Risk Management Tips to Ensure a Safe Environment

Employees are an essential element to any business.  Ensuring those same employees are working in a safe environment is equally important.  The leading categories of injuries in the workplace are slips and falls, strains and sprains, and cuts and lacerations.  Knowing the most common types of injuries allows business owners to establish control measures to minimize costs associated with safety-related incidents. In order to mitigate the number of incidents and potential injuries in the workplace, the following strategies should be implemented.

• Provide safety training at the time of hire and periodically during employment to educate employees regarding safe food handling and the proper use of machines.  Being proactive will ensure employees are knowledgeable on the company’s safety policies and procedures.

• Use recommended slip-resistant items, including non-slip mats and specific slip-resistant shoes.  Areas should be regularly swept and mopped to remove dirt and debris.

• Complete safety inspections using a third party to maintain compliance with current law.  This includes an inspection to determine whether all equipment is functioning properly.

• Maintain workers’ compensation and equipment insurance coverage.  Most insurers will perform the above-referenced inspection on equipment.

• Reward safety; this encourages employees to remain compliant with established procedures.

All businesses will experience workplace accidents.  Incorporating the following tips into current processes will also assist with mitigating claims when accidents occur:

• Work closely with your Risk Management Department and insurance carrier to address timely reporting of claims.

• Have an injury reporting process in place.

• Provide managers with a list of authorized medical providers.  This may reduce the cost associated with a claim.

• Communicate regularly with the insurance carrier regarding employees reaching maximum medical improvement in a limited amount of time.

• Review data to determine when and where most injuries occur; these areas should be targeted for modifications and addressed as an area of concern in safety trainings and meetings.

• Return employees to work on a modified or light duty capacity as soon as possible.  Your insurance carrier will be able to guide you through this process.

Communication expectations and the company’s commitment to providing a safe work environment is key.  Establishing and enforcing procedures will indicate to employees that you care about their safety.   Implementing these tips will not only reduce the number the workers’ compensation claims, but also serve as a cost saving measure for the company.  Franchisees can take a proactive approach to risk management.  Doing so will have an overall effect on the work environment and the efficiency of employees.

Modern Business Associates is a HR outsourcing company offering flexible, cost-efficient solutions for payroll, tax accounting, benefits administration, risk management and HR consulting. If you would like more information about how the experts at MBA can help your business operations, please email us at info@MBAhro.com or call (888) 622-6460 or visit www.MBAhro.com.