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  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to implement a hearing conversation program when noise exposure is at or above 85 decibels averaged over eight working hours, or an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The purpose is to prevent initial occupational hearing loss, preserve and protect remaining hearing, and equip workers with the knowledge and hearing protection devices necessary to safeguard themselves.

    Workers exposed to loud noises face the possibility of killing the nerve endings in their inner ears. This results in permanent hearing loss that cannot be corrected through surgery or medicine. Loud noise in a workplace environment causes:

    • Physical and psychological stress
    • Reduces productivity 
    • Interferes with communication and concentration
    • Contributes to workplace accidents and injuries by making it difficult to hear warning signals

    Hearing Conservation Program

    Employers are required to measure noise levels, provide free annual hearing exams, and conduct evaluations of the adequacy of the hearing protectors in use. Research shows that employers who take specific measures by implementing hearing conversation programs have higher levels of productivity from their workers and a lower incidence of absenteeism. All employers must repeat monitoring whenever changes in production, process, or controls increase noise exposure.

    Understand Your Noise Levels

    You can use different methods to measure the noise levels within your workplace. These include:

    • Sound level meters
    • Noise dosimeters
    • Octave band analyzers

    A good rule of thumb is if you need to raise your voice to speak to someone standing three feet away, the noise decibels might be too high. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created an app, Sound Level Meter, an additional tool individuals can use on their devices to measure sound levels. In addition, you can use quitter machines, isolate the noise source, limit worker exposure, or use effective protective equipment.

    Improve Workplace Safety

    At GMS, our safety experts work with you to ensure employee safety. Luckily, it’s possible to protect your employees from excessively loud noise that could cause complete hearing loss. Be proactive and ensure the safety of your employees now before it’s too late.

  • Companies have been forced to review their emergency plans and create anti-violence training as a result of several factors. With the recent spike in shootings and other acts of violence affecting workers, protocols must change. If you add that to an increase of employees returning to work following the COVID-19 pandemic, you might need to reconsider your emergency action plans to reduce workplace violence.

    Workplace violence is “violence or the threat of violence against workers. It can occur at or outside the workplace, ranging from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide, one of the leading causes of job-related deaths.”

    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires workplaces to have an emergency action plan to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. Did you know, on average, nearly two million U.S. workers report being a victim of violence at work? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the annual number of workplace homicides is nearly 400.

    How Employers Can Protect Their Employees

    Employers must establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence against or by their employees. If you do not already have a workplace violence prevention program set in place, consider doing so immediately to ensure the safety of your employees. Another option is to add a new section to your employee handbook regarding workplace violence. It’s imperative that the policy is clear and understood by all employees so that if an accident occurs, all workplace claims are investigated and dealt with promptly.

    In the event of workplace violence, take the following actions:

    • Encourage employees to report and log all incidents and threats of workplace violence. 
    • Provide prompt medical evaluation and treatment after the incident. 
    • Report violent incidents to the local police. 
    • Discuss the circumstances of the incident with human resources.
    • Offer stress debriefing sessions and post-traumatic counseling services to help employees recover from a violent incident.
    • Investigate all violent incidents and threats, monitor trends in violent incidents by type or circumstance, and institute corrective actions. 
    • Discuss changes in the program during regular employee meetings. 

    Create A Plan Before It’s Too Late

    At GMS, the safety of our clients is at the top of our priority list. Our experts create and update our clients’ emergency action plans with the latest laws and regulations. Furthermore, HR experts at GMS enhance your employee handbooks to ensure that your employees are protected and adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence. Don’t let your employees be at risk. Contact us today.

  • What is a Fleet Tracking System?

    A GPS fleet tracking system is an effective tool for managing your business’s fleet of vehicles. Fleet management involves overseeing and optimizing a fleet to enhance safety, efficiency, compliance, and productivity. These systems use GPS technology to monitor the activity of fleet vehicles and assets. They are commonly used by businesses that manage and operate multiple vehicles, such as delivery services, transportation companies, and service providers.

    Benefits of a Fleet Tracking System

    There are numerous reasons why business owners and fleet managers choose to implement a GPS fleet tracking system. Studies show that 62% of GPS tracking users reported a positive return on investment (ROI) in less than six months.

    Lower operational costs

    One of the greatest benefits of implementing a GPS fleet tracking system is the optimization of operational efficiency. By tracking and monitoring gas mileage, fuel consumption, average driving speed, and route distances, managers will have the data needed to optimize driving routes and fuel expenses. These systems can also track idling time, which can significantly impact your efficiency and bottom line, potentially costing thousands of dollars annually.

