Seattle, WA: 206-521-5676 Olympia, WA: 360-236-8748 Portland/Salem, OR: 503-768-9742 Info@SolutionsNW.com
The Importance of Disability Management Consulting

The Importance of Disability Management Consulting

The Importance of Disability Management Consulting

Did you know that about 61 million Americans live with a disability? With so many people in the United States suffering from a disability, you may end up hiring someone that has a disability. Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

In this situation, you need to know what you are legally responsible to provide as an employer. Also, you may need some help to get a better idea of how to efficiently run this work environment. 

If this is the case with your company, then disability management consulting is what you need. 

What is disability management? How will your company make it work? 

This is your guide. 

Knowing ADA Requirements 

The first thing that you should do is familiarize yourself with ADA requirements. For those of you that do not know, this is the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

This act helps give people with disabilities not only more rights in the workplace, but in public businesses in general. 

An example could be having access to proper toilets. Every business of a certain size has to have at least one handicap accessible bathroom. If you are using porta potties for an outdoor event, at least 5% of them need to have that handicap access. 

However, this is not limited to just toilets. Public businesses may be required to install ramps to fit the needs of those with a disability. 

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonNow, let’s take this need to an office. Wider spaces may need to be arranged to allow open access to someone with a disability. 

On top of this, if someone requires a service dog to get around, then a business has to comply with that. Also, access to things to enhance communication such as closed caption may be of use as well. 

Disability Management

Now that we have discussed the requirements of certain businesses to be accommodating, let’s dive into disability management. When a business hires someone with a disability, they cannot fire a person for that reason. If they do, it can lead to a discrimination lawsuit. 

So, there needs to be solutions and active efforts made to accommodate the person that has a disability. One way that you can do this is by assigning jobs that may be easier for that person to do. 

For example, if someone is in a wheelchair, have them do a job like data entry that does not force them to leave the computer much. Or, if someone has difficulty hearing, perhaps do not put them on customer service or sales calls. 

Related article: “Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term

Get Disability Management Consulting

These are a few things that you need to be aware of in the workplace. Your business needs to accommodate not only customers coming in that might have a disability, but also potential employees as well. If you do, you can create a more inclusive workspace and avoid a discrimination lawsuit. 

To take a step in the right direction, your company may need disability management consulting.  If you need expert consultation, contact one of our vocational experts today to get one-on-one assistance. 

At Solutions Northwest Inc., our vocational experts are involved in  ADA Accommodations , personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law.

Contact us today to make an appointment.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA.

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

How To Prevent These 3 Common Office Injuries

How To Prevent These 3 Common Office Injuries

How To Prevent These 3 Common Office Injuries

Returning to the Office – Tips to Prevent 3 Common Office Injuries from Ergonomics Consultants.Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

Whether you are recently returning to the office after working remotely or have worked in the office for years, it is easy to forget that there are still work hazards in such a seemingly benign environment.  

Below, our ergonomics consultants will review 3 of the most common workplace injuries and how to avoid them.

1. Slip and Fall Injury

While 1 in 4 accidents in the warehousing and storage industry occur when employees fall, that doesn’t mean the office is immune from slip and fall injury. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, “research finds that ‘fall from the same level injury is one of the highest injury causes” in the workplace. These “same level” falls generally occur when one spills in the office and does not properly clean the spill.

Prevent workplace injury with a policy to always clean up spills in the office (even if the mess was caused by someone else) and post proper hazard signs on wet surfaces that are being cleaned.

Also, be mindful that not all slips will come from spilt beverages. Prevent injury by being cleaning up after wet floors from rain, exposed cords, unstable work surfaces, uneven floors, loose rugs, cluttered areas, or even dusty areas that may cause employees to slip and injure themselves.

2. Repetitive Injury Due to Improper Office Ergonomics

While most offices don’t require workers to engage in strenuous activity like lifting heavy objects, most offices do require employees to use a computer.

Working for extended hours on the computer can contribute to repetitive stress in the wrist, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

To prevent injury at work, it is important to design an employee’s desk with ergonomics in mind. We recommend having an ergonomic assessment done by an ergonomics expert to setup a workstation designed for comfort, efficiency, and worker safety.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.Consider investing in an ergonomic keyboard and mouse as well as learning wrist exercises and hand stretches.

3. Fire Safety

Fire safety should never be ignored. Whether from a kitchen accident or faulty wiring, if a fire breaks out your office should be equipped to handle it.

Fire extinguishers in the appropriate places and exits that are clear of obstacles and properly marked are very important in making sure that employees can evacuate safely and in a timely fashion.

Always Have an Office Safety Plan

Make sure your Human Resources department has developed an office safety plan. If you already have one, be sure to review it annually and update it whenever changes in procedures or the office environment could create new hazards or impact existing ones.

