Many business owners feel powerless to reduce their workers’ compensation costs. There is no need to feel frustrated; there is something you can do about it! Listed below are six things a business owner can implement to reduce their claim activity. Here are some money saving tips from the California Department of Industrial Relations and the experts at the Comp Monitor:   1. Develop or renew your safety program Everyone wants to work in a safe work environment but we don’t always know how to do it. In California employers are required to have an Illness Injury & Prevention Program (IIPP). Creating an IIPP doesn’t have to be expensive. The Department of Industrial Relations has an e-tool to help you develop your program or you can ask your insurance carrier. To find the e-tool go to www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/09-031/index.htm There are many benefits to an effective IIPP program including improved workplace safety and health, better morale, increased productivity, and reduced costs of doing business. For your IIPP to be effective you must fully put it into practice in your workplace.   2. Provide employee training Many workers’ compensation injuries come from employees using the machinery and equipment incorrectly. It’s your responsibility as the employer to train each employee on how to perform their job safely. The training should include what can happen if safeguards are not performed as outlined in the training and what the consequences are if the employee avoids using those safeguards. An example would be not using protective glasses…

There is much confusion as to just what effect the President’s executive order on healthcare will have on business. Much is being said about the potential effects on individuals but the media isn’t saying much about the impact on business. Some of you may be cheering over the President’s order, and some of you may believe we are like Thelma and Louise driving over the cliff. Last Thursday morning the President signed an executive order that could remove requirements for basic benefits that are a part of the Affordable Care Act. He also proposes to give small businesses more health insurance options with the use of “association plans” to negotiate better deals for health insurance. Business groups hailed the move saying it will lower costs, increase competition and provide more options. Others believe it is potentially devastating. What does this mean for your business? Here’s the good news. Your insurance costs could go down if you decide to buy an association health plan. That sounds like a good financial decision, a great idea, it’s about time for lower health care costs, isn’t it? But are you ready for the skimpier plans with fewer benefits and higher deductibles that will accompany the lower costs? These plans may not have prescription coverage, maternity care or hospital care included. They could be offered by nationwide associations and be sold across state lines. While much depends on how the regulations are written the executive order potentially allows plans to skirt health care reform regulations…