One of your top priorities as an organization is to protect your people from injuries. Employees, volunteers, members, visitors and others who enter your facility should feel confident that you are focusing on injury prevention strategies. This guide will show you some of the most common ways in which people could become injured or ill in your building or on your property, and how you can change your practices to protect them. 

Injury prevention strategies

At Church Mutual, our risk management specialists work with customers to help you minimize your risk of needing to submit a claim. We have developed “10 Essentials” lists for a wide variety of topics, including injury prevention strategies. The 10 Essentials for Preventing Injury and Illness are as follows:

1. Implement an injury and illness prevention program.
2. Designate a safety administrator.
3. Establish a safety committee.
4. Appoint first responders.
5. Deliver safety training.
6. Provide ongoing safety communication.
7. Perform hazard assessments.
8. Conduct accident investigations.
9. Keep records and documentation.
10. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE).

Every year, Church Mutual customers report more than 4,000 injuries to their employees.

Past claims can provide insight into key safety issues to help prevent similar injuries. 

You can also add important safety features to your buildings that will contribute to your injury prevention strategies, including:

• Passive fire protection features that are incorporated into your building’s design
• Active fire protection features that are used to combat fires that may occur
• Accessibility for persons with disabilities
• Non-slip flooring
• Emergency lighting
• Regular inspections and walks around the building to identify hazards

Workplace health and safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers important information for employees of all types and sizes on how you can keep your employees safe. Here, we highlight some of its most important guidelines:

1. Ensure workplace safety starts from the top down. Create a written policy signed by your top leadership that describes your organization’s commitment to safety procedures and details your safety program. 
2. Encourage workers to report safety concerns. Your employees and volunteers are on the front lines of your organization, and they are the ones who are most likely to notice issues. Establish a process for them to report issues and include an option for them to do so anonymously. 
3. Provide workers with safety information and training on safe practices. Such information includes Safety Data Sheets (SDS), results of environmental testing, chemical and equipment manufacturer safety recommendations, and workplace and incident investigation reports. Provide training on safe practices in the workplace including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment. 
4. Identify hazards within your workplace that could lead to injuries. Not only does this involve conducting regular inspections, but it also means investigating accidents and near misses. For example, if a staff member mentions in conversation that they caught themself before slipping and falling on the icy sidewalk outside, you should address the issue immediately by sending someone to salt the sidewalk, investigate why the sidewalk was slippery in the first place, and determine how you can make sure other staff members don’t slip in the future.
5. Develop self-inspection checklists to identify potential hazards and rectify them before they cause a problem. These checklists provide an easy way for staff members to communicate about hazards.

Fall safety measures

Slips, trips and falls are among the most common ways people can injure themselves in a building. There are many fall safety measures you can take that will go a long way toward preventing slips, trips and falls.

The 10 Essentials for Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention include:

1. Practice good housekeeping.
2. Adhere to accessibility guidelines.
3. Don’t forget cord management.
4. Require appropriate footwear.
5. Take care with spills.
6. Use and inspect rugs.
7. Examine ladders and step stools.
8. Transfer risk for difficult jobs.
9. Inspect, repair and treat exterior walking surfaces.
10. Ensure adequate visibility on steps and stairs.

You should also work to create safe entryways for all those who enter and leave your facility.

Seasonal health risks

People are much more likely to experience falls during the winter and other inclement weather than they are when it’s mild and the sun is shining. The following are environmental safety tips to prevent slips on ice and snow:

1. Establish a process for clearing ice and snow. When conditions become snowy or slippery, you should have people within your organization—or an outside company—designated to remove ice and snow. If snowfall occurs during hours when people will be on-site, snow should be cleared at regular intervals.
2. Keep bags of salt or sand readily available near your doors. Sometimes, it can be difficult to predict when you will experience icy conditions on your property. Make it easy for staff and volunteers to find de-icing supplies quickly to cover slippery patches.
3. Keep accumulations of ice from building up outside. This can occur when you have a clogged roof gutter that results in water or slush dripping onto the sidewalk below. It can also happen when you have a buildup of snow on your roof. Remember to include your roof in your regular snow clearing process.

Emergency response planning

Despite all your best efforts, however, accidents do happen. And when they do, you need to make sure you have the right tools on your property to give people the quick treatment they need. Those tools include:

1. A first-aid kit. Your kit should have the following first-aid essentials:

• First-aid manual
• Sterilized gauze
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antiseptic solution (i.e., hydrogen peroxide)
• Acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol) and ibuprofen (i.e., Advil)
• Diphenhydramine (i.e., Benadryl)
• Calamine lotion
• Two pairs of sterile gloves
• CPR administering mouthpiece
• Thermometer
• Eye wash solution
• Adhesive tape and bandages (various sizes)
• Elastic bandages
• Antibiotic cream
• Hydrocortisone cream (1%)
• Tweezers
• Sharp scissors
• Instant cold packs
• Alcohol wipes
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• List of local emergency telephone numbers
• Thermometer
• Safety pins
• Blanket (stored nearby)

2. An automated external defibrillator (AED), which is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. Inside is a built-in computer that calculates if defibrillation is needed. If it is, a recorded voice prompts the user to press the shock button on the AED. The shock can potentially stop an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and allow a normal rhythm to resume. Because the machine reads the electrical system of the individual it is being used on, it will only deliver a shock when necessary. The user does not need to worry that their attempt to save a life could make the situation worse.

