Electrical Safety Brief: Comprehensive Arc Flash Protection From Head to Toe

Electrical hazards on work sites present real dangers to people. There are complex rules and regulations in place to ensure that people who work in construction and related fields have the information and protective gear they need to stay safe. Not everyone has time to become an expert in electrical safety, so here is a brief guide on comprehensive arc flash protection from head to toe.

Understanding Arc Flash Dangers

The first part of building electricity safety knowledge around arc flashes is understanding the dangers of these electrical events. An arc flash happens when an electrical current escapes into the air, or jumps, and either passes into the ground or back into another existing current. Some industries, such as welding, use controlled arc flashes. Some of the most common causes of arc flashes are:

  •   Human error
  •   Equipment failure
  •   Environmental factors
  •   Damaged equipment
  •   Dropping a conductive tool
  •   Using uninsulated tools

Arc flashes release an explosive amount of heat and energy in just microseconds, which is what makes them so dangerous, and they occur in both high and low-voltage situations. Arc flashes can cause serious injury and even death. The best way to deal with arc flashes is to prevent them and provide thorough training to workers. It’s also crucial that everyone working around electrical systems wears appropriate protective equipment.

Suiting Up With the Right PPE

Choosing the right personal protective equipment for the situation can mean the difference between serious injury and safety. Different electrical systems and setups require different levels of protection. Most projects need to begin with an arc flash analysis to determine how much Arc Thermal Protective Value the PPE needs to be rated for as well as what the Energy Break-Open Threshold needs to be. When these factors are clear, then it’s time to stock up on the following protective equipment:

  •   Hard hats
  •   Arc flash hoods
  •   Arc flash face shields
  •   Rubber insulating gloves
  •   Arc flash coveralls
  •   Insulated footwear

Workers need all of these individual pieces of equipment to stay safe when working with and around electricity. People can also choose to purchase an equipment set that includes a hood, coat, and overalls. Sets are usually rated fairly high in terms of electrical protection. In other instances, workers might also need unique items for their industry or for the situation, including things such as hair and beard nets and fall protection.

Saving Lives With Proper Preparation

Since human error plays a major role in most arc flash incidents, project leaders can save lives by making sure their crew members are properly trained in electrical safety. OSHA sets minimum training requirements so that anyone working around or with an electrical system will understand the safety procedures and practices needed for that specific job. Project management should enforce all rules and regulations regarding training and safety equipment on the job, but it’s also every individual’s responsibility to recognize electrical hazards and bring attention to dangerous working conditions.

Ensure the safety and security of your job sites with Construction Safety Experts! Electrical safety is paramount and can save lives while creating a more comfortable work environment for your employees. Take advantage of our comprehensive one-day electrical safety training course to get all your staff on the same page. Don’t wait, call us today at (919) 463-0669 for a consultation quote and take the first step towards a safer workplace!

Safety Sign Errors and Violations to Avoid

Correctly displayed safety signs are a necessary element for any workplace. They should be obvious and send a clear message informing everyone of potential hazards in the area. There are right and wrong ways to display messages, so knowing the proper methods will keep your employees safe and your business compliant with OSHA standards.

Post Signs Only When Necessary

Only post current warnings to raise awareness of potential hazards. Remove any signs of past notifications or safety recommendations not relevant to the current conditions, as it can lead to a worker overlooking the pertinent information. By doing this, the existing signage will reinforce appropriate hazard warnings and avoid potential unintended safety issues.

Select Proper Colors

The color of the signs for placement in the workplace is essential to ensure compliance with the law. Here are some fundamental rules to follow:

  • Caution signs that denote less hazardous situations should always have a yellow background with a black upper panel that reads CAUTION. The sign should indicate the type of hazard or condition with a graphic that is easy to understand.
  • Warning signs should indicate moderate risks that can lead to severe injuries or death associated with equipment, roadwork or sharp objects. The signs must have an orange background with the word WARNING on the top panel.
  • Biological hazard signage requires red-orange or fluorescent orange coloring with contrasting text to display its message.
  • Danger signs indicate difficult situations resulting in immediate bodily injury or death. The signs must combine red, white and black with the word DANGER at the top.

Using non-emergency colors for signs that address general information is recommended. For instance, policy and procedure signs are typically in blue or green.

