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  • As far as titles go, I know this one isn’t too catchy. I mean, we all know the taxman’s coming. He always is. What else is new? Nothing yet, but if President Obama’s proposed fiscal year 2016 budget goes through unscathed, a lot may be new according to Thomas and Thorngren.

    Learn how the proposed Fiscal Year budget could affect your unemployment taxes.

    How the Budget Would Affect Your Unemployment Taxes

    As an employer, you’ve been paying unemployment taxes (as have your employees). You’ve been paying 0.6% on the first $7,000 of employees’ income for your federal unemployment taxes (FUTA). Your state unemployment (SUTA) varies from state to state, and is based on different income levels. If the President has his way, there will be a lot more uniformity.

    In 2016, the budget proposes an increase from 0.6% to 0.8%, effectively raising every employer’s FUTA by $14 per employee. Not too big a deal, right? The big deal happens in 2017 when the Federal Government would lower the rate from 0.8% to 0.165%. Sounds great, but here’s the catch: The FUTA taxable wage limit will go from $7,000 per employee per year to $40,000 per employee per year. That calculates to $66 per employee per year or a 57% increase over what you’re currently paying.  

    Here’s the real kicker. The Federal Government will then mandate that every state raise their taxable wage limit to $40,000 per employee per year. Here in Ohio, the current taxable wage limit is $9,000. In fact, all but two states, Hawaii and Washington, would see their limits increase, some very significantly.

    Obviously, most states will adjust their rates accordingly so as not to become too large a burden on businesses, but what that number ends up being is anyone’s guess. Are you prepared for this massive increase? Even if this doesn’t go through, wouldn’t it make sense to get a hold of your unemployment costs now and try to get them to as low a level as possible? If you’re like most small business owners, you’re thinking that unemployment costs are what they are and there’s nothing you can do about it. Like a lot of other business owners, you may be wrong.

    Preparing Your Business with a PEO

    There are ways to control these costs. One is to never lay off or fire anyone. If that’s not probable, you may want to consider working with a Professional Employer Organization. Contact us today to see how partnering with a PEO can benefit you and your business.

  • Unfortunately, confirmation alone of a positive test for drugs or alcohol is not solely enough to obtain a denial of a workers’ compensation claim. Per Ohio statute (ORC 4123.54), there are several specific qualifications that must be met prior to the ultimate denial of a claim.  

    There are four “statutory hurdles” that an employer must clear in order to have a claim denied in which the claimant tested positive for illegal substances:

    Learn the four hurdles an employer must clear in order to have a claim denied in which the claimant tested positive for illegal substances.

    Hurdle No. 1

    The employer must post a written notice indicating that failure to take a post-accident test could “affect their eligibility for compensation for injuries.” This statement is provided with your workers’ compensation certificate, and should be posted in a common area accessible to all employees. The key to this requirement is that it must be in clear view to any employee at any time. Additionally, we highly recommend that you consult with your GMS Account Manager to ensure that your company policy clearly spells out the effects of a positive drug test on employment.  

    Hurdle No. 2

    The employer must obtain a “qualifying chemical test.” This test must “exceed the positive test level” established by statute. In addition, a blood alcohol test must be administered within eight hours after the injury occurs. A valid controlled substance test should be administered no more than 32 hours after an injury occurs. This step is critical in proving that the substance was the cause of the incident (and resulting injury). 

    Hurdle No. 3

    The employer needs to demonstrate “reasonable cause” that required an employee to undergo a post-accident screen. According to this aspect, suspicion must exist on the employer’s behalf that the claimant was under the influence. This suspicion must be documented, and testimony from the employer is necessary as well.  

    Hurdle No. 4

    The employer is also required to create “rebuttable presumption,” which includes the opinion of a physician that indicates “the injury would not have occurred had the employee not been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” Rebuttable presumption is simply placing the burden on the employee to prove that their intoxication or drug use was not the cause of the incident and resulting injury.

    Handling a Positive Test

    With a situation such as this, it is important to remember that the process merely begins with a positive test for illegal drugs or alcohol. As indicated above, there are several requirements that must be met before a claim can be denied at the administrative level. Despite the difficulty of doing so, claims such as these can be successfully denied when following the procedures outlined above. 

    While each of the “hurdles” may appear overwhelming, GMS and its team of workers’ compensation specialists will help you skillfully navigate through this process. Contact us today to learn more.

