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.
October Safety Awareness: Claims Reporting
October 18, 2019
When an on the job injury occurs, there are a couple steps to follow that will help not only you, the employer/employee, but will also ensure that AlaCOMP is able to control medical cost and properly investigate the claim. Ultimately, this could end up saving you time and money. If an on the job injury does occur, having certain protocols/training in place always makes for a smoother process. Training your employees about what to do if they get injured and knowing how to handle reporting an on…
MORESafety Awareness: Defensive Driving
August 08, 2019
Driving an automobile exists as one of the most dangerous tasks performed each day. In the United States, automobile accidents rank as one of the leading causes of death. Depending on location and vehicle type, statistics may be higher. A person dies in an automobile accident every 11 minutes. One in four work-related fatalities involve a motor vehicle accident. Distracted driving kills an average of 9 people and injures more than 1,000 daily. Someone incurs an injury in an automobile accident…
MORESafety Awareness: Fall Protection
July 11, 2019
According to information published by Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, the OSHA fall protection fall standard was the number one most-frequently cited standard in 2018. Click here to read the article. Some of the statistics cited include the following: Enforcement citations: 6,479 Number of inspections: 6,298 Proposed penalties: $31,266,844 Falls exist as one of the most common workplace accidents resulting in serious injury or death. At any point when employees are exposed to heights…
MORESafety Awareness: Lockout/Tagout
June 04, 2019
About 3 million workers in the U.S. are employed to repair or service equipment and machinery. OSHA reports that the number of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) deaths each year ranges from 150 to 200 people. Additionally, each year about 60,000 LOTO accidents occur. To prevent these accidents from happening, follow planned LOTO procedures. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure used to ensure proper shut-off and prevent the inability to start up machines prior to completion of maintenance or repair…
MORESafety Awareness: Heat-Related Illnesses
May 15, 2019
During the hot and humid months of the year, one common workplace accident results from heat-related illnesses. Heat stress can affect employees working outdoors and can also affect those exposed to direct physical contact with hot equipment. Below are different types of heat-related illnesses and some notable symptoms. Heat Stroke: the most serious heat related-illness, heat stroke occurs when the body cannot control its temperature causing rapid increase. The body cannot cool itself,…
MORESafety 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…
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