Place Signs in the Correct Location

The visibility of safety signs ensures that all workers have reasonable access to their messages. The signs should be in reasonable proximity to allow the worker time to avoid the hazard. The signal word (Warning, Caution, Danger, etc.) should be at least five feet from the reader and in a prominent location. Other placement considerations are as follows:

  •   Ensure the sign is at eye level and, if necessary, include an arrow pointing to the elevation of the hazard.
  •   If posting the sign on a gate, place it on the side of the latch, a customary place for most people to look.
  •   Place the sign in a well-lit area. If it is not possible, include lighting to make it more visible.
  •   Keep the signage away from obstructions or obstacles that limit its visibility or its ability to indicate the hazard.

Choose the Proper Design

Before purchasing a safety sign, check the requirements to ensure the sign complies with the law. There is a general set of standards defined by OSHA.

Send the Right Message

Clear and concise messaging on warning and safety signs is crucial for employees to immediately recognize potential dangers and avoid accidents. At Construction Safety Experts, we prioritize worker safety and offer a range of safety training and risk management services to help businesses create a safe workplace. To learn more about our services, call us at (919) 463-0669 today.

Welding Hazards and Welding Safety—An Overview

Welding requires a considerable degree of skill and professional know-how. In addition to being challenging and complex, this work can also be hazardous. Recognizing the most formidable dangers involved in welding and taking proactive precautions can help people carry out welding tasks safely. Here are some key occupational hazards to be aware of and targeted steps to address them.

Fire 

Using equipment that operates at extremely high temperatures presents serious concerns about fire safety. Moreover, liquified gasses that fuel welding processes are highly combustible. If not used properly, equipment may ignite fires that could injure workers or damage property.

It is important that welders familiarize themselves with the correct way to use a specific piece of equipment. It is advisable to read operating manuals and determine the correct way to adjust settings before beginning to use equipment. Maintaining equipment in good condition and inspecting it before use can also mitigate the risk of malfunctions.

Avoid putting any flammable items in an area where workers are welding. Keep extinguishers in close proximity so workers will be able to quickly contain any fires that should occur.

Acute Burns

Welders must exercise the utmost caution when they wield a high-intensity flame. A minor accident misdirecting the arc of an electrode could result in a severe burn. Furthermore, coming into contact with molten metals such as cadmium or chromium could cause serious injury.

Essential Personal Protective Equipment is a vital safeguard to mitigate occupational risks in welding. Workers must wear gloves that are sufficiently rated for welding. It is a good practice to wear additional PPE such as flame and heat-resistant clothing. Eyewear and facewear can also provide practical protection against severe burns.

Electrical Shock

In certain types of welding that utilize a concentrated electrical charge to break down metallic materials, workers could sustain electrical shocks and accompanying burns in a number of ways. The current running through equipment’s arc may inflict an acute shock. Touching an electrode and the material being welded simultaneously will create an electrical current. The presence of damp materials or excessive humidity in the air can heighten the risk of shock when powering on and handling equipment.

Insulated PPE reduces the risk of shock by serving as a barrier that cannot conduct an electrical current. In addition, safety training and signage makes workers conscientious about electrical hazards in welding.

Respiratory Injuries

The use of noxious chemicals and the process of liquifying metals exposes welders to respiratory irritants. Wearing a mask dramatically reduces the risk of inhalation-related injuries in welding.

Areas where welding is taking place should be well-ventilated to prevent asphyxiation. If it is necessary to perform work in a confined space, it may be necessary to use higher-rated face coverings or a respirator and limit the length of time that workers operate equipment by staggering the scope of work into separate phases.

For assistance ensuring safe working conditions on your company’s projects, contact Construction Safety Experts at (919) 463-0669. We can help with training initiatives, safety policies, and compliance management. Our team of experts can also provide onsite evaluations, inspections, and supervision.

How To Keep New Construction Workers Safe

The construction industry is growing rapidly. Because of worker shortages, you need to retain the workers you do hire. Nevertheless, new employees in construction are three times more likely to suffer an injury that causes them to lose work than their co-workers who have been working a year or more. The tone for the entire employment relationship is set during the first 90 days, which is why integrating new recruits into your safety culture is so important.

What Do Construction Injuries Cost You?

According to Safety and Health Magazine, a medically consulted work-related injury costs about $32,000. This includes administrative expenses and medical expenses, as well as the costs to you, the employer, from losing an able-bodied worker. To offset the cost of each injury, your other employees each have to produce an additional $1,000 in goods or services.

