May Resources from Sedgwick - OABA Member Service Partner

May Resources from Sedgwick - OABA Member Service Partner

OABA is pleased to partner with Sedgwick to offer members quality service and stability through the complex workers' compensation environment. Check out this update from Sedgwick regarding Ladder Safety at Work and Selling or Buying a Business.

Ladder Safety at Work

Ladders are common, useful tools in many workplaces, including construction sites, warehouses, offices, retail spaces and maintenance environments. While ladders may seem simple and harmless, they are involved in many workplace injuries every year. Falls from ladders can result in serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries and even fatalities. So, it is important to practice proper ladder safety which is essential for creating a safe work environment and preventing avoidable accidents. OSHA has Standards on ladder safety for General Industry (29 CFR 1910.23) and Construction (29 CFR 1926.1053).

Common Causes of Ladder Accidents

Many ladder-related injuries occur due to improper use. Common causes from improper use include using the wrong type of ladder for the task, placing ladders on unstable surfaces, climbing while carrying tools, overreaching and failing to maintain three points of contact. Additionally, lack of training and rushing to complete tasks also increase the risk of falls. Employers should take the time to train employees on these actions and how they can cause injuries.

Choosing the Right Ladder

A critical component of ladder safety is selecting the appropriate ladder for the job. There are several types of ladders, including step ladders, extension ladders, and fixed ladders, each designed for specific uses. For example, it is important to choose a ladder that is tall enough to reach the working height without standing on the top rung or step or in some cases the top two steps. Ladders must also be rated to support the worker's weight plus any tools or materials being carried. Weight ratings, often labeled as "duty ratings", should always be checked before use. Also, ladders should be made of materials suitable for the anticipated work environment. For example, nonconductive fiberglass ladders should be used when working near electrical sources, as metal ladders can conduct electricity and increase the risk of electrocution.

Inspecting Ladders Before Use

Before using a ladder, workers should perform a thorough inspection. This includes checking for cracks, dents, loose or missing rungs, damaged rails, faulty locking mechanisms as well as areas on the ladder that may cause a slip (grease, water, oils, etc.). Step ladders should open fully with spreaders locked in place, and extension ladders should have secure rope, pulleys and rung locks. Any ladder that shows signs of damage must be taken out of service immediately and repaired or replaced, otherwise, it could result in an injury.

Proper Ladder Setup

Proper ladder placement is essential for stability and for the safety of the employees using them. Ensure ladders are placed on firm, level surfaces. If a ladder must be used on uneven ground, use the appropriate leveling equipment, never use improvised solutions like bricks or boards. For extension ladders, a general rule is to place the base one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height. The top of the ladder should extend at least three feet above the landing surface when used to access roofs or elevated work platforms.

Ladders should never be placed in front of doors that are not locked or guarded, as unexpected opening can cause the ladder to fall. Barricades or warning signs should be used when ladders are set up in high-traffic areas.

Safe Climbing and Working Practices

When climbing a ladder, workers should always maintain three points of contact. Three points of contact is where the employee places either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. It is very important to face the ladder while climbing and descending as this will help maintain balance and control. Tools and materials should be carried using either tool belts or hoisted with a rope, as ascending or descending a ladder while holding equipment can result in a fall. Finally, never have more than one person on a ladder as this could stress the maximum capacity of the ladder and could result in instability, unless the ladder is designed for multiple users.

Training and Awareness

Effective ladder safety requires proper training and reinforcement. Employees should be trained on items such as ladder selection, inspection, setup and safe use. Regular safety talks and refresher training are great ways to keep safety at the forefront of workers' minds. Employers also play a key role in ladder safety by setting clear expectations, correcting unsafe behaviors consistently and ensuring ladders are used appropriately.

Conclusion

Ladder safety is a critical component of workplace safety and should never be overlooked. By choosing the right ladder, inspecting it before use, setting it up correctly and following safe climbing practices, workers can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Employers and employees share responsibility for ensuring ladder safety through proper training, awareness and adherence to safety guidelines. Taking the time to use ladders safely protects not only individual workers but also the overall health and productivity of the workplace.

If you would like to know more about Sedgwick's safety services or would like to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact Andy Sawan at [email protected] or 330-819-4728.

Selling or Buying a Business? What You Need to Know!

"Successorship" or "successors in interest" are terms describing the takeover of one employer's business by another, generally resulting from a change in ownership due to a purchase, acquisition, or merger.

Both the predecessor (seller) and successor (buyer) must notify BWC of a transfer in operations. The BWC will transfer the employer's claims experience when a new owner wholly assumes the former employer's business. If the new owner assumes only a portion of the business, the BWC only transfers that part of the former employer's experience to the succeeding employer.

Successor Employer

If you're the successor and a new employer without Ohio workers' compensation coverage, you must complete an Application for Ohio Workers' Compensation Coverage (U-3). If you already have Ohio workers' compensation coverage, you only need to submit the Notification of Business Acquisition/Merger or Purchase/Sale (U-118).

If you wish to maintain the predecessor employer's policy, and the predecessor's coverage is active, you may submit a Request to Transfer Existing Coverage to Succeeding Employer (U-115) (PDF). You cannot use the U-115 if you have an active policy or if the former policy was canceled. You must submit form U-118.

Obtaining Employer and Policy Information on a Potential Seller

To learn about the predecessor employer's experience or outstanding financial obligations before you acquire a business, complete the Request for Business Transfer Information (AC-4) (PDF). Both seller and potential buyer MUST sign this form. The BWC encourages any entity considering the purchase of another entity to use this form to help discover any potential issues with the seller's policy before purchase.

Predecessor Employer

After notifying the BWC of the transfer and a request to cancel coverage, the predecessor employer has 45 days from the date of cancellation to report the final payroll, also known as true-up. Your policy must be in a canceled status to access the Payroll true-up report.

Important: If you have additional locations covered under the policy for which a portion of the business was transferred, do not complete a cancellation request. Complete the U-118 instead. More information about workers' comp and selling or buying a business here in Ohio can be found at: Selling or buying a business | Bureau of Workers' Compensation (ohio.gov)

If you have plans to buy or sell a business, please contact our Sedgwick program manager, Dave Deyo, at 614-3765401 or [email protected].

Learn more about Sedgwick!

Did you know that many alternative discounts are available to help reduce your annual Ohio workers' compensation costs? Through the OABA workers' compensation program, your organization can significantly reduce your workers' compensation costs through a variety of alternative rating programs. Our program, administered by Sedgwick, offers you quality service and stability through the complex workers' compensation environment.

For over 50 years, Sedgwick has been helping employers navigate Ohio's workers' compensation system, providing services to help them control claim-related costs and reduce premiums. Our team includes experienced colleagues from CompManagement and CareWorks Comp.

Learn more about how Sedgwick can help your company save significantly on your workers' compensation premium by clicking here.