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  • Robust risk management should be a priority for any home health care organization. With caregivers working in patients’ homes and often across state lines, agencies operate in a unique environment with stringent compliance requirements, seasonal hiring patterns, and clinical and non-clinical hazards. The risks within the industry are unique and can be unpredictable, which means agencies need personalized solutions and support to reduce and effectively manage them.  

    The Unique Risks of Home Health Care 

    Uncontrolled and Unpredictable Care Environments

    Home health care presents a mix of clinical and operational risks that differ from those in traditional health care settings. Unlike hospitals, clinics, or traditional workplaces, home health caregivers perform their duties in patients’ homes, which presents unique risks, including tripping hazards, biological hazards, poor lighting, or structural damage. Because caregivers have a limited amount of control over these environments, they must heavily rely on preparation and training.  

    High Workers’ Compensation Exposure 

    Home health aides experience some of the highest injury rates in the health care industry. Common claims include: 

    • Musculoskeletal injuries from lifting or repositioning patients 
    • Slips, trips, and falls 
    • Needlestick or sharps injuries 
    • Injuries from combative or confused patients 

    These injuries differ from traditional workplaces, where equipment, staffing, and safety features are more consistent. In home health, the variability of the client and equipment increases both the frequency and severity of injuries or accidents. 

    High Turnover & Training Gaps 

    The home health workforce experiences high turnover, which often leads to inconsistent onboarding, inadequate training, and increased risk. When workers join agencies quickly to fill open shifts, training gaps can widen, increasing the risk for the caregiver and the patient. Seasonal employment can also impact employee talent pools and availability. 

    Best Practices for Prioritizing Safety in Home Health Care 

    Whether you’re an agency leader or a caregiver, consistent safety habits reduce risks and increase confidence on the job. While there aren’t specific rules or policies that can extend full coverage for all potential accidents or incidents, caregivers can follow industry best practices to help reduce accidents or hazards. 

    Safety training

    To improve overall caregiver and patient safety, employers should provide structured and recurring safety training. Training reinforces best practices, reeducates caregivers on proper procedures, and teaches new skills. The more training employers offer, the greater the skillset and preparedness of their caregivers.  

    Streamline onboarding

    When employers provide an onboarding process that is organized, clear, and robust, caregivers will gain a better introduction to the agency and their role. With a quality onboarding system in place, agencies can reduce time to hire and streamline the onboarding process.  

    Develop clear procedures

    Agencies should have a variety of safety policies and procedures in place so that caregivers know how and when to report incidents or hazards. This documentation will help agencies and caregivers with workers’ compensation claims, accident reports, and more. 

    Create checklists

    There are a variety of hazards within any workplace, but for home health care agencies, caregivers are susceptible to a variety of risks. Remembering all of the hazards to look out for can be confusing and overwhelming. But by creating checklists for caregivers to reference during home visits, agencies can lower the risk of potential accidents or injuries and keep caregivers prepared.

    Strengthening Your Agency With a Risk-Focused PEO Partner 

    Home health care agencies carry tremendous responsibility to deliver quality care while navigating unpredictable environments, changing regulations, and workforce challenges. Partnering with a human resources (HR) partner like Group Management Services (GMS) provides the structure and expertise needed to minimize risk, protect caregivers, and maintain compliance. 

    With trained staff, proactive safety programs, and a compliant series of risk management policies and procedures, your agency can stay focused on what it does best, providing exceptional care. Learn more about our risk management services here! 

  • For many organizations, especially those in manufacturing and construction, an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection can feel intimidating and overwhelming. However, with proper preparation, an OSHA visit doesn’t have to be stressful or disruptive. Implementing effective safety procedures and practicing proactive safety readiness can reduce regulatory risks, enhance workplace safety culture, improve operational efficiency, and safeguard your workforce. 

    But what does it mean to be proactive when it comes to safety? Why does an OSHA inspection matter? Continue reading to learn more about OSHA investigations, why they are important, and how to properly prepare for them.  

    What is OSHA? 

    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal agency dedicated to ensuring safe and healthy working conditions across the country, through employee training and education, enforcing safety and health standards, and implementing worker protections. 

