In the world of workers compensation, loss runs affect a business’s risk evaluation. Underwriters look carefully at a company’s claim history. This process gives them an understanding of how frequently claims are happening, how severe they are, and if a business is putting effort into reducing workplace risk.

Whether a company has had several small claims or one large, severe one, the impact of a workplace incident matters.

Listen to this episode of the WorkSAFE Podcast, or read the show notes below. 

The importance of loss runs

Underwriters who specialize in work comp evaluate the risk a company presents before a policy is written. Part of that process is looking at loss runs. A loss run shows a record of past claims, including dates, descriptions of workplace incidents, and amounts paid.

“We evaluate loss history, or loss runs, when a submission comes to us for the first time to be quoted,” Duello explained. “That’s the first time we’re looking at them.” Underwriters will look at the prior year’s loss runs. Typically, they like to review at least four years of records, but will look further back when needed. This information tells the story of risk and incidents in a workplace.

Frequency vs. severity

Underwriters look for trends in losses. Two patterns stand out in particular in a loss run: frequency and severity. Frequency refers to how often claims occur, while severity encompasses how financially costly a claim is. Duello highlights that severity depends on several factors, including:

• Business type. What industry is the business a part of, and what is the risk level involved in the work?
• Injury severity. For example, does the claim involve amputation, severe burns, or acute spine or neck injuries?
• History. Has the business experienced a claim like this before? Were any steps taken to prevent it? Are the same employees getting hurt?

Duello points out that the answers to these questions don’t necessarily rule out employers from obtaining a policy. “Are they gonna continue having these kinds of losses?” She questions. “And if they are, it’s not a deal breaker for us. The question then is, are we able to price adequately for the expected losses?”

What if a business doesn’t have any loss history?

If a business has never had work comp before, workplace incidents will not have been formally recorded. In these situations, underwriters will look at any work-related losses or expenses.

Brand new businesses won’t have any loss history to review. Consequently, they present their own unique risk. “A new venture is considered a higher hazard type of risk because new businesses don’t always get off the ground,” Duello shared. “They don’t last very long sometimes.”

Frequency vs. severity: What stands out most to an underwriter?

Many employers think that having a large, severe claim is more damaging to their loss history than smaller incidents. But Duello finds that the opposite is true. Underwriters consider several elements, including a business’s longevity, previous losses, pay history, audit compliance, and whether or not a safety program is in place. Each one influences both pricing and renewal decisions. There are important warning signs they look out for.

“A lot of small claims stand out more because any one of those small claims can become a large claim for various reasons,” she shared. “Actually, a motto that’s known throughout the insurance industry is ‘frequency leads to severity’.”

“We’d look to see if frequency, severity, or both have been trending up over the last several years,” Duello added. “That’s a red flag to us as an underwriter. We’ll also look at the types of losses to see what the loss drivers are, meaning which types of losses are occurring more frequently.”

The significance of repeat-injured workers

An important consideration for underwriters like Duello is repeat-injured workers. These employees have been injured on the job multiple times over a span of months or years. It may indicate ongoing issues with that employee. For example, they haven’t been properly trained, ignore safety rules or procedures, or have lasting issues as a result of a previous injury.

A repeat-injured worker has an impact on a business. Underwriters know they present a continued injury risk. “As long as that person is still employed with them, that’s going to continue,” Duello pointed out. “We need to price adequately for that.” For an existing policyholder, this can also play a role in declining to renew a work comp policy.

The role of safety culture in managing claims

Underwriters expect a frequency of claims in some industries and operations. In these cases, the essential task is controlling severity. Where low frequency might be the norm in another business, an increase in claims is a concern. In both situations, underwriters are looking closely for commitment to safety, or a lack thereof.

Management may not enforce current safety policies. Employees may not buy into a safety program that’s in place. “That to us means that losses will continue as they’ve been, and so we need to price for that,” Duello said. But underwriters also seek different solutions where possible.

“It also means we may need to get Safety and Risk Services in touch with them to discuss those options that are available to them to try to bolster their safety program or get their employees to actually buy into what they’re trying to do with safety.”

Solutions of all sizes

Safety professionals at MEM offer solutions of all sizes. Every business has its own needs, may have experienced certain workplace incidents, and will want a solution that works for them and their employees. Underwriters are uniquely positioned to look at loss history, what potential struggles a policyholder may have, and connect them with the right resources. And while many carriers limit personalized services to larger account holders, MEM policyholders can tap into these resources, no matter their size.

Underwriters also rely on safety professionals to serve as their eyes and ears in a business. JA submission and loss history review don’t always tell a full story. A company that appears to be struggling on paper may also be putting all its effort into safety improvements in the workplace. Safety professionals can highlight where employers are doing things right or investing time and effort in getting there.

Agents and underwriters: Partners in reducing frequency and severity

Insurance agents serve as crucial partners for underwriters. During the submission period, the majority of communication flows between them. “They’re ones that provide us with the information we need to price and price not just adequately, but price fairly and all those good things,” Duello said. “And then, you know, we rely upon them to get the information out to the insured.”