  • It takes more than just a good idea to improve your business. Without proper execution, it’s hard for anything to succeed. This includes a workplace safety program for your business.

    Whether it’s due to a lack of clarity or troublesome rule breakers, there are hurdles for some programs to succeed. Given the benefits of a workplace safety program, both obvious and less-apparent, it’s an endeavor worth taking. Here are three reasons why a safety program may fail and what you can do to help overcome them.

    Group Management Services can help you institute an effective workplace safety program for your business.

    Top Management

    Bad communication can sink any program. What’s worse is when a program is communicated and then nobody follows through. 

    When it comes to workplace safety, everybody should be on board. Taking the following steps can help:

    • Set measureable goals and establish an initial benchmark
    • Develop a reward structure that values workplace safety
    • Discipline violators of the new policy
    • Make a commitment to yourself to model desired behaviors and set an example

    Time Investment

    Instituting a new program may take some time up front, but it will be worth it in the end. Don’t be afraid to spend time on safety procedures and training even when you’re in a busy season. It may make for a tight schedule early on in the process, but the safer environment and future savings will be worth the effort.

    Lack of Understanding

    Remember when we said bad communication is a threat to a new program? A lack of understanding can limit the effectiveness of a workplace safety program, so education is key. If everyone understands the value of the program, they’ll be more inclined to follow it.

    If you’re in need of a workplace safety program or human resources management, Group Management Services can help. Contact us today to find out more how risk management and a workplace safety program can improve your business.

  • A safe workplace can help make for a more successful business. Not only do safety guidelines help keep your employees safe, but they also save you from having to deal with costly workers’ compensation claims. Additionally, when you make it a point to value safety, you gain a reputation for caring about your employees, which can help boost your recruitment and retention efforts.

    Aside from these apparent benefits, workplace safety programs provide many perks you might not necessarily consider. From increased productivity to reduced environmental impact, there are many advantages to creating a safe workplace.

    What Is A Workplace Safety Program?

    A workplace safety program is a set of practices and procedures designed to keep employees safe and healthy on the job. It’s not just about following regulations (although that’s important too!), it’s about creating a culture of safety where everyone is committed to preventing accidents and illnesses.

    Critical elements of a successful workplace safety program include:

    • Management leadership: Management sets the tone for safety in the workplace. This means being visible, involved, and committed to safety.
    • Worker participation: Employees should be involved in identifying hazards, developing safety procedures, and reporting unsafe conditions.
    • Hazard identification and control: The program should regularly identify, assess, and control potential hazards in the workplace.
    • Education and training: Provide your team with training on hazards, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
    • Program evaluation and improvement: You should regularly evaluate your policies to ensure they are up-to-date and identify areas for improvement.
    • Communication and coordination: There should be clear communication about safety expectations and procedures. This includes communication between employees, managers, and any contractors or temporary workers.

    Unexpected Benefits Of Workplace Safety Programs

    The primary function of workplace safety programs is to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational hazards. However, beyond its primary goal, these programs can bring several other benefits, including the following:

    Better retention rates

    When you implement a workplace safety program, you’re working toward creating a better environment for your employees. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that employees of businesses who prioritized health and safety were four times more likely to report job satisfaction. A safe workplace is a happy workplace that retains employees year after year.

    Enhanced organizational reputation

    A robust workplace safety program reflects positively on your reputation. Businesses known for prioritizing safety are perceived as responsible and caring employers. This reputation can attract top talent, improve customer trust, and strengthen relationships with stakeholders, including investors and regulatory bodies.

    Reduced costs and increased efficiency

    You may know that workplace safety programs are a sound financial decision, but how much money can it save? One study found that facilities in California that had been inspected by California’s Occupational Health and Safety Department saw 26% average cost savings on workers’ compensation following an inspection compared to similar uninspected workplaces.

    While the initial investment in safety equipment and training may seem costly, it often leads to significant cost savings over time. Fewer workplace accidents mean lower expenses for workers’ compensation claims, medical costs, insurance premiums, and potential legal fees. Moreover, a safer work environment tends to be more efficient, with fewer disruptions due to accidents or absenteeism.

    Compliance with regulatory requirements

    Implementing a comprehensive safety program ensures compliance with health and safety regulations set forth by governmental agencies. Meeting regulatory requirements not only avoids fines and penalties but also establishes a framework for best practices in workplace safety.