    OSHA inspections often take place without prior notice to employers. Surprise inspections can be triggered by employee complaints, recent injuries or accidents, or a significant number of work-related fatalities within a certain timeframe. However, even if your workforce has not experienced these events, OSHA inspectors may still choose your company for a random inspection. 

    This is why it is essential to implement proper safety procedures to minimize overall risk and protect the health and safety of your employees. By being consistently prepared for inspections, you can ensure that an unannounced visit does not catch your organization off guard, reducing the risk of costly penalties or fines. 

    The Importance of Nailing an OSHA Inspection 

    Long-term impact 

    OSHA citations can carry significant penalties, which increase annually due to inflation. In addition to financial repercussions, OSHA violations can damage customer confidence, strain supplier relationships, and undermine employee trust. The combination of financial penalties and diminished client trust puts your company at risk for high turnover rates and reputational damage, which could negatively affect your business in the long run. 

    Safer operations 

    Conducting regular internal reviews and compliance checks can help identify potential issues before they pose a risk to employees. A robust safety program often results in fewer injuries, less downtime, and increased productivity. By proactively managing safety and risk, you can build employee trust, prepare for unexpected inspections, and reduce workers’ compensation costs. 

    Safety-focused culture 

    Employees who feel safe are more likely to remain with the company. Showing a commitment to maintaining a hazard-free workplace fosters organizational trust and enhances company culture. When workers feel secure and valued, they tend to show greater loyalty, higher engagement, increased productivity, and improved morale. 

    Best Practices for Preparing for a Potential OSHA Audit 

    Maintain up-to-date written safety programs 

    OSHA requires many workplaces to maintain documented safety programs. Important documents may include a hazard communication program, an emergency action plan, OSHA 300 logs, assessments for personal protective equipment (PPE), and more. 

    Employers should review these documents annually to ensure they accurately reflect current operations and procedures. Additionally, employees should document any changes to procedures, as well as any accidents or injuries that occur, along with identifying potential hazards. This documentation helps employers prepare for possible questions during inspections. 

    Regularly inspect your workplace

    Routine self-inspections help you stay aligned with OSHA standards. Your internal audit process should include: 

    1. Facility walk-throughs 
    2. Review of documentation and training records 
    3. Interviews with employees about their understanding of safety procedures 
    4. Corrective action tracking and follow-up 
    5. And more!

    Many organizations benefit from hiring a third-party safety consultant to provide an objective assessment. Third parties like Group Management Services (GMS) can consult on best safety practices, provide personalized training, and help prepare employers for audits or OSHA inspections.  

    Review OSHA standards 

    Depending on your industry, your company must adhere to specific OSHA regulations. It’s important to review and familiarize yourself with the standards relevant to your field. This will help you identify applicable regulations, focus on key areas, and determine what needs to be updated. By being prepared and understanding these standards, you can take steps to update your safety policies and minimize hazards. 

    Foster a continuous improvement mindset

    OSHA readiness isn’t a one-time event—it’s part of a long-term culture of safety. Organizations that excel in inspections typically: 

    1. Conduct monthly safety meetings 
    2. Encourage employee incident reporting 
    3. Recognize employees for safe behaviors 
    4. Perform routine hazard analyses 

    When safety becomes part of daily operations, audit readiness happens naturally. Employers who carefully review OSHA standards, communicate expectations with employees, and train them accordingly are less likely to fail an inspection and have a workplace injury.  

    OSHA and GMS

    An OSHA inspection can be an overwhelming experience, but with the right partner, it can be simple. Third parties like GMS act as your partner in risk, safety, and growth. GMS helps employers create a safer workplace culture through consultations, inspection assistance, legal representation in hearings, policy implementation, and personalized training. Our safety experts are there to walk you through the best safety practices and ensure long-term success.  

    By implementing consistent, proactive practices, your organization can face any OSHA visit with confidence and demonstrate your commitment to a safe, compliant workplace. Discover how GMS can help simplify your safety processes and ensure you’re ready for an OSHA inspection by contacting us!  

  • In every industry, prioritizing worker health and safety should be a top concern for business owners. Although investing in safety measures can be costly, the impact of a worker’s injury or illness can be far more damaging to your business in the long run. For instance, the costs associated with workers’ compensation claims, reduced productivity, and damage to your reputation can quickly accumulate, negatively impacting your business’s success and bottom line for years to come. 