    Save time

    If there is an accident or congested traffic, GPS trackers provide real-time suggestions for quicker routes, helping drivers avoid unnecessary delays and hazardous conditions. Managers can analyze fuel usage and travel times for frequently traveled routes, enabling them to identify opportunities to reduce both time and fuel consumption.

    Improve driver safety

    With GPS tracking, managers can monitor instances of excessive speeding, hard braking, and aggressive acceleration. By identifying these unsafe behaviors, managers can address them with drivers to prevent accidents or incidents. Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue; a GPS tracking system can help drivers schedule necessary breaks along their routes, ensuring they remain well-rested, alert, and focused. Implementing dash cams is also beneficial for monitoring dangerous behaviors, such as tailgating, distracted driving, and running red lights.

    Reduce the Risk of Theft

    If one of your vehicles is stolen or used outside of operating hours, a GPS fleet tracking system allows you to locate the vehicle quickly, facilitating its recovery. Prompt recovery can save you significant costs associated with replacing or repairing the vehicle.

    A Smooth Ride With GMS 

    Regardless of the size of your fleet, it’s better to be safe than sorry when managing it. With Group Management Services’ (GMS) fleet management GPS tracking system, you can easily manage your fleet, ensuring its efficiency and productivity. Our system updates tracking information every 2-60 seconds while the vehicle is in motion, and all data is stored securely on servers for authorized users. If you’re interested in learning more about fleet management or how GMS can improve your efficiency, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

     

  • Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law Ohio Senate Bill (S.B.) No. 215. This will permit any “qualifying adult” to legally carry, possess, or conceal a handgun without a license, background check, or training requirements.

    Individuals who are considered a qualifying adult include:

    • Those who are 21 years of age or older
    • Legal residents
    • Not a fugitive 
    • Not a subject to a protection order
    • Have not been hospitalized or adjudicated mentally ill
    • Have not been dishonorably discharged from the military 
    • Do not have a conviction or delinquency for a felony, a drug offense, domestic violence, one misdemeanor offense of violence within three years or two within five years
    • Are not otherwise forbidden under state or federal law

    Before this bill, in order to obtain a concealed handgun license in Ohio, an Ohio resident must:

    • Submit an application to the county sheriff
    • Pay an initial $67 fee
    • Pass a background check
    • Complete eight hours of training
    • Pass a written exam

    What This Means For Employers

    The law still authorizes employers to establish, maintain, and enforce policies prohibiting individuals from carrying handguns or firearms in company buildings or within company vehicles. Private employers are “immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to a [person] bringing a handgun onto the premises or property of the private employer, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer, unless the private employer acted with malicious purpose.”

    The main change for employers to be aware of under the new law involves the storage of its employees’ guns in parked cars on company property. A law passed in 2017 allowed employees with a valid concealed carry license to bring firearms and ammunition in their privately owned vehicle onto their employer’s parking lots, as long as they follow specific guidelines. Senate Bill 215 now gives all qualifying adults the same rights effective June 13th, 2022. Employers should consider revising their current employment policies to reflect the new law.

    Protect Your Employees And Your Business

    Since rules and regulations are constantly changing, keeping your business operations up to date is important. Partnering with GMS will provide your business with experts that will handle these ever-changing rules and regulations. Are you worried about Ohio’s new firearm law’s effects on your business? GMS will provide onsite training to ensure your employees are compliant with the law. Do you need to update your employee handbook? Employees at GMS will work diligently to create a handbook corresponding to Senate Bill 215 and identify specific steps employees must take. Get a quote today.

  • According to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), during the first 27 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of workers’ compensation claims increased by 20%. The DWC oversees the administration and operation of the Texas workers’ compensation system.

    The goals of DWC are to ensure:

    • Each employee is treated with dignity and respect when injured on the job
    • Each injured employee has access to fair and accessible dispute resolution processes
    • Each employee that is injured has access to high-quality medical assistance
    • Each injured employee receives services to facilitate their return to work as soon as it’s considered safe and appropriate by their health care provider

    Since May 1st, 2022, insurance companies have reported over 83,000 COVID-19 claims and 448 fatalities to DWC. More than half of these claims were shown to be injured employees who tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, insurance companies:

    • Accepted 58% of positive test claims
    • Denied 42% of positive test claims

    With that being said, out of the 21,000 claims that were denied, there were only 184 disputes filed with DWC. A report stated that this was the highest number of claims and has interrupted a 20-year trend in Texas of fewer workers’ compensation claims reported each year. 51% of COVID-19 claims were in the public administration sector – first responders, correctional officers, and prison workers. 18% of the claims accounted for health care workers and social assistance.

