Experience Modification   

Your company’s workers’ compensation claims history directly affects the cost of your coverage through your experience modification factor. New businesses and those with average loss experience have factors of 1.00. The calculation rewards businesses with good history with low modification factors (less that 1.00.) Poor loss histories yield higher modification factors (greater than 1.00.) Your calculated premium is multiplied by the modification factor to determine the amount of premium that should be charged to you by the insurance company.

Self-inspections 

Conducting a periodic self-inspection of your facility will help you identify the physical hazards that exist. The goal of the self-inspection is to identify correctable issues and create a plan to fix them. Items such as housekeeping, equipment maintenance, and building maintenance are examples of what a self-inspection will bring to light. Your FCCI Loss Control Representative can assist you in locating or developing a self-inspection checklist that is suitable for your operation.

Hazard Recognition 

Determining what hazards are presented by a job is the first step in preventing injury to employees working on that job. Completing a hazard assessment for the job can identify the hazards associated with it. Click here for an example of a Hazard Assessment Form.

Personal Protective Equipment 

When you cannot eliminate a hazard through administrative or engineering means, you must provide protection for your employees in the form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE must be considered as the last resort for employee protection because the hazard or exposure is still present. Protection from hazards depends on the proper selection of PPE, the training of employees in the use and care of the PPE, and management’s enforcement of PPE use when it is required.

A hazard assessment of your workplace can help you determine if PPE is needed and/or required by law. The Personal Protection Equipment Guidelines Worksheet can help you determine what is needed after you have conducted a hazard assessment of your facility. 

Remember that personal protective equipment is only effective when the employees wear it. 

Right to Know and Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) 

Communicating the information about hazards in the workplace is the best way to avoid injury. An important part of identifying hazards in the workplace is knowing what causes hazards. The materials used in your company’s operation may be the source of those hazards. When that’s the case, it is more than good practice to inform your employees - and the law may require it.

“Right to know” relates to the employee’s right to be informed about toxic substances in the workplace. The Federal Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) outlines the requirements. It requires that employees be made aware of hazardous chemicals and substances that they may be exposed to during the course of their work.

What are hazardous chemicals and substances? Generally, any substance that can cause either a physical or health hazard could be considered a hazardous chemical or substance. Specifically, most hazardous chemicals are readily identified by a Chemical Abstract Service Number (C.A.S. number) printed somewhere on the label or package. Others may not be easily identified. This is why the Right to Know law becomes so critical for the employer’s compliance with the law and more importantly, the employee’s health and well-being.

You can use the Hazard Communication Checklist to evaluate your company’s chemical inventory and to assist in meeting the requirements as they pertain to the employee’s right to know. Ask your FCCI Loss Control Representative for more detailed information or assistance. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of what is required so that you can protect your business, property, and people.

First Aid Kit 

After the hazards have been identified, it is important to be prepared to respond quickly in the event of an injury. Workers’ compensation claim costs can be reduced through immediate and effective first aid treatment. By having adequate first aid supplies available and providing trained individuals in basic first aid techniques, you can keep employees healthier, productive, and more safety conscious. 

Minimum requirements are established by law as to what should be included in a first aid kit; however, only your knowledge of the specific hazards and experience within the type of business or industry you take part in can determine what should be included in your company’s first aid kit.

The First Aid Kit Checklist should help you evaluate your first aid kit needs. By providing a well-stocked first aid kit in a convenient and known location, you can take a positive step to protect business, property, and people.

Employee Training 

Training employees is the next step after the hazards are identified and the approach to reduce the potential injuries is determined. Your program will have little effect if the employees do not understand what is expected of them and how they can use the information and techniques provided to them.

For some jobs or exposures, laws require training be conducted and documented. In most cases it should be done to protect your employees and your business. Some mandatory training topics include:
• Hazard communication
• Respiratory protection 
• Power lift trucks (fork trucks)
• Blood borne pathogens
• Lockout and tagout of equipment
• Confined space entry 

Even if the training is not required by law, it is always a good practice to document the training program and who attended it. 

FCCI’s Blueprint for Safety and your FCCI Loss Control Representative can provide you with additional information about training programs. 

The Employee Training Log may be used to maintain a record of the training programs your employees attend.

For more information on workers’ compensation risk control techniques, check with your FCCI Loss Control Representative and look in the Workers’ Compensation section of the Blueprint for Safety Online Risk Control Manual.

This manual is advisory only and does not attempt to list all potential hazards or identify all possible remedial actions. You are responsible for the safety of your premises, operations, and products. FCCI Insurance Group and its affiliates and subsidiaries shall not be liable for any loss, injury, death, damage, or expense arising from the use of this manual.