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Blog

SFM Foundation board chair Dave Kaiser steps down after 15 years

Fifteen years after co-founding the SFM Foundation, Dave Kaiser stepped down as board chair on Dec. 6, 2023.

Why watching prescriptions closely is so important
Why watching prescriptions closely is so important

SFM works hard to make sure injured workers’ medications are managed well, and as part of that effort, SFM partners with pharmacy benefits manager, myMatrixx.

New CompOnline administrator guide available

SFM has released a new version of CompOnline. The improvements enhance security, provide more permissions to the administrator and streamline our behind-the-scenes processes allowing us to serve you even better.

SFM’s 2023 mid-year results: Strong premium development, competitive pricing, continued claim challenges

The first half of 2023 is in the books, and it’s already been a remarkable year for SFM in a number of ways. New and renewal premium results have been outstanding, customer retention continues to be very strong and claim activity is trending in the right direction as the year unfolds.

Multi-factor authentication coming to CompOnline

To enhance security, SFM is introducing multi-factor authentication and longer password requirements for CompOnline users starting January 5, 2024.

SFM to host educational webinar for policyholders on hiring and training new employees

Join us on November 15 as we discuss best practices for hiring and training new employees. Learn how establishing good fundamentals can increase employee safety and help your business succeed in the long run.

Sign up for alerts in SAM

Did you know you can get email alerts to help you keep up with your clients’ claim developments? Learn about the various alerts you can get through SFM Agency Manager (SAM).

Featured resources for agents and policyholders

SFM’s online resource catalog offers a wide range of educational resources designed to help policyholders prevent injuries, manage their claim activity and learn more about workers’ compensation.

SFM underwriter accomplishments

Here’s a look at the promotions, awards, retirements, and other milestones of SFM underwriters so far in 2023.

SFM Foundation to host two fall fundraising events

This fall brings two opportunities to support the SFM Foundation with events in Minnesota and Iowa with the Minnesota Fall Fundraising Event on November 9 and new Iowa Bowling for Scholarships event on November 2.

MN work comp law change regarding notice of non-emergency surgery

Minnesota workers’ compensation law changed recently to allow an employee to notify their employer directly of a request for non-emergency surgery. Once notice has been given, the employer or insurer has seven days to give a response to the request.

Hiring practices: Thorough processes can prevent injuries and problem claims

Following a thorough hiring process is one important way you can prevent problem workers’ compensation claims, along with other challenges. Choosing the right employee for a role is rarely easy, but there are steps you can include in your process to help you more confidently make hiring decisions.

Pre-task planning: Prepare and be aware for successful injury prevention

Taking time for pre-task planning allows employees to focus on recognizing hazards and putting controls in place to prevent incidents from occurring.

Get to know an SFM employee: Meet a member of our in-house bill review team

Kirsten Peterson has been a Medical Support Representative at SFM for two years, and in the workers’ compensation industry for 15 years. Kirsten is part of SFM’s in-house bill review team. We asked Peterson to share a little bit about her background and her role.

Companion moving to electronic delivery

SFM’s Companion magazine for policyholders will be delivered via email only starting with the January 2024 edition.

Recreational marijuana: How Minnesota’s new law may impact work comp and workplace policies

On May 30, 2023, Gov. Tim Walz signed the state’s recreational marijuana bill, making Minnesota the 23rd state in the U.S. to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use. The new law contains several provisions that affect employers doing business in Minnesota, addressing changes to medical marijuana, use of off-duty lawful consumable products, drug testing in the workplace, as well as implementation of workplace policies.

SFM expands market presence throughout its territory

SFM increased written premium and market share in every one of its core states in 2022, and results so far this year show continued momentum. Premium for the first quarter of 2023 came in well ahead of projections, up 12% from the same period the prior year.

It starts with the interview: Tips for your clients to reduce new hire injuries

Did you know that agents can play a role in their clients’ good hiring and safety training practices? Claims statistics show that new employees are more susceptible to injury. Those work comp claims come with a cost.

SFM’s top class codes

SFM writes business in more than 400 class codes. The following lists of our top 20 new business class codes by policy count and premium will give you an idea of where we’re seeing the most success.

Play back our recent webinar on return-to-work best practices and view our library of educational videos

SFM recently hosted another educational webinar for our policyholders and agents titled “The Fundamentals of a Return-to-Work Program” and it’s still available for you to view.

Featured resources for agents and policyholders

SFM’s online resource catalog offers a wide range of educational resources designed to help policyholders prevent injuries, manage their claim activity and learn more about workers’ compensation.

SFM attending upcoming 2023 industry events

SFM is planning to participate in several insurance industry events in the coming months.

SFM Foundation awards 16 new scholarships, holds 2023 golf fundraisers

15 years after the SFM Foundation began their mission to help make college affordable for students affected by work injuries, they’ve granted 232 scholarships totaling $3.7 million, including $502,000 awarded to 16 new recipients announced in May. The 2023 Minnesota golf event raised $125,000 and the Iowa event raised $45,000 for the scholarship program.

Four things you need to do after an employee is injured

Help prevent future workplace injuries, get the employee on the road to recovery and ensure a smooth claim process with these four post-injury tips.

Benefits of a strong return-to-work program

Bringing injured employees back to work as soon as their doctor allows it is not only the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing to do. A strong return-to-work program benefits your employees and your organization.

Ergonomic and safety tips for remote and hybrid employees

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.

Tips for hiring temporary workers or subcontractors

Before you hire temporary employees or independent subcontractors, get answers to your questions about their safety and workers’ compensation coverage.

Stressed employee at work
Strategies to combat work-related stress

People think stress is a natural by-product of work. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Use these tips to prevent negative health impacts of work stress.

2022 results: Consistent focus on customer service drives historic performance

SFM soared to new heights in 2022, and the company’s remarkable financial results are only part of the story. We continue hearing from our agents and policyholders that we’re delivering on our commitment to provide excellent customer service.

Benefits of breaking out workers’ compensation from other lines of insurance

When you’re helping clients understand their options for workers’ compensation coverage, we've provided a few points you can share about the advantages of going monoline and choosing SFM.

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