Author: Kris Janisch

The work comp claims process following a driving incident

Posted on by Kris Janisch

This is the second in a four-part series of SFM blogs recapping our June 2024 webinar, Driving Safety, An SFM webinar for policyholders .

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

That was what Colleen Drum, SFM Claims Technical Specialist, discussed during our recent webinar dedicated to safe driving.

Her presentation illuminated several important factors for policyholders to consider following a driving incident, including:

  • What is, or is not, a work-related driving crash
  • Employer policies regarding driving
  • The process for reporting claims

See her portion of the webinar here:

Other highlights of Drum’s presentation included:

  • The importance of filing claims immediately
  • Examples of first report of injury forms
  • The basics of claims assessments
  • Subrogation efforts, in certain situations
  • The information needed to move forward with a claim
  • The benefits of light-duty jobs for injured employees

Drum also outlined how investigations, and video evidence, function in case of a claim regarding driving-related work injuries. She detailed the different types of claims and what employers should do under each situation, as well as return-to-work considerations, medical exams and more items for employers to monitor.

It’s also vital to note how disputes can arise during a litigated claim involving a driving incident.

Check out the complete recording of webinar , and keep an eye out for other blogs highlighting sections of the presentation.

Lastly, you can find previous SFM workers’ compensation webinars on our website.

SFM featured resources: Avoiding common injuries

Posted on by Kris Janisch

Sometimes, it’s best to start with the basics. From a workers’ compensation perspective, that starts with avoiding common injuries.

While employers may fear a catastrophic injury at work, but helping prevent the everyday incident is just as important. Plus, cutting down on common injuries will help reduce claims and improve your bottom line.

Here are three featured resources for avoiding common injuries.

1. Lift safely (5-Minute Solution)

This resource gives you a quick reference on the four keys to lifting items in a safe manner. It also comes with three bonus tips to keep employees safe.

For more information, see our blog Safe lifting techniques for preventing injury.

2. Dude, focus! (poster)

This poster generates awareness of the hazards of using a device or being distracted while walking or working and promotes safety. See the poster in the SFM Resource Catalog.

Looking for more in-depth information on limiting workplace distractions? Check out our blog, Constant distraction can harm employees’ well-being.

3. General housekeeping (SIT)

This Supervisor Initiated Training (SIT) helps you address specific safety issues, including the importance of maintaining a tidy workspace. Download it now.

For more ways to keep your employees safe, search our resource catalog.

The data on dangerous driving

Posted on by Kris Janisch

This is the first in a four-part series of SFM blogs recapping our June 2024 webinar, Driving Safety, An SFM webinar for policyholders .

What does the underlying data say about dangerous driving?

As part of SFM’s safe driving webinar, Abby Halland, Senior Business Intelligence Technical Analyst, broke down the workers’ compensation costs of dangerous driving, as well as public perception regarding certain unsafe activities.

Pulling information from SFM’s own database and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Halland discussed:

  • Claims costs for motor vehicle crashes
  • Litigation figures for claims involving crashes
  • Cultural perceptions of risky driving behavior

See her portion of the webinar here:

Interesting findings from Halland’s presentation include:

  • Claims from crashes are 2.5 times more expensive than all other claims
  • Crashes are litigated 40% of the time, compared to 15% for other types of claims
  • A survey by AAA found 30% of drivers used a handheld device while driving and 50% drive 15 mph or faster on the freeway

“It’s key that we review ways in which to reduce the occurrence of these claims and mitigate the severity,” Halland said.

Check out the complete recording of the webinar , and keep an eye out for other blogs highlighting sections of the presentation.

Lastly, you can find previous SFM workers’ compensation webinars on our website.

Preventing hand injuries in the workplace

Posted on by Kris Janisch

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

In 2021-22, there were nearly 240,000 cases of hand injures that resulted in employees needing days away from work, according to the National Safety Council , with another 455,000 days away, restricted or transferred cases.

The two primary causes of hand injuries stem from hand tools and machinery.

Cuts, lacerations and even amputations can have a major impact on productivity and workers’ compensation.

In the manufacturing industry specifically, most modern equipment has safeguards to prevent against hand injuries. Still, they continue to happen.

“Sometimes, people ask, ‘Why would they stick their hand into a piece of equipment when they know it’s dangerous?’ We need to change the question from, why would they stick their hand in there to why can they stick their hand in there,” said Mike Fetting, SFM Loss Prevention Specialist. “One is too many.”

Consider your risk tolerance for using unguarded machines – it should be zero. If you’re unsure of how to guard your machine, you can see the Occupational Safety and Health Administration machine guarding eTool referenced below or ask your SFM contact.

The other key is observation, coaching and enforcement to ensure employees are not removing or disabling guards.

Another critical factor is using Lockout/Tagout when removing a guard for servicing, cleaning, setup, clearing, etc. SFM offers a useful 5-Minute Solution on Lockout/Tagout.

SFM has compiled two resources about hand safety to help employers prevent hand injuries in the workplace. They are specific to two industries in which hand injuries often occur:

Employers should also note that the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a Machine Guarding eTool that focuses on recognizing and controlling common amputation hazards associated with the operation and use of certain types of machines.

