Month: September 2018

Minnesota manufacturer invests in safety

Posted on by Patty Busse

When Jones Metal Inc. identified a safety risk in the shipping process, they didn’t delay in finding a solution.

The SFM policyholder, based in Mankato, Minnesota, provides custom sheet metal fabrication services for original equipment manufacturers in industries as varied as agriculture, construction and defense. The family-owned business, which marked 75 years in 2017, employs more than 80 people.

Safety grant funds new equipment

The pallet-wrapping process required two people lifting a roll of shrink wrap and reaching up and around the pallet while it was held up by a forklift. No injuries had occurred, yet the shipping manager recognized the risk of strains, sprains or being struck by a forklift and brought an automated solution to the company’s attention.

Jones Metal applied for a Minnesota OSHA safety grant to help them pay for an automated pallet wrapper that would eliminate the risks and improve their shipping process. The MNOSHA safety grant program awards up to $10,000 in matching funds to “qualifying employers for projects designed to reduce the risk of injury and illness to their workers,” according to the MNOSHA website. The application requires an on-site inspection and written report by a qualified safety professional.

Jones Metal’s Director of Human Resources, Val Bentdahl, called in SFM Loss Prevention Technical Leader Lee Wendel to assist in applying for the grant. Wendel visited their manufacturing facility, observed the pallet-wrapping process and provided a written recommendation for the equipment.

Jones Metal received the matching grant and installed the machine.

The end result: A safer and more efficient process. The step that previously required three workers now takes only a forklift driver, who operates the pallet wrapper with a remote control.

“The machine prevents the possibility of strain injuries and struck-by injuries, plus saves time,” explained Bentdahl. “It wraps the material in a fraction of the time, and it’s much more secure. It eliminates quality issues, and eliminates injuries.”

Focus on training from day one and return-to-work

Since Jones Metal became an SFM policyholder in 2015, it has taken full advantage of SFM’s safety resources. Working in a higher risk industry, Jones Metal is never complacent about injury prevention. Their safety committee proactively recognizes and addresses risks.

“They’re on the leading edge of adopting changes that are safer for their employees,” Wendel said.

They train employees on safety from day one, and experienced workers — their skilled workforce averages 14 years of experience — continue to receive safety training. They leverage the Minnesota Safety Council for specialized training.

They’re on the leading edge of adopting changes that are safer for their employees.

~ Lee Wendel

Most of their safety training takes place through the online learning management system SFM offers free of charge to policyholders, called Vivid Learning Systems.

Vivid offers interactive 20- to 40-minute modules employees take individually, when it fits in their schedule. Topics cover a wide range of occupational health and safety subjects. Jones Metal makes use of online trainings for hearing protection, lockout/tagout and more.

When an injury does occur, Jones Metal supervisors respond quickly. Very few of their claims become lost-time claims because they understand the importance of bringing injured employees back to work as soon as possible. Jones Metal works within any medical restrictions to find transitional jobs for their workers, and they involve themselves with the claims process.

Even with a good loss history and an e-mod that has improved almost 20 percent in the last three years, Jones Metal continues to emphasize injury prevention.

“They’re always striving to do better than they’ve done before and looking for more resources to prevent injuries for their employees,” Wendel said.

Photo courtesy of Jones Metal

Another blown opportunity to save lives in Minnesota

Posted on by Patty Busse

By Bob Lund
President and CEO

SFM is more than an insurance company; we’ve become a safety and service company. In part, this means that we’re committed to taking and recommending actions to reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

That’s one of the reasons why we have a company policy prohibiting employees from using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. It’s also why we’ve been an active supporter of proposed state laws banning the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) , fatalities in distraction-affected car crashes are increasing and totaled nearly 3,500 in 2015. While the NTSB attempts to collect accurate data, there is no reliable method to determine exactly how many accidents involve portable electronic devices. In reality, the scope of the problem is probably much larger. And this increase in accidents and fatalities is occurring at a time when cars and trucks have more safety features than ever before.

Accidents from distracted driving are increasing even in states like Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin that have outlawed texting while driving. In contrast, many of the 16 states that have banned the use of hand-held phones and other electronic devices have experienced a 10 – 20 percent reduction in fatal crashes related to the use of these devices.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety claims that distracted driving accounts for one out of every four fatal accidents — between 75 and 100 deaths — each year. According to a recent Minnesota Poll conducted by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, about 80 percent of those surveyed said using a cell phone while driving should be outlawed, and about the same percentage said the law should treat texting or checking Facebook while driving as severely as drunken driving. Even an informal poll conducted by Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) reflected about 80 percent support for banning hand-held cellphones.

Legislation that would have made Minnesota the 17th state to prohibit drivers from using hand-held phones and electronic devices did not pass in 2018 for the fourth straight year, notwithstanding the following:

  • Overwhelming citizen support;
  • Support from Gov. Mark Dayton and the vast majority of legislators from both parties;
  • Multiple well-attended rallies at the Capitol and around the state;
  • Lobbying support from a diverse group of respected organizations like the Minnesota Safety Council, Association of General Contractors, Minnesota Trucking Association, Insurance Federation of Minnesota, and Minnesota Police Chiefs Association;
  • Outspoken backing from large corporations like Cargill and Federated Mutual Insurance Company; and
  • Heart-rending letters and testimony at the Capitol and elsewhere from family members who have lost a loved one in an accident caused by a distracted driver.

In fact, the hands-free bill (H.F. 1180) never even got a vote on the House floor thanks to the shameful failure of legislative leaders who acceded to the demands of a handful of legislators who are too gutless to voice the reason(s) for their opposition to the bill in a public forum.