    Carriers have paid a total of $40.6 million in medical costs on COVID-19-related claims that were reported to an insurance carrier as of March 31st, 2022. However, 76% of these costs have been paid by political subdivisions, 20% from insurance carriers, and 4% from the state of Texas.

    How You Can Lower Workers’ Compensation Rates

    The formula for determining your company’s workers’ compensation rates is complex; however, the concept is simple. The more claims an employee files, the higher your rate will be. GMS’ experts work hard to help you save time and money and prevent your workers from being injured on the job. Our team will work with you to reduce the risk of workplace accidents so that your business has fewer, less severe claims over time by using the following:

    • Risk assessments
    • Safety training programs
    • Development of safety manuals
    • Development of safety guidelines for employees
    • Workplace inspections and guidance on OSHA compliance
    • Help implement a drug-free and drug-testing program

    GMS’ workers’ compensation claims management team provides businesses with more than just cost savings. Most importantly, you gain a partner that oversees the process of claims management. We work closely with carriers to ensure that your best interests are always at the forefront. Contact us today to get your workers’ compensation risk under control.

  • No matter your industry, falls are one of the most common ways that your employees can get hurt. In 2020 alone, 211,640 individuals missed time at work due to a slip, trip, or fall, while 805 people ultimately died from their injury. Due to these dangers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) makes it clear that employers must take specific measures to protect employees from slips, trips, and falls.

    Fall protection is one way that employers can create a safer workplace and prevent fall injuries. Keep reading for an overview of what employers need to know about fall protection and how to protect your employees from devastating injuries.

    What Are OSHA’s Fall Protection Standards?

    OSHA has developed multiple rules to protect workers from serious work-related injuries caused by falls. The first part of these regulations starts with broader requirements to maintain compliance and limit the effect of potential danger areas.

    • Give employees working conditions that are free of known dangers.
    • Maintain floors in work areas so that they are clean and as dry as possible.
    • Select proper personal protective equipment and provide it to workers at no cost.
    • Train workers about job hazards in a language that they can understand.

    OSHA also requires employers to take specific measures to address fall risks. The employer must take the following actions to limit the employees’ chances of injuries caused by falls Use railings, toe boards, and floor hole covers to protect workers from walking into any floor holes.

    • Provide a guard rail and toe board around any elevated open-sided platform, floor or runway.
    • Install guardrails and toe boards around any dangerous machines and equipment if employees can fall into or onto them, regardless of the height.
    • Set up or provide any other means of fall protection that may be required depending on the job or environment, such as safety nets, stair railings, and other safety measures.

    It’s also important to note that OSHA has specific fall protection standards for the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 37.9% of fatal construction injuries came from slips, trips, and falls, making fall protection essential. OSHA lays out additional fall safety standards in the Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR 1926.501.

    At What Height Is Fall Protection Required?

    OSHA requires all businesses to prepare their workplace so that employees are less likely to fall from elevated places or into any holes. OSHA uses a “minimum height” measurement to judge which places are considered elevated risks. However, the minimum height for elevated places depends on the type of work being completed on the job site. These heights include the following designations:

    • General industry workplaces – four feet
    • Shipyards – five feet
    • Construction – six feet
    • Longshoring operations – eight feet

    What Are The Basic Types Of Fall Protection Equipment?

    There are multiple forms of fall protection. These safety measures are designed to cover the entire spectrum of fall protection needs, from preventing an initial fall to saving employees from contact injuries after a fall occurs. The basic types of fall protection include:

    • Barriers – These are physical obstacles that prevent people and objects like tools from falling over the edge of a platform or into an open hole. Guardrails and toe boards are the most common version of fall protection barriers.
    • Travel restriction – These restraints are designed to prevent workers from getting too close to an unprotected edge or another form of a fall hazard. For example, a safety harness or belt will be connected to a lifeline that is adjusted to allow users to travel a limited distance.
    • Work positioning – A work positioning system allows workers to work in a secure, anchored space where they can freely use their hands, such as a swing stage or a suspended chair. These systems shouldn’t allow individuals to fall more than two feet and be combined with fall arrest equipment.
    • Fall arrest – Fall arrest systems are emergency measures that prevent users from making contact after a fall. Equipment like safety nets, shock absorbers, and rope grabs limit the total fall distance and protect employees from injuries and potential fatalities.
    • Control zones – In cases where it is impractical to use fall protection systems, control zones are defined areas with safety monitors that limit access to only approved workers.

    What Fall Protection Training Is Required?

