Improve Emergency Action Plans By Preparing For Active Shooter Incidents

Posted on November 21, 2018 by SusanAS

WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND

According to OSHA, workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. A subset of this workplace violence falls into the category of “active shooter.” An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined or populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly.

Recent Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) statistics show that active shooter events most commonly occur in businesses (45 percent), schools (25 percent) and government facilities (10 percent). The FBI has designated 50 shootings in 2016 and 2017 as active shooter incidents. Twenty incidents occurred in 2016, while 30 incidents occurred in 2017.1 Unfortunately, these incidents continue to rise in 2018. Further, ActiveShooterData.org analyzed 192 active shooter incidents between 2000 and 2015. It found that business locations were the site of more than half of all events, with 98.2

Now, more than ever, it is important for employers to improve their Emergency Response Plans and employee training with active shooter preparation and response programming. In order to understand the current best practices used for preparing for and responding to this workplace threat, the FBI published its Developing Emergency Operations Plans – A Guide for Business in March 2018.3 This 42-page document guides employers through the planning principles, planning process, and offers a basic plan and checklists for preparation and response to active shooter incidents.

Employers are encouraged to download and use this resource to better prepare their workplaces for this potential threat. Proper planning and training will prevent the loss of life! We have posted it for you at:

https://www.builders.org/pdf/active-shooter-guide-for-businesses.pdf

Should you require assistance with reviewing and improving your workplace emergency planning, please contact Gary L. Smith, CRM, CSRM, MLIR, Director of Risk Control at (517) 338-3367 or gary.smith@yorkrsg.com.

Resources:

  1. Active Shooter Incidents in the United States in 2016 and 2017 – U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation; April 2018.
  2. ActiveShooterData.org
  3. Developing Emergency Operations Plans – A Guide for Businesses – U.S. Department of Justice. Federal Bureau of Investigation; March 2018.
Posted in 2018, DECEMBER 2018 | Comments Off on Improve Emergency Action Plans By Preparing For Active Shooter Incidents

Advocacy Update

Posted on November 21, 2018 by SusanAS

Forrest Wall

Written by Forrest Wall, CAE, Staff Vice President, and Industry Relations

Michigan House and Senate Leadership Elected

Fresh off the election, Democrats and Republicans elected their leadership teams for the 2019-2020 Legislative Session. In the House, Republican leadership will have a decidedly northern Michigan feel, with Rep. Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) as Speaker of the House, Rep. Triston Cole (R-Mancelona) as Majority Floor Leader, and Rep. Jason Wentworth (R-Clare) as Speaker Pro Tempore. At age 30, Mr. Chatfield will be the youngest speaker in over 100 years. On the Democratic side, Rep. Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills) will lead the caucus as Minority Leader, and Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) will serve as Minority Floor Leader. Ms. Greig becomes the third woman to lead a legislative caucus. Republicans hold a 58-52 majority in the Michigan House for 2019-20, down from a 63-47 majority in the current session.

In the Senate, Sen. Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) will take over as Majority Leader for the Republicans, with Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-Rockford) serving as Majority Floor Leader. Sen. Jim Ananich (D-Flint) will remain in his current role of Minority Leader on the Democratic side, with Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) moving into the Minority Floor Leader position. Republicans hold a 22-16 advantage in the Michigan Senate, which is down from a 27-11 supermajority in the current session.

Thank You From AAM-PAC

Our efforts to support elected officials who understand the important role of rental housing in Michigan’s economy took another positive step with the 2018 General Election. AAM-PAC scored a 93 percent success rate in state legislative races in which we financially supported a candidate!

Of course, none of this success would have been possible without the generous contributions to the fund from the membership. Special thanks go to the following group of leaders and their strong commitment to AAM-PAC in 2018:

Platinum Level

  • Allen & Jerome Amber
  • Matthew Lester
  • Gold Level
  • Cary Belovicz
  • Mitchell & Adam Bleznak
  • George Nyman
  • Shawn Stafford

Silver Level

  • Bob & Jay Brody
  • Kevin Dillon
  • Melvin & Jeffrey Kaftan

 

Posted in 2018, DECEMBER 2018 | Comments Off on Advocacy Update

Advocacy Update

Posted on October 23, 2018 by SusanAS

Forrest WallWritten by Forrest Wall, CAE, Staff Vice President and Industry Relations

