitigate the risks.
Vehicles

Workers can be pinned between construction vehicles and walls, hit by swinging equipment such as backhoes, or crushed under vehicles that have overturned. Vehicle safety practices should be mandatory at any site that involves vehicles and/or heavy equipment.

• Perform a safety check. All vehicles should have proper safety devices. Before every shift, supervisors and/or workers should make sure all vehicle and equipment parts and accessories are in safe operating condition. The vehicle or equipment should be taken out of service until needed repairs are made.
• Have a clear view. Vehicles should not be backed up if the driver is unable to see what is behind him. If that’s not possible, an audible alarm should be operational or a designated person should direct the vehicle from the outside. The driver should ensure there are no individuals near his vehicle before dumping or lifting materials with it.
• Set the vehicle before leaving. Parking brakes should be engaged when the vehicle is not in use, and wheels on an incline should be chocked. End-loader buckets, scraper blades, dump bodies etc., should be lowered on the vehicle when it is not in use.
• Don’t overload. Workers should adhere to the vehicle’s lift capacity.
• Set up barriers. For construction sites near public roadways, there should be barricades and/or flaggers and good traffic signs set up. Personnel at these sites must be clothed so they are easily visible to other drivers, including reflective material at night.

Falling / Flying

Being under an elevated work area can lead to falling object injuries, while activities such as pushing, pulling prying or grinding may cause objects to be airborne and strike a worker. Workers under or around such areas, as well as those doing overhead work need to be vigilant about safety.

• Check equipment to make sure it is operating properly. Make sure small tools, such as saws have protective guards that are in good condition.
• Hard hats should be required of all workers in such conditions. Safety glasses, face shields or goggles are advisable in areas where flying particles could be an issue.
• Look up. Work should not be done where loads are being moved overhead. Barricades should be set up with warning signs posted.
• Secure the site. Consider protective equipment such as toeboards, debris nets or canopies to catch falling objects. When the work is completed for the day, make sure all materials and tools are stacked and secured to prevent them from falling. Make sure loads are secured and lifted evenly.
• Compressed air. Compressed air used for cleaning should be reduced to 30 psi. It should only be used with appropriate guarding and protective equipment, and clothing should not be cleaned with it.

Masonry Walls

Positioning slabs and walls or shoring up structures involves heavy loads that must be supported and can lead to catastrophic results if precautions are not taken. A trained professional should dictate when a concrete structure is strong enough to place construction loads on it.

• Brace the structure. Make sure permanent supporting elements are in place or concrete has been tested for sufficient strength for whatever will be loaded on it. Until such time, brace the structure.
• Limit the numbers. Anyone who is not essential to the construction or lifting operations should be prohibited from the work area.
• Secure wire mesh. Make sure mesh cannot recoil by securing the ends or turning the mesh roll over.
• Check the weight. Avoid loading up lifting devices beyond their weight capacity.

Conclusion

Providing training to all workers at risk of struck-by incidents is vital to protecting them. A few simple and inexpensive steps are all that is needed to save lives and protect your company’s bottom line.

For additional information on workers’ compensation cost containment best practices, register as a guest for our next live stream training.

Author Michael Stack, Principal, Amaxx LLC. He is an expert in workers compensation cost containment systems and helps employers reduce their work comp costs by 20% to 50%.  He works as a consultant to large and mid-market clients, is co-author of Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering Workers Comp Costs, a comprehensive step-by-step manual of cost containment strategies based on hands-on field experience, and is founder & lead trainer of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center. .

Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.

Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: https://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/

Live Stream WC Training: http://workerscompclub.com/livestreamtraining

©2017 Amaxx LLC. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.

Major drivers in workers’ compensation programs continue to be injuries resulting from slips/falls and when working at heights.  While these injuries will never be eliminated, employers can take a proactive approach to reducing their prevalence in the workplace.

Caution: Slippery When Wet

Injuries sustained from slips/falls continue to be the most common workplace incident.  The result of this ongoing trend is that employers pay countless dollars every year in increased workers’ compensation premiums for incidents that are preventable.  Employers seeking to reduce their workers’ compensation costs must become serious in addressing this issue.

The National Safety Council has opined based on research that slip/fall injuries account for over 20% of all work-related injuries in the United States.  The actual impact is hard to quantify given the varying resulting injuries.  These incidents can be as minor as a sprain/strain-type injury to severe trauma that includes traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and back injuries requiring spinal surgery.

There are many common elements in any slip/fall workplace injury.  These often include:

• Liquid on the walking surface that was never cleaned up properly or in a timely manner;

• Cracks on flooring, carpeting, or uneven surfaces;

• Failure or of an employer to place required signage warning people of danger;

• Inadequate lighting;

• Exposed cables that result in someone tripping; and

• Stairs, ladders or scaffolding that is not properly maintained.

Employers and other interested stakeholders need to take proactive measures on this issue.  Taking time to inspect visually a worksite is an important first step.  This should also include measures where employees can report situations that are unsafe.  Management must then take immediate corrective action to remedy the situation.  Doing so creates a positive safety environment and forces employees to see value in safety measures.

Look Out Below!

Falls from heights are a frequent hazard that result in countless injuries.  A majority of the injuries that occur while working at heights cause catastrophic claims.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls from heights in the workplace account for roughly 14% of all workplace deaths.  It is also a frequent source of citations from OSHA.  These mainly occur when work is performed on scaffolding and ladders.