    In addition to providing safety measures, OSHA also deems employers responsible for training employees on a variety of fall protection safety topics. Employees should be trained by OSHA-approved trainers and all information should be easily understood by the employee. These lessons should cover the following subjects:

    • What are considered fall hazards, how employees can be injured, and how to recognize these fall hazards.
    • Existing policies and procedures that employees must follow to minimize those hazards.
    • The exact procedures employees should use to correctly install, inspect, operate, maintain, and disassemble their personal fall protection systems and equipment.
    • How to correctly use the personal fall protection systems and equipment required on a job site.

    Protect Your Business Through Proper Fall Protection

    Whether you’re employees are working from heights or walking around an office, it’s essential to prevent falls wherever they can happen. Of course, fall protection isn’t always as simple as putting in guardrails and investing in equipment. It can take a lot of work and expertise to invest in workplace safety, and business owners only have so much free time.

    Fortunately, GMS helps businesses take a proactive approach to workplace safety. Our experts can conduct jobsite inspections, provide industry-specific training, and develop safety documentation for your business. These and other actions will help ensure that your employees are safer and your business stays compliant with OSHA regulations.

    Ready to make your business a safer place? Contact GMS today to talk to one of our experts about our workplace safety services and other critical HR functions.

  • Workplace safety is essential for any business, but it takes on even more importance for construction workers. According to OSHA, nearly 20% of private industry worker fatalities were in the construction industry. That inherent danger is exactly why safety meetings are a critical tool for any construction company.

    Regular construction safety meetings, often referred to as toolbox talks, are a key part of any safety program. Sharing the right construction site safety tips during these meetings can help protect people, keep your company compliant, and reduce workers’ compensation costs. That’s why it’s essential to educate employees and keep everyone on the same page about a variety of topics.

    What To Discuss During Your Construction Safety Meetings

    Every meeting is an opportunity to tackle important safety concepts, topics, and guidelines that will keep your employees healthy and productive. Whether you plan to tackle a variety of subjects in one meeting or want to dedicate an entire session to a specific theme, consider these nine construction safety meeting topics to share at your next meeting:

    • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • Fall protection
    • Hazard identification
    • Lockout/tagout
    • Hand and power tools
    • Fire safety
    • First aid

    Personal protective equipment (PPE)

    Good preparation is pivotal. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to minimize an individual’s exposure to various hazards that can cause serious injuries and illnesses while they’re in the workplace. PPE comes in many forms that range from hard hats to full body suits, but every piece of PPE plays a role in protecting your team.

    Employers are required to provide workers with any necessary PPE to complete their job, along with proper training and guidelines on how to use each piece of PPE. A construction safety meeting is an excellent place to educate employees on your PPE program. That process includes discussing the following PPE-related topics.

    • When PPE is necessary.
    • The types of PPE that are necessary in different situations.
    • How to properly put on, adjust, wear, and take off PPE.
    • The limitations of PPE.
    • Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal directions for PPE.

    Fall protection

    Slips, trips, and falls are a hazard in any setting, but the construction industry is especially at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), construction accounts for roughly half of all on-the-job falls and more than one-third of fall-related fatalities. Discussing the following construction site safety topics with your employees can help your business reduce or eliminate these types of accidents.

    • An overview of fall protection.
    • Common fall hazards and hazard recognition.
    • The different forms of passive and active fall protection.
    • On-site fall safety requirements for different worksite environments.
    • Training on how to proceed around fall hazards and how to use appropriate equipment.
    • What to do if there is a fall.

    Hazard identification

    OSHA defines a hazard as “an inherent property of a substance that is capable of causing an adverse effect.” Simply put, hazards qualify as anything that can hurt someone in your workplace and need to be identified as quickly as possible. Safety is a team effort, which is why hazard identification should be a notable topic for an upcoming safety meeting.

    Teaching employees about hazard recognition is a process that goes beyond spotting danger. Take the following steps the next time you highlight hazard identification during a toolbox talk.

    • Educate employees on the definition of the term “hazard” and how it applies to them.
    • Highlight the different forms hazards can take in the workplace and provide relevant examples. These include:
      • Physical hazards – Excessive noise, cutting risks, etc.
      • Chemical hazards – Exposure to toxic substances, accidental ingestion, etc.
      • Airborne hazards – Fumes, gas leaks, etc.
      • Ergonomic hazards – Improper lifting techniques, improper posture, etc.
      • Biological hazards – Mold, bacterial growth, etc.
    • Practice hazard identification with employees through demonstrations and other tests like OSHA’s Hazard Identification Training Tool.
    • Share the appropriate process for when an employee spots a hazard, including:
      • How to communicate with the team about a hazard.
      • Assessing the risk of the hazard.
      • Putting controls in places to eliminate or reduce the hazard’s ability to cause harm.