    Improved quality of work

    A good safety program can keep your employees healthy, but did you know they can also make them more productive? Businesses experienced a 43 percent increase in productivity from employees who followed a workplace safety program, meaning that the program not only helped keep employees safe but also made them work more efficiently than before.

    Why? Employees who aren’t worried about safety hazards are better able to focus on their tasks, leading to higher-quality products or services. Reduced accidents and errors contribute to smoother operations and better customer satisfaction.

    Enhanced teamwork and communication

    Safety programs often promote teamwork and open communication among employees. Safety training sessions and regular safety meetings allow workers to interact, share concerns, and collaborate on safety initiatives. This improved communication can extend beyond safety issues and positively impact overall teamwork and collaboration within the organization.

    Innovation and continuous improvement

    Safety programs encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Employees and managers actively involved in safety initiatives often identify opportunities for process improvements and technological advancements that not only enhance safety but also increase efficiency and reduce costs.

    Reduced environmental impact

    Many workplace safety programs include initiatives that reduce operations’ environmental impact. Implementing energy-efficient practices, reducing waste, and using safer chemicals or materials can contribute to sustainability goals and demonstrate corporate responsibility.

    Better emergency preparedness

    Safety programs often incorporate emergency preparedness and response plans. Employees trained in emergency procedures are better equipped to handle unexpected situations such as fires, natural disasters, or medical emergencies. This preparedness can save lives and minimize property damage during critical incidents.

    Long-term business sustainability

    Ultimately, a commitment to workplace safety contributes to the long-term sustainability of the business. By protecting employees, minimizing risks, and fostering a positive work environment, you can build resilience against external challenges and position your business for continued success in the marketplace.

    Start Your Own Workplace Safety Program

    Workplace safety programs offer more than just protection against accidents—they promote employee well-being, enhance organizational reputation, improve efficiency, and contribute to overall business success. Investing in safety is a legal and moral obligation and a strategic decision that pays dividends in numerous ways.

    Don’t wait to institute a workplace safety program for your business. Contact Group Management Services today, and we will help you see the benefits of a safer workplace for your business.

  • Workplace injuries can cause more than just physical pain. Businesses lose billions of dollars each year because of injuries, which can include costs from compensation claims and loss of productivity.

    Injuries can’t always be prevented, but workplace safety programs can really limit the amount of incidents on the job. With June being National Safety Month, take a chance to learn about how much injuries can hurt your business and what you can do to help.

    Workplace injuries can cost your business time and money. Contact a PEO for help.

    The Price of Employee Injuries

    So how much can workplace injuries cost? Workers’ compensation claims have cost employers up to $74 billion, with roughly 4.1 million people being injured in a work setting each year in the United States.

    Even more, 4,500 people die from workplace injuries each year. Between the loss of life and the financial issues brought on by on-site accidents, every business should make it a priority to enact safety programs and try and prevent injuries as much as possible.

    How Workplace Safety Programs Can Help

    A sample safety and health program from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration includes four basic program elements:

    • Management, leadership, and employee involvement
    • Worksite analysis
    • Hazard prevention and control
    • Training and education

    A workplace safety program will provide your employees with guidelines that will help them work in a safer environment by analyzing potential dangers, educating everyone about how to correctly operate any necessary equipment and providing other helpful methods to help maintain a safe workplace.

    If you need help setting up a workplace safety program, a Professional Employer Organization like Group Management Services can help. Contact us today to learn more about how GMS’ risk management strategies can make your business safer and save you money.

  • Roughly 2,000 U.S. workers suffer an eye injury at work each day according to the Centers for Disease Control. From tired eyes to serious abrasions, companies need to take measures to help protect their workers. This March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, so we’ve put together some tips to help your employees protect their vision while on the job.

    Image of an employee with safety goggles. GMS can help your company and its employees through risk management services.

    Safety Gear in the Workplace

    When your employees work in places where particles, chemicals, or other dangerous hazards can get into a person’s eyes, they need to have the right protective gear. It seems obvious, but simply wearing eye safety gear is a huge step in preventing injuries.

    While it’s a big first step, eye safety requires more than just wearing goggles, glasses, or face shields. Workers need to make sure that eye safety equipment is properly fitted. Too tight or too loose isn’t going to be nearly as helpful as a comfortable, secure fit, so make sure your employees are using protective gear correctly to help protect them against potential problems.