    The Importance of Employee Safety 

    In 2024, U.S. employers reported roughly 1.5 million  work-related injury and illness cases. About  90%  of these cases were injuries, with construction, manufacturing, and transportation as the top industries for injuries to occur. 

    These statistics serve as a reminder that managing the risks associated with operating your business goes beyond simply filing paperwork, writing policies, or providing hard hats. It requires a commitment to prevention and focus on follow-through. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. One effective way to ensure that your work environment is secure and compliant is by conducting a safety audit. 

    The World of Safety Audits 

    Safety audits are a proven method to ensure that small businesses have the right programs and policies in place to reduce accidents, injuries, and overall risk. A safety audit is a systematic review of workplace processes, equipment, and practices to ensure they meet safety standards and regulatory requirements. Conducting an audit is not just about identifying hazards; it’s about creating proactive and effective solutions.  

    Benefits of conducting a safety audit 

    Conducting a safety audit is beneficial for a variety of reasons: 

    • Ensures regulatory compliance 
    • Reduces the risk of workers’ compensation claims and payments 
    • Develops and enforces a workplace culture focused on health and safety 
    • Boosts employee morale and trust 
    • Improves preparedness for emergencies and accidents

    The Process of Conducting a Safety Audit 

    Preparation 

    To conduct an effective safety audit, start by clearly defining your objectives, whether it’s ensuring compliance, improving safety culture, or reducing incident rates. Gather all relevant documentation, including information on current safety policies, training records, past incident reports, and maintenance logs. 

    Next, prepare a detailed checklist of areas to inspect, focusing on high-risk zones such as machinery or chemical handling stations. Include checking on potential hazards like fire risks, electrical issues, and the proper use of protective equipment. This proactive approach ensures that no area is overlooked and helps identify risks before they lead to accidents. 

    Conducting an audit

    When inspecting the workplace, start with a thorough walkthrough of the facility to observe daily operations and identify hazards such as blocked exits, faulty equipment, or improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Pay close attention to high-risk areas and check that machines are functioning properly, meet safety codes, and display the required signage.  

    In addition to physical checks, interview employees to gain insight into operational safety practices and challenges. Encourage honest feedback to uncover gaps in current procedures. Finally, evaluate compliance by comparing your findings against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards or other applicable regulations, noting any gaps and prioritizing implementing effective solutions. This approach ensures that both operational and managerial practices are aligned with safety requirements. 

    Reporting 

    After completing the audit, compile all findings into a clear report and assess the severity of each hazard. Prioritize the most critical risks first, as these pose the greatest threat to employee safety and operational continuity. Once the top hazards are identified, brainstorm practical solutions. These may include providing targeted training on specific safety procedures, purchasing new protective equipment such as flame-resistant gloves or hard hats, installing proper signage near high-voltage areas, adding fire extinguishers, or implementing lockout/tagout systems for machinery.  

    Sharing the report with management is essential to identifying the next steps and creating a detailed action plan that outlines responsibilities, timelines, and resources needed to implement the proposed solutions effectively. This structured approach transforms audit results into actionable improvements that enhance workplace safety. 

    A Safety Partner 

    At Group Management Services (GMS), we understand that creating a safe and compliant workplace isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about protecting your people and your business. By making them part of your operational routine, you protect your people, your reputation, and your bottom line. Our team helps companies implement proactive safety measures, conduct thorough audits, and develop customized solutions that reduce risk and improve employee well-being. By partnering with GMS, you gain expert guidance and resources to build a culture of safety that minimizes costly incidents and supports long-term success. 

  • As temperatures drop and winter approaches, construction business owners encounter specific challenges, including weather-related delays and increased safety risks for workers. Preparing for winter involves more than just providing warm protective gear; it requires careful planning to keep projects on track and ensure the health and well-being of employees.

    Winter preparation is essential for maintaining workforce safety, ensuring compliance with regulations, and completing projects efficiently and on schedule. Continue reading to discover effective ways to prepare your business and protect your employees during the winter months. 

    Preparing For the Winter Months

    Winter conditions increase the risk of injuries, especially in the construction industry. With freezing temperatures, ice, and snow, employees face a greater risk of making a mistake, slipping on patches of ice, experiencing hypothermia or cold stress, or mishandling equipment. To reduce the risk of these accidents, business owners should review their current safety policies and procedures and consider the following tips. 