Preparing for and responding to a concussion

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a concussion as a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) “caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head leading to an interruption of normal brain function”. A TBI can range in severity from “mild” to “severe”, depending on how the person is affected by the injury. Repeated concussions, or a lack of treatment, can cause serious problems such as permanent damage or even death. 

If you run a camp, sports organization or other entity that involves risk of head injury, every staff member should know the signs of a concussion. Those include:

• Difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating
• Headache, nausea, dizziness, or sensitivity to noise or light
• Changes in mood (irritability anxiety, etc.)
• Changes in regular sleep patterns

When you promptly respond to a suspected concussion, that can mean the difference between a relatively minor injury and long-term damage or death. Plan ahead so you are prepared to act appropriately following a head injury.

When children are injured:

• Have an action plan in place to spot and address signs of a concussion.
• Remove the child from activities and contact parents/guardians as soon as possible.
• Do not allow the child to participate in activities unless they are cleared by a medical professional.
• Seek emergency medical treatment as needed.
• Document the cause of the injury, the symptoms noted, and how you responded.

When adults are injured:

• Encourage anyone with a potential head injury to report and get medical attention. Seek emergency medical treatment as needed.
• Document the cause of the injury, the symptoms noted, and your response.

Emergency response planning in specific industries

Church Mutual helps a wide range of different industries with emergency response planning, including:

• Houses of worship
• Nonprofits
• Camps and sports organizations
• Senior living facilities

No matter what kind of organization you run, it’s important to create an emergency response team. Even the smallest organization should establish a chain of command and specific people who will handle a medical emergency. Emergency response team members should have knowledge about bloodborne pathogens, hazardous materials and chemical spill protocols. They should also know how to use fire extinguishers and medical devices such as an automated external defibrillator (AED), and the contents of your organization’s first aid kit. Your first step in a medical emergency is to call 911, but your emergency response team will be able to help the victim during those precious minutes when you’re waiting for the ambulance.

Medication management in camps

Medication management is a common thread among camps. Church Mutual understands your ongoing commitment to meet the needs of your campers who require medication, while also complying with state regulations. It is important to be aware of, and understand, the laws surrounding this topic.

Which person has the authority to administer and provide medication can vary by state. Medication management decisions are influenced by pharmacy regulations, health care providers, and the Nurse Practice Act. Usually, a physician is the only one who can determine what medication needs to be used and under what circumstances. 

Again, because these regulations can vary by state, you should consult with your local legal counsel to determine what statutes are in place, the administrative agency laws, and rules of the medical licensing boards. This well help you to determine the specifics on who at your camp can administer medications, and under what circumstances.

Opioids in senior living communities

Medication management is not just an issue for youth—it’s also extremely important for those who take care of older adults. In particular, opioids can be a major risk. Church Mutual provides guidance for how you should manage access to opioids.

Seasonal health risks

Whether it’s hot or cold outside, the weather can pose risk of injury or illness to people in your organization. Here, Church Mutual offers tips on how to manage seasonal health risks in all types of weather.

Stay safe in the summer

Heat illness occurs when a person’s body temperature rises to an unsafe level. To protect your staff members, volunteers, members and others who participate in outdoor activities on your property, instruct them to:

• Drink plenty of fluids. When you stay hydrated, your body sweats, which allows it to maintain a normal body temperature.
• Eat light. When you take in more calories, your body produces more heat, which can cause it to become overheated when the heat index is high.
• Choose appropriate clothing. Cotton allows skin to breathe and absorbs sweat. Also, you should wear lighter colors that reflect heat and sunlight — dark colors absorb heat.
• Protect against sunburn. Of course, sunburn by itself harms the body and can lead to skin cancer. But it also affects your body’s ability to cool itself. Choose a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and reapply every two hours.
• Take extra precautions with certain medications. Some medications can cause the body to become even more sensitive to heat, leading to dehydration and possible injury or death. Make sure your people know any side effects for medications they are taking.

Stay safe in the fall and winter

As the weather becomes colder, there are a number of different safety concerns that may affect the people in your organization. They include:

1. Cold and flu season

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36,000 Americans die from the flu every year. To prevent the flu, you should:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. ‍
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. ‍
• Cover your mouth and nose. ‍
• Wash your hands often.‍
• Use alcohol-based gels and wipes.‍
• Stay rested and drink liquids.

2. Carbon monoxide poisoning

Public health experts call carbon monoxide (CO) the “silent killer” because a person could lose consciousness without even realizing they have been exposed to it. The danger of CO poisoning increases exponentially during the winter—nearly half of all carbon monoxide deaths occur in January, February and March.

