Testimonials

Company #1:

The partnership with CIS onsite has proven to be a positive and solid business decision for us. We have seen an ROI every year without fail. Those reductions in our WC premiums each year, catching injuries at early onset, medical costs, mileage, specialists and lost production due to downtime when Employees are at appointments or placed off work.

 

Their ability to work with Employees for personal and work-related injuries, provides an additional benefit that our Employees enjoy; it saves them time and money from seeing a doctor or having to miss work. With their ability to accommodate our Employees provides an additional benefit and convenience and for many, it’s their first choice.

 

CIS onsite, has built a trusting relationships with everyone, from the time they are hired. They are easily approachable, friendly and knowledgeable, so our Employees do not hesitate to ask them questions related to certain job tasks and the best way to handle them or pain they may be experiencing.

CIS provides weekly notes to us, the Insurance carrier and the treating Physician(s), so all parties are kept up to date on the progress of the Employee. This provides a solid “team” approach to get that Employee better and back to work and instills trust during recovery.

 

Company #2:

CIS Onsite would perform work, under the realm of 1st Aid, in order to maintain that the injury would not be considered a recordable injury. The Therapists do a great job of treating our employees. Many of these visits resulted in the therapist going out on to the floor to observe the employees performing their job tasks. At that point, the therapist would make recommendations to modify the job to make the positioning so not to be a hazard. CIS onsite has created stretching programs for the departmental workers to follow to allow them to prepare the bodies for the tasks of the day.

In the four years of this partnership, the work performed by CIS Onsite has allowed us to steer employees through 1st aid measures and job adjustments, which kept the injury not to be considered a recordable. Currently, we are using CIS Onsite as our first line of defense when dealing with a work related injury. We have had a number of our injuries to took place on the off shifts or on weekends. We were able to contact CIS Onsite to set up these initial appointments. The therapists were able to meet with the employees on their shifts to give them appropriate care without disturbing their work schedule. We have had several employees ask to meet with the therapist for non-work related items.

We have been working to improve the safety culture at our site. The relationship with CIS Onsite has aided in making sure that our employees are well taken care of after an incident takes place.

 

Company #3:

CIS onsite has a set day where they come to our plant, walk around viewing employees’ work habits, coaches’ employees on proper ergonomics, and treats employees with their early intervention program. The EIP has been extremely successful in treating employees before the need for them to go to the doctor. 96% of employees seen in the EIP program graduated from it and did not need further medical attention last year.  It also provides another learning opportunity for employees to understand how to improve their work behaviors. CIS onsite also trains new employees regarding ergonomics during orientation. These new employees are regularly checked in over the next few weeks to a month while work conditioning is occurring.

With our location not having a nurse onsite, we are able to utilize CIS onsite on an on-call basis as well with their ability to have a physical therapist here during all shifts. Often, unless it is an emergency, CIS onsite sees employees before going to the doctor. Most employees are talked through the possible injury and how to treat it. Most of the time, these employees resolve without needing further medical treatment. For the employees who end up needing to see a doctor, if they are prescribed Physical Therapy (PT), CIS onsite coordinates doing PT at our facility in our medical room. In the event schedules do not align, CIS has also done in-home visits.

One more benefit CIS provides is writing and providing job analysis for each position we have at our facility. They also write and provide work instructions for high-risk tasks or repetitive tasks.

 

Company #4:

 

I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the fact that we are currently celebrating our 20th year working together.

 

We’ve seen a lot of change in our Company over those years, but our relationship with CIS Onsite has been steady, productive, and highly valuable. Thank you for your flexibility, professionalism, and commitment to help us achieve significant results in our programs.

 

The implementation of our Early Intervention program in 2003 was a key factor in reducing our OSHA Total Recordable Injury Rate by 80%, by helping our employees improve body mechanics and identify risk factors that prevent discomfort from becoming injuries. Similarly, we’ve realized a reduction of over 70% in our direct costs associated with Workers’ Compensation claims. Not only has the work of your CIS Onsite staff help reduce these losses, but their commitment to our people and communication with our management team, has helped improve our operations overall.

 

In addition to the Early Intervention Program, I also want to recognize the value of other services you’ve provided us. On-site physical therapy has reduced time away from work and improved our productivity. Development of functional job descriptions, implementation of workplace stretching programs, and training/education for our supervisors and ergonomics teams have also contributed to the success of our programs in many positive ways.

Once again, thank you for the last 20 years, and we look forward to many more as we work side-by-side to make our company a safe and productive workplace.

For more information, call CIS onsite at 866-298-1312, or visit our website at www.cisonsite.com.

 

Safety Pays for Everyone

Why should you put the effort into improving workplace safety and health?

Work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths are costly to everyone. A safe and healthy work environment pays, in more ways than one.