Injuries to your workers also cost you in other ways. Frequent worksite injuries can affect morale among remaining employees. Workers who feel that they are not safe in their current position may start looking for work elsewhere. If you cannot retain employees, you have to keep hiring replacements, absorbing the costs of onboarding every time.

What Can You Do To Keep New Workers Safe?

New hires in construction are more vulnerable to injury due to a lack of experience and training. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them safe, especially during the critical initial 90-day period.

1. Set Reasonable Expectations

Safety onboarding should begin at the start of the application process. Provide job descriptions that are detailed and realistic about the physical demands the job requires. During the interview, ask specific questions of applicants about how they understood and participated in workplace safety in prior roles.

2. Provide Comprehensive Training

The training that you provide to new hires should follow a well-organized and detailed curriculum. It is not enough to explain what the safety rules are and why they are important. Employees who understand the rationale behind safety procedures are more likely to follow them.

3. Use Mentorship

Team up new recruits with more experienced employees who serve as mentors. The job of the mentors is to show the new recruits how to do the work while observing safety rules and to provide feedback when the mentees do well or when they violate safety protocols. A mentor may also be able to intervene and prevent an injury when a mentee makes a mistake.

4. Start Small

Look for lower-risk jobs that you can assign to new recruits during the initial 90 days. As they learn the safety protocols, they can gradually start to take on higher-risk assignments. It may help to create a tiered system of organizing jobs so that a new hire that reaches a certain benchmark in a low-risk position can move on to one with moderate risk.

5. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Research shows that workers are more likely to repeat desired behaviors if they receive praise for them. By contrast, constantly punishing unwanted behaviors can be disheartening. Look for opportunities to provide your new recruits positive reinforcement, and instruct trainers, supervisors, and mentors to do the same.

Award-Winning Construction Safety Experts

In addition to providing safety training and certifications, we also provide safety consulting. Contact us at (919) 463-0669 for more information about our services.

THE CONTROL OF NOISE AT WORK REGULATIONS

According to the Hearing Health Foundation, occupational hearing loss is a significant problem in the United States. Over 20,000 workplace hearing loss cases occur each year. About one-quarter, 24%, of hearing loss in the U.S. is attributed to workplace exposure. The annual cost to society is around $26 billion. OSHA requires employers to reduce the risk of damage to employees’ hearing from exposure to noise levels. Here are some key points to controlling noise levels in the workplace.

Know Your Noise Levels

OSHA requires a hearing conservation program when noise levels go over 85 decibels for 8 hours. You need to determine your workplace threshold to know what you need to do to combat that. Eighty-five decibels is considered loud. It’s the equivalent of heavy traffic or the sound of a blender. If you need to raise your voice to speak to someone about 2 feet away, that is considered hazardous noise. Many machines in the office and the workplace create that level of noise, but there are industries more prone to hazardous noise levels.  Measure the noise levels with a Noise Level Meter or use an app on your phone that measures decibels.

Train and Inform Employees

Employees need to be aware of occupational hearing loss to prevent it and protect against it. Employers may not be able to reduce the source of the noise, but there are ways to reduce noise exposure. Employees can reduce their noise exposure:

  •   Take a break from the noise and reduce time in noisy areas.
  •   Put barriers or increase distance between the source of the noise and the employee.
  •   Wear hearing protection in noisy areas. Make sure all employees know how to insert foam plugs correctly.
  •   Provide proper protection equipment that is in good working condition.

Set Up a System to Prevent Occupational Hearing Loss

Occupational hearing loss costs businesses and employees. Workers with hearing loss typically have a lower income. Hearing loss impacts safety, not only on the job but at home. Employers are responsible for medical costs when hearing loss occurs in the workplace. According to the CDC, with prevention strategies and technologies, occupational hearing loss is highly preventable.

  •   Monitor workers’ hearing levels by requiring an annual evaluation to know if their hearing is affected.
  •   Track noise levels in the workplace on a regular basis. When it’s over 85 decibels,
  •   Invest in equipment that is quieter.
  •   Limit a person’s exposure to loud areas.
  •   Follow all OSHA guidelines.
  •   Evaluate hearing protection for effectiveness.
  •   Maintain records of your efforts to control noise levels and to prevent hearing loss.
  •   Evaluate the success of your program to improve your efforts.