Working from heights can never be eliminated in the workplace.  Proactive employers can prevent these incidents by taking the following steps:

• Educating all employees on the dangers working at height presents and how to be safe when working in these environments;

• Reducing the amount of time and number of employees that need to work on ladders and scaffolding; and

• Educating all employees on the use of proper safety equipment. This includes exercising caution before working at heights and using only equipment that is free from defect that fits correctly.

Management and other interested stakeholders need to be proactive on this issue.  In many instances, this not only includes ethical obligations, but legal standards.  This is also includes making sure employees are given equipment that works.  Other steps include replacing equipment that is outdated or replacing something when it breaks.  Quick fixes do not relay confidence in employees and may be illegal.

Conclusions

All employers must take proactive steps when it comes to a safety work environment and reducing the probability of work injuries.  Two areas of focus should be in the reducing of slip/fall incidents and providing the proper equipment and training for those working at heights.  The immediate benefits of following these best practices will be a reduction in workers’ compensation costs.

For additional information on workers’ compensation cost containment best practices, register as a guest for our next live stream training.

Author Michael Stack, Principal, COMPClub, Amaxx LLC. He is an expert in workers compensation cost containment systems and helps employers reduce their work comp costs by 20% to 50%.  He works as a consultant to large and mid-market clients, is co-author of Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering Workers Comp Costs, a comprehensive step-by-step manual of cost containment strategies based on hands-on field experience, and is founder of COMPClub, an exclusive member training program on workers compensation cost containment best practices.

Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.

Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: https://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/

Live Stream WC Training: http://workerscompclub.com/livestreamtraining

©2017 Amaxx LLC. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.

With fuel prices still low, many experts predict 2017 will see increased road travel. Employers need to be aware of the risks to workers who drive and take steps to protect them.

Transportation incidents are the No. 1 cause of workplace fatalities, claiming nearly 40 percent of all occupational deaths in the most recent year for which data is available from the government. They are also the top risk for business travelers abroad, especially in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Workplace crashes can be expensive for a company in terms of lost productivity, as well as workers’ comp costs. The good news is the risks can be greatly reduced by taking action.

1. Safe driving policy

Every organization has different needs and may have differing ways to protect employees who drive. However, there are several components that transcend all companies. Having a Safe Driving Policy that is well thought out, supported by all levels of the organization and communicated to employees is key. Among the elements to consider are the following:

• Use of technology. Texting and using hand-held phones while driving should be verboten by all organizations. Many states do not have laws supporting a ban, but research strongly indicates the risk of a crash is greatly increased when drivers text or use hand-held phones.
• Seat belts. These should be required of all drivers. Nearly every state mandates seat belts for drivers.
• Prevent drowsy driving. Accidents involving tired drivers occur most often between the hours of 12 – 2 a.m., 4 – 6 a.m., and 2 – 4 p.m. Companies should allow workers to take breaks for brief naps and to stop for the night if they are too tired. Providing information on good sleep habits is also helpful.
• Alcohol and drugs. Driving after drinking and/or using illegal drugs should be strictly prohibited. The issue can be dicey when prescription medications are involved. At the very least, workers should be given information about the potential effects of certain drugs.
• Plan the trip. The worker and his supervisor together should determine the destination, route and travel schedule. Before sending a driver out, the worker and/or supervisor should check for any adverse road conditions and/or closings.

2. Driver selection

Before putting any employee behind the wheel of a company vehicle, it’s imperative to make sure the person has a valid driver’s license. Employers should also check driving records before hiring employees who are likely to drive for the company, and recheck them annually.

3. Training

All new hires should be required to undergo driver training. Classroom instruction can address new equipment, regulatory updates, and changes in procedures. If possible, behind-the-wheel training should also be included. A driving expert or trained supervisor can ride with the employee and evaluate his skills and behaviors. Workers should be coached on any unsafe driving behaviors. The employee’s driving performance should be reevaluated at least annually.

Training on particular vehicles is important, as company cars may include equipment and safety features unfamiliar to the worker. Workers should also be informed about any in-vehicle monitoring systems present, including why they are there.

Refresher training can be done periodically to reinforce best practices. Drivers involved in an accident attributed to them should be provided remedial driver training.

4. Vehicle selection/Maintenance

Employers should buy or lease vehicles with high safety ratings. Employers can supply each vehicle with emergency supplies, such as flashlights, flares, blankets and bottled Water.
Vehicles should be inspected on time and maintained according to manufacturers’ timeframes. Also, someone — a designated person or the worker who has most recently driven the vehicle — should ensure tires are properly inflated, and other safety procedures are followed.

Conclusion

The best way to protect employees from motor vehicle crashes is to limit their driving. Employers should consider whether work can be done without travel. If driving is unavoidable, schedules should be established to ensure workers have adequate time to get to their destinations while obeying speeding and other traffic laws. Establishing a company-wide culture of safe driving can reduce risks drivers face.

For additional information on workers’ compensation cost containment best practices, register as a guest for our next live stream training.

Author Michael Stack, Principal, COMPClub, Amaxx LLC. He is an expert in workers compensation cost containment systems and helps employers reduce their work comp costs by 20% to 50%.  He works as a consultant to large and mid-market clients, is co-author of Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering Workers Comp Costs, a comprehensive step-by-step manual of cost containment strategies based on hands-on field experience, and is founder of COMPClub, an exclusive member training program on workers compensation cost containment best practices.

Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.

Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: https://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/

Live Stream WC Training: http://workerscompclub.com/livestreamtraining.com

©2017 Amaxx LLC. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.