Friday, December 29, 2017

Protection While Working in the Cold

DEAR GROUP MEMBERS: 

We just received this notice from OSHA regarding the snow emergency that some areas of New York State are experiencing.  Please review it and make sure your employees are safe when clearing snow and/or working in cold temperatures. 

We have also attached our “Safety Talk” on working in the cold and below is the link to our YouTube video about Winter Safety.

Winter Safety

Thursday, December 21, 2017

LOV CLAIMS & SAFETY SEMINAR -(SYRACUSE & ROCHESTER AREAS)

Dates: January 19th (Syracuse)  & January 26th. (Rochester)
Please join us for this informative seminar concerning workplace Safety and Worker Compensation!

Your local Safety and Claims representatives will be presenting important information and answering your questions.

Monday, December 18, 2017

U.S. Labor Department’s OSHA Accepting Electronically Submitted Injury, Illness Reports Through December 31


The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will continue accepting 2016 OSHA Form 300A data through the Injury Tracking Application (ITA) until midnight on December 31, 2017. OSHA will not take enforcement action against those employers who submit their reports after the December 15, 2017, deadline but before December 31, 2017, final entry date. Starting January 1, 2018, the ITA will no longer accept the 2016 data.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Lovell Safety Groups Earn Dividends


New York, NY... Lovell Safety Management Co., LLC, announced the 2016 - 2017 dividend earnings of three of its Safety Groups:
  • Master Painters and Decorators,
    Safety Group #135
     
  • New York Paper Products Manufacturers,
    Safety Group #162
     
  • Roofers and Sheet Metal Employers
    of Greater New York,
    Safety Group #411  

Safety Group #135 paid a 17.5 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent on the 1/1/18 renewal.

Safety Group #162 paid a 25 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent on the 1/1/18 renewal.

Safety Group #411 paid a 30 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent on the 1/1/18 renewal.
   
Lovell Safety Groups are fully insured, non-profit entities that return any underwriting profit to group members. Any extra premium dollars collected-not used to pay losses or expenses-can be returned to members in the form of a dividend. Lovell Safety Groups provide businesses with the benefits of a guaranteed cost premium with additional savings earned through dividends.
For more information about Lovell Safety Groups, please contact:
Dawn Ardolino, Lovell Safety Management LLC.; P: 212-709-8658; 

Friday, October 27, 2017

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course- DEER PARK


RSVP ASAP-SEATS ARE LIMITED
NOVEMBER 29TH & DECEMBER 6th , 2017 8:00AM-2:00PM
 To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course.  The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.

*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.


Thursday, October 19, 2017

Visit Lovell Safety at the PIA Hudson Valley RAP - Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017


Visit Lovell at the PIA Hudson Valley RAP October 26, 2017 in Tarrytown, NY. We will be at Booth #37.        

Learn about what Lovell has to offer including:
Lovell Safety Management offers up-front discounts of up to 25% and dividends as high as 35% to Safety Group enrollees. Our experience, expertise, level of service, and industry vision continue to benefit our broker producers. We pay commissions to brokers and respect your relationship with your clients.     

We look forward to seeing you in Fishkill! 

Your Workers' Compensation Insurance Experts for over 80 Years
For more information, visit our website: Lovellsafety.com 

Friday, September 22, 2017

OCTOBER 10TH &OCTOBER 11TH, 2017 7:30AM-1:30PM

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course.  The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.


*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.



Wednesday, August 9, 2017

OSHA 10 HR CONSTRUCTION COURSE- FLUSHING

SEPT 12 & SEPT 19, 2017  8:00AM-2:00PM

 To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course.  The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.

*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.


Tuesday, August 8, 2017

GREAT NEWS FROM LOVELL! Lovell Safety Groups Earn Dividends


New York, NY... Lovell Safety Management Co., LLC, announced the 2015 - 2016 dividend earnings of two of its Safety Groups:
  • New York State Movers and Warehousemen's Association, Safety Group #251
  • New York Electrical Manufacturers, Safety Group #140
Safety Group #140 paid a 32.5 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent on the 10/1/17 renewal. Safety Group #251 paid a 25 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent on the 10/1/17 renewal. Lovell Safety Groups are fully insured, non-profit entities that return any underwriting profit to group members. Any extra premium dollars collected-not used to pay losses or expenses-can be returned to members in the form of a dividend. Lovell Safety Groups provide businesses with the benefits of a guaranteed cost premium with additional savings earned through dividends.
For more information about Lovell Safety Groups, please contact: Dawn Ardolino, Lovell Safety Management LLC.; P: 212-709-8658; Email: information@lovellsafety.com

Friday, August 4, 2017

Injury Tracking Application (ITA) Electronic Submission of Your OSHA 300 Form

Dear Group Members: 

As of August 1, 2017, you are now able to file your OSHA 300 log Electronically 
As of today, you are required to complete this filing by December 1, 2017. 
Please see the attached Safety Alert for more details.