Protect Your Workforce

Occupational hearing loss is hardly ever reversible. It will be a permanent condition, which will have a profound impact for the rest of the employee’s life. Employers are responsible for providing a safe environment. Construction Safety Experts offers safety consulting services if you aren’t sure where to start or just want to improve your program. We can help you implement a program that reduces the risk of occupational hearing loss in your business. Give us a call at (919) 463-0669 today!

7 Topics To Address At Construction Safety Meetings

Safety meetings are essential for any construction company. By discussing the various potential hazards at job sites, you can reduce the chances of nonfatal and fatal injuries.

Of course, you do not have time during safety meetings to discuss every possible danger. You should instead focus on the most common causes of accidents and how to prevent them. Here are seven topics you should emphasize during construction safety training.

1. Fall Hazards

Falls are the most common cause of death at construction sites. During safety meetings, you should discuss ways to prevent both falls from a height and falls that do not involve a change in elevation. This is particularly important for employees who frequently work on ladders or scaffolds.

2. Trip and Slip Hazards

Slips and trips are common at construction sites, as well. While these incidents are not usually fatal, they can cause painful strains and sprains. They are particularly common in icy or poorly organized areas. Be sure to talk about ways to limit falls on all types of surfaces, including stairwells.

3. Electrocution Hazards

While electrocution fatalities in the construction industry have decreased in recent years, they can still occur. In fact, most electrocution deaths at worksites still take place at construction sites. During safety meetings, be sure your workers understand proper tagout and lockout procedures. They should also understand the dangers of contacting live electrical equipment, including exposed cords and overhead powerlines.

4. Caught-Between Hazards

Construction workers can easily get pinched, crushed or squeezed between multiple objects. Caught-between hazards include potentially fatal incidents such as being buried in a trench, to relatively minor accidents such as getting a hand caught in a machine. Even the latter ordeal can still be quite painful, so you should train your workers to identify and limit potential causes of caught-between accidents.

5. Struck-by Hazards

A struck-by injury occurs when a worker is hit by a falling object or by a moving piece of equipment or vehicle. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that struck-by incidents are the second-most common cause of death and the most common cause of nonfatal injury at construction sites.

While many people face struck-by hazards at work, the risk is particularly great for those in the construction industry. According to the NIOSH, construction workers are involved in more fatal struck-by incidents than those in other industries are. Construction workers are also twice as likely to suffer a nonfatal struck-by injury.

Workers can be hit by objects that are swinging, falling, rolling or flying toward them. Each safety meeting should discuss the hazards that fit into each of these categories. You should also instruct employees to safely secure all materials, and to only operate equipment on which they have been trained.

6. Material Handling

Heavy loads and materials can cause injuries in other ways, as well. Improperly carrying, pushing or pulling large boxes can also lead to spinal injuries. Workers should learn about proper lifting strategies and ergonomics. They also should understand that it is acceptable to ask another worker for help, or to use a dolly or cart when necessary.

7. Personal Protective Equipment

Construction workers need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at job sites. Unfortunately, it is easy for them to forget their goggles or hard hats, especially when they are busy or in a rush. Remind them which PPE is required for certain tasks, and emphasize why this equipment is important. Workers need to understand that PPE may be their last chance to avoid injury.

Develop a Safety Culture

Holding proper safety meetings is just one part of establishing a safety culture within your construction company. The professionals at Construction Safety Experts can keep your workers safe and reduce construction hazards. Whether you need employee training, onsite safety professionals or consultations, contact Construction Safety Experts at (919) 463-0669 today.

Ladder Inspections and Checklists for Ladder Safety

Ladders are one of the most common tools used both at home and professionally. Yet, there are still thousands of ladder accidents every year. Ensure ladder safety through regular inspections and by following approved safety guidelines. There’s more to it than you may know. So, where should you begin?

Ladder Safety Checklist

There are some universal basic points you should go over when you are inspecting your ladder before use. Keep this checklist handy so you don’t forget any of the steps. These points of simple observation could save you from a dangerous fall.

  •   Read the stickers. The manufacturer tag will contain important information like the duty rating, maximum working length, and year of manufacture.
  •   Look at the feet of your ladder. Are they level and on stable ground?
  •   Check for damage on the side rails and all of the steps. Look for rust, corrosion, dents, or debris. Substances like mud or oil could cause a slip.
  •   Fasten everything securely before climbing. Make sure rung locks and spreader bars are in place and engaged.
  •   Use the 4-1 rule for placement. Every 4 ft of height requires one foot of distance from the vertical surface.

