2010 NASDA Supervisory Enumerator Workshop ~ Workplace Safety ~ Robin Dannels The Hartford, Washington DC Regional Office April 27, 2010

NASDA Loss Picture – Statistics and information Safety tips Agenda NASDA Loss Picture – Statistics and information Safety tips The importance of timely reporting of injuries What safety challenges do you face?

Workers’ Compensation Injuries The number of reported injuries was increased during the most recent policy period. 36% of the claims reported were for “record only”. This is similar to previous years. The average cost per claim was lower, however these numbers are still “green”. (Average cost per claim $2028 for 2/1/09-2/1/10, versus $5501 for the previous year)

Loss trends Do you think injuries continue to trend as they have historically? What was the most common injury type for 2/1/09 – 2/1/10? Slips, trips and falls – 32% of the injuries for the year What is another injury type that has higher frequency? Motor vehicle accidents – 28% of the injuries Do you think there were any new trends for the policy year? Increase in the number of strains – these tend to be expensive injuries What do you think is the most common type of strain? Injuries getting in and out of vehicles

Other injury statistics Injuries by day of the week – 2/1/07 – 2/1/10 Female employees account for 68% of the injuries Field enumerators have 63% of the injuries. Supervisors have the next highest frequency with 24%. Office enumerators have 6% of the injuries.

Other injury statistics Injuries by month – 2/1/07 – 2/1/10 Employees from the ages of 41-55 have 37% of the injuries. - Under 40 = 12.5% - 56 – 65 years old = 27% - 66 – 75 years old = 11% - 75+ years old = 12.5%

Slips and falls – injury drill down For the most recent policy year: Three of the slips and falls occurred on ice – two of these were in parking lots Two injuries occurred while at farm sites in field areas One injury was a fall from a ladder while doing a nut survey One slip and fall occurred on a patio step at a survey site One injury occurred as the enumerator was getting out of a vehicle

Safety Tips – Slips and falls Wear appropriate footwear, particularly during winter weather – office and field enumerators Use three point contact (exiting vehicles, on ladders, etc.) Pay attention to surroundings Use care when going up and down stairs Fences and other barriers can cause tripping hazards Look for holes, debris, equipment and other obstacles Pay attention when walking on uneven ground

Safety Tips – Preventing Dog Bites Look at the dogs’ body language. Approach the dog slowly, allowing time for it to sniff you Walk in a confident manner, as dogs are good at reading body language Speak to the dog gently Keep your face clear of the dog’s face Avoid eye contact and use non-threatening actions Crouch down to reduce your body size Never assume that because a dog is wagging its tail that it will not be bite; tail wagging can be a sign of indecision.

Motor Vehicle Accidents – injury drill down There were seven (7) injuries due to motor vehicle accidents from 2/1/09 – 2/1/10. What do you think was the most common automobile accident type? Two accidents due to the employee vehicle being hit by another vehicle Two injuries due to an accident where the employee ran a red light One accident due to employee running a stop sign One accident due to black ice One accident when an employee hit a tractor he did not see at a farm

Safety Tips – Motor Vehicle Accidents Red Light Running: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2005 alone, crashes caused by red light running (RLR) resulted in an estimated 805 fatalities. What is Red Light Running? Depends on the state and the definition of yellow Permissive yellow rule: Driver can legally enter intersection during entire yellow interval Violation occurs if driver enters intersection after onset of red Restrictive yellow rule: Driver can neither enter nor be in intersection on red Violation occurs if driver has not cleared intersection after onset of red

Safety Tips – Motor Vehicle Accidents Red Light Running: Safety Facts About Red-Light Running: Red-light running crashes are more likely than other crashes to cause injury On urban roads, fatal RLR crashes are more likely than other fatal crashes Fatal RLR crashes are somewhat more likely to occur during the day Source: Prevalence and Characteristics of Red Light Running Crashes in the United States, Accident Analysis and Prevention, 1999 Red-Light Running Studies (from the NHTSA) 4% of Americans reported running red lights 1% run them "often" 3% run them "sometimes" 97% of drivers feel that other drivers running red lights are a major safety threat 1 in 3 people claim they personally know someone injured or killed in a red light running crash What is a “stale” traffic light

The importance of prompt claim reporting Closed Claims, Accident Years 2002-2006 Includes Medical Only and Lost Time Claims NASDA injuries : 11% reported on the incident day 49% reported within one week 6% reported more than one month after injury

Safety challenges What safety challenges do you face? Field enumerators Office enumerators New employees Remote location of workers

Questions??? Insurance. Investments. Retirement. Questions??? The information provided in these materials is intended to be general and advisory in nature.  It shall not be considered legal advice.  The Hartford does not warrant that the implementation of any view or recommendation contained herein will: (i) result in the elimination of any unsafe conditions at your business locations or with respect to your business operations; or (ii) will be an appropriate legal or business practice.  The Hartford assumes no responsibility for the control or correction of hazards or legal compliance with respect to your business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute our undertaking, on your behalf or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that your business premises, locations or operations are safe or healthful, or are in compliance with any law, rule or regulation.  Readers seeking to resolve specific safety, legal or business issues or concerns related to the information provided in these materials should consult their safety consultant, attorney or business advisors.