In Maine each year about 17,000 workers lose time from work because of job-related injury or illness. The National Safety Council estimates the average cost of a lost-time injury to be $33,000 in 2002. That’s $561,000,000 wasted each year in Maine alone.

At $170 billion a year nationwide, the direct and indirect costs of work injuries and illnesses equal those of cancer, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

These are only financial costs. There’s no way to know the value of the quality of life lost to injuries and illnesses.

For Workers

Work injuries and illnesses can affect every aspect of life for workers and their families.

For workers, injuries or illnesses can cause:

• Loss of life,
• Pain and suffering,
• Loss of income and financial well-being,
• Stress on relationships,
• Loss of job or career,
• Health-care costs beyond what is covered by insurance.

Workers may also suffer from low self-esteem, loss of independence, mental health problems, other medical problems, and damaged relationships.

For Employers

A safe and healthy workplace not only protects workers from injury and illness, it can also lower injury/illness costs, reduce absenteeism and turnover, increase productivity and quality, and raise employee morale. In other words, safety is good for business. Plus, protecting workers is the right thing to do.

Employers can save $4.00 to $6.00 for every dollar spent on a safety and health program. Workplaces with successful safety and health management systems reduce injury and illness costs 20-40%, according to OSHA.

For a small business, one injury can mean financial disaster. Costs to a business include:

• Production losses
• Wages for work not performed
• Increased workers’ compensation insurance costs
• Damage to equipment or machinery
• Hiring and/or training new employees
• Decline in product quality and worker morale
• Decline in worker morale
• High turnover and lost work time

The cost of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths is much greater than the cost of workers’ compensation insurance alone. Insurance is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these costs.

73% of Maine business people surveyed in 2003 believe a comprehensive safety and health program reduces workers’ compensation insurance rates and improves the work environment. Over 80% believe it reduces overall injury expenses.

Safety Pays for Everyone

The cost of injury prevention is far less than the cost of an injury. A safe and healthy workplace attracts and retains quality employees. It’s an asset to a community, operates more efficiently and enjoys a healthy bottom line. The business and the workers thrive in a safe, healthy, respectful and caring environment

Safe and healthy workplaces:

• Have more satisfied, productive workers who
  • Produce higher quality products and services
  • Return to work more quickly after an injury or illness
  • Feel loyal to the organization
• Are better places to work
• Retain employees
• Establish positive community relations

Source: https://www.safetyworksmaine.gov/safe_workplace/safety_pays.html

For more information, call CIS onsite at 866-298-1312, or visit our website at www.cisonsite.com.

 

Guide to Summer Home Maintenance & Safety

Summer is finally here! Time for cookouts, bonfires, outdoor activities and time by the water. However, all this time outside can lead to potential dangers if you’re not properly prepared. In addition to slathering on the SPF to protect everyone from the sun’s rays, there are repairs and installations you can make throughout your home to give your family the fun and safe summer they deserve. (And without breaking the bank — talk about a smart summer money move!)

We’ve put together all the tips you need to keep your family and home secure throughout the summer. We also spoke with parenting and safety experts to help you set groundrules with your kids for the summer months. With proper preparation and a safety plan in place, you’ll be set for the best summer ever.

Table of contents

1. Preparation: summer home maintenance
2. Security and monitoring
3. Summer to-do list and upkeep
4. Grilling and fire protection
5. Pool safety
6. Setting safety rules
7. Additional summer safety tips

Preparation: Summer home maintenance tips

To prevent accidents and costly repairs, prepping your home for the summer months is a must every spring. From high temperatures and unexpected storms to the general wear and tear on the inside of your home, there are a lot of things to get ready for. First, it’s important to take inventory of what maintenance is overdue in your home.

From repairing broken appliances to cleaning out your AC ducts, there are lots of summer home maintenance projects that can save you money and keep everything running smoothly. In fact, the Department of Energy recommends performing an energy audit on your home once a year to determine where your home could use some upgrades to lower your carbon footprint and utility bill.

To keep the outside of your home looking great and keeping you safe, make sure to add these items to your to-do list.

• Install sun shades to your windows to deflect heat.
• Reseal any cracking caulk or weatherstrips on external windows and doors to prevent any leaks.
• Inspect the outside of your home for cracks and any overhanging tree limbs that could fall during a storm.
• Protect yourself in the event of a flood from a summer storm by double checking that you have flood insurance added on to your home insurance policy.
• Spray your yard and home to protect it from insects, pests and other creatures, setting traps or deterrents when needed.
• Schedule a yearly inspection each summer to help catch termites and stop them in their tracks before they cause major damage to your home’s structure.

