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4/26/2012
In 2010, work zone crashes killed 576 people and injured approximately 37,000. While road work is a dangerous occupation, the fact is that 85 to 90 percent of those killed in these crashes were drivers and their passengers. April 23 …
Read More › “National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week”
4/11/2012
Each year, more than 200,000 children go to emergency rooms with injuries associated with playground equipment. Most injuries occur when a child falls from the equipment onto the ground. The combination of regular use along with changing weather conditions creates …
Read More › “Spring is here – are your playgrounds safe?”
4/09/2012
The following article, shared with permission by Risk Management Services of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, provides an overview of a recent court decision ruling that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has the right to subpoena safety audits …
Read More › “OSHA subpoena of safety audits”
3/30/2012
On their own, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Workers’ Compensation laws can be complicated. But when they interact, even the most seasoned human resources (HR) professional can find it a challenge. Recently, HRHero …
Read More › “VMLIP hosts summit on the interactions of FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation”
3/27/2012
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, are you ready to spread the message with your drivers and employees? VML Insurance Programs wants to remind everyone that driving distracted can be deadly by sharing the message of DRIVE SMART Virginia: “Buckle Up, Phone …
Read More › “Distracted Driving Awareness Month – Spread the Message”
3/22/2012
There has been a lot of buzz lately over tires. It seems like even touching them is regulated by some federal agency or another. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its tire servicing materials to address current …
Read More › “The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round”
3/20/2012
Tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes – oh my! All three of the mentioned above natural disasters hit Virginia in 2011. This morning staff at VML Insurance Programs participated in the Virginia statewide tornado drill, taking cover in a downstairs hallway. Tornado …
Read More › “Protect Yourself During an Earthquake… Drop, Cover, and Hold On!”
3/15/2012
Over the past five years VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) estimates that more than 6,300 slip, trip, and fall claims have been filed from our more than 460 members. Nationally, almost one in every five work-related injuries is a result of …
Read More › “Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls”
3/13/2012
April showers bring May flowers? In Virginia rainfall amounts actually peak in July, however with spring advancing now is a good time to think about educating your drivers about how to change their habits during rainy weather conditions. Rainy weather …
Read More › “Adjust to rainy weather conditions”
3/08/2012
Between Feb. 28 and March 3 two storms delivered numerous tornadoes throughout the United States, including an EF1 tornado with 86 – 110 mph winds which struck the Ewing area of Lee County in Southwest Virginia. The storms pushed through …
Read More › “Tornadoes: Is your entity prepared?”
3/05/2012
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are more than 15,000 welding equipment-related eye injuries a year, with power tools coming in second at nearly 10,000 injuries per year. March is Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month, a …
Read More › “Eye Safety”
2/21/2012
Each year, distracted driving is responsible for a greater number of car crashes and a greater number of deaths on Virginia’s roadways. More drivers are distracted and whether it’s their phone, eating, or changing the radio, the results can be …
Read More › “Get ready for Distracted Driving Awareness Month”
2/08/2012
While many member employers aren’t typically directly involved in construction or manufacturing process that are known for high noise levels, there are many opportunities for workers to be overexposed to noise levels outside of these occupation areas. Operation of seasonal …
Read More › “Procurement practices can help prevent noise exposure”
1/24/2012
While November is generally considered the peak month for deer strikes, the exposure remains year round. According to a Virginia Farm Bureau report, Virginia is one of the top ten states for the highest number of deer strike claims annually. …
Read More › “Deer season on the road”
1/12/2012
As we begin this New Year it’s a good time to reflect on ways to improve or enhance safety efforts. Each year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes a list of the most frequently cited violations from the …
Read More › “OSHA top ten can help focus risk management efforts”
1/06/2012
By Kaitlyn Rice On July 15, 2010 a 2009 black Chevy Tahoe in Williamsburg was hit by an oncoming car that failed to stop at a stop sign. The Tahoe, an unmarked police cruiser, flipped three times. The impact left …
Read More › “City of Williamsburg Fire Department uses VMLIP grant to purchase vehicle stabilization equipment”
1/04/2012
As the weather becomes “frightful” during winter months, workers who must brave outdoor conditions face the occupational hazard of exposure to the cold. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can result in health problems as serious as trench foot, frostbite, and …
Read More › “Understanding Wind Chill”
12/21/2011
More often than not property damage from fires is predominantly a result of water damage from putting the fire out. This was the case for the City of Poquoson. A fire on Thanksgiving day began in the ceiling around the …
Read More › “City of Poquoson utilizes business recovery services through Agility”
12/19/2011
When winter weather hits we all think we know what to do on that first frosty morning as the frozen parking lot greets us. However now would be a good time to remind folks of your winter weather work place …
Read More › “Tips for winter slip and fall prevention”
12/16/2011
A lot has changed in the 20 years since VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) Managing Director Steve Craig joined the pool. Today he 16 he celebrates his 20 year service anniversary. Craig began working with the pool in 1988 as an …
Read More › “Managing Director Steve Craig celebrates 20 years with VMLIP”
12/14/2011
Today approximately 26 VML Insurance Programs (VMLIP) members will attend a free online webinar entitled Writing Job Descriptions. Not only will they learn how to: define the purpose of job descriptions; identify the key elements of an effective job description; …
Read More › “Need HRCI credits? We’ve got you covered.”
12/12/2011
Portable electric and fuel-fired heaters have grown in popularity over the past two decades. This has come at a great cost, however. Misuse and malfunctions of portable heaters now account for 20 percent of all structural fires. More than 30,000 …
Read More › “Don't burn down the office”
12/08/2011
Snow blowers are frequently used in municipal settings. Typical uses include clearing of walkways, sidewalks, and small parking areas around public buildings and removal of snow around utilities and stored equipment. Snow blower injuries cross all age group categories, but …
Read More › “Snow Blower Safety”
12/01/2011
As the holidays quickly approach many are beginning to decorate their offices and homes with lights, upon lights, upon lights. Often strung together using multiple extension cords. However, improper use of extension cords is a common cause of fires and …
Read More › “Practice safe use of extension cords”
11/21/2011
By Matt Reid, Senior Safety Consultant Fall is a favorite season for many Virginians. Getting a break from the hot, humid weather and enjoying the stunning fall foliage is looked forward to by many of us. As defensive drivers, we …
Read More › “Fall and winter driving preparedness”