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  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced its top 10 most-cited workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2021. OSHA publishes this list annually to raise employer awareness regarding the commonly cited standards. It’s imperative to recognize and correct hazards to avoid a visit – and heavy fines – from OSHA.

    The top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety standards including the number of violations for 2021 are:

    1. Fall protection – general requirements: 5,295 violations
    2. Respiratory protection: 2,527
    3. Ladders: 2,026
    4. Scaffolding: 1,948
    5. Hazard communication: 1,947
    6. Lockout/tagout: 1,698
    7. Fall protection – training requirements: 1,666
    8. Personal protective and lifesaving equipment – eye and face protection: 1,452
    9. Powered industrial trucks: 1,420
    10. Machine guarding: 1,113

    As fall protection is ranked number one for the 11th year in a row, it is vital you and your employees are trained properly. Every company should conduct an annual review of its safety policies and procedures, coinciding with this list’s publication. The list that OSHA provides is simply a starting point for identifying areas to evaluate as you fine-tune your 2022 safety program – however, your employees’ safety requires much more.

    The Importance Of Workplace Safety 

    Every worker should feel safe in their work environment. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide the right conditions for their employees. No matter the size or industry of your business, workplace safety is the number one priority.

    Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, workplace safety has become more important than ever. COVID-19 resulted in an increase in illnesses alongside the development of remote work. Safety-related initiatives result in fewer accidents, fewer occupational health costs, better employee retention and satisfaction, less employee downtime, and less retraining time.

    Invest In Workplace Safety

    Every year, U.S. businesses suffer the consequences of workplace injuries resulting in lost time, leading to costly fines for your business. What proactive steps are you taking to ensure the safety of your employees? GMS assists business owners in taking a proactive approach to workplace safety through various services:

    • Onsite consulting
    • Jobsite inspections
    • Accident and injury investigation

    Allow our team of safety experts to conduct onsite inspections prior to OSHA showing up. Be proactive and partner with GMS 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.

  • When considering partnering with a professional employer organization (PEO), many questions may cross your mind. If you’re just now learning about a PEO, you’ve taken the first step toward providing your company with more efficient and unique practices for handling your most precious assets: your employees. You may be asking, what exactly is a PEO? A PEO enables companies to cost-effectively outsource the management of human resources, employee benefits, payroll, and workers’ compensation. As a PEO, GMS leverages its collective buying power to act as one large company. A PEO works diligently with small business owners to provide them with the same buying power as a larger business through a co-employment relationship. By working with a PEO, you gain access to more cost-effective options regarding healthcare, dental, vision, and workers’ compensation.

    There are many reasons why employers use a PEO. As a business owner, you’re already aware of the amount of time and energy that goes into each aspect of managing your business. What can a PEO do for your business that will save you time and money? Continue reading to see how GMS can make your business simpler, safer, and stronger.

    Payroll

    Managing payroll and tax filings can be one of the most time-consuming and costly tasks there is within your business. Small and mid-sized companies spend an average of $2,000 per employee per year to handle payroll. When you outsource payroll with us, you gain access to:

    • Taxes & tax filing
    • Electronic onboarding
    • Pay card options
    • Garnishment administration 
    • Customized payroll reports
    • Employee documentation
    • Time clock integration
    • GMS Connect: advanced online payroll system
    • New hire reporting
    • Employee self-service portal and app
    • Compliance advice and assistance 

    Human Resources

    There are many functions when it comes to human resources management – from recruiting and retaining employees to payroll to tracking vacation time. Focusing on your company should be your number one concern. Your employees are the backbone of your business. HR management plays a role in instituting and suggesting strategies for individuals that impact the growth of your business. Creating an environment that encourages employees to do their best increases longevity in the workplace. Below are the advantages of outsourcing your human resource functions to a PEO:

    • HR audit
    • Human resources information system (HRIS)
    • Recruitment services 
    • Onboarding
    • Compliance assistance
    • Training & development programs 
    • Retention strategies
    • Recognition programs 
    • Employee relations guidance 

    Risk Management

    There are many risks associated with workers’ compensation and workplace hazards. The majority of work-related deaths, injuries, illnesses, and consequential workers’ compensation costs are preventable. With the right risk management solution, you’ll be able to create a safer work environment for your employees, which ultimately results in fewer claims and a lower workers’ compensation insurance rate. Below are benefits you gain when outsourcing risk management:

    • Claim(s) management
    • PEO discount programs
    • Drug testing
    • Workers’ compensation management 
    • Claim investigation
    • Hearing representation
    • OSHA walk-throughs
    • Safety programs & audits
    • Trainings, webinars, and more