    Provide proper winter gear

    To help reduce the risk of hypothermia, slips, falls, or frostbite, employers should provide proper gear. This gear should include insulated gloves, boots with good traction, warm outerwear, and eye protection. When employees have proper safety equipment, they feel safer, which can lead to improved productivity and morale. 

    Schedule with intention 

    Employers should require employees to wear proper equipment and schedule work shifts during the warmest parts of the day, typically when the sun is up, to minimize exposure to cooler temperatures.

    Business owners should also schedule consistent breaks. This allows employees time to warm up and hydrate in a heated, dry environment. This ensures your employees are alert, warm, and at a lower risk of cold stress or hypothermia.   

    Consistently check the job site 

    Cold weather can significantly impact equipment and construction materials. To minimize damage from snow, ice, and moisture, it is important to properly cover or store your materials. This practice helps maintain the quality of your equipment and can save you money on potential replacement costs. It’s also best practice to keep walkways, access roads, and the job site free from any ice or snow to prevent accidents or delays.  

    Prioritize worker safety 

    Along with providing appropriate protective equipment for your workforce, it is essential to offer safety education. Conduct refresher training sessions on cold stress and hypothermia, covering their symptoms, causes, and treatment. When employees recognize the signs, they are more likely to take proactive steps to seek warmth and ask for help. Winter safety training should also review basic safety procedures, injury and accident protocols, and remind employees of the best practices for navigating job sites during the winter months.  

    Construction Safety with GMS

    As a construction business owner, navigating the cooler temperatures and the accompanying wind, snow, and ice can be challenging. But with the right preparation and education, your workforce can operate safely and efficiently. You also don’t have to navigate the winter months alone. With Group Management Services (GMS), you gain a trusted partner who can assist with risk management and workers’ compensation claims. 

    GMS’ safety team offers a range of services, including conducting safety audits, addressing compliance concerns, developing safety plans, providing training, and offering on-site consulting. They can help you proactively manage your safety policies and risk management, ultimately making your company simpler, safer, and stronger. 

    Explore our risk management offerings here!  

  • Workers’ compensation insurance is essential for the health, safety, and security of both employees and employers when a workplace accident or injury occurs. Employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance annually to provide coverage for employees who sustain injuries or illnesses at work. This coverage typically includes compensation for lost wages and medical expenses such as doctor visits, medications, and more. 

    For employers, understanding the limits and structure of their workers’ compensation policy is crucial, not only for compliance but also for financial and operational planning. 

    What Are Employer’s Liability or Part B limits?

    Workers’ compensation limits refer to the maximum amount an insurance policy will pay if an employee decides to sue you for a work-related illness or injury.  These limits are typically broken down into different categories, such as:

    • Per accident: The maximum payout for a single incident. 
    • Per employee: The maximum payout for claims made by one employee.
    • Policy aggregate: The total amount the policy will cover across all claims during a policy period. 

    Different policies offer different limits, and choosing the right coverage depends on the size of your workforce, the nature of your business operations, and your risk exposure. Typical policy limits are $100,000 per accident, $500,000 per policy, and $100,000 per employee.   

    How Claims Impact Employers

    When an employee files a workers’ compensation claim, the employer may face several consequences. If a company has a history of frequent, severe, or high-cost claims, it may receive higher insurance premium costs. A higher number of claims can disrupt operations by affecting productivity and staffing. If an employee is absent from work due to an accident, it can reduce overall production, efficiency, and morale within the workplace. Additionally, the absence of an employee can lead to increased labor costs due to overtime pay for other employees covering for the missing worker. 

    Managing these claims requires significant time and administrative effort. Completing paperwork, managing expenses, conducting investigations, and implementing safety measures can shift focus away from core business operations. Understanding policy limits is crucial for reducing these risks and facilitating smoother claim handling. 

    GMS Workers’ Compensation Coverage

    Choosing the right workers’ compensation policy and understanding its limits is a key part of responsible business management. Group Management Services (GMS) provides workers’ compensation, assistance, and coverage with a policy limit of  $1 million. This coverage helps protect businesses from the financial strain of workplace injuries while ensuring employees receive the care and support they need.  