In practice, Duello might enlist the help of an agent if a policyholder is putting off complying with safety recommendations. Safety professionals make detailed safety recommendations to address problems that may cause an injury in the immediate future.

“Agents understand the importance of safety just as much as we do,” Duello shared. “And we work together to try to help each other get the policyholder in a good place with safety so that their people are coming home every night.”

How to reduce frequency and severity today

For Duello, employers can reduce claim frequency and severity by starting with a simple step: creating safety rules. Organizational leaders are responsible for leading by example and following safety rules, too. They won’t mean anything to employees if leaders don’t follow them, too.

“I would tell them to implement a set of written safety rules that are specific to their operation,” she explained. That doesn’t mean creating a 500-page document filled with guidance that isn’t relevant to the workplace. “Just a very basic set of written safety rules specific to your operation. Share them with your employees. Have them sign off on those rules. And then enforce them.”

The post Frequency vs. Severity: The Impact of Claims Big and Small appeared first on MEM.

For many policyholders, the thought of a visit from a loss prevention or safety consultant feels intimidating. It’s easy to assume it’s all about finding mistakes or pointing out what’s wrong. But these visits aren’t about catching business owners off guard; they are about helping them succeed.

The role of a workers compensation safety consultant isn’t to penalize policyholders. They aim to provide customized recommendations to make workplaces safer, reduce claims, and save businesses money.

Listen to this episode of the WorkSAFE Podcast, or read the show notes below. 

What do Safety and Risk Consultants do?

According to Wilson, Safety and Risk Consultants have two customers: the policyholder and the underwriter. For a policyholder, they provide services that focus on safety and managing risk. This may look like:

• Pointing out positive actions. Consultants reinforce what business owners are doing right.
• Identifying areas for improvement. Consultants additionally highlight uncontrolled hazards, or safety areas that could use improvement.
• Offering formal recommendations. If an uncontrolled hazard is important enough, then a consultant will formally share and follow up on their concerns.

When it comes to underwriters, Safety and Risk Consultants help paint a picture of how proactive a policyholder is – or isn’t – at addressing safety risk. Wilson points to the recommendation life cycle, or whether or not a workplace safety concern was addressed and might have to be made again.

“I use the term life cycle because just knowing that a recommendation was issued does not tell the whole story,” Wilson shared. “For example, if a recommendation ends up being complied with and embraced by the policyholder, then the picture painted is that of a partner in safety that’s committed to continual improvement. But if the recommendation is ignored, then that paints a very different picture. So at the end of the day, we provide both the policyholder and the underwriter with information so that they can make informed business decisions, and our recommendations are a part of that information.”

How are safety recommendations different than OSHA audits or inspections?

Compliance with safety standards and regulations is essential. However, audits and citations fall outside the realm of a consultant. They focus on what hazards are likely to cause an injury today.

“Here at MEM, we pride ourselves on being consultants and not inspectors,” Wilson specified. “We do not perform audits. We truly consult with the policyholders.” This means focusing on three key tasks: fostering safe workplaces, controlling costs, and maximizing profitability.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a different focus. “OSHA is more concerned with whether you are in compliance with the regulations,” he added. “If you’re not, then they may issue a citation, which often includes a fine and compliance is required.”

What does a risk assessment look like?

The average risk assessment begins with a conversation. A Safety and Risk Consultant wants to know about every aspect of a business: safety culture, work environment, and past and recent losses. What does work look like on an average day? How many employees are there?

Then, the consultant will watch these processes in action. “We take the time to observe all the processes from start to finish,” Wilson shared. “We’ll spend time conversing with the supervisors and the frontline employees, and really try to get a more well-rounded understanding of where the policyholder is in the development of their safety and health efforts.”

Receiving a recommendation letter

Throughout it all, the consultants reinforce positive observations and highlight any uncontrolled hazards. What needs to be fixed, and what are the available solutions? How long should implementing a solution take? Consultants will combine their recommendations with supporting materials, such as sample programs, loss analyses, or resources.

Safety recommendations aren’t a punishment

For many employers, receiving a safety recommendation can feel like a punishment. Having a safety professional point out things that aren’t quite right comes across as a criticism. But for Wilson, the key to eliminating these negative feelings is to build a meaningful relationship.

“It all starts with building a relationship with our policyholders and really taking the time to understand them, their operations, their process flows, their pressures, what restrictions they have, what financial limitations they have,” he explained. “Also spending quite a bit of time understanding their loss trending and the loss trending for their industry. All the while keeping in mind that their time, just like ours, is very valuable.”

Wilson uses tools to help policyholders understand that safety improvements truly pay off. For example, a return investment calculator shows future savings, and a tool called ModMaster breaks down how losses impact premiums. “We focus once again on those top loss causes and not bogging them down with every regulatory issue that they may have. We also want to point out the positive observations and help build on those successes.”