    Benefits

    Attracting and keeping quality employees is the number one concern in today’s workplace. As many individuals are looking for new jobs, standing out from your competitors is key. One of the best ways to do this is by offering a benefits package. Offering a benefits package to your employees, show them you are invested in not only them but their future with your business. Below are examples of benefits you can offer your employees:

    • PEO benefit program
    • TPA services
    • Claims administration
    • Wellness programs 
    • Supplemental insurance programs
    • ACA compliance
    • ERISA compliance
    • RX specialist & assistance 
    • 401(k) 
    • Benefit plan offerings/administration
    • Benefit compliance reporting
    • Claim audits/case management 

    As the list of services that GMS can offer your business is extensive, our experts are here to help with any area of your business that is struggling. By choosing to partner with us, we can better understand what services will be of benefit to your business. We work with you to create a plan that’s designed specifically for the size and needs of your business. Contact us today to learn more!

  • Summer is on the horizon, which means that heat waves, overheating, and heat exhaustion will be more common for companies and employees working outdoors. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in hot temperatures or humid conditions.  

    While you can’t control the temperature, you can take measures to protect your employees from heat stroke and other serious health issues. It’s important to update your heat illness prevention strategies and develop a plan to help ensure the health and safety of your employees. Navigate the heat this summer by following these safety tips. 

    1. Know the Signs 

    To keep your employees safe from the high temperatures, educate them on how to identify signs of heat-related illness. Among the most common illnesses are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.  

    The following are symptoms of heat stroke: 

    • Flushed skin 
    • Rapid breathing 
    • Headache 
    • Confusion 
    • Nausea 

    Keep your eyes out for the following heat exhaustion symptoms: 

    • Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat 
    • Heavy sweating 
    • Paleness 
    • Dizziness 
    • Headache 
    • Faintness 
    • Muscle cramps 

    If one of your employees or co-workers exhibits these symptoms, it’s best to get them in the shade or indoors if possible. The Mayo Clinic also recommends removing the individual’s excess clothing, cooling them off with a cold towel or applying ice packs to their neck, head, and under their arms. If these symptoms persist, consider calling 911 or EMT services.  

    2. Be Aware of Risk Factors  

    While working in the summer heat can be dangerous for anyone, but there are various factors that increase the risk of experiencing a heat-related illness. Read further to understand more about these risk factors. 

    Age 

    Individuals over 65 have a less responsive nervous system, making working in hotter environments more difficult since they can’t regulate body temperature as well. Be aware of your employees’ ages and their health as you schedule them for hotter days or certain assignments. 

    Certain medications and health conditions 

    There are specific medications that impact your body’s ability to stay hydrated and regulate body temperature. Have your employees consult their doctors to see if any of their medications will put them at greater risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Having a history of heatstroke, being overweight, or having heart or lung disease also puts workers at risk.  

    High intensity activity 

    Completing a high-intensity activity in the heat puts workers at greater risk for developing a heat-related illness. Scheduling consistent breaks, providing fans, and water stations are great ways to break up the day and reduce exposure to the sun and heat.  

    3. Dress for the Summer 

    Appropriate attire can help workers stay cool in the summer. If possible, let employees wear loose, light-colored clothing as dark-colored apparel attracts heat, making it easier to overheat. You can also protect your employees from the sun by providing hats and other protective headgear. A little sunscreen also goes a long way toward preventing sunburn. 

    4. Encourage Hydration 

    One way to prevent a heat-related illness is through hydration. By setting up a water station in a section of shade, you can help workers cool down and stay hydrated. It’s also important to set up regular water breaks so that employees have a designated time to rest. On long, sweaty days, providing sports drinks can help workers replenish their electrolytes.  

    5. Develop Risk Management Strategies

    The safety and well-being of your employees is a big responsibility, especially when the weather threatens their health. While educating your employees is a great way to limit the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, many other heat-related risks can occur and fall through the cracks. One way to help protect your employees and your business is to invest in risk management.  

    Group Management Services and Heat Safety 

    A certified professional employer organization (CPEO) like Group Management Services (GMS) can provide your business with the resources and assistance needed to strengthen your safety policies and protect your employees. Our team of experts can help develop safety programs, write safety guidelines, provide onsite consulting, and more. Implementing these safety strategies will protect your employees’ health and safeguard your business from productivity loss, employee injury, and costly workers’ compensation claims. Contact GMS today to talk to one of our risk management experts about how we can help make your business a safer place this summer.