 

Keeping bugs at bay can often entail chemicals or pesticides, so safe use should be top-of-mind. Dr. Samantha Radford, owner of Evidenced-Based Mommy, shared with us the importance of safety when these chemicals are in use: “If you choose to use pesticides in your home garden, make sure kids know to stay away after application and as least as long as manufacturers say it takes for the chemical to dissipate.” Taking a little time to explain the dangers of these items to your child can help prevent injury from early exposure or in case they’re accidentally left out.

If you have young children, you’ll also need to do a sweep of the inside and outside of your home for potential hazards (such as exposed electrical wires, cleaning supplies, etc). Radford says, “with kids going outside more during the summer, it’s important to think about toxic chemicals in the home and garage. Make sure all dangerous chemicals (pesticides, rat poison, fertilizers, cleaners, etc) are in a locked cabinet or a shelf well out of children’s reach.” Though that’s not to say kids can’t get involved in the cleaning process, just turn it into a fun game and keep an eye on them when their nearby toxic chemicals!

Adding a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and poison control information on every level of your home is good thinking as well — they’ll help you respond quickly in the event of an emergency (building an emergency preparedness kit is a good idea as well).

Security and monitoring

As temperatures rise in the summer months, unfortunately so do the rates of home break-ins and theft. A study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that, on average, there is an 11% increase in home-based crimes during the summer months. And though we may be staying home more than ever before, this increase is enough to make anyone nervous during a weekend getaway. But thankfully, smart home technology has advanced in recent years, giving homeowners control over their home protection and monitoring capabilities.

Recent additions to the smart home market include indoor and outdoor cameras, motion detection lighting and automatic locks that can alert you on your phone any time someone locks or unlocks a door. These devices are not only helpful for identifying and stopping burglaries, but they’re also great for monitoring your children’s activity throughout your home. Some devices even allow you to speak to your children or play music directly through a speaker system.

 

Smart home devices also offer additional benefits outside of the added security and lowered energy usage. Ultimately, their purpose is to help you streamline your life, making everyday tasks a bit easier, like going to the grocery store, unlocking your door or scheduling regular maintenance appointments. And your insurance company isn’t lost on their benefits either. Let them know once you’ve installed a few of these time-saving devices throughout your home and get ready to rake in the discounts.

Summer to-do list and upkeep

When we’re around more often (like during the summer or during shelter-in-place orders) our homes, appliances and devices go through something known as home strain. And with a global pandemic keeping us home more than ever before, home strain is reaching new heights. According to a recent Hippo survey, one in three Americans have already needed home repairs while sheltering in place, and as more of us begin to work from home, this issue is likely to continue. The most needed repairs come from issues with power surges, broken kitchen appliances and damaged electronic devices.

To help counteract the effects of home strain, it’s important to thoroughly clean your home, appliances and devices every month. Electronic devices and other household appliances run faster and last longer with regular cleanings, as it helps prevent dust, dirt or soap scum buildup. Regular cleaning also gives you the opportunity to inspect for damage so you can fix small issues before they get bigger. Make sure you inspect and clean every nook and cranny of your home (don’t forget the garage) to check for potential leaks, buildup or cracks in the foundation.

 

Before tackling any home repairs yourself, consider talking to an expert over the phone or setting up a socially distant repair appointment. This will ensure your home is updated properly and should help you avoid another round of repairs in a few months. If you’re unsure how to follow the CDC’s recommended safety guidelines when scheduling a repair appointment, give the experts at Hippo Home Care a call to get the care you deserve.

If you’re doing another round of deep cleaning this summer, there’s no need to worry about how to host a socially distant garage sale. Post your items for sale on a website like Craigslist or an app like OfferUp to get rid of things you no longer need. Just make sure you set up no-contact payment and delivery to ensure the safety of you and your buyer!

Grilling and fire protection

Grilling, fire pits and bonfires are all favorites during the summer months — who doesn’t love roasting marshmallows after a fun day in the pool or on the lake? Keep in mind, though, that these can be dangerous if not handled properly. This is especially true if you have young children in the house, as they can accidentally injure themselves or others. Below are things you need to be aware of before grilling or starting a bonfire this summer to keep your family (and your home) safe.

The number one tip to remember: never leave a fire unattended. This will help keep the fire under control, as well as prevent any potential injuries from children or pets getting too close to the flame. Our Hippo Home Care team recommends keeping your fire pit or grill at least 10 feet from your home or any other structures (shed, dog house, etc.), and away from any overhanging trees. Basically, if it’s flammable, keep it far away from the fire. Do not let pets or children within three feet of the fire, and limit their activity around the fire pit or grill to prevent trips or falls that can lead to bigger accidents.