    Our team can assist with post-accident and claims investigation, return-to-work programs, claims certification, and more. We act as a helping hand as you navigate workers’ compensation and accompanying claims, giving you the expertise and knowledge you need to manage costs, protect your employees, and implement proper safety measures. 

    With GMS’ $1 million coverage, employers can feel confident they have strong protection in place. Still, it’s important to regularly review your policy and claims history to ensure your coverage continues to meet your needs. Feel free to contact us and learn more! 

  • Ensuring workplace safety and maintaining regulatory compliance are essential responsibilities for any business owner. While some industries pose fewer risks than others, every organization benefits from implementing strong safety policies and procedures. Prioritizing workplace safety reduces accident rates, improves productivity, and lowers potential workers’ compensation costs. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your workforce and business operations is through a comprehensive risk assessment. 

    What Is a Risk Assessment? 

    A risk assessment is the process of identifying potential hazards in the workplace and the associated risks within an environment. It helps business owners proactively address safety concerns before they lead to incidents. Risk assessments are a proactive approach towards maintaining workplace safety and should be conducted thoroughly and consistently to ensure regulatory compliance. 

    Risk assessments typically follow three steps: 

    1. Identify hazards in the workplace
    2. Evaluate the risk level and likelihood of each hazard
    3. Develop solutions to control or eliminate the risks

    While a risk assessment is more detailed, the objective remains the same: identify hazards and implement effective solutions to minimize risk. 

    Why Risk Assessments Matter

    1. Protection

    The primary purpose of a risk assessment is to create a safer environment for employees and clients. By identifying and addressing hazards, businesses can prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses. A safe workplace fosters peace of mind, reduces stress, enhances productivity, and can reduce the number of workers’ compensation claims. 

    2. Compliance

    As a business owner, keeping up with federal, state, and local safety regulations can be overwhelming, especially while managing day-to-day business operations. Risk assessments help identify areas of concern and help you decide what solutions to implement. When you’re compliant, you keep your employees safe from risk and your company from potential reputational damage and monetary penalties.  

    3. Efficiency

    When you have clear and compliant guidelines in place within your workplace, it improves overall safety, morale, and efficiency. Establishing company-wide rules about the proper way to respond to a hazard or accident reduces the risk of mistakes, saves time during an emergency, and gives your workforce peace of mind knowing there is a plan in place. It’s also a good idea to develop emergency action plans, run daily safety checks, and require employees to wear protective clothing to improve the overall safety of your workplace.  

    Benefits of Conducting Risk Assessments

    Regular risk assessments offer numerous benefits:

    • Timely intervention to prevent accidents
    • Improved awareness of safety issues among employees
    • Data-driven insights into problem areas
    • Continuous improvement of safety policies and procedures

    Safety policies can always be improved upon; therefore, conducting a risk assessment consistently ensures the overall safety of your workplace and fosters a culture focused on safety, awareness, and accountability. These assessments proactively identify vulnerabilities, preventing emergencies and costly fines.  

    Workplace Safety with GMS

    Risk assessments aren’t just another risk management strategy; they’re a vital part of maintaining a safe and productive workplace.  Managing workplace safety is an important and challenging responsibility, but you don’t have to do it alone. Luckily, there are third-party companies like Group Management Services (GMS) that can assist with risk management and workplace safety. 

    GMS’ safety experts offer a range of services, including conducting risk assessments, performing job hazard analyses, assisting with compliance, consulting on potential safety solutions, and inspecting your workplace through job site evaluations, and more. By investing in safety, organizations protect their people, preserve their reputation, and build the foundation for long-term success. 

    For any needs related to risk management and workplace safety, GMS is there to help. Learn more about our risk management services here!  

  • Creating a safe work environment isn’t just about limiting accidents or reducing workers’ compensation rates; it’s about protecting your workforce, your reputation, and your bottom line. Workplace accidents can lead to lost productivity, compliance issues, and decreased employee morale. Fortunately, with the right risk management strategies and safety policies, many injuries and accidents can be prevented. Continue reading to learn about a variety of risk management strategies that can help reduce accident and injury rates. 