Tips for safe tools and gloves

In addition to maintaining proper safety protocols regarding machines, employers should also do research about gloves and safe tools, Fetting said.

“Not all gloves are created equal, for both chemicals and lacerations,” he said. “Selection is important, but it can be tricky finding the perfect combination of protection and dexterity.”

Fetting recommends contacting glove manufacturers directly to determine the best glove for your operation.

Likewise, ensuring employees have the proper tools for their job is also important. Having the correct safety knife can make a big difference. The safest either have concealed blades or are fully automatic retractable smart knives. Some manufacturers also offer safety training videos for employers to peruse and share with employees.

Lastly, employers in some industries may want to consider if an item needs to be cut at all. If can be ordered to size, that may be a safer option.

Conclusion

Preventing hand injuries in the workplace, especially for companies in certain industries, and maintaining high safety standards should be paramount for all employers.

Strong hiring and communication processes can improve your bottom line

Posted on by Kris Janisch

Check out our infographic to see how improving your workers’ compensation processes can save you time and money. For a printable version, click here. You can also find the text below.

Here are some steps employers can take to improve workers’ compensation practices and save time and money.

Step 1: Ensure good hiring practices

A thorough hiring process can prevent injuries and problem claims. Remember, new employees are more likely to get hurt, and safety training should be a major part of any onboarding process.

Step 2: Keep in touch with injured workers

If an employee does get injured on the job, maintain a positive relationship with them. Keep in contact, monitor any recovery efforts, and outline the potential for a return to work.

Step 3: Work out the specifics

As you maintain an open line of communication, evaluate their potential for a return. Could they be ready for light-duty work? What does their medical provider say?

Step 4: Consider the alternative

An employer’s experience modification (e-mod) can increase because of employees being on work comp, which can add to premium costs.

Step 5: Bring it all together

Evaluating hiring practices, communicating regularly with injured workers, helping them get back to work on modified-duty tasks… these are all steps employers can take to keep work comp costs down and employee morale up.

Employers should report claims early to avoid penalties

Posted on by Kris Janisch

Policyholders should remember to report claims as soon as possible to avoid potential penalties from state labor departments.

Often, states will assess penalties for what are generally called “late first action,” a late payment or a late denial of benefits.

“The earlier you report a claim to us, the more time we have to address it,” said Angie Andresen, Vice President of Claims at SFM. “Employers should report claims as soon as they know about it — even if there’s no lost time or medical treatment. Plus, if the claim does turn into something more, we can start handling it immediately.”

If it is deemed that it was the employer’s fault for a late first action, the policyholder will bear the responsibility for the penalty, which, in some states, starts at $3,000 and can increase based on the situation.

The key takeaway? Report claims as soon as possible and keep an open line of communication with your representative.

If you have questions, reach out to SFM.

SFM featured resources: School safety

Posted on by Kris Janisch

As summer winds down, school safety should be top of mind.

Schools face unique safety challenges relative to other types of organizations, which is why SFM has a wealth of resources available. View our School safety resources page for more, plus links to even more information for keeping schools safe.

Below are a few highlights for you to peruse.

Safety training talks for schools

SFM’s Supervisor Initiated Training (SIT) series helps managers talk with their staff about preventing common sources of injuries.

See all school-related SITs

5-Minute Solutions

Check out SFM’s 5-Minute Solutions for brief training talks on safety-related topics.

See all school-related 5-Minute Solutions

SFM Foundation golf events recap, fall events set

Posted on by Kris Janisch

SFM Foundation golf eventsThe SFM Foundation’s summer golf events are in the books, and more than $160,000 was raised for the organization’s scholarship fund.

Founded in 2008, the nonprofit provides college scholarships for students whose families are impacted by workplace injuries.

“We’re always so thankful of the support of our agent partners, clients and others who contribute to our mission,” said Linda Williams, President of the SFM Foundation. “These golf events are not only a way to raise scholarship funds, but they also allow those involved to connect and build a community.”

The events were held in Iowa and Minnesota, and more than 260 golfers participated. Both fundraisers saw increases from last year’s totals.

“We are proud of our efforts to support these families, and they have endured difficult times and deserve something good,” said Andy Gebhard, Chair of the SFM Foundation Board of Directors. “Without the support of our sponsors, agents and others, we would not be able to help these young people. The foundation is doing great things, and it takes all of us working together to make it all happen.”

SFM Foundation fall events

Planning is well underway for the SFM Foundation’s fall events.

The second annual Iowa Bowling for Scholarships events is set for Oct. 17 in at Spare Time Entertainment in West Des Moines.

On Nov. 7, the foundation will host the Minnesota Sip & Shop for Scholarships. There is also a silent auction running in conjunction with the event.

See the SFM Foundation’s events page for more details.

About the SFM Foundation

The SFM Foundation is a nonprofit that helps families affected by workplace injuries by providing scholarships to children of workers disabled or killed in work-related accidents. The financial burden of putting a student through college is real. Add a catastrophic injury into the mix and affording college is an even bigger challenge. We help education be more affordable for these students and their families by offering multi-year post-secondary scholarships.