    Lockout and tagout

    Heavy equipment and machinery are not uncommon in the construction industry, but they can pose a threat if not dealt with appropriately. Proper lockout and tagout procedures can help employees safely depower these machines to prevent future injuries.

    A safety topics for construction meeting is an excellent opportunity to educate employees about proper maintenance and service protocol. Present written lockout/tagout procedures for every machine during the meeting (and create them if they don’t exist). You’ll also want to walk through the exact procedures for any relevant machines. For example, the following steps represent a typical lockout/tagout process:

    1. Notify employees affected by lockout/tagout procedures.
    2. Shut down equipment according to written guidelines.
    3. Isolate the energy source.
    4. Attach the appropriate lockout device.
    5. Release or restrain any energy stored in the machine.
    6. Verify the lockout with the proper personnel.

    Hand and power tools

    Heavy equipment isn’t the only potential danger on a job site. Common construction tools and other machines can pose hazards without proper training and use. Employers can use safety meetings as a refresher courses for existing tools, special sessions for new devices, or a combination of both. Regardless, the following topics are good subjects during these meetings:

    • How to keep all tools in good condition through proper storage and regular maintenance.
    • How to select the right tool(s) for each task or job.
    • How to examine tools for any damage or other warning signs prior to use.
    • Correct operating procedures for each tool (including manufacturers’ instructions if applicable).
    • How to spot environmental issues that can impact tool safety (ex. wet conditions for electrical equipment).
    • When and how to properly use the right PPE for relevant tools.

    Fire safety

    Between electrical tools and flammable materials, fires are a real risk on many construction sites. A fire can break out at any time, so it’s best to educate employees about what they can do to prevent them – and what to do in case one does occur. Below are some notable topics that your business should discuss during a fire safety toolbox talk.

    • Common job site fire safety hazards.
    • How to handle and store flammable materials.
    • How to use equipment that can create sparks and other potential fire safety issues.
    • Proper procedures during a fire and other related response plans.
    • Where to find fire response equipment (and how to use that equipment).

    First aid

    While businesses can take several precautions to make their work environment as safe as possible, there’s always a chance someone can get hurt. OSHA requires construction companies to have someone properly trained in first aid on-site, but it’s also good to remind workers about first aid basis. That discussion should include the following topics:

    • The location of any first aid kids on-site and what these kits contain.
    • Any other safety supplies that may be required on-site, such as an automatic external defibrillator.
    • How to use first aid skills for minor treatments, such as cleaning minor cuts, applying bandages, and more.
    • A review of your emergency action plan, including the following steps:
      • How to survey an accident scene.
      • How to identify injuries and other issues.
      • How to contact emergency medical services (and what information you should share with them).

    Take A Proactive Approach To Workplace Safety Management

    From ladder safety to hazard recognition, a little prevention goes a long way toward protecting your employees and business from injuries, illnesses, and worse. Construction safety meetings are an excellent way to train workers, encourage discussion, and keep everyone accountable. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to stay ahead of safety and compliance risks alone.

    Group Management Services partners with businesses to make their business safer and more efficient. Our workplace safety experts take a proactive approach through onsite consulting, jobsite inspections, workplace safety courses, and other key services. Contact us now about how GMS can make your business a safer place.

  • For the majority of small businesses, workers’ compensation insurance is simply an unavoidable cost. The exact requirements vary by state, but any company that needs coverage faces a simple scenario – carry workers’ comp insurance or face the consequences.

    While workers’ compensation coverage is a must for many small businesses, figuring out how much your business will owe is complicated. The exact rates can change every year and there are a variety of factors that impact how much workers’ compensation will cost your business. Let’s break down what impacts your workers’ compensation rates (and what you can do to save on these costs).

    How To Calculate Workers’ Comp Rates For Your Business

    The first step toward understanding workers’ compensation rates is to identify what factors directly impact premiums. There are three main elements that insurance companies use to calculate your workers’ compensation rate:

    • Workers’ compensation classification codes
    • Payroll
    • Experience modification number

    Workers’ compensation classification codes

    Your business’ line of work plays a major role in determining your workers’ compensation rates. Insurance companies use class codes assigned by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) to adjust your rates. These three- or four-digit codes represent the overall risk level for different types of work.

    Insurance agents and underwriters use this information to adjust your overall costs based on your line of business. As you may expect, class codes that indicate greater risk will typically yield higher workers’ compensation insurance premiums. For example, an electrician will be more expensive to cover than an office worker.