    1. Conduct a job site inspection

    The first step to cultivating a safer work environment is to carefully inspect and review your current workplace for potential hazards and identify high-risk areas. It may be beneficial to make a list of the hazards you’ve found, and then you can begin identifying potential solutions to eliminate them. Common hazards include unguarded machinery, chemicals, improper lifting techniques, proximity to flammable materials, lack of personal safety equipment or gear, and more. If you’re unsure about how to identify a safety hazard or implement measures to reduce those risks, there are third-party companies, like Group Management Services (GMS), that can assist with jobsite inspections and hazard identification.  

    2. Develop clear safety policies

    Another way to prevent potential accidents or injuries is by developing clear safety policies. These can include mandating employees to wear protective equipment on a specific machine, requiring eye protection, and providing continuous education and training on certain processes or machines. Create and maintain a written safety program that outlines workplace procedures, responsibilities, and expectations. It’s also important to communicate the details of your safety program to employees, ensure these policies are easy to understand and accessible, and keep your workforce up to date with any changes that are made. 

    3. Provide ongoing training

    Safety training shouldn’t be a one-time program or presentation. Training should be a continuous and conscious effort, especially for companies working in high-risk environments such as construction or manufacturing. Business owners should ensure their employees are trained and knowledgeable about the equipment they use, the processes they follow, and common hazards to watch out for. Offering regular sessions on topics like equipment use, emergency procedures, and hazard recognition is a great way to start. It is also best practice to tailor training to specific roles and update it as new risks or regulations emerge. 

    4. Use personal protective equipment

    Preparation is a proactive approach to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. Business owners should ensure employees have access to essential personal protective equipment (PPE) items such as gloves, goggles, helmets, masks, and vests. These items aren’t just recommended, they’re often required, especially in high-risk industries like construction. But no matter what company or industry you operate in, wearing PPE adds an extra layer of protection and is an effective way to reduce risks and potential injuries from a workplace hazard.

    5. Work with safety experts

    To effectively build a safe and compliant workplace, consider working with risk management professionals who can provide on-site consulting, safety audits, and customized prevention plans. Additionally, a third party can assist with job training, carry out job hazard analyses, provide inspection support, and offer compliance support. Their expertise will help you identify potential issues early and streamline your safety policies and procedures. 

    Risk Management with a professional employer organization

    Creating a safer workplace doesn’t happen overnight. Accident prevention and workplace safety require ongoing commitment, communication, and collaboration. Establishing a safe and compliant environment can be challenging, especially with constantly changing laws and regulations. This is why many business owners choose to partner with a certified professional employer organization (CPEO) like GMS. 

    With the right resources, business owners can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. GMS’ safety experts can assist you in conducting thorough inspections, developing clear safety policies, leading ongoing training programs, and providing compliance support. Our team can also help reduce workers’ compensation rates and claims.

    By investing in safety, you’re protecting the future of your business. Explore all of the ways that GMS can help you create a safer workplace here! 

  • California employers are facing a significant compliance challenge with the state’s recently enacted Senate Bill 553 (SB 553). Last year, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 553 into law, which requires employers with at least 10 employees in California to develop and implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) by July 1, 2024.

    Employers will likely have to coordinate with multiple internal stakeholder groups, making it challenging to comply with the new law. California is the first state in the nation to pass such a sweeping WVPP law, setting the precedent that other states are expected to follow.

    Understanding The Mandate

    The law mandates that employers provide thorough training to all employees, covering a range of critical elements. The training must include instructing employees how to report concerns to their employer and to law enforcement. The training must also cover:

    • The statute’s definition of workplace violence.
    • The four types of workplace violence – criminal intent, customer/client, worker-on-worker, and personal relationship.
    • The employer’s plan.
    • The workplace violence hazards specific to the employees’ jobs.
    • How employees can protect themselves in the event of a workplace violence incident.
    • Employees may request to review or copy the employer’s records relating to the workplace violence prevention plan, including the violent incident log that the statue requires. The log must include a detailed description of each workplace violence incident and be maintained for five years.

    What This Means For Managers

    Managers will need guidance on the breadth of conduct covered by the law and the necessary reporting procedures. Managers must ensure that employees fully understand the meaning of workplace violence, including but not limited to the four workplace violence types:

    1. Criminal intent: This type of violence generally won’t have a legitimate relationship with the business or its employees.
    2. Customer/client: Involves a customer, client, patient, or visitor becoming violent towards an employee, often due to disputes over service, products, or perceived mistreatment.
    3. Worker-on-worker: Violence between coworkers, including bullying, frequently manifests as verbal and emotional abuse that is unfair, offensive, vindictive, and/or humiliating.
    4. Personal relationship: The perpetrator has a personal relationship with the employee outside of work, such as a domestic partner, and brings that violence into the workplace.