Prompt Payment Legislation Introduced

Legislation requiring prompt payment for labor, materials and services in private construction contracts has been proposed in the Michigan Senate. Senate Bill 1121 was introduced at the end of September by Sen. Rick Jones (R- 24th District) and Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-23rd District). While the bill exempts single family residential and attached residential of less than 7 units, apartment buildings 7 units and over are included with all other types of construction. The legislation mandates that construction contracts between an owner and general contractor include a clause requiring payment for satisfactory performance within 30 days from the end of the billing period (defined as the payment cycle agreed to by both parties, or, if no period is specified then the calendar month in which the work is performed). The bill also mandates a contract clause calling for 12 percent per annum interest on wrongfully withheld amounts due to the contractor. Further, the legislation stipulates a 7 calendar day payment clause in contractors’ contracts with subcontractors and suppliers, with the same 12% interest provision. Finally, the proposed legislation lays out a dispute notification and resolution process. SB 1121 has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee for consideration.

AAM-PAC’s Work Does Not End On November 6

Election Day is finally here! With it will come an end to all the commercials, signs, and robocalls. But for AAM-PAC, the work never ends. Our efforts to support elected officials who understand the important role of rental housing in Michigan’s economy continues after all the votes have been counted. And, as the drumbeat for rent control grows – both here and in markets across the country – the role of our Association to prevent a change to our state law has never been more important. This and other important rental property issues now intersect with a large group of new state legislators who will take their respective seats in 2019. So, if you have not yet made your contribution to AAM-PAC, it is not too late! Remember, AAM-PAC contributions must be made via personal, partnership, LLP, or LLC check or credit cards. Please call me at 248-862-1004 to make your contribution today!

 

Posted in 2018, NOVEMBER 2018 | Comments Off on Advocacy Update

Tips for Preventing Shoulder Injuries

Posted on October 23, 2018 by SusanAS

WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND

The shoulder is basically a ball-and-socket joint that is relatively unstable and easily injured. Called the rotator cuff, it degenerates with age or after an injury, and must be cared for throughout your life. The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles – the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus and teres minor. The four muscles attach at different points on the scapula (shoulder blade) and enable the shoulder to internally and externally rotate.

Please share the following safe work tips with your coworkers.

Shoulder Facts
The shoulder has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body. However – it is this ability to move that makes the shoulder vulnerable to injury.

  • The shoulder can assume 1,600 positions!
  • The shoulder is surrounded by four muscles and their tendons:
    Supraspinatus
    Subscapularis
    Infraspinatus
    Teres minor
  • Together, these muscles and their tendons are called the rotator cuff.

Shoulder Injuries and Problems

  • Strains.
  • Separations.
  • Overhead work can lead to tendinitis.
  • The bursa, or empty sac that surrounds the rotator cuff, can be squeezed, called bursitis.
  • Aging causes rotator cuff degeneration and weakening.
  • Rotator cuff tears are a result of shoulder injury.

Use R.I.C.E. for a Shoulder Injury

Rest

Ice

Compression

Elevation

See a physician to determine the extent of a shoulder injury and whether or not more treatment is needed.

Common Causes of a Shoulder Injury

  • Hard repetitive use.
  • Repetitive overhead reaching or lifting.
  • Repetitive overhead heavy lifting.
  • Falling on an outstretched arm.
  • Pulling or “yanking” on an object.
  • “Yanking” a starter cord on an engine.
  • Blow to the top of the shoulder.

Shoulder Health

  • Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint (see resource #2 below – The Value of Warm-up Exercises.)
  • Good upper body strengthening and flexibility can reduce the risk of shoulder injury.
  • Good cardiovascular health also helps prevent injuries that occur as a result of fatigue.
  • The stronger and more flexible the joints are, the more readily they will be able to withstand impact or repetitive forces.

Safety

  • Follow instructions with respect to proper lifting techniques and other safe work practices designed to prevent shoulder injuries.
  • Avoid throwing or tossing objects.
  • Use care when positioning the body and back before even mild exertion during lifting.
  • Face the object to be lifted and keep the back as straight as possible by bending and using legs for lifting power.
  • Do not reach to place or retrieve heavy objects stored up high; use a stable platform / step stool.
  • Know when you need rest and relaxation during non-working hours and maintain good physical condition to avoid strains and sprains.

