Keeping employees healthy is a large part of controlling your workers’ compensation premium. An illness or injury that occurs in a work environment can mean a decrease in productivity and an increase in workers’ compensation claims. All employers should be concerned with their employees’ safety. One way to keep them safe is to adopt a wellness program.
Wellness programs are company-wide encouragement and support to live a healthy lifestyle. There are many things you can do to improve the wellness of your employees, below are a few examples:
1. Provide flu shots to your employees.
2. Train employees on proper hand washing techniques.
3. Stock vending machines with healthy snacks.
4. Encourage and train proper lifting and maneuvering techniques.
5. Provide resources and help for depressed or stressed workers.
6. Provide resources for employees that want to quit smoking, drinking, or abusing drugs.
7. Build lasting relationships with employees, and reach out to them if they become ill or experience an injury.
These are just a few tips to get you started. If you want to control the cost of your workers’ compensation premium, implementing a wellness program could be your first step. Encouraging healthy attitudes and practices will keep your workforce strong and, hopefully, decrease the chances that your employees experience an injury or illness.
The Flanders Group is experienced in helping decrease workers’ compensation premiums; if you have any questions about wellness programs or how to keep your employees healthy, please, contact us today.