Need help developing an office safety plan or assessing your office safety needs? At Solutions Northwest Inc., our mission is to prevent workplace conditions and injuries from developing and to intervene when prevention has stumbled.

Solutions Northwest Inc. offers the resources of highly skilled and experienced Ergonomics Consultants who are exceedingly accomplished in their field. For more information contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

2 Types of Disability Leave Services

2 Types of Disability Leave Services

What does your company know about disability leave services? You can read about some of the available options here and see how they work from the vocational experts at Solutions Northwest Inc.

There are 18.5 million disabled people in today’s workforce. As a business owner, manager, or HR professional, you more than likely have run into a disability or reasonable accommodation request from an employee. Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

So, what exactly is disability leave? And what are you required to do as a business owner or manager? Keep reading to learn more about disability leave services and how to manage them for your employees. 

What is Disability Leave? 

Employees who have a disability and need to take leave from work can based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires that employers provide reasonable accommodations for employees. This includes employee disability leave. 

The ADA defines a “disability” as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This also includes the ability to perform such major life activities or in the workforce.

Disability Leave for Workers

There are two types of leave for employee disability claims. They are as follows: 

  • Short-Term Disability Leave – Short-term disability leave is a benefit that employers have to provide to their employees. It’s a type of insurance that covers income and health benefits if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury.

    The employer has to provide this benefit to maintain compliance with the law. They also want their employees’ well-being, so they offer this benefit to keep them safe.

  • Long-Term Disability Leave – Long-term disability leave is a type of insurance that employers have to pay for to provide their employees with financial protection. It provides the employee who is unable to work due to an illness or injury with income while they are out of work.

    Employers usually offer long-term disability as a supplement to short-term disability. Short-term disability only provides income for a maximum of six months. This type of leave is usually offered as part of an employee’s benefits package. It may also be a part of the employer’s group health insurance plan.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonDisability Leave Management 

Managing disability leave for employees is a time-consuming and expensive process.

Employers that have more than 50 employees have to pay their employees on disability leave regular wages. Employers must also keep paying their insurance premiums while they are on disability leave.

Some employers decide to offer a reduced work schedule during the time of their employee’s disability. This is a good option for employers as it doesn’t require them to hire a new person or pay overtime when the disabled employee returns to work.

Learn More About Disability Leave Services

This article covered disability leave services that businesses have to provide employees. We hope you have a better understanding of the types of leave you have to offer employees. If you need expert consultation on ADA accommodations or disability leave, contact one of our vocational experts today to get one-on-one assistance. 

At Solutions Northwest Inc., our vocational experts are involved in  ADA Accommodations , personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law.

Contact us today to make an appointment.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA.

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term Disability

Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term Disability

Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term Disability

Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term DisabilityContact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

Should you provide short-term disability or long-term disability leave services to your employees? State and federal laws may require that you provide these services, so it’s important to understand the difference between the two before making a decision.

Both short-term disability and long-term disability have their benefits. In this blog post, our vocational experts will help you learn about them, so you can make an informed decision for your company. So, let’s get started!

What are Disability Leave Services?

Disability leave services allow employees to take paid or unpaid leave if they are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. Short-term disability and long-term disability are the two most common types of disability leave services. While they both provide similar benefits, there are some key differences between them.

The main difference between short-term disability and long-term disability is the length of time that they provide coverage. Short-term disability typically covers disabilities that last for a few weeks or months, while long-term disability covers disabilities that last for a year or more.

Short-term disability is typically used to cover work-related disabilities, while long-term disability is typically used to cover disabilities that are not work-related.

How Does it Benefit the Employer to Provide Disability Leave Services? 

There are several benefits to providing disability leave services to your employees. It shows that you care about your employees and their well-being. Providing these services can help reduce absenteeism and employee turnover.

It can also help improve morale and productivity. It also helps you attract and retain top talent, and comply with state and federal laws.

What is a Disability Management Consulting Service?

Disability management consulting is a service often offered by employee benefit consulting services. Disability management consultants help employers create and implement short-term Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washingtondisability and long-term disability leave policies. These services can help you determine which type of leave is right for your business.

Disability management consultants also help you create and implement policies that comply with state and federal laws. These disability leave management services can help you manage absences, reduce costs, improve productivity, and remain in compliance with local laws.

How Do I Implement Disability Leave Management?

Creating a short-term disability and long-term disability leave policy can be a complex process, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you will need to determine which type of leave is right for your business. You will also need to create a document that outlines your company’s short-term disability and long-term disability leave policies.

Next, you will need to train your managers and human resources staff on how to implement and enforce the policy. Finally, you will need to monitor and evaluate the policy on a regular basis to ensure that it is effective.