    Tracking Incidents

    Employers must also maintain detailed logs of all workplace violence incidents for at least five years, which employees can request to review. Employers should also consider whether workplace violence concerns can be incorporated into their existing reporting procedures for safety issues. Ensuring clear communication around this requirement will be key to encouraging reporting without deterring employees.

    Include Your Employees

    Employees should also have a role in the planning process because they are the ones who will bring the issues to HR. Every employee has a role in keeping the workplace safe and that should be the focus of the training.

    More Laws To Come

    Beyond the WVPP, California employers will need to prepare for other new employment laws taking effect in 2024, such as the increase in paid sick days and the new bereavement leave policy. Managers will likely require training on navigating these bills as well.

    Need Support Managing These Mandates?

    Navigating the complexities of workplace violence prevention and government mandates is a significant challenge for employers. GMS can provide expert guidance on ensuring compliance with these new laws and mandates. With GMS, you can remove the time spent worrying about missing legislative updates that may affect your business. Our team will help you create a combative strategy to ensure your operations continue running smoothly and safely. Contact GMS to learn more!

  • As more states across the U.S. legalize cannabis, its presence in the workplace has become a pressing issue for employers. States such as Colorado, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and many others have legalized cannabis for recreational use, while even more have legalized it for medical purposes. As a business owner, this legalization presents a new set of challenges for maintaining workplace safety and compliance with employment laws.

    The primary concern centers on ensuring your workforce is unimpaired while on the job, especially in industries where safety is paramount, such as transportation, health care, and construction. As you can’t dictate what an employee does off the clock, adapting your business policies to prioritize sober working is crucial.

    Creating these policies is no small task; given the ever-changing legal landscape and the variations in laws across different states, any policy implemented today will likely require future updates and refinements to keep pace with ongoing changes. However, creating internal policies should still be a priority as it can safeguard your business against discrimination or wrongful termination suits if any incidents occur. To help you get started, we’ve compiled essential information to formulate a policy that suits your business needs and ensures compliance with local and federal regulations.

    Understanding Cannabis And Its Effects

    Cannabis or marijuana, primarily known for its psychoactive and medicinal properties, contains several compounds, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most significant. Recreational cannabis has THC and CBD; the THC is the primary psychoactive component known for its ability to impair cognitive and motor functions, affecting decision-making, reaction times, and coordination. Separately, medical cannabis is stripped of the THC while keeping the CBD non-psychoactive and highlighted for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing inflammation and anxiety without causing a “high.”

    The effects can vary depending on the individual, method of consumption, potency, and personal tolerance. However, typically, the impairment from smoking cannabis can last several hours, while edibles, which take longer to metabolize, can be delayed and last significantly longer. Understanding these variances is crucial for employers and employees to make informed decisions about consumption during personal time.

    Developing Workplace Policies

    As an employer, it’s essential to balance both the rights of employees who use marijuana legally outside of work and your ability to maintain a safe work environment. This can include implementing policies that prohibit working under the influence of marijuana, even if used off-duty. However, you must check your local and state laws to remain compliant when crafting your drug policies.

    In some states, such as Illinois, where cannabis has been reclassified as a “lawful product,” you’ll need to be mindful not to break the state’s Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act, which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees for off-duty “use of lawful products.”

    Despite the complexities of these differing state laws, you can still develop policies that safeguard your employees and minimize the risk of accidents. Your policies should clearly and fairly outline your stance on cannabis to prevent impairment in the workplace. In addition, it should clearly define the consequences of policy violations to ensure that all team members understand the seriousness of compliance. Having a detailed policy that includes possible repercussions can help safeguard your business in the event of a violation that leads to a termination of employment.

    In addition to developing comprehensive policies, it’s critical to train your team to ensure effective implementation. These policies should also be easily accessible to your staff for review whenever necessary. Including them in an employee handbook is an ideal start, as it’s often the most centralized resource for employees to find company information.