You should learn to watch for signs of a CO problem:

• Water leaking from the base of the chimney or vent or flue pipe.
• Orange or yellow flames in combustion appliances (as opposed to blue).
• Discolored bricks at the top of your chimney.
• Traces of soot around fuel-burning appliances.
• Excess moisture on windows, walls and other solid surfaces.
• Large amounts of rust on flue pipes, other pipe connections or appliance jacks.

Holiday decorating safety

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 160 decorating-related injuries occur each day during the holiday season. To avoid holiday decorating risks:

• Protect your tree from fire.
• If you choose to use candles, only burn them when someone is present in the same room. 
• Check all your lights before hanging them. 
• Make sure anyone using a ladder to hang lights and other decorations knows how to do it safely. 
• Use Christmas light clips to secure your lights. 
• Remember to turn your lights off. 

Wagon, sleigh ride and hayride safety

Fun wagon rides can quickly turn dangerous. To avoid injuries:

• Assign a spotter to assist with boarding and exiting. If steps are needed, utilize steps with handrails.
• Implement a no-standing rule while the wagon or sleigh is moving.
• Never allow riders to hang arms and legs outside the wagon or sleigh.
• Do not allow horseplay.
• Discourage jumping or climbing over the rails to disembark.

Stay safe from allergies

It’s important for your organization to protect people who have allergies. This includes both creating a safe atmosphere for them, and putting an emergency response plan in place should someone experience an allergic reaction. 

Church Mutual’s allergy bands are a life-saving tool available to our customers only at no cost. Available wristbands include:

• Peanut allergy
• Seafood allergy
• Tree nut allergy
• Bee sting allergy
• Dairy allergy
• Universal allergy

Environmental safety tips

Environmental safety involves making sure every aspect of an environment is safe for any person who happens to be in that environment. That includes appropriate use of cleaners, food safety, and preventing lead in schools.

Proper use of cleaners and disinfectants

Organizations are using more chemical cleaners and disinfectants than ever before. To help reduce your organization’s risk of chemical burns, follow these guidelines:

1. Follow manufacturer instructions and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for proper dilution of chemicals used for cleaning and disinfecting.
2. Wear the recommended personal protection when preparing and using those chemicals.
3. Close or physically monitor treated areas to allow for recommended dry time.
4. Refresh training for maintenance personnel on proper procedures for mixing and applying chemicals.
5. Advise members, parents, guests and visitors about the increased use of cleaners and disinfectants in case of sensitivities.
6. Have a plan in place for emergency procedures and first aid response. 
7. Store chemicals properly to prevent accidental or unauthorized access by others.

Food safety

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year, roughly one in six Americans gets sick from foodborne illnesses. Here’s how you can keep people in your organization from falling prey to food poisoning and other issues:

1. Clean foods and cooking surfaces.
2. Keep raw food separate from ready-to-eat food in the refrigerator.
3. Cook foods to safe temperatures, relying on a food thermometer—rather than color—to determine if your food is done.
4. Never leave cold foods out of refrigeration for more than two hours.

Should a disaster such as a fire destroy your organization’s dining hall, make sure you have a plan for how to handle feeding, food storage and other issues.

Preventing lead in schools

The discovery of lead contamination in certain areas of the country has raised national awareness of potential contaminants in drinking water. There is no safe level of lead, which can permanently damage children’s brains. Church Mutual risk management experts recommend following Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines in checking several areas—not just water lines/sources—for potential lead exposure:

Outdoor safety protocols

Whether you run a camp, a house of worship, a school or a nonprofit organization, chances are your people will be spending some time outside. The outdoors is full of potential risks, which means you should be planning how you will handle any issue that comes up.

Those risks include:

• Playground safety guidelines – Assign someone in your organization to conduct a weekly inspection of playground equipment.
• Challenge courses – Make sure climbing walls, zip lines and other challenge course components are regularly inspected and up to current standards.
• Boating – When using watercraft, only allow experienced drivers to take the wheel.
• Outdoor adventure challenges – If a group from your organization is venturing out into the wild, group members should be properly prepared.
• Bugs and other pests – Chances are, your people are going to encounter bugs outside. Instruct them to follow safety precautions to keep the bugs away. Also, make sure your staff members are trained to respond to allergic responses to bug bites.

Swimming safety

In the water, tragedy can strike in the blink of an eye. Drowning and spinal injuries happen every day in swimming pools, oceans, lakes, rivers and streams. Regardless of the type of aquatic environment your organization offers, incidents of this nature can be traumatic and costly. 

It’s important to prioritize key operational areas, ensure the overall maintenance and condition of your aquatic facility and environment, take steps to prevent swimming-related illnesses and, most importantly, have appropriately trained and certified staff supervising all aquatic activities, play structures and catapults. This will help protect your participants and set them up for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience every time. 

Church Mutual offers a Swimmer Safety Program with swimmer bands, which allow supervisors to easily determine which swimmers are safe to be in deeper water.

Please contact Church Mutual to request a personalized quote for insurance.