    It’s Not All the Same

    Not all eyewear is Safety eyewear. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established the standard by which all safety eyewear must be measured. The Z87.1 standard is accepted by OSHA for eyewear PPE in the workplace. All eyewear should have a Z87 stamp on it if the original design has been independently tested and meets the standard for being used to protect employees.

    Defending Against Eye Strain

    You don’t have to be working on a production line to be worried about eye injuries. Eye strain has become a growing problem as improvements in technology have led workers to require digital devices for their work. Too much strain can result in computer vision syndrome, which can cause eye twitching and overall fatigue. If your employees work in front of a screen all day, here are some tips to help relieve eye strain and vision-related issues:

    • Keep at least 20 inches away from your monitor
    • Keep the top of the monitor even to or below your eye level
    • Take quick 20 second breaks for every 20 minutes you are looking at a screen
    • Prevent your eyes from drying out by blinking regularly

    Protecting Your Business Through Risk Management

    Proper eye protection is important for any business. Developing proper safety training programs and manuals are another way to help teach your employees how to protect themselves and protect your company from workers’ compensation claims and rates. 

    Group Management Services can help companies with risk management by putting together and implementing loss prevention and cost containment strategies that will benefit your business. Contact us today to learn more about how GMS can make your business safer.

  • An employee causing an incident can be bad news for a business, especially if that employee ends up hurting someone else. Negligent hiring is a case where an employee injures a co-worker or customer while on the job, leaving you and your company in a difficult position.

    Avoiding negligible hiring cases.

    What Counts as Negligent Hiring

    Employers are expected to take reasonable care with their employees. The level of required care depends on the job itself and how much the hired individual may come into contact with third parties. Another factor is foreseeability, or whether the employer should have been able to foresee if the potential employee is a threat to engage in dangerous conduct. The necessary legal elements of negligent hiring or retention include:

    •  Existence of an employment relationship

    •  Employee’s incompetence

    •  Employer’s actual or constructive knowledge of such incompetence

    •  Employee’s act or omission causing plaintiff’s injuries

    •  Employer’s negligence in hiring or retaining the employee as the proximate cause of plaintiff’s injury

    If all of the above factors are present, it can lead to a guilty verdict for employers. Companies lose roughly 75 percent of negligent hearing cases, costing them upwards of millions of dollars in settlements. 

    Keeping Compliant and Avoiding Negligent Hiring

    When you add an employee to your team, you need to ensure that they’re the right individual for the job. That includes making sure that you are running criminal background checks to avoid hiring the wrong person.

    Group Management Systems can help your company perform necessary background checks through risk management strategies designed to strengthen your business. Contact us today to see how working with a Professional Employer Organization can benefit you and your business.

  • Summer days make for more than just fun in the sun. Summer weather leads to a spike in outdoor jobs, hotter conditions, and workplace injuries. While these issues are a year-long concern, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the rate of workplace injuries increases during the summer season. 

    More injuries mean more workers’ compensation claims, and more claims mean that your company will have to pay a higher workers’ compensation rate. However, business owners can take steps to help lower workers’ compensation rates by employing loss prevention strategies that can help reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. 

    Image of an injured employee. Contact GMS about workers’ compensation risk management strategies.

    Put the Right Workplace Safety Programs and Strategies in Place

    4.1 million people suffer workplace injuries each year. Preventative measures can help limit the risk of accidents in your workplaces. Some measures include:

    • Safety training programs
    • Development of safety manuals
    • Development of safety guidelines for employees
    • Workplace inspections and guidance on OSHA compliance
    • Development of drug-free and drug-testing programs

    Employers pay roughly $74 billion dollars each year for workers’ compensation claims. Simple measures such as safety programs and manuals can help teach your employees about proper procedure so that they don’t unknowingly put themselves at risk. Inspections and testing policies can help make sure that these procedures are followed

    Have a Team That Can Handle Claims Management

    No matter how many programs or safety measures you put in place, accidents can still happen. When they do, it’s important to have a team that can help you protect your business against bad claims.

    Group Management Services partners with businesses to help guide them through the claims process and create loss prevention strategies that minimize risk. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your business safer through workers’ compensation risk management.

  • Not all workplace injuries happen outside. The office isn’t the most dangerous location, but it can still be home to some minor injuries and issues. Here are three threats to employee health in an office space. 

