AlaCOMP provides news and OSHA Updates to all members. Each entry is packed with vital safety tips, updates to claims processes and information on the annual seminar devoted to safety and workers’ compensation subjects.
Safety Awareness: Slips, Trips and Falls
April 04, 2019
With slips, trips and falls ranking as one of the most common accidents in the workplace and home, prevention is important. These accidents account for about 15 percent of all accidental deaths per year and about 25 percent of all reported injury claims per fiscal year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. About 65 percent occur as a result of same-level falls, and more than 1 million individuals experience a slip, trip or fall injury every year. Slips, trips and falls can occur in…
MORESafety Statistics
March 10, 2019
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2016 Alabama ranked significantly lower than the national rate for non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses. Alabama recorded a rate of 2.7 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers, and the national average was 2.9 cases. Alabama also reported that 44 percent of cases involved days away from work, job transfer or restrictions compared to the national average of 58 percent. Even though Alabama ranks lower in workplace injuries and…
MORESafety Awareness: Ladder Safety Month
March 01, 2019
March is known as Ladder Safety Month. Over the years, industries have seen an increase in ladder-related accidents in the workplace. These types of accidents kill an average of 3 workers every week and injure more than 50 workers every day in the United States. For the past 2 years, Ladder Safety was number 5 on OSHA’s Top 10 Violations. Ladder-related accidents can be prevented if you take the time to choose the proper ladder for the job. Always ensure that the ladder is set up…
MORESafety Awareness: Lifting/Pushing/Pulling
February 01, 2019
Risk Factors for Back Injuries Back injuries account for 1 in 5 injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Individuals possess significant differences in their ability to withstand lifting and demanding physical labor. Because injuries result from different circumstances, an individual’s exposure and personal characteristics affect the chances of experiencing back injuries related to lifting. The following work-related risk factors should be identified: Heavy lifting Frequent lifting…
MORESafety Awareness: Accident Investigation
January 12, 2019
A comprehensive safety program requires an established, strong set of accident investigation procedures. Important components include the investigation of every incident and consistent reporting of all incidents by employees. Further, simple rules should be applied in every accident investigation: Apply an unbiased approach during the investigation. Interview each witness and injured employee privately. Obtain signed statements from all involved. Conduct a walk-through of the accident. Take…
MORERecap of 2018
January 05, 2019
Following the close of 2018, an annual review reveals many of the same incidents continue to occur resulting in accidents and injuries. As noted in previous years, slips and falls lead all other incidents in frequency and cost. Injuries in the workplace can be prevented with more attention placed on keeping the workplace clean and organized, along with following safety protocol. In 2019, the priority is to eliminate the risk factors causing these injuries. Contact the Loss Control consultants…
MOREFocus Points: Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards
July 30, 2018
At the midway point in the year, slip, trip and fall areas continue to be #1 and #2 respectively in the top 10 claims' list. These hazard areas affect both industry and non-industry areas and generate most documented claims throughout the year. Slips, trips and falls are caused by many factors. Clutter and poor housekeeping are a major contributing factor. Other factors include wet or slick conditions, hoses and extension cords left stretched across the floor and employees working on…
MOREHelpful Tips: Distracted Driving
July 15, 2018
Distracted driving remains a major daily issue across roads and highways. Statistics show distracted driving causes 25% of all motor vehicle fatalities. On a daily basis, there will be more than ten fatalities and 1,000 injuries from distracted driving. It is imperative that companies institute a cell phone and distracted driving policy into existing safety programs. Ensure employees understand the dangers of texting (and other distractions) while driving and remind them to watch for…
MOREMid-Year Review
July 01, 2018
Calendar year 2018 is half over. In the business world, the end of the second quarter serves as a great time to review the first half of the year. Explore things that did or did not work, look for areas of strength and weakness, then make proper modifications to finish out the last two quarters of the year strong. This mid-year review also applies to safety programs. Continuous improvement of safety programs should always be a focal point. Reviewing accidents and injuries on a regular basis…
MORESpring & Summer Focus Points
May 01, 2018
In Spring and Summer seasons, some of the areas to focus efforts on include examining potential outdoor hazards. Some of these include: Insect Bites and Bee Stings: If possible, avoid areas with wasp nests and yellow jacket burrows. Both can cause severe allergic reactions. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea and dizziness, hives, and swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue. Bites can also cause difficulty in breathing. If any of these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical help. Around 50…
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