December Resources from Sedgwick - OABA Member Service Partner

OABA is pleased to partner with Sedgwick to offer members quality service and stability through the complex workers’ compensation environment. Check out this update from Sedgwick regarding Safe Winter Driving and Cost Containment in Ohio Workers' Compensation.

Employee Engagement in Safety

Employee engagement in workplace safety is critical for maintaining a safe and productive environment. When employees actively engage in safety efforts, they're more likely to follow protocols, identify hazards and contribute to a culture prioritizing well-being.  Employee engagement will differ from company to company depending upon factors such as culture, leadership, employees and the current safety program.  Regardless of the type of safety program you have, involving employees in it will show the company’s dedication to safety in the workplace.  An effective way to protect employees is to involve them in your company’s safety program.  There are a number of ways to do this, so it is important you find out what works best for yours. 

Here are some strategies to encourage engagement:

Involve Employees in Safety Planning
Active participation in the company’s safety planning meetings and risk assessments will allow workers to voice their concerns, concerns of others and suggest improvements.  Many employees have first-hand knowledge of tasks and job functions and can highlight potential risks, hazards and offer better solutions others may overlook. 

Empower Employees to Speak Up
There are many ways to encourage employees to report hazards, near-misses and unsafe behaviors. The key is to encourage reporting without fear of reprimand.  Suggestion boxes, computer reporting software, safety meetings and toolbox talks can all be used to address safety concerns and make employees feel comfortable contributing to safety.

Provide Ongoing Safety Training and Development
Develop a training program that offers guidance and knowledge to employees.  Training is required in many situations for compliance but it should be more than that.  The main focus of training is to encourage employees to work safely to eliminate injuries.  Remind them that nobody wants to get hurt at work and safety training is key to preventing injuries.  Regular, interactive training keeps safety top-of-mind and helps employees retain knowledge.  Customize the topics for different departments or areas.

Set Clear, Achievable Safety Goals
Goals can be a great way to encourage employees to get involved in safety.  Recognize individual and team efforts to meet these goals, which can help keep everyone motivated.  However, avoid setting goals that focus on injury reduction as this might discourage employees from reporting. Acknowledge employees who consistently follow safety practices and contribute to safety initiatives.  Rewards can range from public recognition to tangible incentives.

Encourage Positive Peer Influence
Create a culture where employees remind each other about safety practices and help correct unsafe behaviors.  Focus on the point that safety is everyone’s responsibility and not one department or person.  No single employee should be policing safe work practice, but it should be a responsibility of everyone.  Reinforce to staff that reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors is key to prevention and keeping an overall safe workplace.  When safety is part of the team’s shared responsibility, compliance improves naturally.

Leadership by Example
Probably one of the most important parts to a safe workplace is leading by example.  When leaders consistently demonstrate commitment to safety, it sends a strong message.  Regardless of who enters the work area, ensure employees wear required PPE and follow safety guidelines such as staying within marked walking areas.  Engaged leadership shows that safety is a priority and not just an obligation.  Employees who regularly do not enter the work area and are seen not following safety rules shows to employees that safety is not a priority.

Regularly Communicate Safety Information
Keep safety visible with bulletin boards, digital displays, posters or company newsletters.    Regular reminders reinforce the importance of safety in the workplace.  The safety message should be changed periodically (weekly or monthly).  Use these communication channels to reinforce safety guidelines, such as PPE usage, Safety Data Sheet information or review of safe work practices.

Evaluate and Act on Feedback
Regularly request feedback on safety processes and be proactive in implementing suggested changes. When employees see their feedback leads to improvements, they’re more likely to stay engaged.  Regardless of how small a safety suggestion may seem, always get back to the employee with a response.  Ignoring requests can demonstrate a non-caring attitude toward safety.

Encouraging employee engagement into your company’s safety program is a great way to demonstrate how important safety is in the workplace.  When developing a strategy that is specific to your culture, be creative, think outside the box and include employee suggestions.  Once you’ve come up with a strategy that fits your organization, communicate it with employees.  Share the philosophy that safety is the number one priority.  Remember, in a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute to safety, they’ll be more likely to stay actively engaged in creating a safe environment.  

If you need help identifying potential hazards in your workplace, please contact Andy Sawan, Risk Services Specialist at Sedgwick at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330-819-4728.

C-159 Recreational Activities Waiver

‘Tis the season that many of our clients host volunteer events in their respective communities. Volunteer work makes us stronger together to serve our people. These employer-sponsored events are considered recreational activities. Many times, employers are cautious about having recreational or fitness activities at their workplaces because of the potential of an employee getting injured and filing a workers' compensation claim.

Sedgwick encourages you to have your employees sign an Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) C-159 recreational activities waiver form (click here) to waive workers’ compensation coverage for injuries. We also understand that these events are morale boosters and you may not choose to have employees complete the waiver. However, if an employee is injured during the event, this could result in a workers’ compensation claim.

It is BWC's policy that an injury or disability incurred during voluntary participation in an employer sponsored recreation or fitness activity is not compensable if the injured worker signed a waiver of the right to workers' compensation benefits prior to engaging in the recreation or fitness activity.

If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, David Deyo, at 614-318-5516 or david.deyo@sedgwick.com.

Learn more about Sedgwick!

Did you know that many alternative discounts are available to help reduce your annual Ohio workers’ compensation costs? Through the OABA workers’ compensation program, your organization can significantly reduce your workers’ compensation costs through a variety of alternative rating programs. Our program, administered by Sedgwick, offers you quality service and stability through the complex workers’ compensation environment.

For over 50 years, Sedgwick has been helping employers navigate Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, providing services to help them control claim-related costs and reduce premiums. Our team includes the experienced colleagues from CompManagement and CareWorks Comp.

Learn more about how Sedgwick can help your company save significantly on your workers’ compensation premium by visiting www.oaba.net/services_workers_comp.