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Monthly Archives

July 2015

How workers compensation costs affect workers paychecks. Tell them.

By Workplace Safety
As advocates of disclosing the costs of employee benefits to the employees, workers’ compensation premiums are often ignored. Why? It’s difficult to give a specific cost per employee since the premium is part fixed cost and part variable to their wage.

Employees are poorly educated in the area of how much money is available for payroll, or more broadly, remuneration. The entire conversation about production versus remuneration can be boiled down to they need to bring in more money than they cost you. That’s understandable. How much more money in excess of their paycheck is more difficult to comprehend.

For the sake of this discussion, assume all workers’ compensation is ten percent of payroll. With preferred rates and experience modifications, that can vary between 8 and 12%.

Your employee must learn that safety and claims puts up to 4% of their paycheck at risk. Companies with excellent safety records and low claims have more money filter down to paychecks, and still remain price competitive.

It’s a hard lesson for employees to learn. If an employee earns $25 per hour, they make about $50,000 per year. Safety and low claims can free $2000 per year for additional payroll? Over the long run, the answer is yes. And, it’s a good policy to bonus employees in this way. Even if some of the long-term savings are used to match 401K contributions, or some other safety benefit idea.

The most important rule is: have this discussion. Safety equipment, protection or processes may cost money, but injuries cost more. If employees support the safety culture, less money is spent on injuries so more can be spent on remuneration. It is a long-term process, several years to accumulate savings and gain an historical confidence in the culture.

Workplace safety can be the most important employee benefit in their plan. They definitely help control the costs and actively gain other employees participation.

 

Ergonomics isn’t just for chairs

By Workplace Safety
Ergonomics, the word is so associated with office chairs people forget to apply similar principles to work like lifting.

Chair ergonomics is all about comfort for a long day at a computer. The seat height adjusts so your feet are grounded comfortably, the back supports your lumbar region, and armrests must allow the chair to pull fully to the desk so you can reach your work without stretching.

As an employee making a lift or moving a load on a cart, your number one job is safety. Safety relates to comfort and reducing stress and strain on your body.

Assess Your Load

Like assessing your workstation for layout, assess the load to be moved. Is it too heavy for one person? Is it too unmanageable of a shape to balance the load?

Decide if this lift is solo or seek help. In seeking help, take the lead in choreographing the lift and carry to minimize miscommunication or working at cross purposes. Once both parties are on the same task, begin.

Use Proper Lifting Ergonomics

1. Properly attach a lifting belt which supports your back and shifts some of the load to your shoulders.
2. Bend with your knees and keep your back straight.
3. Be sure you have a good grip, wear gloves if needed
4. Keep the load close to your body.
5. Balance with your feet, don’t twist your body while lifting.
6. Lift with your major leg muscles.
7. Store heavier loads at an easier lifting height.

Carts and Hand Trucks

Consider the pathway you will be following: any obstructions, tight corners, traffic, low ceiling heights, any obstacles? Decide on the best path and secure traffic.

After balancing and securing the load, push the truck or dolly whenever possible. The load and path are visible to you when pushing rather than pulling.

Ergonomically, pushing is easier on your back muscles. Arms straight, lean your body weight into the load; then when you achieve the correct straight posture, push with your leg muscles.

If the load does not move, get help. Do not allow the load to move without the strength to keep it under control.

Keep your back straight and lumbar supported. Let your legs do the work. And, do not twist. Work in a comfortable posture.