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  • Cashflow is key for any business. That’s an easy concept. What’s more difficult to understand is how to effectively manage all the things that pose a risk to that precious cashflow.

    As a business owner, one of your biggest risks is workers’ compensation. According to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, workers’ compensation cost business owners nearly $60 billion in 2012. That’s a lot of money!

    The good news is that you don’t have to accept rising costs – and a strained cashflow – as a fact of business life.

    Loss prevention can help limit workers’ compensation claims and lower your rates.

    Avoiding Claims

    It may sound obvious, but prevention is the best medicine. The safer the environment, the less likely you’ll have to deal with workers’ compensation. This is just one of many ways a professional employer organization (PEO) can help. 

    Specifically, PEOs can help your business implement loss prevention strategies that will reduce the risk of unfortunate incidents in the workplace.

    Some of these strategies include

    • Safety training programs

    • Development of safety manuals

    • Development of safety guidelines for employees

    • Workplace inspection and guidance on OSHA compliance

    • Development of drug-free and drug-testing programs

    Better Cashflow Through a PEO

    A study released by OSHA claims that a 15% reduction in injuries and illnesses from businesses that don’t have safety and health programs could result in a savings of $9 billion per year. On an individual level, that means more money that can be invested in the growth of your business.

    Have you thought about the potential impact loss prevention strategies can have on your bottom line? Ready to learn more? Contact GMS today.

  • The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has begun commission meetings under its new chair, Jenny R. Yang, this month. The newest commissioner was also sworn in at this time bringing the board back to its full strength of five members.

    This month, they have also begun hearings on workplace harassment. What they have learned from experts in the field is that workplace harassment is still a major problem.

    Workplace harassment is a major issue.

    According to a recent press release from the EEOC, they are developing strategies that focus on targeted outreach and education as well as systemic enforcement to promote broader voluntary compliance.”

    That sound you just heard was business owners slapping themselves in the forehead.

    In the EEOC’s Strategic Enforcement plan for FY 2013-2016, the Commission recognized that an outreach campaign aimed at both educating employers and employees is an important strategy to deter future violations. ‘Preventing harassment from occurring in the first place is far preferable to remedying its consequences,’ Yang said.”

    Of course, what the commission said is true. So true that they are going to form a task force to identify effective strategies to “prevent and remedy” these things. This can only be good, right?

    As a small-business owner, you probably know that harassment can be a problem, but you’ve already probably taken steps to address this from ever becoming an issue. If and when this problem arises, you’re ready for it. Or are you?

    Large companies already have strategies and programs in place to prevent these things from happening and remedying them if they do. They’re not waiting for the heavy hand of big government to dictate to them how to handle these things. They have internal HR departments to put these policies in place.

    However, a small business doesn’t have an HR department. You’ve got you, your attorney and, well, you. Unless of course you’ve opted to go with an outside resource like a Professional Employer Organization (PEO).

    PEOs provide small business owners with the same type of professional HR services that large companies employ without the cost of an internal HR department. In this case, a PEO can help you put together and implement policies that can address harassment issues and as importantly how to handle them if and when they become and issue.

    To learn more about how a PEO can help your business contact us today at 330-659-0100.

  • So you have that “bad apple” employee that you have to get rid of. He’s a pain in your side. Your management team spends an inordinate amount of time dealing with him and frankly, his co-workers don’t like him either. Sounds like a no-brainer, right?

    Wrong.

    When letting an employee go for cause, you need to make sure that you’re protecting yourself from the liability of:

    1. An unemployment claim that will drive your unemployment insurance up, cutting into your margins or putting you in a competitive disadvantage with your competitors
    2. A potential discrimination lawsuit filed by the employee
    3. A possible violation of either the FMLA or ADA that will have the federal government breathing down your back

    How do you avoid these pitfalls? As with all things, there’s an easy way and a hard way.

     

    Picture of a rotten apple. Think it's easy to fire bad employees? Make sure you're protecting yourself from employer liabilities.

    The Hard Way

    You do have tools that are available to you. According to a recent National Law Review piece, the three most underutilized tools to protect employers from liability are: the extra step, job descriptions, and the gut check.

    These harken back to the proper documentation and making sure that a systematic process is followed before terminating an employee for cause.

    That brings us to the definition of the “hard way”. You have to make sure that you have accurate, up-to-date job descriptions in place along with an established, documented protocol that you follow. You can easily address all of those things during your downtime (evenings, early mornings and weekends).

    The Easy Way

    The easy way is to find an inexpensive and cost and time-efficient way in managing your unemployment. The most efficient way of handling these things is through the use of a PEO (Professional Employer Organization). PEOs can look at your operation and put together a comprehensive employee management plan that protects you, your employees and helps reduce employee cost and liability.

    To learn more how a PEO can help your business, contact us today.

  • In January of 2016, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will begin to directly impact businesses with between 50-99 employees. While health insurance rates have been impacting business owners since the start of the ACA several years ago, those companies with 50-99 employees haven’t had to offer healthcare or face a fine. That’s changing in a couple of months.

    The interesting thing about the ACA is that the very people it is supposed to help, low income workers, seem to be the ones least interested getting their healthcare, even when it’s offered by their employers.

    Offering coverage and the Affordable Care Act.

    How the Affordable Care Act Affect Low-income Workers

    In a recent article in the New York Times, Billy Sewell, the owner of 26 Golden Corral restaurants talked about the problems he has had getting his employees to take on his health insurance.

    When this law was first passed, many businesses began scaling back their employees’ hours to get them below the 30-hour workweek threshold requiring coverage. However, others chose to offer it to their employees for a variety of reasons (retain and attract good employees, take care of their company’s “family” of employees, etc.). What they were finding was that different people had different definitions of “affordable.”

    According to the article, Sewell offered his Golden Corral employees coverage through a plan that was only offered to salaried management before. Even though he was going to pay 65% of the employees’ healthcare premiums, he found few takers. It turns out that people who work primarily on tips weren’t willing to even pay the $140 per month for a high deductible health insurance plan.

    This is a problem that isn’t unique to the restaurant industry. There are many industries with employees working at minimum wage or slightly better that either can’t afford the coverage or don’t want it. What’s an employer to do to protect himself/herself from fines tied to the law? There are some safe harbors built into the law allowing for spouse’s income, etc. However, how does a business owner know what the laws are and how they apply to them?

    How Group Management Services Can Help

    If you’re offering healthcare, looking to expand who you cover or are looking to begin offering it, you should talk to some people. If you have a broker, reach out to them or you can do what more and more businesses are doing and speak with a professional employer organization like GMS. By tying together payroll, human resources, and benefits, a PEO may be able to provide you multiple options that you may not be able to get on your own.

    Contact us today to see how partnering with a PEO can provide you and your business with beneficial options.

  • 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.