DON’T STRAINYOURSELF COMING UPWITH SAFETYTOPICS IN 2026! According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) data, Sprains and Strains are the leading cause of lost-time workers’ compensation claims. Their data from 2022 – 2023 states that the average total cost of a strain related workers’ compensation claim exceeds $30,000. Many of these claims increase significantly when surgery, extended physical therapy, or prolonged time away from work is required. In automotive dealerships, Strain Injuries consistently rank among the highest in both frequency and overall cost. Daily tasks such as lifting tires and parts, working in awkward positions, and repetitive motion tasks place employees at increased risk of back, shoulder, and soft tissue injuries. Louisiana Dealers should make sure they hold regular safety meetings with their employees. It is strongly encouraged that Overexertion / Strain Prevention (i.e., Material Handling) be a topic among these safety meetings. The Louisiana Compensation Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to have a written safety program that includes Quarterly Safety Meetings with a record showing the topics discussed, date of the meeting, and the names of the persons attending. AVOID OSHA FINES IN 2026! The number one OSHA citation for New Car Dealers is Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) Standard. OSHA’s HAZCOM Standard requires employees to have access to up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. The standard also requires hazardous chemicals to be labeled so employees understand the risks and know how to protect themselves. This requirement applies to original manufacturer containers and secondary containers. Secondary containers must be labeled if the chemical is used by multiple employees or if the employee transferring the chemical does not use it immediately. Labels are only exempt in limited circumstances, such as when one employee transfers, uses, and keeps the container for the entire shift. While secondary container labels do not need as much detail as the original manufacturer container, they must be accompanied by supporting Safety Data Sheets (SDS). RMS IS YOUR PARTNER! Risk Management Services, LLC (RMS) has proudly served LADA-SIF Members since 1998. Our knowledgeable and dedicated team works closely with Members to provide a full range of services, including Marketing, Loss Prevention, Accounting, Claims Administration, Underwriting & Policy Services. Going beyond the basics of Safety & Health Services, the RMS Loss Prevention Team is available to help guide your dealership on OSHA compliance. This fee based extended safety & health service can be tailored to meet your dealership’s needs, including SDS online platform management, on-site safety meetings, written safety plans, OSHA reporting & Recordkeeping, and much more! If your dealership has questions about joining the LADA-SIF, or would like more information on Extended Health & Safety Services please feel free to contact Jean Robért at 1-800-351-RISK (7475) or by email at JRobert@RMSLA.com.
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