Thank you,


Friday, June 9, 2017

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course- OWEGO

JUNE 20 & JUNE 21, 2017  7:30AM-1:00PM
 To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course.  The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.

*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.


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Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Visit Lovell at the PIA NY/NJ 2017 Annual Conference June 11-13 at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, NJ Booth #425

Lovell Safety Management Co., LLC is an exhibitor at
PIA's Annual Conference in Atlantic City, NJ, 
 the Northeast's largest gathering for Insurance Professionals
Booth #425
 June 11-13 at Harrah's Resort
 
Learn about what Lovell has to offer including:
Lovell Safety Management offers up-front discounts of up to 25% and dividends as high as 30% to Safety Group enrollees. Our experience, expertise, level of service, and industry vision continue to benefit our broker producers. We pay commissions to brokers and respect your relationship with your clients.     
 
We look forward to seeing you in Atlantic City! 

Your Workers' Compensation Insurance Experts for over 80 Years
For more information, visit our website: Lovellsafety.com  

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Dividend News from Lovell Safety Management: June 1, 2017


New York, NY... Lovell Safety Management Co., LLC, announced the 2015 - 2016 dividend earnings of four of its Safety Groups:
  • Launderers and Cleaners, Safety Group #34

  • Building Metal Trades, Safety Group #420
  •  
  • Municipalities, Safety Group #496
  •  
  • Retail Lumber Association, Safety Group #531
  •  

Safety Group #34 returned to members a 20 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent on the 7/1/17 renewal.

Safety Group #420 returned to members a 25 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent on the 7/1/17 renewal.
Safety Group #496 returned to members a 15 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 20 percent on the 7/1/17 renewal.
   
Safety Group #531 returned to members a 22.5 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent on the 7/1/17 renewal.
   

Lovell Safety Groups are fully insured, non-profit entities that return any underwriting profit to group members. Any extra premium dollars collected-not used to pay losses or expenses-can be returned to members in the form of a dividend. Lovell Safety Groups provide businesses with the benefits of a guaranteed cost premium with additional savings earned through dividends.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course-NRLA MAY 31 & JUNE 7, 2017 8:00AM-2:00PM

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course.  The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.

*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.





Monday, April 10, 2017

OSHA 10 HR Construction Course - FLUSHING May 16 & 23

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course.  The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.

*Pre-registration is required. Please complete attached form.


Wednesday, April 5, 2017

OSHA 10 Hour April 12 & April 13 in Rochester NY

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course. The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.


Wednesday, March 29, 2017

OSHA 10 Hour Course April 6 & April 7 In Whitesboro, NY

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course. The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.



Wednesday, March 22, 2017

OSHA’s New Rules on Retaliation Incentive Programs, Post-Incident Drug Testing and Disciplinary Programs

Employers need to determine whether or not their safety incentive programs, as well as their post-accident drug and alcohol testing programs and disciplinary program, comply with OSHA’s new requirements.

In May 2016, OSHA published a final rule that updated requirements for reporting work-related injuries and illnesses, which also included a new provision that specifically addressed retaliation for reporting incidents. Subsequently, OSHA released a memo providing guidance on how to comply with the various requirements found in the final rule. The memo addresses an employer’s obligation to have “reasonable procedures” in place for employees to report injuries and illnesses without the fear of retaliation.

The anti-retaliation section, which is one of the most important for employers to understand, describes what OSHA will consider a violation when looking at the overall reporting program—especially in determining if there is a potential for retaliation against employees who report incidents (for example, withholding a benefit—such as a cash prize drawing or other substantial award—simply because of a reported injury or illness). The rule doesn’t prohibit incentive programs. 

However, employers cannot create incentive programs that deter or discourage any employee from reporting an injury or illness.

Effective Safety Incentive Programs

Incentive programs should encourage safe work practices and promote worker participation in safety-related activities. Not only will these types of incentive programs comply with OSHA, but they will also be more effective in encouraging safe behavior, thereby reducing the number of injuries. Some examples of behaviors that can be rewarded with an effective incentive programs include:
  •  Participation in safety program activities and evaluations;      
  • Completion of safety and health training;     
  • Reporting and responding to hazards and close calls/near misses; 
  • Safety walk-throughs and identification of potential safety hazards;
  • Compliance with planned preventive maintenance schedules;
  • Following workplace safety rules.