What if a safety recommendation isn’t enough?

If a safety recommendation isn’t enough, a Safety and Risk Consultant may recommend a service plan. A service plan addresses safety issues that may require complex or long-term solutions. Wilson highlights that this often requires a partnership with an employer that spans months or even years.

Some safety issues are remedied with a short-term investment of time, money, or effort. However, other issues need additional support and time to be addressed.

Safety recommendations: Saving lives and money

Once a safety recommendation is made, outreach doesn’t end there. Consultants continue to follow up. They want to know not only about implemented solutions but also their impact on the business. “How are the employees adapting?” Wilson asks. “Were there any unforeseen issues, either positive or negative, as a result of the solution, but ultimately to determine the final status of the recommendation?”

Wilson encourages employers to ask questions and keep an open mind. Safety solutions can have a cost, but so does ignoring hazards. And those costs take many forms: losing people, lower morale, higher premiums, OSHA citations, production downtime, and training new employees. A positive relationship with a consultant can save lives and money.

“Simply put, I just like everyone to know that our recommendations are carefully crafted to provide them with opportunities to make significant improvements in their workplace safety and in their profitability.”

The post Safety Recommendations: How Custom Solutions Benefit Businesses appeared first on MEM.

Check out the video below to better understand how a premium consultation works: 

Why premium consultations matter 

Work comp coverage works a bit differently than other types of insurance. When a policy starts, your premium is an estimate. But businesses grow, change, or downsize over the course of the year. So, when the policy period ends, your final premium is calculated based on your actual exposure and payroll. 

If your business grew during the policy year, your premium may increase. If it shrank, you might be eligible for a refund. Either way, the goal is to make sure you’re only paying for what you need. 

A simple example 

John is a contractor and owner of Better Building. John’s business grew during the policy year—he hired more employees and worked with subcontractors. That growth increased his payroll, which meant the estimated at the beginning of the policy year didn’t match his actual exposure. 

But thanks to MEM’s audit preparation checklist, John was ready. He gathered payroll records, tax forms, payment information, and certificates of insurance for subcontractors. Then he briefly touched base with his MEM premium consultant.  

Later, he received a final statement showing the difference between his estimated and actual premium. The process was easy, and there were no surprises. 

The next year, when business slowed down, John had fewer employees and didn’t use subcontractors. At year’s end, he was eligible for a refund because his exposure was lower than estimated. That’s how the system works: fairly and transparently. 

What MEM’s consultants can do for you 

Our in-house premium consultants are here to support you. They help: 

• Answer questions about classifications and exposures 

• Prepare you with recordkeeping tips 

• Review any changes to your business 

• Clarify what documents you’ll need for a smooth audit 

Audits are either virtual or online, depending on your business size and industry. Either way, we make it as easy and efficient as possible. 

Be prepared from day one 

Download our Audit Preparation Checklist to get started. It outlines what records you’ll need and when to start gathering them. Staying organized helps prevent unexpected costs and ensures your coverage matches your business needs. 

At MEM, we believe every business deserves to work with confidence. A proactive premium consultation helps make that happen. 

The post What to Expect from a Premium Consultation with MEM   appeared first on MEM.

Many employers have misconceptions about how workers compensation actually works. Some don’t understand what types of injuries are covered. Others aren’t sure how claims impact their business – or how they can be involved in the process. These misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities to improve workplace safety. 

With years of experience helping businesses navigate workers compensation – and as an agency partner with MEM since our inception – Speight clears up common work comp myths and shares helpful insight. 

Listen to this episode of the WorkSAFE Podcast, or read the show notes below. 

Myth #1: Work comp coverage is too expensive

For Speight, one common myth about work comp reigns supreme. “The biggest misconception that we typically see is that work comp is too expensive,” he shared. “The cost of the coverage has to always be looked at in relation to the actual cost of a possible claim.”  

For example, a $20,000 policy is well worth the cost when a later claim totals more than $70,000. “While we hope a client – and the client hopes – they never have a claim, the cost of work comp is well worth it compared to the risk of having to be responsible for an injured employee’s lost wages, rehab, medical expenses, etc.” 

Myth #2: Employers don’t need work comp if it isn’t required 

Another common myth is that employers don’t need work comp if they have only a few employees. While some states require employers to carry work comp, not all states do. Work comp covers medical expenses, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. Without it, employers may end up in a difficult position.

Speight points out that without coverage, a judge may likely rule in favor of an injured employee in court, making the employer responsible for costs. “We always recommend that the customers consult with us and their attorney before deciding not to purchase work comp,” he added, highlighting the importance of the decision. 

Work comp myths around subcontractors

Subcontracting is a common practice in several industries. General contractors often make a critical mistake: assuming they are exempt from liability in the event of an incident. However, this isn’t always the case.

Each state determines whether a subcontractor is required to have its own work comp policy. If a hired subcontractor doesn’t have work comp coverage and is injured on the job, then the employer could be left responsible for medical costs and lost wages. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document that demonstrates a subcontractor has a separate policy covering their workers.