    Testing And Monitoring

    Unlike alcohol, cannabis can stay in an individual’s bloodstream for 30 days and hair for up to 90 days or longer for regular consumers. This means drug tests aren’t always reliable for determining active impairment. In addition, there is also no legally or medically accepted definition of what constitutes impairment for cannabis use, making it more difficult to accurately determine an employee’s non-compliance with your policies.

    However, there are a few signs you can look out for. If you carefully document instances over time, you should be protected from a wrongful termination suit if you end up needing to fire an employee due to non-compliance. These signs include:

    • Poor muscle or limb coordination 
    • Delayed reaction times and abilities 
    • Red eyes
    • Changes in speech or overall behavior
    • Negligent or carelessness while on the clock
    • Panic or anxiety

    While employees may have the right to use marijuana recreationally or medically in states where it is legal, employees are generally not permitted to be impaired at work, especially in safety-sensitive positions. This means business owners are well within their rights to enact policies and monitor employees to protect their teams and businesses.

    Prevention And Employee Assistance

    While implementing policies is a significant step in ensuring a safe work environment, establishing a healthy workplace culture that prioritizes safety is another way to help prevent injuries due to cannabis use. Positive cultures tend to have collaborative mindsets where teams and individuals work together towards common goals. This sense of shared responsibility not only boosts productivity and retention but also creates an environment where employees are motivated to perform at their best. This supportive atmosphere helps ensure that safety is a collective priority and can significantly reduce the risks of workers showing up with impaired functioning.

    In addition, offering employee assistance programs (EAPs) can help employees struggling with substance abuse issues. EAPs can help address employees’ personal issues by providing confidential and professional counseling; some even offer this service via phone, text, and email 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to ensure your team can get the help they need.

    How GMS Can Help

    Professional employer organizations (PEOs), like GMS, can help with various tasks, including developing your HR policies and procedures and employee training. As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate, and ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations can be complicated, stressful, and time-consuming.

    Additionally, GMS can help you offer employees the best health care benefits while reducing your overall costs. Traditional health care arrangements are no longer working. Whether your organization lacks an HR department or simply needs a resource to make more informed decisions about the management of benefits, GMS is here to help. GMS changes the approach to increase affordable options and give your employees access to small business health insurance.

    GMS takes the administrative burdens off your plate. Our team of experts ensures compliance, giving you peace of mind while saving you time and money. Contact us today to get started.

  • Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has taken a stand against workplace safety violations by suing a Georgia pesticide and agricultural chemical manufacturer. The lawsuit alleges that the company illegally terminated a worker who had filed a workplace safety complaint with federal regulators, shedding light on the crucial issue of employee protection and the cost of speaking up for safety.

    Allegations And Retaliation

    The DOL filed the suit against Gainesville-based Avenger Products LLC and its parent company, Kittrich Corp, citing the wrongful termination of an employee who had raised concerns about chemical exposures in the workplace. This move comes after a federal whistleblower investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uncovered the alleged retaliation against the worker for voicing safety apprehensions.

    OSHA’s Assistant Regional Administrator in Atlanta emphasized the impact of employer retaliation on employees’ willingness to engage with federal safety investigators. She stated that it creates a chilling effect that hampers the cooperation necessary for ensuring workplace safety.

    Legal Action And Consequences

    The lawsuit filed by the DOL seeks justice for the terminated employee by demanding back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and damages for emotional distress from Avenger Products. It’s a strong message to employers who disregard their employees’ rights and prioritize their own interests over the well-being of their workforce.

    In addition, the DOL highlighted the company’s troubling history of workplace safety violations over 20 years, with proposed penalties totaling $254,189 between June 2018 and December 2019. These repeated violations underscore the urgency of addressing the company’s disregard for safety protocols and the need for accountability in safeguarding employees.

    How A PEO Can Help

    To ensure your business doesn’t make the same mistakes as Avenger Products LLC, consider partnering with a professional employer organization (PEO). A PEO like GMS offers various services; however, in this instance, it can help business owners prevent cases of workplace safety violations, employee lawsuits, and compliance issues. This strategic partnership mitigates the risk of costly lawsuits and ensures a focus on essential business operations. Ultimately, gaining access to the expertise and resources of a PEO empowers business owners to proactively safeguard their workforce and maintain a compliant, secure, and efficient work environment. Contact our safety team today to learn how we can make your business simpler, safer, and stronger.