Stress Reduction – 91��

Working Remotely: Home Office Safety and Security Week

91�� — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 07:04:09 +0000

The coronavirus pandemic set into motion a shift to remote and hybrid work that is helping to reshape the landscape of the American workplace. across the country leapt from under 4% of all jobs before the pandemic to about 9% at the end of 2020, to more than 15% today.

One major difference between working from home and working in an office is that each employee is responsible for the safety and security of his or her at-home office. Each year, the second full week of January is designated as Home Office Safety and Security Week, a time to encourage remote workers to evaluate the security of their respective work environments.

Some recommended best practices include:

Make sure your home office has a fire extinguisher and functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Create a fire escape plan in case of emergency.
Invest in power strips to reduce cord clutter. Leaving numerous cords strewn across your home office can make you vulnerable to fires and falls.
Practice proper throughout the workday.
Stand up and stretch periodically. This can help limit pain or discomfort and as well as keep you alert. The National Institutes of Health shares a handy to do while working.
When working with sensitive information, be sure files are stored in a locked drawer or cabinet. Sensitive business documents should be shredded or disposed of properly.
Work with your IT department to ensure you have virus software installed on your computer. Change passwords frequently to help prevent data breach. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers a wealth of helpful .
Regularly back up your data up in case of accidental deletion or ransomware attacks.
Ensure that you have the proper homeowner’s insurance coverage to protect your home office.

Looking forward, signs indicate that hybrid and remote work environments will remain the new norm of the workforce. By implementing these tips, you can help ensure that you maintain a safe and secure workplace when working from home. For more information on telework best practices including a handy safety checklist, visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s informational .

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Workers’ Compensation Claims: 3 Ways to Reduce Workplace Injury

91�� — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 05:53:43 +0000

The severity of Workers’ Compensation claims . At the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Annual Issues Symposium held earlier this year, the NCCI showed data confirming an industry-wide trend in increasing claim severity. The aging workforce, medical inflation from expensive technology, and rising wages leading to higher indemnity costs are some of the reasons claims severity is increasing, .

One common misstep companies can make during a Workers’ Compensation insurance claim is to cut off communication with the involved parties. Communication is a vital method to keeping down costs related to this aspect of insurance, and injured workers want to be kept in the loop with the process.

Additionally, proactive strategies at your workplace can help reduce the likelihood of Workers’ Compensation claims. Consider these key methods to reduce Workers’ Compensation claims:

Encourage Employees to Take Breaks: Many issues can lead to an increase in workplace injuries, illnesses or accidents. These aren’t always directly related to hazards on the job, and employers should strive to create an environment that promotes healthy behavior. Encourage employees to take breaks, go for walks or perform a variety of tasks throughout the day.
Rethink Your Workspace: According to California’s Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation, poorly designed workspaces can be detrimental to a person’s health. Working in the same area for a prolonged period can lead to damage in the hands, arms, neck, back, feet or legs. Measures should be taken to prevent workers from unsafely repeating the same motions throughout the day.
Reduce Worker Stress: Chronic stress can be caused by work overload or pressure, an accelerated work pace, harassment, and job insecurity, among other factors. This stress can cause health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and emotional distress. Employees who are stressed can make mistakes or ignore safety protocols. This could lead to an increase in serious accidents and, ultimately, more Workers’ Compensation insurance costs.

Businesses should remain proactive when considering ways to reduce Workers’ Compensation claims. Any lapse in these areas could have negative effects throughout the company and to your bottom line.

LEARN MORE:

For more information on the ins and outs of a Workers’ Compensation claim, click here.

Understanding Cold Stress and Wind Chill Risks to Worker Safety

91�� — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 03:06:54 +0000

Workers who are exposed to the cold outdoors are – and both temperature and wind speed can cause cold-related injuries. According to the , nearly 200 occupational injuries and illnesses resulted from “environmental cold” conditions in 2020. These weather-related risks can include conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains and trench foot.
During colder months, it is important to understand the causes of injuries when working outside in cold or windy conditions, and to actively take precautions to help prevent cold stress for workers.

The Causes of Cold Stress
Cold stress can be caused by cold temperatures, high or cold wind, dampness, and cold water. According to , when exposed to cold conditions, much of the body’s energy is used to keep internal temperatures warm. This can cause a shift in blood flow from extremities to the chest and abdomen, driving down the body’s temperature and causing cold stress.

Monitoring Wind Chill
Wind chill temperature measures the rate of heat loss from the human body and the impact of cold on exposed skin. The issues advisories when the wind chill reaches a critical level and provides a wind chill index to calculate the dangers from winter winds and cold temperatures.

Cold Weather Safety
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers can take the following steps to help prevent cold stress-related injuries for workers:

Train teams on how to prevent and recognize cold stress and apply first aid treatment
Provide environmental controls such as shielded work areas and protective equipment
Schedule heavy work during the warmer parts of the day when possible
Ensure the team is dressed properly for the weather, including at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing for insulation; hats or hooded jackets; knit masks; gloves; and insulated shoes
Keep teams hydrated on the job site with warm, sweetened fluids
Create a buddy system to help workers keep an eye out for the warning signs of cold stress

Businesses that have employees working in cold conditions should ensure they are following best practices to help prevent cold-related injuries. For more information about cold stress safety and prevention, and the National Weather Service

Stress Reduction – 91������

Working Remotely: Home Office Safety and Security Week

Workers’ Compensation Claims: 3 Ways to Reduce Workplace Injury

Understanding Cold Stress and Wind Chill Risks to Worker Safety

Stress Reduction – 91��