Myth #3: It’s impossible to get lower work comp premiums 

High-risk industries and businesses with more employees can result in a bigger premium bill. A concerning loss history can also contribute to higher costs. For instance, tasks such as loading, lifting, and driving are considered important risks. However, employers can lower a work comp premium rate over time with loss control and intentional action. MEM offers risk reduction and safety solutions, including:

• Safety Grants. Funding should never stand in the way of keeping people safe. Apply for a matching grant to purchase and install safety equipment.
• Free safety resources. From free posters and sample policies to safety rules and starter kits, find everything needed to start building workplace safety culture.
• Policyholder training. Address unique risks in your workplace with access to a safety consultant or on-demand virtual training.

“It’s not a short-term process. It’s a long process to get those rates down,” Speight shared, revealing the reality. “It may take two or three years before those rates and those premiums and those experience mods go down. And it does take some work by the insured to get it done. But in the long run, it’s well worth it. I’ve saved lots of customers lots of money over the years.”  

Myth #4: A few small claims can’t have a big impact

Some employers are under the impression that a few small claims have little impact on work comp. However, this is one of many work comp myths around claims. Even a few small injuries over time can affect premium costs.  

“I actually tell my clients the opposite, that many small claims can actually be worse than one large claim,” Speight explained. While a larger claim may result in a larger payout, several small claims demonstrate frequency. Frequent small claims show that safety risks are present – and aren’t being addressed. “Frequency definitely hurts your loss history and your experience mod more than severity.” 

Myth #5: Employers go through the claims process alone 

A workplace incident is often an intimidating experience for employers. A work comp claim involves paperwork, answering questions, and ensuring an injured worker gets the right care. However, employers don’t go through it alone.

Communication is a key element in the process. Speight often dispels the common misconception that agents step in and handle claims. Throughout a claim experience, a network of communication is created, including the injured worker, the employer, the work comp carrier, and any medical professionals involved in treatment.

Myth #6: Getting injured workers back on the job sooner doesn’t make a difference

One of an employer’s most important assets is the people who make work possible: employees. When an employee is sidelined by an injury, one of the best ways to improve outcomes for everyone is to create a path back to work. Speight always recommends a light duty or return to work program.

“The longer the employee stays home, the more likely they’re going to want to continue to stay home,” he shared. “Even though it’s at a reduced pay, they get comfortable staying home. And if they’re in a job where they don’t have a way to come back to work, they don’t really have a choice but to stay home until they’re healthy.”

Even for injured workers with limited capacity, administrative duties help them get back into the workplace, into a routine, and socialize with other co-workers. For example, answering the phone or filing papers are simple tasks that bring them back into the company and let them know their contributions are valued.

Myth #7: Agents are only there at the start of a work comp policy

Business owners benefit from having an agent with them every step of the way, from obtaining their first policy and implementing safety measures to end-of-year audits and renewals. Speight encourages employers to find a local agent with whom they can share the unique aspects of their business. “You need that connection,” he reiterated.

Workers compensation isn’t as black and white as other types of insurance, such as car insurance. Coverage is tailored to a company’s specific line of work, number of employees, and level of risk. But when employers walk into the world of work comp, they don’t have to go alone.

The post Separating Fact and Fiction: Busting 7 Common Work Comp Myths appeared first on MEM.

MEM is committed to building healthier, safer communities, and we aim to live those values all year long. With over 4,400 volunteer hours available and 70 percent of employees volunteering, MEM and its employees give time or treasure to more than 100 different organizations annually.  

Making an Impact One Project at a Time: 

Celebrating Graduates Ready to Enter the Job Market 

Job Point will soon celebrate its graduates, so we made kits to make entering the job market a little easier (mints, a padfolio and a coffee mug were among the items). 

Making Meals for Home Away from Home 

We took advantage of the beautiful day and grilled chicken for guests at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri’s house that evening, as well as assembling 80 additional meals to freeze for later use. 

Providing Comfort in Court  

Sitting in a courtroom can induce nerves in anyone. Our group assembled stress relief and activity kits for all ages being served by Heart of Missouri CASA to make it easier. 

Getting Ahead of Summer Hygiene Needs 

Voluntary Action Center requested hygiene kits in anticipation of demand in the summer months, so MEM departments teamed up to make quick work of kit assembly. 

Making Windows Shine for a New Family 

Community LINC in Kansas City serves between 120 and 150 families per year. Spending a few hours sprucing up an apartment for a family move in required a little elbow grease but our small group was up to the task. 

Piling Potatoes for Our Neighbors 

The group sorted donations of sweet potatoes for Harvesters Community Food Network. 

Packed Kits for Learning at Home 

A team assembled more than 800 arts and learning packs for Springboard to Learning to provide hands-on art activities at home for families in the St. Louis area. 

