Return to Work (RTW)
The single most powerful tool an employer has in controlling its workers’ compensation costs is immediately providing meaningful work.
FEBRUARY TIP: It is in your company’s best interest to match the work pattern (full-time vs. part-time) for modified duty. For example: if an injured worker was hired for 25 hours, match those hours with a return-to-work position.
Horseplay at Work – It’s No Joke!
It’s not uncommon for workers to need to step away, if only for a moment, to escape the stress and routine of their day-to-day work. It’s in these moments that horseplay often ensues, and what may seem like harmless relief can lead to serious injuries, which are allowable workers’ compensation claims.
What is horseplay?
Horseplay is rough or rowdy play or pranks that occur in the workplace – such as playing jokes that involve physical contact, racing, grabbing, foolish vehicle operation, and social pressure to participate in unsafe acts.
What’s the harm?
Don’t view horseplay on the job as harmless fun. When an employee is fooling around, they are not concentrating on their work.
Horseplay directed at others is even more dangerous – they are not expecting the distraction and could easily have an accident such as falling into a moving machine part, slipping on the floor, or knocking boxes into a person. Workplace horseplay incidents may lead to serious injuries at work, divide the workplace, and prevent employees from getting their jobs done.
Take precautions.
What can you do as an employer to prevent horseplay incidents?
- Lead by example.
- Have a policy that clearly states that employees are to refrain from engaging in horseplay and a procedure for employees to report unsafe behaviors.
- Provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
- Ensure that employees understand and follow company operating practices and safety procedures.
Encourage other safe ways to have fun at work.
You and your employees work hard – so while horseplay isn’t the answer, there are safe ways you can have fun at work and help your employees build relationships.
- Set up a “creativity” station in the break room – a quick craft, cardmaking, photo booth, etc.
- Establish programs or contests for staff members – a chili-cook off, lunch break trivia, a cookie exchange, a photo contest, or fitness tracking/competition.
- Make time to celebrate – birthdays, work anniversaries, retirement, etc.
- Forego the uniform for a day and let employees enjoy a “casual Friday” or show support for their favorite team by wearing fan gear.
WHCA Safety
Preventing Dog Walking Injuries
You may not realize how common dog walking and dog handling injuries are. WHCA has had four dog-walking time-loss claims over the last quarter. Rush University System offers six strategies to help keep you safe.
WHCA has a strong history of lowering the cost of workers’ compensation insurance.
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has announced its proposed 2021 base rates. There is an average 0.0% change proposed across all industries but WHCA members will see a decrease in the two main risk classes because of WHCA’s hard work. Insurance rates have decreased by 32% for Skilled Nursing and 21% for Assisted Living over the last six years! This is an incredible upfront saving for WHCA Retro members.
Over the last several years WHCA Retro members have focused on safety and return to work. These strategies have led to significant upfront savings through reduced insurance base rates and lower experience ratings.
OSHA Recordkeeping
Your Responsibilities
This is a reminder that health care communities with more than 10 employees in a calendar year are required to keep and maintain 5 years of OSHA 300 logs and post OSHA 300 summary reports each February – April of injuries and illnesses recorded in the previous year. In addition, certain employers are required to submit logs to the Injury Tracking Application (ITA) system by March 2. Find out if you are required to submit your logs electronically.
If you have questions, please contact Darrell Beaman at dbeman@ernwest.com or 253-237-0831.
Helpful Safety Information
How do you know if your floors are safe?
Slip and fall injuries are among the leading causes of serious injuries and time-loss within the workplace. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the average hospital cost for a slip-and-fall injury is more than $30,000. On February 16, ERNwest is partnering with the National Floor Safety Institute to host a webinar titled, “Solving Your Slip and Fall Problem in 5 Easy Steps.” The webinar will include tips on using the correct flooring type, selecting the right cleaning products, floor matting, and hazard warning signs, and using appropriate footwear. Join us for this educational webinar and get some traction on these types of claims. Check out our Upcoming ERNwest Webinar Training section below to register.
Upcoming Training
Select a topic for more information about these new, ERNwest-specific trainings and to register.
February 9, 2021 at 10am | Supervising for Safety
February 16, 2021 at 10am | Solving Your Slip and Fall Problems in 5 Easy Steps
March 9, 2021 at 10am | Mentoring for Safety – Coaching vs Discipline
March 16, 2021 at 10am | Reduce Lift Injuries and Stop Doing What Doesn’t Work!
ERNwest presents topics such as Understanding Industrial Insurance Rates, What is Retro? and Using Kept on Salary and Modified Duty Effectively on a monthly basis. Find more information about each online at ernwest.com/training.
Latest COVID-19 Updates
Additional Retro Resources
WHCA Safety Resources
Access WHCA and general safety resources. Learn more.
WHCA Pays You Back!
The association, through the Retro program, will reimburse up to $2,500 per year when you buy equipment needed to keep your staff working safely. Access the Safety Rebate Form for a complete list of covered items and for instructions to get started. Download the 2020-2021 WHCA Safety Rebate Form.
Administrator / Executive Director Training
Whether you are new to the Washington Health Care Association (WHCA), new to Retro, new to your position or just have questions, you’ll find helpful information about the benefits and requirements of WHCA Retro membership and how ERNwest can help you succeed with Washington Workers’ Compensation. | Welcome to WHCA Retro
Report All Incidents
Remember to report all incidents on the ERNwest website so that your claims manager is aware and can help guide you through the process. | ERNwest.com/report-an-incident
Contacts
WHCA Retro Questions?
Stephanie Scheurich, WHCA Group Manager (253) 237-0837 | SScheurich@ernwest.com
WHCA Safety Questions?
ERNwest Safety Department Safety@ernwest.com
Darrell Beaman (Central/Eastern WA) (253) 237-0831 | DBeaman@ernwest.com