    While many states use NCCI codes for their workers’ compensation rate calculations, some locations can complicate these calculations. There are several states that use their own code system, meaning that your rates could vary from the NCCI’s rules and regulations if your business is located in the following states:

    • California
    • Minnesota
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • Massachusetts
    • Pennsylvania
    • New Jersey
    • Delaware
    • Indiana
    • Michigan

    To complicate matters even further, there are four monopolistic states: Ohio, Washington, Wyoming, and North Dakota. These states have special legislation in place where workers’ compensation coverage is only provided through a state program. For example, employers in Ohio must go through the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) for workers’ compensation insurance by themselves or with a partner like a Professional Employer Organization. This difference means there is no open market for workers’ compensation insurance and the states may use separate class codes from the NCCI.

    Payroll

    While class codes impact your insurance rates based on risk factors, your payroll serves as the basis for your overall costs. Class code rates are assigned a dollar amount for every $100 of payroll, so your overall costs will naturally increase along with your total payroll.

    Of course, the rates will make a major difference in just how much you owe. Let’s imagine that you need workers’ compensation coverage for an employee making $50,000 a year. If that employee’s rate was $1.50 per $100, those costs would amount to $750 for that salary. Meanwhile, a higher rate of $15 per $100 will bump those premiums up to $7,500 for that one employee.

    Experience modification number

    Your business’ past also plays a part in your exact rates. Insurance companies factor in your overall workers’ compensation claims history and workplace safety into their calculations. In short, safer businesses with fewer, less severe claims will end up paying less than a similar business with more past incidents or infractions.

    The way insurance companies take your business’ experience and loss history into account is through your experience modification number, also known as a MOD. In general, agents and underwriters will look at your last three years of claims data, such as the type, severity, and frequency of claims to assess your overall risk level. The resulting MOD is then used as a multiplier in the following way.

    • Class code rate x (Annual payroll/$100) x MOD = Your business’ workers’ compensation premium

    If a business meets the expected losses for their type of work, they’d receive a MOD of 1.0 that won’t impact the calculation at all. Businesses with more losses than expected will have a MOD greater than 1.0, while businesses with a good claims history will have lower MODs. These MODs can drastically impact your overall costs. For example, a MOD of 0.8 will cut your premiums by 20%, while a MOD of 1.2 will increase them by 20%.

    Lower Your Workers’ Comp Costs With GMS

    Calculating your company’s workers’ compensation rates is a complex process, but that doesn’t mean lowering them has to be difficult for small business owners. GMS is a PEO that partners with businesses to save them time and money by taking on critical administrative burdens for them. That partnership includes utilizing cost containment and loss prevention strategies to help you lower your workers’ compensation rates.

    GMS partners with businesses of all sizes to minimize exposure through workplace safety and expert claims management. Our experts work directly with you to limit the potential for workplace injuries or illnesses through safety training and risk assessments. Meanwhile, we’ll be there to quickly and properly manage claims to control extra costs and protect your business.

    Ready to lower your workers’ comp premiums and focus on growing your business? Contact GMS today to workers’ compensation risk under control.

  • As a small business owner, it’s important to maintain a safe working environment. One of the ways that employers can create a safe workplace is to implement a random drug testing policy.

    Random drug and alcohol tests are a popular choice in workplaces because they discourage employees from coming to work while under the influence. Of course, there are plenty of rules and regulations that dictate some of the details around your drug testing policy, especially as more states legalize marijuana for medicinal use. Let’s break down what you should and shouldn’t do when designing and implementing a random drug testing policy for your business.

    Do: Notify And Educate Employees About Your Drug Testing Policy

    If you want to maintain a reasonable drug-free workplace and expect your employees to comply with mandatory drug testing, you need to notify them about the policy. Give your group of employees plenty of notice before the policy comes into effect and make sure to explain what their responsibilities are.

    There are multiple ways to advertise your drug policy, such as putting posters around the workplace and sending emails with educational resources. You’ll also want to hold a meeting to explain why you’re implementing a random drug testing policy and give your employees a chance to ask questions.

    Don’t: Skimp On Details

    A good drug testing policy is a thorough one. Your drug testing policy is there to protect you as well as your workforce, so make sure you have everything in writing. This means that your policy should cover several details, including:

    • Why you’re conducting drug tests.
    • What substances you’re testing for.
    • What testing method you’re using, and which company will be testing the samples.
    • The potential for false positives, if known.
    • How employees can appeal positive drugs tests and the details of your retesting policy.

    Do: Provide Proper Notice Of Upcoming Drug Tests

    While it’s tempting to think you can ask any employee to take a drug test at any time, your employees have the right to be given advance notice and to refuse a drug test if that notice has not been given. Most states require advance notice of drug tests, so it’s best to plan ahead and avoid potential problems.

    To protect both yourself and your employees, confirm in writing that the employee has been requested to take a drug test and make sure the correspondence is dated and logged. This process prevents employees from claiming they did not receive the request, or that they did not receive enough notice.