Helped Give Newborns a Bright Start 

We sorted and organized donations for Nurses for Newborns, an organization dedicated to helping infants and expectant mothers experiencing a wide range of medical, economic, environmental and social risks. 

Did you know?  

As a trusted partner with over 200,000 covered lives, we go beyond insurance to support our neighbors.  

The post Putting Compassion into Action: MEM Springs into Volunteer Service  appeared first on MEM.

Organizations are always looking for ways to be more efficient. While some of those efficiencies are gained through changing standard operating procedures, others come from technological advancements.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining speed. Many workplaces are now using it to automate and assist with various tasks. Leveraging AI can help companies reduce costs while improving outcomes.

Listen to this episode of the WorkSAFE Podcast, or read the show notes below. 

How artificial intelligence changes the claim process

“Traditionally, the claims process within workers compensation has been a static approach,” Phillips explained. First, an injured worker receives medical attention. A claims representative or adjuster will follow up by reviewing medical records, setting additional appointments, and keeping all parties up-to-date.

Using artificial intelligence (AI) allows for streamlining claims and creating efficiencies. More importantly, it doesn’t take over the process from claim professionals; it acts as a support system. “It’s not taking away any type of decision-making or strategy or critical thinking from our claim staff,” he highlighted. AI serves as a virtual assistant, diving deeper into tasks that take more time.

For example, it can summarize several pages of medical records or highlight inconsistencies in statements. As a result, claim professionals have more time to consult with internal experts, have important conversations with injured workers or policyholders, and create one-on-one connections.

Using developing technology as a tool

While AI is growing in popularity, it’s still a developing technology. “Something I think is really important for folks to understand as it relates to AI, especially in the claims process, is that it’s not a crystal ball, right?” Phillips shared. “It is a tool for our staff and claims professionals to use.”

He compares AI’s work to the way a GPS works on a mobile phone or in a vehicle. It provides a roadmap of the way ahead but may offer more than one route to your destination. An unexpected road closure or traffic jam may require a route change.

“It is ultimately up to the driver to pick which route fits them best,” he said. AI is a tool that’s still evolving; it’s not always 100% accurate. Claim professionals assess the information it provides critically and take all the records and documents they have into consideration before making a decision. This is especially true when considering red flags that may point to work comp fraud. “It’s really there to serve as directional guidance. But it is ultimately the claim professional’s or the adjuster’s role to pick the best path for the claims.”

The importance of efficiency in claims

For a claim professional handling dozens of claims in a single day, efficiency can be a challenge. It’s easy to get bogged down by hundreds of claim activities, or steps in the claim process, that need to be scheduled, documented, or shared with an agent or policyholder.

One of Phillips’s personal mantras is ‘no surprises’. “We don’t want any surprises for any of the parties involved in the claims process,” he explained. “AI allows us to have more time to keep everybody informed on the current status, as well as what they can expect down the road in the claims process.” AI efficiency creates more room for review, and also leads to important outcomes:

• A shorter claim cycle. There is less time between the opening of a claim and its closure.
• More accurate costs. When injured workers get the right care when they need it, less time is spent and money is spent on the wrong type of care.
• Lower litigation percentage. Litigation extends the time and cost of a claim. A more efficient claim process lets an injured worker know everyone cares about them and is working toward getting them back to work.

Predictive analysis: A new benefit on the horizon of artificial intelligence

AI allows users to process large amounts of data and get a broader view of a claim. This view allows trends in claim activity to be identified. Further, the information can be used to forecast what costs or exposures should be expected with certain types of claims. This insight allows claim professionals to deploy resources that may help mitigate the overall cost.

For instance, assigning an adjuster with experience in a particular industry or a nurse case manager to provide extra guidance on medical care. AI provides an estimate of the path a claim might follow – and also provides opportunities to intervene and change that outcome.

Artificial intelligence isn’t a replacement for training

While artificial intelligence is proving to be a powerful tool, Phillips emphasizes that it isn’t a replacement for onboarding and on-the-job training, especially for claims professionals. However, it can be a helpful tool for new adjusters joining a claim in the middle.

For instance, an injured worker currently off work misses a doctor’s appointment. AI flags this as a reason recovery time is delayed. An adjuster just coming into the case can see this highlighted, rather than studying documents and timelines to see what might have been missed and when.

“It helps take out the manual approach to that,” Phillips explained. “It allows the claim professional to look at a couple of different options, potentially talk with a peer about that or their manager or supervisor, and ultimately make the best decision for the claim.”

Always evolving: Artificial intelligence in the future

For Phillips, the goal of using AI is to close claims faster and with better results. Technology is constantly evolving. He highlights that the AI used may look different as soon as tomorrow, and will look different six months from now.

“I think we’re really at the forefront of the next evolution of AI, as we use it for insurance carriers and in the industry, and I’m excited to see where it’s headed,” Phillips said. “I think we’ll be talking more about this in the future, and I would not be surprised if it looks a little or a lot different than it does today.”