This information is provided by WorkSAFE as part of their commitment to safe, health and injury-free workplaces.

Should you require assistance with your injury prevention program, please contact Gary L. Smith, CRM, CSRM, MLIR, Director of Risk Control at (517) 338-3367 or gary.smith@yorkrsg.com.

Resources:

Preventing Shoulder Injuries at WorkSAFE (www.worksafecenter.com)

Safety in Motion® – The Value of Warm-up Exercises

Posted in 2018, NOVEMBER 2018 | Comments Off on Tips for Preventing Shoulder Injuries

Preventing Winter Weather-Related Injuries

Posted on September 25, 2018 by SusanAS

WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND

Before the cold winter months, it’s wise to take extra precautions to prevent worker injuries and illnesses resulting from ice, snow and cold temperature conditions.

According to the CDC, winter weather kills more than twice as many Americans than summer heat. Consider these winter weather-related injury statistics:

  • Over 116,000 people in the U.S. are injured and more than 1,300 are killed on snowy, slushy or icy roads every winter.
  • 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes happen on snowy, slushy or icy roads annually.
  • 1 million Americans are injured due to slip and fall injuries annually, and the risk increases dramatically during winter months.
  • Slips and falls, while not the main cause of fatal workplace injuries, represent the primary cause of lost days from work.
  • Approximately 1,301 Americans die from hypothermia annually.

Even though employers cannot control winter weather conditions, they can take specific actions to keep their workers safe when working in these conditions. Consider the following OSHA-recommended practices for your injury prevention program:

Driving in Winter Weather

  • Provide training so workers recognize the hazards of driving in winter weather (e.g., on snow and ice-covered roads).
  • Set and enforce policies for safe, defensive driving.
  • Implement an effective maintenance program for all vehicles and mechanized equipment that workers are required to operate, which should include brakes, cooling system, electrical system, engine, exhaust system, oil, tires, and visibility systems (i.e., exterior lights, defrosters, and wipers).
  • Equip vehicles with an adequate emergency kit (www.ready.gov/car) and additional warm clothing such as hats, gloves/mittens, etc.
  • If stranded in a vehicle, stay in the vehicle, turn on its four-way hazard lights, and call for emergency assistance. Increasingly, persons are fatality injured when struck by passing vehicles while standing or working in road right of ways. In winter weather, motorists are even more likely to lose control of their vehicles due to snow and/or ice-covered roads.

Clearing Snow from Roofs and Working at Heights

  • Evaluate snow removal tasks for hazards and plan how to do the work safely. A surface that is weighed down with snow must be inspected by a competent person to determine if its structurally safe to access. Snow covered roof tops can hide hazards such as skylights that workers can fall through. Electrical hazards may also exist from overhead power lines.
  • Employers should determine the right type of equipment (e.g., ladders, aerial lifts, etc.) and personal protective equipment (e.g., personal fall arrest systems, non-slip safety boots, etc.) for each job and that workers are trained to properly use them.

Walking on Snow and Ice

  • To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice, and spread deicer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm.
  • Train workers to take short steps and walk at a slower pace so they can react quickly to a change in traction, when walking on an icy or snow-covered walkway.
  • Require use of proper footwear when walking on snow or ice is unavoidable. A pair of insulated and water-resistant boots with good rubber treads is a must for walking during or after a winter storm. Additionally, traction cleats, designed to fit over footwear, are available in different styles to ensure workers stay sure-footed.

For additional winter weather safety practices, prevention and treatment of frostbite and hypothermia, and more, see OSHA’s Winter Weather resource page.

Should you require assistance with incorporating winter weather safety into your injury prevention program, please contact Gary L. Smith, CRM, CSRM, MLIR, Director of Risk Control at (517) 338-3367 or gary.smith@yorkrsg.com.

Resources:

OSHA Winter Weather – Plan. Equip. Train. at www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/additional.html

CDC Winter Weather at www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html.

DHS Car Safety at www.ready.gov/car.

 

Posted in 2018, OCTOBER, OCTOBER 2018 | Comments Off on Preventing Winter Weather-Related Injuries