The key to an effective safety incentive program is to reward safe behavior rather than the lack of an injury. A positive way of accomplishing this is by setting up a program that will provide a cash prize for each work group that goes an entire month with all members of the work group complying with specific safety rules, such as wearing required fall protection. Supervisors of each work group should be rewarded as well. Rewards should be at least every 6 weeks, and can build up to a year-long grand prize.

If an employer does set up such an incentive program, what happens if an employee sustains a lost-time injury by falling off a platform while not wearing the required fall protection and he reports the injury to the employer?  The employer can then cancel the cash prize drawing for that specific work group that month because the employee failed to wear the required fall protection, NOT because he was injured. However, there must be an active incentive program in place and the employer must be actively monitoring for compliance. Employees cannot receive the reward when they do not use the fall protection, regardless of whether or not an injury occurred.

Post-Incident Drug Testing

The OSHA rule does not prohibit drug testing of employees, including drug testing required by the Department of Transportation rules or any other federal or state law. It only prohibits employers from using drug testing, or the threat of drug testing, to retaliate against an employee for reporting an injury or illness.

Employers can conduct post-incident drug testing if there is a “reasonable possibility” that employee drug use could have contributed to the reported injury or illness. However, if employee drug use could not have contributed to the injury or illness, post-incident drug testing would likely only discourage reporting without contributing to the employer's understanding of why the injury occurred. Drug testing under these conditions could be considered retaliation.

For example, if an employee reports a repetitive strain injury and the employer requires post-incident drug testing, then that testing would be prohibited because it is unlikely that a repetitive strain injury would be related to drug use by the employee. In a different situation, it would be reasonable for an employer to require post-incident drug testing for a worker who reported an injury while operating a forklift if the employee's conduct contributed to the injury. Employers do not need to specifically suspect drug use before post-incident testing, but there should be a “reasonable” possibility that drug use by the reporting employee could have contributed to the reported injury or illness. Prior to any drug/alcohol testing a company policy must be in place and administered uniformly.


Disciplinary Program

Employers cannot use disciplinary action, or the threat of disciplinary action, to retaliate against an employee for reporting an injury or illness.
The rule prohibits disciplining employees simply because they report work-related injuries or illnesses without regard to the circumstances of the injuries or illnesses, such as automatically suspending workers who report an injury. The rule also does not allow disciplining an employee who reports a work-related injury or illness by stating that the employee violated a work rule if the real reason for the discipline was the reporting of an injury. For example, if an employer disciplines an employee who reported a work-related injury for violating a work rule, but fails to enforce the work rule against other employees who violate the same rule but do not report an injury. It is the same as described in the safety incentive program criteria.
The most common time this type of retaliation is seen is when an employer disciplines an employee who reported an injury or illness for violating a vague rule such as "work carefully" or "paying attention." In this example, the reported injury or illness is often the only basis for disciplining the employee. A rule of thumb to follow is if the employee had not reported the injury or illness, would the employer have still disciplined the employee?  If not, then the employer cannot discipline them if they report an injury.
Effective and legitimate workplace safety programs should treat all workers who violate safety rules in an equivalent manner, regardless of whether or not the violation resulted in the worker reporting an injury or illness. On the other hand, employees who follow the rules should be rewarded fairly and equally as well. 

Monday, March 20, 2017

OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course March 29 and April 5, 2017 Rensselaer NY

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course. The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.


Friday, March 17, 2017

OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course March 27 and 28, 2017

To aid in your compliance with the various Federal, State and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course.  The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.


Friday, February 17, 2017

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Dividend News from Lovell Safety Management


Lovell Safety Groups Earn Dividends

New York, NY... Lovell Safety Management Co., LLC, announced the 2015 - 2016 dividend earnings of three of its Safety Groups:


New York Hospitals and Health Care Entities, Safety Group #275

New York Construction Industry, Safety Group #469

New York State Printing and Imaging Association, Safety Group #514 


Safety Group #275 paid a 10 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 20 percent.

Safety Group #469 paid a 25 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent. 

Safety Group #514 paid a 30 percent dividend. Qualifying members received an advance discount of 25 percent.  
 
Lovell Safety Groups are fully insured, non-profit entities that return any underwriting profit to group members. Any extra premium dollars collected-not used to pay losses or expenses-can be returned to members in the form of a dividend. Lovell Safety Groups provide businesses with the benefits of a guaranteed cost premium with additional savings earned through dividends.