The post Claims and Artificial Intelligence: Transforming the Post-Injury Process appeared first on MEM.

It wasn’t always like this, though. Jim Guyre, executive director at the sheltered workshop, explained: “We used to have all employees leaving the building at once.” Several years ago, Guyre and his team realized that morning arrival and afternoon dismissal carried serious safety risks, including the risk of a moving vehicle hitting an employee. 

Through a generous donation of property from Ameren Missouri and a capital funding grant from the Productive Living Board, Valley Industries completely renovated its parking lot. They began releasing employees in shifts and allocating staff resources to help manage the traffic flow. 

The result? A drop in trip-related injuries and a much safer environment for employees navigating the lot. 

Longstanding relationships reap rewards 

Valley Industries is one of Missouri’s 92 sheltered workshops – supervised workplaces employing adults with developmental disabilities. When MEM began in 1995, Valley Industries was one of our first policyholders. They’ve been working with their agency, Yates Insurance Services, even longer than that. 

“We’ve really gotten to grow with them, from two employees to nearly two hundred,” Ed Yates Jr., vice president of Yates, said. According to Yates, Valley holds itself to an even higher standard than most when it comes to workplace safety. He’s seen them go to great lengths to ensure employees with special needs are set up to safely and successfully perform their jobs. For example, they might need to provide specialized safeguards or customized tools based on the individual. “It’s been great to see the inclusion and sense of purpose they’ve brought to the community through the years,” he reflected. 

Through long-term partnerships built on putting safety first, Valley has found that year after year, a work comp policy with MEM provides the most value for their organization.  

According to Guyre, most sheltered workshops have work comp insurance through a mutual that’s specific to their type of workplace. However, Valley has remained with MEM for all 30 years.  “Over the last 10 years, our premium has gone down or remained steady,” Guyre shared. Valley’s decreased number of work comp claims has lowered their e-mod, contributing to premium well below the industry average. 

Lowering premiums one habit at a time 

At MEM, we really can’t take the credit for Valley’s downward trend in premium. That goes to the leadership team and their facility’s employees. Teri Wilson, employee service provider and safety director, said that safety is the organization’s number one priority. 

And it seems that every employee understands that priority. If something is amiss or a hazard is spotted, supervisors are sure to hear about it from one or more employees. “They’re proud when they report a hazard to a supervisor and see it corrected,” Wilson commented. 

Valley’s safety mission is to go 365 days without a lost-time injury, a goal they regularly near or exceed. Currently, they’ve gone 1,215 days without one. Cathy Younker, who manages accounting and the MEM account, said that when they do have a claim, MEM is with them every step of the way. “They keep us in the loop on everything,” she mentioned. “We appreciate that.” 

Smoothing over hazards leads to fewer injuries 

The most common risks that Valley employees face are slips and trips.  

In addition to the parking lot improvements, Valley made another big investment to reduce trip hazards in its facility. Over time, the expansion joints in their aging floors broke, causing the floors to be uneven in spots. They had the joints removed and hired a contractor to diamond grind all the floors to a smooth, even finish. With these hazards removed, their trip-related injuries declined even further. 

Finally, the installation of additional cameras in their facilities has improved the team’s ability to identify the root cause of slip and trip incidents. “When we were a smaller company, it wasn’t as big of an issue,” Younker explained. “Now, with 160 employees, we need to be constantly aware of the environment.” 

Workplace safety pays dividends 

Valley Industries is a shining example of what you can achieve with a dedication to safety and strong partnerships with your agent and work comp provider. By holding regular safety meetings, rewarding employees for safe behavior, and investing in facility improvements, they have built a safety culture that protects their employees and saves money on their work comp insurance. 

The post Celebrating 30 Years with MEM: Workshop’s Safety Record Thrives   appeared first on MEM.

However, taking a few extra moments to prioritize safety during your end-of-year breakdown can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and ensure a healthy and happy start to your well-deserved time off. Utilize this checklist to keep yourself safe:

Moving & lifting like a pro

• Heavy lifting? Team up! ✓​ Remember, team lifting is crucial for all those substantial items like furniture, bookshelves, and stacks of boxes. Avoid the risk of back strains and other musculoskeletal injuries by teaming up with a co-worker. Coordinate your movements and lift with your legs, not your back.
• Navigate stairs with caution! ✓​ When carrying items on stairs, always use the handrail. Ensure your vision isn’t obstructed by what you’re carrying. Take your time and maintain a secure footing to prevent falls.
• Elevate heavy loads safely! ✓​ If your school provides an elevator, utilize it to transport bulky or heavy items between floors. This simple step can significantly reduce the strain on your body and prevent potential injuries.

Reaching new heights safely

• Use proper equipment for elevated tasks! ✓​ When reaching for items on high shelves or taking down decorations, always use a stable footstool or ladder. Never stand on chairs, desks, or makeshift supports. Remember the three-point contact rule – keep two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder to maintain balance and prevent falls.

