Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The Basics

Workers’ compensation insurance benefits are available to employees who are injured or become ill because of a work-related incident. If one of your employees is injured on the job and is medically authorized to take time off from work, he or she will be reimbursed for lost wages and all medical expenses related to the treatment and rehabilitation.

What are the reporting procedures for injuries and illnesses?

If employees are injured, they should notify you immediately to file a report. This will initiate the process for receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

How are employees reimbursed?

Lost compensation is payable during the time period in which employees are authorized by their treating physicians. Benefits are paid weekly at a state-specific percentage rate of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum dollar amount.

Fire Extinguisher Safety

Properly fighting small fires

Fire extinguishers are designed to fight fires in their early stages when the fire presents a relatively small hazard. An extinguisher can be used when the fire possesses the following characteristics:

• Small

• Slow growing

• Giving off minimal smoke

• Emitting minimal heat

If a fire is too large, if there is too much smoke or if you are too frightened, evacuate immediately.

PASS

Use the PASS method:

P=Pull

• The safety pin is usually held in place by a plastic seal and will pull off. Do not push down on the operating lever while pulling the pin, it won’t come out.

A=Aim

• Aim at the base of the fire, the lowest flame closest to you. The base of the fire will recede from you as you use the extinguisher, so you must adjust your aim.

S=Squeeze

• The operating lever is above the carrying handle. The operating lever opens the valve when you squeeze it down. When you let go, the valve closes and the discharge stops

S=Sweep

• Sweep the nozzle by moving your arm at the elbow. Direct the discharge to cover the entire width of the base of the fire.

Know Your A, B, Cs

Using the wrong fire extinguisher can result in more damage than the fire itself. All extinguishers have nameplates identifying their usage instructions, as outlined below.

Class A Fires

• Only use Class A extinguishers for wood, paper, trash and other items that produce glowing embers as they burn. Class A extinguishers should never be used on gas or electrical fires.

Class B Fires

• Only use Class B extinguishers to fight fires caused by flammable liquid and gas (gasoline, paint thinners, solvents, grease and acetylene).

Class C Fires

• Use a Class C extinguisher only to fight energized electrical equipment fires maintaining a safe workplace is vital and will consequently reduce your insurance costs. Here are some other

There are also extinguishers known as a Class ABC extinguishers, which can be used for all types of fires.

What happens if employees do not comply with recommended treatments?

Non-compliance with recommended medical treatments, therapy or return-to-work plans may jeopardize workers’ compensation benefits.

Implement a return-to-work policy in which employees work modified duty until they are fully healthy to do their jobs.

Be safe and healthy on the job with these helpful tips provided by CBIZ…

Employees On Safe Practices

Insist that employee claims are reported promptly. Minnesota Dept of Labor can assess fines for late reporting beyond 10

Investigate the cause of injuries

Never feel like you must stay and fight a fire. If, at any point, you feel like your safety is threatened while using a fire extinguisher get out immediately bschmid@cbiz. to learn more about how this coverage can help you protect your continued from pg. 5

For more information, contact Brad Schmid at bschmid@cbiz.com or 763-549-2247.

Starting January 2024, workers will be eligible to accrue a minimum of one hour of earned sick time for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum of 48 hours annually. Employees could use that time for medical appointments, short-term illness like a cold or flu, or to care for a child who may be out of school sick. This time off can also be used to secure services or alter living arrangements in response to domestic violence, which is referenced in the title as “safe” time.

Non-compete Clauses

Non-compete agreements between employers and workers are now unenforceable under Minnesota law. There are two exceptions to the new law, it does not extend to non-compete provisions associated with the sale or anticipated dissolution of a business. The new law also does not impact non-disclosure agreements. These changes will be effective July 1, 2023.

Electric Vehicle Provisions

Numerous electric vehicle (EV) policy and funding provisions were passed into law. There were also many other “green” policies that are likely to help grow the

EV market over the coming years, along with federal policies and programs. A few of note: (1) Rebates for individuals who purchase EVs; (2) Funding for more EV infrastructure; (3) Requirements that state auto fleets include EVs; and (4) Grants to auto dealers to attain their EV certification. One notable omission was funding for education, training and workforce development in repairing EVs. This issue is ripe for coming legislative sessions and coalition work across sectors and organizations is something AASP-MN will continue to advocate and participate in moving forward.

While the above is a recap of the legislative session that just ended, AASP-MN leadership is currently working with AASP-MN member leaders to build a foundation for the next legislative session, which will focus on policy rather than budget issues. This is a prime opportunity to develop and advance key policy proposals that will positively impact members and push the industry forward. Stay tuned for more opportunities to help shape our priorities.

The Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) helps improve the information in collision repair estimates through repairer feedback about vehicle-specific errors, omissions and inaccuracies in the databasae and labor times. If you are performing automotive repairs of any kind - collision or mechanical - you need to utilize the DEG! Check out some recent Database Inquiries - and their resolutions - below!

CCC/MOTOR: Testing PPE Equipment: DEG Inquiry 19876 addresses a question regarding testing PPE equipment. The end-user asks, “Is time for ‘High Voltage PPE Prepare, Test, Put Away’ included with ‘High voltage system deactivate/activate’? This step is not listed in any OEM procedure we have seen, but is always listed within any HV training for the manufacturer. Based on 910.137 - Electrical Protective Equipment - Glove must be tested daily, or before use. Then the OEM procedure can begin.”

MOTOR’s response included a YouTube video (available at youtube.com/shorts/DUMP4SoPrQM), and the following:

• “Gathering tools and equipment to complete a procedure is included in the estimated work time provided.

• Testing equipment and set up of equipment is not an included operation.”

Mitchell: Masking of Electrical Connectors: DEG Inquiry 30728 from Mitchell provides feedback responding to masking/ capping/protecting electrical connectors, and an additional consideration when developing a repair plan.

“After review of available information, the requirement to mask, protect or cap off electrical connectors is not outlined in the manufacturers’ service procedures and has not been accounted for in the labor allowance.”

Audatex: Masking of Electrical Connectors: DEG Inquiry 19474 from Audatex provides feedback responding to masking/ capping/protecting electrical connectors, and an additional consideration when developing a repair plan.

“The labor time to mask and/or protect electrical components is not included in our labor times. If labor time is needed for this, it must be considered manually at user discretion.”

CCC/MOTOR: Blending Tow Cap Covers: DEG Inquiry 31042 addresses a question regarding blending tow cap covers:

“MOTOR has reviewed information from multiple sources and has concluded that the current formula reflects an estimate for one particular scenario but does not necessarily reflect the many variations encountered with modern vehicle finish and design. Given the variations among scenarios today, we believe MOTOR’s Estimated Work Time Development methodology should defer to the judgment of an estimator or appraiser following an on-the-spot evaluation of the specific vehicle and refinish requirements in question.”

Note: The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY. View these tips and others at DEGWEB.ORG