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783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Suite 7, Aptos, CA, 95003
Workplace Safety Bulletin
831-661-5697
Website
Snow Removal Safety Tips For Your Employees
Proper snow removal protects your commercial property. If your employees are in charge of snow removal, make sure they use safe snow removal techniques to avoid injuries this winter.
Assess Your Needs
Every property has different snow removal needs, so perform an assessment before winter weather strikes. Make a list of areas that may be prone to snow buildup like trees or roofs, and plan how and when you’ll remove snow from your property. Use the assessment results to purchase the right snow removal equipment for your crew, too.
Mark Obstacles
Curbs, sidewalks and speed bumps present tripping hazards to your snow removal crew. Place brightly-colored stakes around these and other obstacles so your employees clearly see the areas they must avoid.
Use the Right Equipment
Whether your employees are removing snow buildup from the roof or sidewalks, they need to use the right equipment. Provide snow blowers or plows to remove large piles of snow. Roof brushes should have extendable handles, and shovels should match the employee’s height and be easy to manage.
Maintain Tools
When your employees use snow removal tools that function properly, you reduce accidents. Schedule an equipment inspection now. Make sure your snow blowers and plows are in good working order. Inspect the shovels, picks and brushes your crew uses, too, and replace dull blades, thin brushes or worn handle grips.
Improve Equipment Shed Accessibility
When a storm strikes, you need to access your snow removal equipment quickly. Keep the shed entrance clear of clutter. Then place the shovels, blowers and plows inside the shed in a neat and orderly manner.
Avoid Hazardous Chemicals
Certain chemicals protect your property from ice accumulation and remove ice and snow quickly. They could give off hazardous fumes, though, or cause contact burns on skin. Only use eco-friendly and safe chemicals to protect your employees and property.
Provide Training
Every employee on the snow removal team must undergo training. Instruct them on proper equipment usage and lifting techniques as you help them prevent injuries as they work.
Stay Warm and Hydrated
Ensure your employees wear heavy clothing and layers that keep them warm and dry as they remove snow. Provide water, coffee or tea, too, as you promote adequate hydration.
Update your Workers’ Compensation Coverage
The right safety tips reduce employee injuries during snow removal season. Also, talk to your insurance agent now and update your Workers' Compensation policy to include adequate coverage. Then post safety notices so your employees know how to report any injuries they experience as they maintain your property this winter.
Snow removal plays an important role in your commercial property maintenance plan. Follow these tips to keep your employees safe and reduce potential injuries.
Scurich Insurance Services
831-661-5697
Website
Can You Get a Second Opinion on Workers' Compensation Claims?
When you are injured or become ill on the job, you file a Workers’ Compensation claim. It covers your medical treatment and other expenses. However, you may not get the treatment or care you think you deserve. Consider when and how to get a second opinion.
Roadblocks to a Second Opinion
It’s normal to get a second opinion before a major surgery. However, you may feel uncertain about getting a second opinion regarding a Workers’ Compensation claim.
First, the list of doctors you can see when you file a Workers’ Compensation claim is short, and you may only have one approved option.
Also, your benefits are determined by your employer’s insurance company, and the insurance company could deny your request for a second opinion.
Every state has different Workers’ Compensation laws, too, making second opinions okay in some states but not in all states.
While these roadblocks are legitimate, you could still pursue another opinion as you manage your health and take care of yourself.
When to Seek a Second Opinion
You could consider seeking a second opinion if any of the following conditions apply.
You don’t feel like your doctor listens to you.
Your doctor has recommended surgery, and you’re uncertain about proceeding.
You’re still in pain even though the doctor says you’re fine.
Your doctor wants you to remain on restricted duty even though you feel better.
Your doctor agreed to restriction changes based on recommendations from the insurance company’s Nurse Case Manager.
You don’t trust your doctor for any reason.
How to Purse a Second Opinion
To pursue a second opinion, first check your state’s Workers’ Compensation statute. It typically states your rights to a second opinion.
You can also contact Human Resources. They can assist you in discerning your rights to a second opinion and then assisting you in starting the process.
If Your Second Opinion is Denied
The insurance company may deny your request for a second opinion. In this case, you can visit another doctor of your choice. However, you could face several challenges.
The insurance company may not accept your doctor’s recommendation. The company may also stop paying your medical bills, especially if the second physician disagrees with the Workers’ Compensation doctor.
Your personal insurance also may not cover the doctor visit because it was originally covered under a Workers’ Compensation claim. You could end up paying out-of-pocket for this exam and other treatment.
Getting a second opinion regarding your Workers’ Compensation claim can be challenging. However, you may have options. Contact your Workers’ Compensation insurance company for more details on ensuring you receive the treatment you need and deserve.