Maintaining a safe environment

• Keep emergency exits clear! ✓​ Before locking up for the summer, conduct a thorough check to ensure all fire exits, fire extinguishers, and alarm pull stations are completely clear, unobstructed, and easily accessible. This is vital for the safety of anyone who may need to access the building.
• Dispose of waste safely! ✓​ Never use your hands or feet to compress garbage in trash cans. This practice can lead to cuts, punctures, and exposure to potentially harmful substances. Utilize appropriate trash bags and ensure they are properly tied and disposed of.

By consciously incorporating these safety measures into your end-of-year routine, you’re not just tidying your classroom but actively mitigating risks and safeguarding your well-being. A few extra moments of attention now can translate to a summer free from preventable injuries.

Thank you for your incredible dedication throughout the school year. As your partner in safety, we wish you a happy, healthy, and safe summer break!

The post Summer Send-Off: End-of-Year School Safety Checklist appeared first on MEM.

Check out this video on how to prepare for and manage claims. 

A proactive and collaborative approach 

MEM’s approach is about more than filing paperwork—it’s about partnership. We walk alongside employers and injured employees throughout the entire claims journey. We’re partners from the moment an injury is reported to the employee’s return to work. Our role is to simplify a complex process, contain costs, and ensure quality care. 

Keeping medical costs under control 

Medical expenses are one of the biggest factors impacting work comp premiums. MEM helps employers manage these costs without sacrificing care quality. Our NurseAid 24/7 work injury line gives immediate access to medical professionals, helping employers avoid unnecessary ER visits and choose the right care from the start. 

What employers can do—before and after an injury 

MEM supports policyholders with practical guidance on both prevention and response: 

• Before an injury: Employers are encouraged to create clear safety policies, offer regular training, implement return-to-work programs, and build a culture where injuries—big or small—are always reported. These steps lay the groundwork for successful claim outcomes and reduce future risk. 

• After an injury: Quick reporting, immediate medical triage, thorough investigations, and drug/alcohol screenings (when appropriate) help keep claim costs down and ensure a smooth recovery process. Employers also have access to fraud prevention resources to protect against system abuse. 

Real people. Real expertise. 

MEM’s claims process is powered by a team of experts who bring professionalism and personal attention to every claim. Each team member plays a key role in delivering results that matter. For example, nurse case managers coordinate care, and field service managers provide on-site support. Investigative staff collaborate to identify fraud.

Confidence through partnership 

Ultimately, MEM believes that every worker deserves to feel confident about their safety. Further, every employer deserves peace of mind knowing they’re not navigating claims alone. Our collaborative process helps reduce financial strain, ensures employees receive the right care, and keeps businesses moving forward. 

To learn more about how MEM can support your business, visit mem-ins.com. 

The post A Support System Employers Can Count On: How MEM Handles Workers Compensation Claims appeared first on MEM.

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The post Tee Up New Business and You Could Earn a Bucket List Trip appeared first on MEM.

If you’re a business owner, you know that workers compensation isn’t just a policy. It’s a tool to protect your employees and your bottom line. But what happens after you receive your policy? How can employers control work comp costs and set themselves up for a smooth renewal at the end of the year?

Listen to this episode of the WorkSAFE Podcast, or read the show notes below. 

Onboarding: The policyholder journey begins

For many employers, getting a work comp policy may be a new experience. Their policy secures them coverage, but…what happens next?  

Once a customer decides MEM is the right fit, an onboarding process begins. Policyholders receive helpful tools and resources, and a walkthrough of what to do if a workplace incident happens. First-time policyholders are directed to the Policyholder Checklist, which serves as a comprehensive guide—a roadmap—to navigating areas like billing, claims, and finding the right safety solutions.

This checklist is also accompanied by an email series. Over five emails, MEM breaks down the important elements of work comp. The goal is to ensure new policyholders feel confident and comfortable navigating this new process. 

Where do I access resources? 

Policyholders have access to various resources, each designed to help them create a culture of safety and clarify the work comp experience. “We have an entire library of resources on our website,” Hahn shared. A visit to the MEM website provides access to: 

• The Resource Library. Find free resources, including posters, Tool Box Talks, and sample safety policies. 

• Program information. Policyholders can take advantage of different programs, such as Safety Grants, Nurse Aid, and endorsed safety solutions. 

• Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). Each section answers commonly asked questions around topics like billing, audits, and injured workers.  

“We really create these tools and guides specifically to help our policyholders through their entire work comp journey, so it’s just a vast library of checklists and guides and training materials. There’s something there for everyone,” she said. 

Policy management: Finding the right programs for you

Once onboarding is complete, a new phase begins. “Once you’re comfortable, we’ll move into a management phase,” Hahn shared. “That’s really where we partner with policyholders. We’re all about preventing injuries and helping you become a pro at workplace safety.” 

Employers get support when and how they need it. MEM’s Safety and Risk Services team can help minimize workplace risk through a visit and thorough assessment. They give safety tips, point employers to further resources, and help develop custom training plans.