SFM Foundation is an affiliate of Kids’ Chance of America in Iowa and Minnesota and is also known as Kids’ Chance of Iowa.

SFM market share continues to grow in 2024

Posted on by Kris Janisch

Written premium continues to increase in SFM’s core states during the outset of 2024.

The first few months of the year continued the momentum of 2023, when SFM saw its market share increase in all its core states (with the exception of Minnesota, where SFM remains No. 1). There were also notable spikes in two of SFM’s newer markets, Indiana and Tennessee.

Longstanding partners can attest to the fact that SFM believes in steady, measured growth. Recent successes across the enterprise underscore the wisdom of this approach, bringing value to both established partners and newly appointed agents.

SFM’s carrier ranking in its top five states, based on 2023 written premium:

  • Minnesota – 1
  • South Dakota – 3
  • Iowa – 6
  • Nebraska – 8
  • Wisconsin – 12

Meanwhile, SFM has seen significant jumps in Kansas, Indiana and Tennessee since 2019.

The latest figures come from regular industry reports issued by SNL Financial. SNL, a data analytics firm within the S&P Global organization, issues an annual insurance industry study that compares market share and ranks carriers within each state of operation.

“Today, 43 percent of SFM’s business is from outside of Minnesota. SFM is proud of our sustained success in recent years, especially in our newer markets,” said Mike Happe, Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer. “In addition to expanding the lead we’ve held in Minnesota for over 20 years, it’s great to see that the majority of our growth is coming from our other core states.

State highlights

As SFM continues to gain a foothold in its newer states, the results have been striking.

For instance, this year in Indiana SFM has written 22% more new business than last year. Tennessee is up 46%.

“Agents are getting to know us and appreciate what we offer,” said Mark Lewis, Small Business Marketing Representative. “We are seeing strong results as SFM’s reputation for unmatched customer service continues to permeate our new markets.”

Future growth

The new relationships SFM has built with agents over past few years have contributed to the company’s success in its new and core states.

“We’re pleased to have continued annual upticks in our market share,” said Business Development Specialist Cody Allen. “Thanks to the support and efforts of our strategic partners, as well as referrals from existing agencies in our other states, we’ve quickly built up a solid agency force and new business is exceeding our expectations.”

Allen went on to point out that SFM is actively working to recruit new agency partners, welcoming additional referrals throughout its expanding territory. If you know any agents who would be interested in learning more about working with SFM, don’t hesitate to refer them to Allen. He can be reached at 952-838-4207.

 

Read more Agent Agenda articles

Minnesota paid leave laws and workers’ compensation benefits

Posted on by Kris Janisch

As paid leave laws continue to be passed in states, counties and cities across the U.S., employers may wonder how these statutes intersect with workers’ compensation benefits.

Paid leave legislation generally includes several requirements of employers, often accompanied with guidance from government agencies to help businesses remain compliant.

Of SFM’s core states, only Minnesota has passed paid leave laws — both paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave. However, similar legislation has been introduced elsewhere in recent years, including:

Still, the tide of new paid leave is growing. Tennessee, for example, passed a law regarding paid parental leave for public school teachers and staff.

It’s up to employers to understand these laws and the potential implications with workers’ compensation.

Minnesota paid leave and work comp

Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law went into effect at the outset of 2024.

SFM’s corporate counsel provides a rundown of the legislation and its impact on workers’ compensation.

An employee can use ESST for a work-related injury.

But what if an employee receives both ESST and workers’ compensation benefits?

The wage-coordination provisions in the workers’ compensation laws are intended to avoid duplication of wage-loss benefits so that an employee does not receive a double recovery. Minnesota’s ESST law, however, is silent on the implications of an employee receiving both ESST and workers’ compensation benefits for the same time period.

The ESST law provides that an employer’s PTO program may satisfy ESST. If an employee uses ESST/PTO to cover hours subsequently covered by workers’ compensation, the employee’s ESST/PTO could be repaid. This could be done in one of two ways:

  1. If the employee is back to work, the employer could add ESST/PTO hours back to the employee’s ESST/PTO account to offset hours paid by workers’ compensation benefits
  2. If the employee is not back to work, or their imminent return to work is unlikely, then the employer may need to assert in a pleading its claim for reimbursement. The claim for payment could be by way of offset, credit, or reimbursement

Employers should carefully monitor when an employee uses ESST or PTO time for a work-related injury. Employers should also be mindful that ESST does not replace workers’ compensation benefits owed.

If an employee uses ESST and then receives workers’ compensation benefits, the employer should make sure that any ESST time used is credited back to the employee’s ESST account. On the other hand, if an employee receives both ESST and workers’ compensation benefits simultaneously, the employer may have the opportunity to assert a claim for reimbursement of those payments by way of offset or credit. Employers should discuss with their claims representative or defense attorney when ESST or PTRO are used during periods also covered by workers’ compensation benefits to ensure proper coordination.

Conclusion

The complexities of Minnesota’s law and the intersection with work comp illustrates the challenges employers face as new statutes continue to go into effect across the U.S.

css.php