1.  Join the CSPE State Fund Group 92 Workers Compensation Insurance Program.  The average savings is a 6% discount for being part of  GROUP 92.  Call your broker or State Fund directly at 800-423-0303.

2.  Review your company safety program regularly and use the CSPE Website Safety Center to create and maintain compliance with current state law regarding employee safety.

3.  Review the Group 92 Loss Statistics below and make the recommended changes to your safety practices.

Worker's Compensation injury potential for Professional Engineering firms varies depending on the firms operations and processes.  However, the potential for injury is estimated to be a 2 out of a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the highest severity.

The primary injuries associated with Group 92 classifications are listed below:

1. Strains 26.8%

2. Sprains 8.9%

3. Lacerations 10.7%

4. Cumulative 7.1%

5. Not Described 14.3%

6. Other 32.1%

Hazards and Recommended Control Measures

Strains

·         Use proper lifting techniques

·         Establish maximum weight limit that 1 person can safely lift

·         Provide material handling lifting devices where practical

·         Provide training to life in teams.

Sprains

·         Stretch & warm up muscles prior to exerting force

·         Rotate use of hands whenever possible

·         Make sure tools have comfortable handles

Lacerations

·         Utilize safety razor/safety knifes

·         Maintain equipment in good condition

·         Keep protective guards in place on equipment/tools

Contusions

·         Maintain good housekeeping/storage practices

·         Provide knee pads for work performed on knees

·         Keep your attention focused on where and what you are doing
 

Fractured bones

·         Maintain 3 points of contact when climbing ladders & equipment

·         Do not carry items in hands while climbing

·         Keep hands out of pockets ready to catch yourself if you slip

·         Use handrails on stairs

·         Provide adequate lighting, keep flashlight handy/nearby

·         On wet or icy surfaces take smaller steps - walk carefully and slowly - keep weight over center of the body

Motor Vehicular Accidents

·         Utilize good defensive driving practices

·         Do not talk on the cell phone or text while driving

·         Signal your intentions well before you make the turn

·         Keep your vehicle in good operating order
 

Exposure to vehicle traffic at jobsite

·         Provide proper barriers when necessary

·         Utilize trained spotters/flaggers

·         Require everyone to wear reflective vests
 

Temperature Extremes

·         Develop & implement Heat Illness Prevention Program

·         Wear waterproof gear for winter months

·         Ensure winterization program is in place
 

Chemical Safety

·         Have MSDS readily available for all chemicals in use 7 train work force on precautions to follow

·         Provide and require that the appropriate PPE is available and utilize whenever workers are working with chemicals, including protective eye wear & rubber gloves

·         NOTE some chemical applications may also require that additional ventilation is needed to safely utilize the chemical.  Read and follow all precautions started on the MSDS and labels.