Slips, Trips and Falls Plague School Districts and Increase Work Comp Premium

Employee slips, trips and falls are pervasive in Missouri’s schools. In 2011, MEM received more than 2,000 claims originating from these types of incidents. Injuries that result from slips, trips and falls can be physically painful and costly. Perhaps what hurts the most is that these injuries are preventable.

The Link Betweeen Stress and Workplace Injuries

Stress is an unavoidable emotion that finds its way into all facets of life, and the workplace is no exception. Stress is commonly associated with headaches and upset stomachs, but it can also lead to more serious problems for both employees and employers.

Protecting the Volunteer Firefighter

Safety should be a top priority in all fire departments. Volunteer fire departments are no exception and must do their part to prevent accidents at the fire station, when driving and at emergency scenes. Firefighting comes with many risks, and those risks become more complex for the volunteer firefighter.

Claims Investigations Provide Valuable Details

There is a perception that any injury occurring at work or during work hours will automatically be covered under workers compensation. If this were true, there would be no need for an in-depth investigation beyond a few basic questions regarding when and where the accident occurred. Once these questions have been answered, benefits would begin. However, this “rubber stamp” perception is not an accurate reflection of the workers compensation system. Investigations can provide a clear picture in the complex claims process.  

Everyone Wins with Sound Safety Incentive Plans

Business owners and safety managers are often undecided about whether incentive plans actually work. The answer is yes, they do. Incentive plans are a great way to thank employees for safe work now, encourage future safe behavior and develop a positive safety culture.

"Green" Construction Workers May Face Additional Safety Risks

It's not easy being green – and it might not necessarily be safer for construction crews building environmentally friendly projects, either. According to new research, these workers suffer more falls than workers on traditional projects; are exposed to new, high-risk tasks; incur more lacerations, strains and sprains; and more.

Don’t Blow Fall Protection for the Wind Energy Industry

Vertical systems, harnesses, lanyards and climbing systems must be developed for the variety of fall hazards associated with tower construction, maintenance and rescue.

Deadly Building Collapse in Cleveland Kills Two Workers

Two men working as part of a crew demolishing a building on Brookpark Road in Cleveland, Ohio, died Jan. 24 when the building collapsed on top of them around 4:30 pm. The two men – Vincente Collazo of Cleveland, age 49, and a 60-year-old Youngstown man – had been on the job one day.

Three Contractors Cited by OSHA for Fall Hazards

OSHA cited general contractor Arberia & Associates and subs K&G Haxhari Construction (carpentry) and Mondi Construction Inc. (masonry) for a total of 21 alleged violations of workplace safety standards with $71,340 in total penalties for violations at a worksite in the Bronx.

OSHA: Companies Gambled on Safety and Lost

OSHA has proposed more than $127,000 in fines against five contractors for hazards at casino construction site in Queens, NY. The companies were cited for 19 alleged serious violations of workplace health and safety standards.

Excavation and Trenching Safety

MEM is partnering with Missouri Dig-Rite to provide free seminars focusing on the safety precautions critical to excavation and trenching industries.

Contact Missouri Dig-Rite online at http://www.mo1call.com/meetings/safety_2012.php or call 1-800-DIG-RITE to register and inquire about specific times and locations.

Breakfast is provided.

OSHA 10

This 10-hour OSHA course is an outreach program geared toward entry level construction workers. The day-and-a-half course provides general knowledge required to recognize and prevent construction site hazards.

March 8   8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
March 9   8 a.m.-noon

Fees are payable at the door by check or cash. Break refreshments provided.

Lunch is not provided.

Work Comp Works

Participants will learn best practices of claims management, including prompt reporting, documentation and return to work programs. Other topics include getting familiar with MEM’s websites and technology, NCCI’s experience modifier rate changes, subrogation, legal issues and pitfalls of improper claims handling.

Note: The seminar located in Sikeston will be held in the Clinton Community Building.

Work Comp Works for Agencies

This course is provided specifically for insurance agents. Get up to date on the latest claims management best practices, legal issues in workers compensation, NCCI’s changes to the e-mod calculation and an OSHA regulatory update.

Note: The seminar located in Sikeston will be held in the Clinton Community Building.

National Safety Council's Defensive Driving 4

Send your company drivers to this session! Participants will learn about safe driving decisions and common driving errors. We’ll discuss how distractions, anger, fatigue and impairment affect how we drive. Learn the five steps to being a safer driver. It’s a perfect session for anyone that does company driving.

Fleet Safety: Combating the #1 Killer of MO Workers

Vehicle accidents are the number one killer of Missouri workers. All businesses should be working to reuce their exposure. We’ll focus on a ten-step method that provides focus in your fleet safety efforts. This session is not DOT compliant, but a review of simple, achievable safety measures you can put in place.

Increasing Profitability Through Small Business Safety

This session focuses on small businesses. Participants will learn how to keep their employees safe. Topics include the main types of construction injuries, employee selection, handling common unsafe acts and conditions, training and documentation. Workers compensation topics include early reporting, claim management, light duty programs and a legislative update.

Safety Essentials for Construction Companies

We’ll focus on how to control the biggest risks in construction. Topics include an analysis of common construction injuries and fatalities, jobsite inspections, training and awareness and documentation. Workers compensation topics will include investigations, claim reporting, necessary documentation and light duty programs. Anyone who perfoms construction activities is invited to attend.