The Duluth News Tribune’s editorial board was incensed by the Legislature’s inaction on the hands-free bill, describing it as “heartless” and titling their 5/17/2018 editorial : “Lawmakers sentence Minnesotans to death.”

While I can appreciate that some Minnesotans don’t want to relinquish the “freedom” to use hand-held smartphones while driving, sometimes we have to place limits on our freedom and establish reasonable rules of the road for the greater good — like saving lives. Mandatory seatbelt use, limits on speed and alcohol consumption, and required insurance coverages are examples of such rules. I have no doubt that a ban on using hand-held devices while driving will become the law in Minnesota when our legislative leaders are convinced that political expediency aligns with doing the right thing.

Safety tips for home health care workers

Posted on by Patty Busse

Due to an aging population and the high cost of hospital visits, there has been increased need for alternative care options for the sick, elderly or disabled. One of these solutions is the use of home health care.

For home health care workers, there is very little control over hazards they are exposed to. They face many unique safety risks while on the job.

Getting to and from work safely

If you are driving to work, make sure your vehicle is in good working order and keep emergency supplies on hand. While travelling, keep your car locked and stay on well-traveled roads. Park in well-light areas and avoid underground parking lots, dark alleys or parking next to large vehicles.

If you are using the bus or walking, stay in well-lit areas with high pedestrian traffic. Be aware of your surroundings, making sure to look and listen. Make sure any oncoming traffic can see you at all times.

Slips and falls

Indoor hazards include:

  • Uneven or slippery floors
  • Wrinkled or worn carpets and curling vinyl
  • Clutter in rooms, hallways and stairs
  • Lack of handrails on stairs
  • Electrical cords on floors or that cross walkways
  • Open drawers

While working indoors, keep your shoes on if allowed by the client and be sure to check the floor surface before walking on it. Watch out for clutter and suggest to the client that items be stored properly, electrical cords get tucked out of the way, and drawers stay closed. Always use handrails when going up and down stairs.

Outdoor hazards include:

  • Slippery surfaces, such as sidewalks, steps and wooden ramps covered with water, ice, snow, leaves or moss
  • Uneven or damaged sidewalks and driveways
  • Debris or items left on walkways
  • Poor lighting

Wear footwear with a good tread and check all walking surfaces before taking a step. Move cautiously when exiting your vehicle and when walking on uneven, wet or icy surfaces. Be sure to notify your client representative and supervisor of any hazardous conditions.

Violence prevention in the home

Violence refers to any physical force that may cause injury, as well as threatening statements or behavior. Clients and their family members or visitors may become violent or argumentative due to frustration caused by the client’s condition. Clients may also be experiencing difficulties due to trouble communicating, effects from medication, physical or cognitive limitations or frustration over being dependent on others.

Be sure to read over the care plan before visiting clients. Assess their mood before starting your duties and be sure to tell them what you’re going to do before you do it. Make sure you have easy access from the home.

If a situation becomes stressful, stay calm and face the person with your elbows at your sides and arms out. Watch for signs that the person might strike out. Don’t argue or raise your voice. Reassure the person that their concerns will be dealt with as soon as possible and tell them how to make a complaint to your supervisor. Tell your supervisor about the situation as soon as possible.

Overexertion and repetitive motion

The five main risk factors that cause overexertion and strain from repetitive motion include:

  • Force
  • Repetition
  • Awkward postures
  • Static postures
  • Contact stress

Signs of overexertion and strain from repetitive movements include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Loss of normal joint movement
  • Shooting, dull, sharp or aching pain
  • Tenderness
  • Weakness
  • Pins and needles
  • Hot or cold sensations

Transferring, repositioning, dressing and bathing clients, as well as housekeeping work, can put you at high risk for strains and sprains. Plan your tasks to reduce the potential for injury.

Transferring or repositioning clients

The best way to avoid injury when transferring or repositioning clients is to use equipment and transfer assist devices, such as lifts or low-friction slide sheets. Clearly communicate your intentions and instructions the client. Avoid having a client hold on to you.

If you have to lift manually, it’s important to practice safe patient handling. Lift from a position of power by keeping your head up. Get close to the client while lifting and make sure you have a good hold. Use a staggered stance by positioning one foot in front of the other and remember “nose follows toes” to avoid twisting. Bend your knees and avoid jerking motions.

Dressing and bathing clients

When dressing a client, try to avoid awkward positions, such as reaching to dress the client, and static postures, such as supporting the client in one position for a long time. Keep your body upright and shift your weight with your legs when helping the client move.

Other best practices include starting with the client’s weaker side when putting on clothes, helping your client lean forward when putting on shirts and sitting on a stool when assisting with socks and shoes.

When bathing a client, avoid awkward and static positions, using the same set of muscles repeatedly without a chance to rest and contact stress from kneeling on the floor or leaning against the tub. Be sure to gather all equipment and supplies you need and position them in easy reach. Before you help clients into the tub, be sure to seat them on a transfer bench or shower stool.

Housekeeping hazards

While on the job, there are several household tasks that you might not think are hazardous, including making beds, cleaning and doing laundry.

When making beds, avoid bending at the back and flexing your knees as you make the bed. Walk around the bed instead of reaching over it. If you have to work from one side, keep one hand on the bed for support.

While cleaning, use equipment with long handles for hard to reach areas, place a folded towel under your knees while kneeling and make sure protective gloves fit well to prevent using extra force with gripping.

Carry loads you can comfortably manage while doing laundry. Avoid bending forward, fold clothes at a comfortable height and avoid twisting when lifting.

Resources for home health care workers

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