If you're an employer of more than 150 employees, you by law, need to have a workers compensation insurance policy for your workplace.
Failure to do so can result in lawsuits filed against you in the event of an injury.
Monetary compensation for these claims can be detrimental on your side as the employer.
In some cases, work-stop injunctions and other penalties can be implemented on your business.
Also, if you try to circumvent the law, your businesses' personal assets and information are going to be aired publicly, causing embarrassment and potential harm to the health of your business.
Avoid these consequences and obtain proper workers compensation for your employees.
Implementing effective safety protocols are a great way to protect you and your employees from harm, which will also save your business money.
OSHA is a great resource for this.
Compliance with OSHA standards will help immensely.
In fact, implementing an effective safety program will reduce your premiums on your workers compensation insurance costs.
Your employees have the right to work in a safe environment.
To have a good safety program, you have to have everyone involved, including the insurance company and your employees..
In the event that a claim is filed or at any time, insurance adjusters and workers have the right to inspect your place of business.
Your insurance carrier can have a safety expert service your place of work to help you and guide you through this team effort in creating a safe work environment.
Take advantage of programs that your insurance company may have to offer.
This will save you money down the road.
Be transparent.
Posting safety rules and rights entitled to your employees will further your efforts in creating complete transparency when it comes to safety in the work place.
A good safety program always includes this aspect of communication.
Make your notices clear and easy to understand.
Place them anywhere potential hazards are, and where employees frequent (like break rooms and bathrooms).
Make safety equipment easy to find and use.
Enforce safety rules.
Offer incentives for safe behaviors and following the rules.
Listen to employees' concerns on safety and accommodate their concerns.
Consider hiring a Safety Manager to have on site at all times, someone who is an expert at handling all aspects of safety and everything concerning it.
It's a big job.
Streamlining the logistics of safety in your place of work will help avoid confusion, essentially creating more days where workers don't get injured and you save money on your premiums.
The basic rule of thumb is to follow the law.
Adhere to the regulations.
Take safety seriously.
Do not attempt to avoid these rules and honor the rights of your employees.
You'll have better workers if you take their personal safety into consideration.
It may not benefit you in the short term, but it will in the long term greatly.
Offer a safe place to work and you'll be rewarded.