If you discover any problems after going through the checklist, do not use the ladder without addressing the issue. For example, wipe off any mud or move the ladder to stabilize the feet. Place as many times as you need to before going up.

Guidelines for Inspecting Ladders

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets national workplace safety standards. They recommend inspecting a ladder before each use. At the minimum, a ladder should be inspected before every shift.

You should document every ladder inspection you complete. You can track the health of your ladder, ensure compliance with safety guidelines, and be prepared in the event of an accident. There are device applications and templates available for such documentation.

Defective Ladders

If you find a ladder to be defective, do not use it. Assess the damage and ascertain whether it is repairable. Once you have fixed it to the best of your ability, redo the inspection to make sure it is ready to go.

If repairs are not possible, the ladder is no longer usable. Remove the ladder from the workplace and dispose of it properly. 

Ladder Safety Education

It is vital to keep your team trained on ladder safety so that everybody is using ladders responsibly each time. Give them the tools for success and keep your workplace safe. If everybody knows what the best practice is, they can help keep each other accountable, as well.

Ladder safety is nothing to skimp on, so bring in the experts if you’re new to these standards. Whether you have a ladder for cleaning your gutters or run a team of employees who use ladders on the job, the right training is key. Contact Construction Safety Experts at (919) 463-0669 so we can provide you with comprehensive training and help your team prevent accidents.

Construction Safety Helmets vs. Hard Hats: A New Approach

For many people across the country, a hard hat is the most recognized symbol for construction workers. Putting on a hard hat is universal for entering a construction zone, whether as a tradesman or as a visitor. The safety yellow hard hat is iconic.

Now technology may make the hard hat obsolete. The latest upgrade for workers is a move toward safety helmets. However, this new approach may be facing some resistance.

The Hard Hat

World War I introduced America to the safety features of wearing protective headgear. In 1919, after returning from the war, Lt. Edward W. Bullard saw the opportunity to develop a safety hat for peacetime workers at home.

Bullard constructed the original hard hat with leather and canvas and revolutionized the safety industry. First adopted by miners, hard hats quickly spread to other industries. By 1952, fabrication switched to plastic. Since the early 2000s, all hard hat compositions have been strictly polyethylene.

The Safety Helmet

Meanwhile, safety helmets were being developed for other activities. By the early 1970’s bicyclists realized that the major cause of fatal accidents was head injuries. They began to look for helmets for safety.

Their innovations led to adding EPS foam liners to more traditional helmets for added impact protection. As years went by, inventors added venting and outer shells, and the use of these helmets expanded to other sports like skiing and rock climbing. Today sports helmets are ubiquitous.

The Construction Safety Helmet

The new construction safety helmets offer more protection than traditional hard hats. They combine the technology of both hard hats and sports helmets. Since weight is not a consideration as it is in sports, construction helmets pair a sturdy outer shell with a foam insert to offer superior protection.

Safety helmets not only shield workers from falling objects but also offer increased protection from impacts to the back and side of the head. The addition of secure chinstraps increases safety during falls by keeping helmets in place.

Pros and Cons of the New Construction Safety Helmets

Each new technology has its pros and cons, and construction safety helmets are no exception.

Pros of Construction Safety Helmets:

  • They provide increased safety, particularly from side and back impacts
  • Using the chinstrap ensures they will not fall off during a fall
  • They can be effective for up to 10 years

Cons of Construction Safety Helmets:

  • They may be heavier than a traditional hard hat
  • They can be expensive, with average models costing more than $125
  • The cultural shift away from the iconic hard hat may be difficult 

The Biggest Challenge

While the protection offered by a construction safety helmet is clearly superior, the biggest challenge to widespread adoption appears to be the reluctance of the industry to relinquish the iconic image of the safety yellow hard hat. It is proving difficult to change our collective image of the quintessential construction professional, complete with a hard hat.

As more and more safety helmets appear on job sites, and more workers are better protected, the shift to construction safety helmets will happen. In the meantime, job sites may see a mix of both hard hats and safety helmets as workers, and society, make the shift. Lead the way into the future by being an early adopter and switch yourself and your crew to construction safety helmets today. 