Scurich Insurance Services
831-661-5697
Website
Holiday Decoration Safety In The Office
Holiday decorations around the office are fun and festive, but they do pose safety hazards and can cause injuries. Whether your employees decorate the office for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or New Years, insist on numerous safety precautions.
Avoid Trips and Falls
Place trees, gifts or displays in areas that are out of the way. If these items sit in a hallway or other busy area, employees could trip or fall over them.
Climb a Ladder
When hanging garland, snowflakes or streamers from the wall, windows or ceiling, use a ladder or step stool instead of a chair or desk. The right support helps you reach high places without pulling a muscle or falling.
Use Nonflammable Materials
All the holiday decor you use should be labeled as nonflammable or noncombustible. Check the label, too, to verify that your decorative drapes, lights and artificial greener are made of fire retardant material and safe for your employees.
Don’t Block Signs or Exits
Seasonal banners and other decor items may fit perfectly over signs or doors, but never cover signs or exit doors. Remember to keep fire equipment and sprinklers free from decorations, too.
Stay Away from Heat Sources
Always check the surroundings before you place decorations around the office. Items should sit away from vents, space heaters and other heat sources.
Attach Tall Items Securely
Tall trees and other display items are top heavy and may topple over if they’re bumped or even randomly. Secure tall decor items to the wall or ceiling with guy-wire.
Select Cool Burning Bulbs
Safety tested and cool burning bulbs in light strings or lamps are less likely to cause burns or fires. Check the label to ensure the bulbs are tested by an independent lab and verified to be safe.
Inspect Lights
Holiday lights add a festive look to your office, but always inspect lights before you plug them in. Toss strands with frayed or bare wires, broken or cracked sockets, or loose connections.
Take Care with Extension Cords
Extension cords are convenient but potentially hazardous accessories. Only plug in the recommended number of light string sets. Also, avoid tacking or stapling cords to the wall or floor, and tape or cover cords that cross the floor on walkways.
Ban Candles
An open flame is a big burn and fire hazard. Only allow electric lights and ban candles for safety.
Turn off Lights
At the end of the day or whenever the office is closed, switch off all the lights. You’ll save money and reduce a fire hazard.
The holidays can be more festive when you decorate the office. Use these safety tips to reduce injuries and keep your employees safe.
Scurich Insurance Services
831-661-5697
Website
Orthotic and Prosthetic Device Manufacturing Workers Compensation Insurance
Workers' compensation insurance covers losses related to work-related injuries. When one of your employees is injured at work, you, the owner of the company, need workers' compensation insurance to cover the employees' medical expenses. The incident must be caused by an incident within the course and scope of the employees' duties at work. Generally, as long as the injury occurs on the work premises, happens during work, and takes place while the employee is at work, the claim will be covered. Of course, there are numerous exceptions. Contact your workers' compensation insurance adjuster for an extended explanation of which claims will be accepted and which will be denied.
Orthotic and prosthetic device manufacturing Workers Compensation insurance is necessary for several reasons. In many states, workers' compensation insurance is mandatory. If you don't have workers' compensation insurance you could face fines, suspensions, and you could possibly lose your business license. You could also be on the hook for the medical expenses and lost wages owed to your injured workers. If someone is injured and the employee's claim is accepted, they may be eligible to receive lost wage reimbursement payments to help them pay the bills while off work. If you don't have insurance, you may be ordered to pay out of pocket. To avoid these delays and obstacles, make sure you have the proper insurance policies in place before you open your business.
Unique Liabilities
Orthotic and prosthetic device manufacturing is a perilous job. You need to be able to create orthotics and prosthetics for people that work and won't cause them undue harm. If you fail in these efforts, you could face product liability lawsuits or other legal challenges. If one of your employees is injured while at work and you don't have workers' compensation, you could be ordered by a court to cover the costs associated with the injury. Without the proper types of insurance, you may have to pay out of your pocket, which could devastate an already cost burdened industry like orthotic and prosthetic manufacturing.
General Liability Insurance and Product Liability Insurance
Besides workers' compensation, you should also consider purchasing general liability insurance. Workers' compensation insurance covers your employees and their work-related injuries. As a business owner, you need more than one form of insurance to feel safe. General liability insurance policies will help you pay for expenses that arise when an employee injures a client while fitting them for a prosthetic. Product liability insurance will provide you with the support you need if a client is injured by one of your products. If someone claims they were harmed by one of the orthotics that you produced, you need product liability insurance to take care of the legal costs and possible fines. Without these other, essential forms of insurance, you could be on the hook for all of the associated expenses.
Scurich Insurance Services
831-661-5697
Website