    Image of an injured employee. Contact GMS about risk management

    Slips and Falls

    You don’t have to work on ladders or heavy equipment to be hurt by a fall. While an office won’t provide nearly as many obstacles for employees, it doesn’t take much to throw someone off balance. 

    A wet floor is one notable threat for employees. Loose carpeting or flooring can trip up even the wariest of walkers. Free cables or unclear pathways can also trip up employees and cause them to fall. While a trip in a hallway isn’t as dangerous as a fall off a ladder, an awkward landing can lead to breaks, sprains, and potential hospital visits.

    Lifting Items and Falling Objects

    What goes up must come down. If you’re not careful, both directions can lead to injury. Even offices can require some heavy lifting, whether it’s equipment, supplies, or something else entirely. Improper lifting can lead to back or neck injuries, so it’s important to lift by bending your legs instead of leaning over and hurting your back. Also, if something’s too heavy, it’s probably best to get help.

    Falling objects can also cause problems in the office. Old or broken storage devices can cause objects to fall on people, leading to head injuries. Also, storing objects too high can lead to accidents while workers struggle to reach what they need.

    Workstation Woes

    Sometimes a workstation can be an employee’s worst enemy. Bad workstations can have a number of issues, including broken chairs or computer screens at an improper height. These problems can lead to a number of health issues, including:

    • Bad posture
    • Muscle strain
    • Eye strain
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome

    These aches and pains can hurt employee productivity and lead to more problems down the road, including the need to miss time.

    Help Protect Employees with a PEO

    Workplace injuries are bad for any business. Group Management Services helps businesses through loss prevention strategies that can help protect your employees and your business. Contact us today about how we can help your business avoid office injuries and potential workers’ compensation claims.

  • The knee is the largest joint in our body and, by the nature of its use, takes the brunt of our day-to-day activities. Think about all of the things you do on a daily basis and then try to imagine doing any of them without your knees. Rolling over in bed would be about the only thing you could perform; you couldn’t even stand up to start your day without the use of your knees. 

    Those jointed masses of bone and ligament help us to stand, bend, squat, walk, jump, run, crawl, kneel, pivot, and even sit. Thinking about everything that these joints do for us, it only makes sense to take good care of them.

    Did you know that your knee absorbs four times your body weight when walking and 10 times your body weight when running? Given these numbers, it is evident that even workers with a smaller body frame, carrying an appropriate weight are still stressing their knees every day. Adding my 20-40 pounds of extra body fat, depending on the month, only compounds my chances of experiencing a debilitating knee injury at work sooner rather than later.

    Image of a workplace knee injury. Learn about the impact of knee injuries at work and how risk management services can help.

    Impact of Knee Injuries in the Workplace

    Due to the amount of work our knees perform to propel us through life, they are often the first to break down and let us know they are doing so. Most people have experienced knee pain at one point in their lives, or will experience knee pain in the future. The American Osteopathic Association states that “close to 65% of Americans ages 18 to 34 have experienced chronic pain or someone they care for has experienced chronic pain during the past year.” This number accounts for a large portion of our contemporary workforce. Those of us that work in heavier job classes like skilled trades or nursing can experience knee degeneration at a more rapid pace.

    According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace knee injuries account for 15-20 percent of lost time injuries resulting in 16 days away from work on average. . Early diagnosis and treatment can drastically reduce overall claim cost and days missed from work. Ignoring the pain will rarely make our knee issues go away. Let’s take a look at some simple, cost-effective measures you can implement in your workplace to reduce exposure.

    • Raise the work level so workers are on their knees less.
    • Design workspaces so workers can sit rather than kneel.
    • Stage materials so that workers don’t have to bend or kneel to lift.
    • Use a rolling stool when floor work and movement are required.
    • Provide opportunities for workers to stretch knees through their full range of motion. This helps to lubricate the knee joint.
    • Train your workforce on appropriate knee exercises and stretches.
    • Provide an opportunity for them to stretch before, during, and after work.
    • Provide shock absorbing knee pads for individuals expected to work from their knees.
    • As always, keep your work environment free of clutter and tripping hazards.

    Set an Example for Workplace Safety

    Safety starts and ends with you. The culture is yours to create. Develop it. Own it. Exemplify it. 

    A Professional Employer Organization can help you set the standards for workplace safety by developing safety manuals, training programs, and other strategies to protect your people. Contact GMS today to learn more about risk management services that can create a safer working environment.