Contact us online or call our experts directly at (919) 463-0669 for more information on safety helmets! 

 

Workplace Safety: Hearing Protection

Every company’s goal should be to create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. One way to do that is to provide hearing protection. Here is why it is essential and the types available.

Why Is It Important to Wear Hearing Protection?

First, here are some statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] regarding workplace hearing loss.

  •   Hearing loss is one of the most common illnesses on the job.
  •   Approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to dangerous noise yearly.
  •   Occupational hearing loss is preventable.

What is “dangerous noise”? According to OSHA, any sound over 85 decibels requires hearing protection to avoid hearing loss. To better understand how loud that would be, here are examples of everyday sounds.

  •   Whisper – 30 dB
  •   Normal conversation – 60 dB
  •   Lawnmower – 80-85 dB
  •   Motorcycle – 95 dB
  •   Shouting or barking in the ear – 110 dB
  •   Firecracker – 140-150 dB

Any noise over 120 dB can cause immediate damage to your hearing. Once hearing loss has occurred, it does not come back. Even if the sound isn’t that loud, prolonged noise exposure can still cause problems, so it is crucial to wear hearing protection in the workplace.

What Types of Hearing Protection Are Available?

There are several choices when considering hearing protection. Choose one that is comfortable to wear and protects you from noise. Here are some common ones.

Expandable Earplugs

You can find this type of foam earplug in grocery stores and drugstores. This earplug style is easy to insert. Roll the earplug between your fingers until it is thin. Pull the top of your ear up and back to insert it into your ear canal. Then, hold the earplug in place until it expands. When sound is muffled, you have a good fit.

Pre-molded Earplugs

These earplugs are also inserted into your ear canal, but they are already shaped. Depending on the size of your ear, these might not be as comfortable as the moldable type. Another option is to have an audiologist make you custom-molded earplugs.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs have two hard cups with soft cushions on top held together with a headband. They completely cover your ears and are good at blocking out damaging sound. This is a good option if you do not like the feel of the earplugs.

Should Hearing Protection Be In Your Safety Plan?

Every business should have a safety plan that includes hearing protection. Contact Construction Safety Experts online or call us at (919) 463-0669 to create a customized safety program for your business.

 

The Significance of Ex Mod for Your Safety Program

Your company’s Experience Modification or Ex Mod affects the rates the company will have to pay for Workers Compensation insurance. If you’re a safety professional, Ex Mod also provides an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of what you do.

Know What Safety Is Worth

Ex Mod is the ratio of actual workers compensation losses your company has experienced versus the losses that your company would be expected to have. If it’s higher than normal, insurance rates can be increased by additional surcharges. If it’s lower, they can be reduced by credits that offset some of the company’s premiums. The calculation takes several factors into account, but the main ones are the amount, frequency and severity of workers compensation claims. Since the number of significant incidents affects your company’s Ex Mod, your efforts to increase safety can also affect it. The things you do every day can reduce your company’s workers compensation claims and improve your Ex Mod for years to come. This is powerful proof of the financial benefit of strong safety procedures.

Show What Safety Is Worth

Your company’s management would love to reduce their insurance costs. Reducing the Ex Mod is a concrete way to do that. Since the frequency and seriousness of workplace incidents is a major contributor to Ex Mod, your role as a safety specialist lets you make a clear impact on costs. Communicating this to corporate leadership can enhance your standing and advance your career. Accurately track reductions in incidents, and show how they are related to improved safety procedures and training. By doing so, you can demonstrate how your job contributes to the company’s success.

Persuade Management to Boost Safety and Savings

One way to improve your Ex Mod is to prevent incidents, but another way is to limit the seriousness of the incidents that do occur. While you can’t eliminate all risk, there may be some measures you can take to reduce the severity of the incident and thus the overall size of the workers comp claim. Some of these options will require spending money, and all will require support from management.  This could be as simple as developing a policy to be more proactive in dealing with even minor injuries. It could also entail more substantial commitments, like investing in specialized safety training or implementing solutions that make it easier to oversee the progress of existing workers comp claims. The good news is that the clear link between Ex Mod and insurance costs can make it easier for you to make the case that improved safety is worth the investment.

For more information on better safety procedures and training that could improve your safety program while bringing down insurance costs, contact Construction Safety Experts online, or call (919) 463-0669 today!