    Don’t: Ignore Local Laws

    Proper notice isn’t the only requirement that vary from state to state. You’ll have to tailor your policy to your location, as many states have their own laws regarding how to give notice to employees, what testing can be performed, and how employees can contest the results. The ACLU has an in-depth breakdown of each state’s requirements to help you keep your policy compliant.

    Do: Consult With An Attorney

    Before you talk to any of your employees about your drug testing policy, you’ll want to run it by a legal expert. Consult with an attorney to ensure that your policy complies with any relevant regulations. Between local, state, and federal laws, it’s best to leave some details to an expert. As such, attorney guidance can help you navigate tricky situations regarding marijuana laws, discrimination, and other factors that directly impact your drug testing policy.

    Don’t: Share Positive Tests Publicly

    Just because an employee tests positive doesn’t mean everyone should know. Your employees have a right to privacy and sharing that an employee has tested positive for drugs with their coworkers, other employers, or even their friends and family is illegal.

    Have internal policies in place to keep drug test results private between managers and their employees. These tests should also be stored securely to limit the chances that information and testing equipment are safe.

    Do: Clearly State The Consequences Of Violating Your Drug Policy

    It’s important that your employees know exactly what will happen if they fail a test. The exact consequences can vary depending on each policy. For example, you may choose to have a zero-tolerance attitude towards any substance if the employee works with heavy machinery or vehicles. However, a retail business may be more lenient with its disciplinary action.

    Your policy should also clearly state what happens following a positive drug test, and what rights the employee has to appeal the decision. Again, you should discuss with an attorney what’s considered reasonable based on the risk a non-sober employee presents.

    Don’t: Let Your Opinions Get In The Way

    Another key responsibility as a business owner is to be impartial during the drug testing process. You can’t let personal relationships with employees result in different consequences or processes, as this opens the door for discrimination cases. Every employee should be treated the same way and every meeting following a positive test should include an impartial third party.

    Do: Work with Experts to Build a Proper Drug Testing Policy

    Drug testing policies play a large role in keeping workplaces safe. However, it’s not easy to put together the proper policy and procedures to legally test your employees. That’s where GMS can help.

    GMS is a Professional Employer Organization that provides businesses with the HR tools and resources needed to help their business grow and succeed. Our experts can advise you on how to build a drug testing policy, as well as review your policy drafts to ensure that you and your employees are protected. Contact GMS today about how we can support your business through dedicated service and support.

  • A healthy and efficient workforce is an important part of any successful business. In environments where workplace injuries are more common, it’s absolutely essential.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent occupational injuries and illnesses survey, the manufacturing industry accounted for “15% percent of all private industry nonfatal injuries and illnesses.” Manufacturing safety meetings are a great opportunity to educate your employees on key safety guidelines and practices. With the right information, your company can help protect people from injuries, stay compliant, and reduce workers’ compensation costs.

    8 Essential Safety Topics for Manufacturing Companies

    When it comes to safety topics for the manufacturing industry, there are a variety of subjects that you should discuss with your employees. Here are eight key topics that your company should highlight at the next manufacturing safety meeting.

    Slips, trips, and falls

    The potential for slips, trips, and falls is arguably the biggest threat for manufacturing employees. OSHA estimates that these falls account for more than a third of fatal workplace injuries, making it a major priority for any manufacturing company. There are a variety of reasons for slips, trips, and falls in the workplace, including:

    • Wet or uneven surfaces
    • Ladders that are defective or set up improperly
    • Dangerous weather conditions
    • Crowded workspaces
    • Poor lighting
    • Human error

    While you can’t prevent every slip, trip, and fall, you can use safety meetings to educate employees about proper safety precautions. Train every employee on how to identify potential hazards and use protective equipment and fall protection systems. That education will not only help employees stay aware, but also know what to do to protect themselves and your business.

    Fire hazards

    A single fire can put both lives and property at risk. Your next safety meeting should highlight how fires start and what employees can do to prevent them. Start by breaking down relevant OSHA codes designed to protect against fire hazards. Employees should also learn about how they can adhere to any state or local fire safety laws to stay compliant and limit the chances of a fire.

    You should also educate workers about what to do in case a fire ever breaks out at your facility. Have an evacuation plan for your employees so that they know how to get to safety. Make sure that your employees know the following details:

    • The locations for any fire extinguishers and other prevention equipment and instructions on how to use fire protection devices.
    • The locations of all exits at your facility.
    • Available evacuation routes.

    Hazardous materials

    The presence of hazardous materials can create a number of safety issues. Safety meetings are a tremendous opportunity to educate employees about the dangers of hazardous materials and proper procedures when dealing with these substances. 