When going inside for the night, it’s important to fully extinguish the fire — don’t just let it burn out. This will help ensure the safety of your backyard and home. While it’s recommended to keep a fire extinguisher on-hand for emergencies, a fire pit or grill can simply be put out with water once you are finished with it. It’s also a good idea to keep a first-aid kit nearby in case of accidents or burns.

 

Pool safety

Whether you have an in-ground pool, a hot tub, above ground pool or inflatable pool, children should always be supervised while swimming. If possible, enroll your children in swimming lessons early or teach them how to swim yourself. As they’re learning, they should always have a life jacket or other flotation device on before getting in the water. To make sure you’re prepared in the event of an accident, become CPR-certified and keep a flotation device, first-aid kit and scissors (to cut pool covers or clothing) nearby at all times.

In order to keep swimming fun and safe for the whole family, make sure that pool time is agreed upon beforehand. To ensure you know when your child is near the water, add back door and gate alarms to alert you of any movement near the pool or hot tub. Smart home devices like outdoor cameras are another great option, as they allow you to monitor outside activity from afar. It’s also important to keep your pool covered when not in use — to prevent anyone from falling in. When the pool isn’t covered, a device like a water sensor can alert you to any movement under the surface.

 

Preparation and monitoring are key to accident prevention each summer. With a few simple upgrades, proper liability insurance to protect yourself in the event of an accident and lots of SPF, you can rest assured that your backyard is safe for your children and pets. This will help you all focus on creating a summer full of fun memories by the water.

Setting safety rules

Children’s safety is the ultimate goal of every parent, but unfortunately it’s easier said than done. Since you can’t keep your eye on them 24/7, it’s important to talk with your kids about summer safety, including the limits you’ve placed on how far they can venture out or what activities they take part in without you nearby.

In addition to installing safety measures like gates around the pool and locks on medicine cabinets, it’s important to let your children know what type of play is and isn’t allowed. Playing in a parked car, for example, can easily turn dangerous in the summer heat. “Always lock your car when it’s not in use, even if it’s just in your garage or driveway,” says Emilia Lewis of Pursue Today. “Young children often see a car as a jungle gym and may go in it to play, and not know how to get out.”

As your kids get older, they’ll likely want to venture out to play with friends away from home. Remember all the fun you had as a teenager? You probably also remember your parents setting rules to keep you safe. Before letting them out to play, establish ground rules for how far they can go and for how long so that you know they aren’t straying too far from home. Make sure they know the potential dangers of your area and have your cell phone numbers memorized in case of an emergency. This way, they can enjoy summers as a kid to the fullest extent while still giving you some much needed peace of mind!

While this may seem like a lot, setting up ground rules before temperatures rise can help ensure that everyone has a safe and fun summer (not to mention giving you some well deserved alone time). Below, we highlight the most important things you need to discuss with your child to keep them safe all summer long.

 

Additional summer safety tips

The joy and insanity unique to each family means that there may be some safety issues that you need to address within your home that we didn’t include here. Because of this, it’s a good idea to do a full walkthrough of the inside and outside of your home, as well as your front and back yards, to ensure you aren’t missing any glaring issues such as holes in your fence, broken locks or hazardous items that have been left out. A short task that is so important to your family’s safety, walkthroughs can easily be overlooked if you’ve lived in your home for quite some time. But we really suggest taking 20 minutes to do this each season — you won’t regret it when you find that small issue that could be harmful to your children or pets!

No matter if your yard is relatively empty or full of toys and playground equipment, an overall inspection should be done before letting your children play. Make sure there aren’t any holes in the ground or damage to the playground equipment, and make sure to address any issues you find before letting your children run around. Other home hazards like mold growth or sewer backups should be monitored on a regular basis to avoid any costly repairs down the line. For more in-depth tips on how to protect your home this summer, check out our article on summer home hazards.

While pools and bathtubs may be obvious drowning dangers, it’s important for parents to know that even their toilet poses potential risks. “One point I think a lot of parents miss is the risk of drowning in the toilet,” says Radford. “Fitting a toilet seat lock stops small children from getting access unsupervised.” A child can drown in as little as two inches of water, so locking up any areas of standing water is crucial to preventing accidents.

With summer in full swing and shelter-in-place orders continuing throughout the nation, you’ll likely be spending most of your time at home. This means that total home safety is more important than ever, so make sure you carve out spare time for cleaning and repairs — plus time for fun too! And while you may be able to make most repairs yourself, some things are better left to the professionals. Check in on your homeowners insurance policy to see what preventative care and repairs are covered, or reach out to our expert team to help you get started. Looking to extend your home’s safety past the summer months? We have a guide for holiday season safety as well.

Source: https://www.hippo.com/blog/summer-home-safety

For more information, call CIS onsite at 866-298-1312, or visit our website at www.cisonsite.com.