For more information about Lovell Safety Groups, please contact: 
Dawn Ardolino, Lovell Safety Management LLC.; P: 212-709-8658; 
Email: information@lovellsafety.com

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Winter Weather Be Prepared


Outdoor work requires proper preparation, especially in severe winter weather conditions. Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, employers have a responsibility to provide workers with employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards, including winter weather related hazards, which are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to them (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). Employers should, therefore, train workers on the hazards of the job and safety measures to use, such as engineering controls and safe work practices, that will protect workers' safety and health.
Employers Should Train Workers
At a minimum train workers on:
  • Cold Stress:
    • How to recognize the symptoms of cold stress, prevent cold stress injuries and illnesses
    • The importance of self-monitoring and monitoring coworkers for symptoms
    • First aid and how to call for additional medical assistance in an emergency
    • How to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions
  • Other winter weather related hazards that workers may be exposed to, for example, slippery roads and surfaces, windy conditions, and downed power lines
    • How to recognize these hazards
    • How workers will be protected: engineering controls, safe work practices and proper selection of equipment, including personal protective equipment
Employers Should Provide Engineering Controls
Engineering controls can be effective in reducing the risk of cold stress. For example, radiant heaters may be used to warm workplaces like outdoor security stations. If possible, employers should shield work areas from drafts or wind to reduce wind chill.
Employers should use engineering controls to protect workers from other winter weather related hazards, for example, aerial lifts or ladders can be used for safely applying de-icing materials to roofs, to protect workers from the hazard of falling through sky lights.
Employers Should Implement Safe Work Practices
Safe work practices that employers can implement to protect workers from injuries, illnesses and fatalities include:
  • Providing workers with the proper tools and equipment to do their jobs
  • Developing work plans that identify potential hazards and the safety measures that will be used to protect workers
  • Scheduling maintenance and repair jobs for warmer months
  • Scheduling jobs that expose workers to the cold weather in the warmer part of the day
  • Avoiding exposure to extremely cold temperatures when possible
  • Limiting the amount of time spent outdoors on extremely cold days
  • Using relief workers to assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs
  • Providing warm areas for use during break periods
  • Providing warm liquids (no alcohol) to workers
  • Monitoring workers who are at risk of cold stress
  • Monitoring the weather conditions during a winter storm, having a reliable means of communicating with workers and being able to stop work or evacuate when necessary
  • Acclimatizing new workers and those returning after time away from work by gradually increasing their workload, and allowing more frequent breaks in warm areas, as they build up a tolerance for working in the cold environment
  • Having a means of communicating with workers, especially in remote areas
  • Knowing how the community warns the public about severe weather: outdoor sirens, radio, and television
    • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides multiple ways to stay informed about winter storms. If you are notified of a winter storm watch, advisory or warning, follow instructions from your local authorities: NOAA Weather Radio
Employers Should Consider Protective Clothing that Provides Warmth
Employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE), for example, fall protection, when required by OSHA standards to protect workers' safety, and health. However, in limited cases specified in the standard (29 CFR 1910.132), there are exceptions to the requirement for employers to provide PPE to workers. For instance, there is no OSHA requirement for employers to provide workers with ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen (29 CFR 1910.132(h)(4)). Regardless of this, many employers provide their workers with winter weather gear such as winter coats/jackets and gloves.
Learn more about PPE requirements and how to design an effective PPE program: Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page).
Dressing Properly for the Cold
Dressing properly is extremely important to preventing cold stress. When cold environments or temperatures cannot be avoided, the following would help protect workers from cold stress:
  • Wear at least three layers of loose fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
    • An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body. Thermal wear, wool, silk or polypropylene, inner layers of clothing that will hold more body heat than cotton.
    • A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet.
    • An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating. 
  • Tight clothing reduces blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities. Insulated coat/jacket (water resistant if necessary)
  • Knit mask to cover face and mouth (if needed)
  • Hat that will cover your ears as well. A hat will help keep your whole body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.
  • Insulated gloves (water resistant if necessary), to protect the hands
  • Insulated and waterproof boots to protect the feet
Safety Tips for Workers
  • Your employer should ensure that you know the symptoms of cold stress
  • Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers
  • Dress appropriately for the cold
  • Stay dry in the cold because moisture or dampness, e.g. from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body
  • Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and need to change
  • Drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol)
  • Use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer

The original OSHA article and the source can be found here.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Visit Lovell Safety at the PIA Metro RAP - Thursday, January 26, 2017




Visit Lovell at the PIA Metro RAP January 26, 2017 in New York, NY. We will be at Booth #57.        

Learn about what Lovell has to offer including:
Lovell Safety Management offers up-front discounts of up to 20% and dividends as high as 30% to Safety Group enrollees. Our experience, expertise, level of service, and industry vision continue to benefit our broker producers. We pay commissions to brokers and respect your relationship with your clients.     

We look forward to seeing you in New York! 

Your Workers' Compensation Insurance Experts for over 80 Years
For more information, visit our website: Lovellsafety.com