    To start, share guidelines on how employees should label, handle, and store hazardous materials. Let employees know where they can access safety data sheets for any onsite chemicals. You should also give employees a thorough rundown on proper waste management. This discussion should include details on the following subjects:

    • Relevant hazardous waste regulations
    • Waste determination
    • Accumulation limits
    • Waste pickup procedure

    Finally, employees need to know next steps in case a spill, leak, or other form of exposure occurs. Discuss what can happen in these events and how to act quickly in these emergencies. If you really want to give employees some experience, you can perform a simulated emergency to help workers practice how to respond to potential spills and leaks.

    Safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment 

    Personal protective equipment (PPE) won’t help if your employees don’t know how to use it – and that’s if they use it at all. The first step of this process is to ensure that your employees and acknowledge that using or wearing safety equipment and PPE is mandatory. As long as you make this equipment available to employees at no cost of their own, they must use safety masks, reflective vests, and any other safety gear.

    Of course, having that equipment and knowing how to properly use it are two different issues. Use your safety meeting as an opportunity to educate employees about how to properly wear, use, and store equipment. Employees should also know how to identify and report any equipment issues issues and next steps for disposal and replacement.

    Machine guarding

    According to OSHA, unguarded and inadequately guarded machinery leads to “18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions, and over 800 deaths per year.” It’s essential to put the proper safeguards in place and educate employees about the dangers that industrial equipment can pose. Make sure that employees are aware of the risks associated with improper machine guarding and take the following steps to limit the potential for user error:

    • Train employees on how to correctly use any industrial equipment and follow proper procedures.
    • Review the machine guarding controls in place at your facility, which can include barriers, two-hand trips, and other safety measures.
    • Conduct a full walkthrough of your facility or facilities to highlight controls and potential risks.

    Lockout/tagout procedures

    Certain industrial equipment can release hazardous energy sources whether they’re in use or not. Educating employees about proper lockout and tagout procedures will help ensure that workers know how to safely depower machinery and limit the potential for workplace injuries.

    Use your manufacturing safety meeting to stress just how important it is to control hazardous energy and follow proper maintenance and service protocol at all times. If you don’t already, make sure you have written lockout/tagout procedures for every machine and present them during the meeting. While the exact procedures can vary, the following steps represent a typical process for lockout/tagout:

    1. Notify any employees who are affected by lockout/tagout.
    2. Shut down equipment in accordance to proper procedure.
    3. Isolate the energy source.
    4. Attach the appropriate lockout device.
    5. Release or restrain any energy stored in the machine.
    6. Verify the lockout with the proper personnel.

    Electrical safety

    Anytime equipment generates electricity, there’s a chance that someone can get electrocuted. Electrical accidents can range from minor shocks to major fires and fatalities. Regardless of the danger level, you’ll want to talk with your employees about these hazards.

    It’s important that employees don’t underestimate potential electrical safety threats. While electrical machinery is a more obvious hazards, exposed wires or improperly used power strips are also an issue. The following topics can help ensure that employees know how to behave around electrical equipment and why safety is so important.

    • Electrical safety requirements and procedures in the workplace.
    • Why electrical safety-related work practices are critical.
    • How to identify potential hazards.
    • The different types of electrical injuries.

    Ergonomic work areas

    It’s easy to overlook the importance of workplace ergonomics, but this topic plays a direct role in limiting injuries and stress. Both laborers and office team members can directly benefit from adapting processes, environments, and instruments around their physical needs. There are a variety of ways that you can educate employees about safe workplace ergonomics, including the following subjects.

    • Correct lifting techniques and best practices to handle repetitive motion.
    • Stretches and exercises that can help minimize physical risks when bending, lifting, or twisting.
    • Ways to adjust computer monitors, equipment, and other items to improve posture and avoid neck and back pain.
    • Proper posture to prevent long-term issues.

    Protect Your Business Through Manufacturing Safety Meetings

    Proper safety training can go a long way toward making your workplace safer and more efficient. However, it’s not always easy for small businesses owners to conduct these meetings and stay ahead of safety and compliance risks alone.

    Group Management Services partners with businesses to reduce risk and create a safer, more efficient work environment. Our experts can assist you with onsite consulting, jobsite inspections, accident and injury investigations, training, and safety education. You can also sign up for one of our workplace safety courses. Contact GMS today to talk to our experts about how we can make your business simpler, safer, and stronger.

    And, be sure to mark your calendars for our upcoming safety expo on Sept. 10, 2021 at our Richfield office. For more information on the expo, please contact Paul Aldrich at PAldrich@groupmgmt.com