While agreements between employers and their partnering staff firms often vary, most often the responsibility for Worker’s Compensation claims falls on the staffing firm for contract or temporary placements. However, if you partner with staffing firms to provide you with contract or temporary workers you share in the responsibility for their safety. Not sure what your responsibilities may be? Here’s what OSHA has to say!
As reported by OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor, the construction industry saw the highest number of workplace deaths in 2013 with a total of 796 deaths reported. A drastic 57% of those deaths were attributed to what is referred to as the “Fatal Four” which includes falls, being caught between objects, electrocutions, and being struck by objects.
Has being understaffed cost you a bundle in overtime? The increased costs of wages may be the least of your concerns if you are consistently running overtime or extended shift hours. Statistics show that prolonged overtime can cause serious health and performance issues for employees.
Overtime including extended shifts and work weeks extending beyond 40 hours worked, are common in many industries including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and administration. Some industries including the logistics industry, have set forth strict policies to protect employees from the dangers of overtime. What do they know that others don’t? The undeniable costs.
A University of Massachusetts Medical School study found that those working with overtime schedules were associated with a 61% higher injury rate in comparison to those with a standard work schedule excluding overtime. Over 54% of the work related injuries that were observed during the 13 year study, included extended weekly hours, extended commute times, extended working hours in a day, or overtime.
In addition to work related injuries, those working extended shift hours or extended hours in a work week are more likely to experience the following:
Reducing the amount of overtime and extended shifts that your staff works can greatly decrease their risks for injury and illness. Adding temporary staff, decreasing overtime hours, and encouraging healthy lifestyles can reduce the chances of your staff experiencing serious health issues and injuries.
Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent?Contact us today! If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!
Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.
Does your organization make timely reporting of workers’ compensation claims a priority? Studies have demonstrated the costly effects of delayed reporting for organizations in the United States. The costs of delayed reporting will vary by employer based on the fact that each claim is different, each employee is different, and each injury may involve different circumstances. However, regardless of the nature of your business there is a direct correlation between the reporting time and the cost of the claim.
The faster a workers’ compensation claim is received by the adjuster, the faster and more controlled the process is. The adjuster is able to conduct a thorough investigation while the facts of the claim are still readily available, before the employee and any witnesses may forget key details that are critical to the claim. Prompt reporting can also help to eliminate any delays in providing appropriate medical care and wage benefits to the injured employee.
Recent data released by Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc. found:
A recent study completed by NCCI on lag time also found:
Making sure your staff is familiar with the importance of quickly reporting any incidents and injuries is key to controlling your costs. Any injury regardless of it’s initial significance should follow the same reporting process that should be clearly outlined in the employee handbook and regularly posted in break rooms and other common areas.
Have you ever considered the effects of your workstation on your health or your organization’s bottom line? If not, you should. According to the U.S. Department of Labor repetitive stress injuries have cost employers over $20 billion in workers’ compensation claims; factor in the pain, loss time, and loss of productivity and the numbers become astounding. While many work stations are built and assembled to a standard size, employee height, comfort, and position vary greatly. Here are some great tips on computer ergonomics that may decrease potential for injuries, increase physical energy, and increase productivity in the workplace!
Some simple adjustments can quickly make your workplace more comfortable, safe, and productive. Speak with your employees about additional available equipment such as foot rests, wrist rests, and document holders to reduce strain and pain in the workplace.
Are you a stand out professional, technical professional, driver, or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities? Visit our job board for more information! Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!
Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.
With construction in it’s peak for most of the country, now is a great time to assess your risks and safety protocols. As recently as this week headlines are filled with work related injuries including work related fatalities. How can you avoid putting your staff at risk?
This week the construction of the new “Levi’s Stadium”, future home of the 49er’s was plagued with a work related fatality. A local contractor lost one of their long time elevator workers when he was struck by a falling counterweight while standing on a ladder at the bottom of an elevator shaft. Even with 43 years of experience on the job and what has been reported as appropriate PPE for the job, this 63 year old was lost. The $1.3 billion project with approximately 1,000 tradesmen on site was shut down for two days. How can you protect your team before it’s too late?
Host and engage your staff in regular safety meetings. Even the most qualified and experienced of tradesmen need to be reminded of safety procedures, cautions, and be aware of what is taking place on the job site. Regularly screen employees for PPE and question them on their safety precautions. Encourage all contractors on site to report any safety concerns or possible dangers to the on site safety manager immediately. Some of the safest sites include those who offer bonuses to those who report safety concerns and offer rewards for long periods of time on site without injury.
While maintaining and regularly evaluating your job sites for safety concerns can be time consuming and cost additional investment dollars, the return on investment is undeniable. Simple investments such as reflective vests, bright colored hard hats, additional safety fencing, and mirrors can save costly injuries quickly. Be sure to include all temporary workers who are on site in your regular safety meetings and practices. Everyone on site, regardless of their length of employment should have a part in maintaining a safe job site.
Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of experienced construction workers? Contact us today! If you are a stand out skilled trades worker seeking short or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!
Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.