The MEM Safety Grant program is also an option for addressing safety solutions that have a higher price tag. A Safety Grant provides a one-to-one matching investment in a safety initiative, doubling a company’s investment. Employers can apply any time, and decisions are made by the following month. In the nearly nine years since its inception, more than 400 grants have been awarded to different businesses.

Claims: Navigating a workplace incident

Building a safety culture and reducing risk in the workplace helps prevent incidents. But when they do occur, MEM has a team ready to assist. Several people will join you during your claim process. In-house claims professionals quickly coordinate with medical teams and provide updates in the event of an injury. Hahn often refers to the Claims Management Kit as an essential resource for policyholders.

“We think of it as your ‘Oops, something happened!’ guide,” she explained. “It breaks down everything. It goes through when to go to the ER versus calling our nurse triage line, a quick checklist for figuring out what happened, and then all the forms that you might need to fill out – it just kind of flows through the claims process. It’s great.”

Renewal: Setting up for the next policy year

At MEM, policies follow a yearly cycle. Renewal communication starts a month or so before a policy ends. Premium is calculated using different factors: payroll, experience modification factor (e-mod), and state-dependent rates. Employers get insight, ahead of renewal, as to what the next year’s cost may be.

An audit takes place, where actual costs for the year are determined and estimated costs for the next year are calculated. Members of MEM’s Premium Consultation team step in to help policyholders understand what documents and forms are required to do this. They may ask important questions, like:

• Have you hired any new team members? Did anyone move on, reducing your total number of employees?
• Are you offering any new services? If so, what kind of work are your employees doing now?
• Are you moving from year-round work to only offering seasonal services?

Agents often play a key role in the renewal process. “If any of those things have changed, it’s really important to give your agent a call,” Hahn pointed out. “They can make sure your policy is up to date and reflects how your business is running right now. That way, you know you’re fully covered.”

The purpose of an audit is to ensure that policyholders are paying accurate premiums. “We follow rules set by the National Council on Compensation Insurance and state regulators,” Hahn explained. “So, at the end of your policy period, we do audits to make sure you’re paying the right amount.”

The policyholder journey: Tap into resources that are created just for you

For Hahn, a policyholder’s biggest asset is all of the tools designed to help them. Missing out on them means missing out on value. “You know, it’s almost like if you bought a new gadget and you never read the manual. You’re missing out on all these really cool features – that’s how I see our resources,” she shared. “They’re available to make your life easier, to help prevent incidents, and to really understand your policy.”

Policyholder feedback is essential to creating impactful tools and resources. Hahn encourages policyholders to fill out surveys as they arrive throughout the policyholder journey.

“If there’s something that we try out, or you have an idea about how something could be better, we also want you to tell us about that,” she finished. “We want to know how we can make these resources work even better for you, because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about for us.”

The post The Policyholder Journey: A Guide to Work Comp with MEM appeared first on MEM.

That means we’re with you from the start, offering guidance as you onboard employees and working alongside you to develop a culture of safety. Our Safety and Risk Services team is here to make sure you’re not navigating workplace risks alone. 

Check out the video below to learn how our Safety and Risk Services Team can help build confidence at your workplace! 

Safety is in our DNA 

More than 85% of MEM policyholders go injury-free year after year—and we’re proud of that. But we’re not stopping there. Our team of safety professionals is committed to helping your business reduce risks, lower costs, and protect your people. 

Our team of safety professionals help policyholders access the safety resources they need, lead engaging seminars and customized training sessions, and visit workplaces to assess potential hazards helping owners understand how risks impact their operations. 

Why safety programs matter 

A strong safety program does more than protect your employees—it can also reduce your workers compensation premium by preventing injuries and managing claims more effectively. At MEM, we don’t just talk about safety—we invest in it. 

We believe funding should never be a barrier to a safer workplace. That’s why we created the MEM Safety Grant Program. Through this program, policyholders can apply for matching funds up to $10,000 to invest in high-impact safety improvements. 

It’s a smart way to double your investment in the safety equipment and tools that matter most. 

Making safety simpler with strategic partnerships 

We’ve also partnered with several third-party providers to offer tools and services that make building a safer workplace easier—and sometimes more affordable: 

• OraSure Drug Testing: On-demand, post-incident drug testing services at a discount. 

• WorkSTEPS Post-Offer Employment Testing (POET): Ensures new hires are physically capable of performing the demands of a job, helping reduce early-career injuries. 

• IntegrityFirst Testing: A pre-hire behavioral assessment designed to screen out high-risk candidates before they join your team. 

Safety builds confidence—and that’s good for business 

Every industry has its unique risks. But employees who are trained and prepared to navigate those risks can do their jobs with confidence. That means fewer injuries, better morale, and healthier workplaces overall. 

At MEM, we’re here to help you build a culture of safety—one where your team is empowered to work with confidence every day. 

The post More Than a Policy: How MEM Supports Safe, Productive Workplaces  appeared first on MEM.