Contact Solutions Northwest Inc. for your Disability Management Consulting Service Needs!

Solutions Northwest Inc. is a leading consulting firm with expertise in injury prevention and intervention principles. We provide a wide range of services to help organizations manage leaves and accommodate employees with disabilities.

If you need help with disability leave management, please contact us today. Our team would be happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about implementing disability leave services in a way that benefits all.

At Solutions Northwest Inc., our vocational experts are involved in  ADA Accommodations , personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law.

Contact us today to make an appointment.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA.

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

Human Factors Theory and Workplace Safety

Human Factors Theory and Workplace Safety

Human Factors Theory and Workplace Safety

Human beings spend around a third of their lives at the workplace. So it is no surprise that almost seven million Americans get injured at work every year.Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

The economic impact on companies is enormous due to time lost in productivity. In fact, many of these workplace injuries may have been prevented if the correct precautions had been taken.

To prevent these workplace injuries, businesses will often consult with vocational experts that understand human factors theory and specialize in preventing workplace accidents.

What is Human Factors Theory?

Imagine you walk into a room, down the sidewalk, or interact with a piece of equipment. In each scenario, there are many things that dictate how you behave, how you think, and how the environment impacts you. 

Certain things about our human nature, abilities, and limitations, impact how we act and react. This is called human factors theory. We may not know it, but we are surprisingly predictable. 

Human factors encompass various fields, such as psychology, engineering, and biomechanics. Depending on the domain you are in, the definition might vary slightly.

A human factors expert will often look at different factors when examining how to make a workplace safer. These can include the job itself, the design of the workspace, and how well-suited a person is to carry out their function.

Some human factors which commonly cause workplace accidents or injuries are:

  • Impaired judgment 
  • Distraction
  • Forgetting an important task
  • Insufficient experience or skills
  • Personality mismatched to job
  • Workplace culture

This highlights the need for employee training, proper supervision, and regular inspections.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonThe Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace

Ergonomics is the answer to human factors problems in the workplace. It is a science that focuses on improving how employees interact with their environment.

An ergonomics expert will help create a safer working environment and reduce personal injuries such as back aches and wrist pain, burnout, or even slipping and falling at work.

Ergonomics ranges from the layout of a desk to the positioning of controls and protective measures. However, it also has a psychological aspect. High workload, long shifts, poor management, and lack of training can increase the risk of workplace injury.

In fact, even lighting, noise, and poor signage are all examples of poor workplace ergonomics.

Forensic Referral in Personal Injury Cases

When there has been an injury in the workplace, you will need the forensic services of a vocational expert.

Someone trained in human factors issues and ergonomics will be able to provide expert legal testimony about what contributed to a workplace accident and why the work environment led to the incident.

A vocational expert witness will provide an impartial analysis of how much an employee will lose in earnings from their injury and how bad their disability is.

Improve Workplace Safety with a Human Factors Expert

An expert in human factors theory can help you design your workplace to avoid injuries and keep employees happy. However, when a personal injury has occurred, they will also provide expert legal testimony to explain what happened.

If you are interested in hiring an expert, we invite you to contact our vocational and ergonomics experts at Solutions Norhtwest Inc. for advice or services. Our experts are involved in personal injury, workers’ compensation, ergonomics, and family law.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA.

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home

How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home

How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home

How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home
Do you suffer from knee pain during the workday? You’re not alone. A new study reports that one in every four Americans suffers from chronic knee pain.

Many people experience pain or discomfort in the knee joint. Some even end up requiring several surgeries if the knee pain is left unaddressed.Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

Knee pain can occur when working from home because of a sedentary lifestyle, environmental change, poor office ergonomics, or job stress.

This guide from the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc., explains the causes of knee pain at work and how you can reduce symptoms. Keep reading to learn how you can prevent knee pain.

What Causes Knee Pain While Working?

Knee pain can happen to anyone at any age. Usually, knee pain is a result of lifestyle habits more so than a genetic predisposition. This is good news because it means with empowered decisions you can reduce, reverse, or prevent your knee pain.

Below are some common causes of knee pain:

  • Intense exercise or overexercising
  • Running “runner’s knee”
  • Unaddressed injuries
  • Being overweight
  • Poor workplace ergonomics
  • Bending your knees too often/for prolonged periods
  • Placing heavy weight on your knees 
  • Crossing your legs for extended periods of time

One or a combination of these factors can cause your knee pain, below are five knee pain solutions to prevent knee pain.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.1. Set Up Your Workstation Ergonomically

Since you spend about a third of your day at your workstation, how you sit while working from home has a huge influence on your knee pain. Keeping your knees bent for extended periods of time is not good. Make sure to stretch frequently or consider a standing desk.

Setting up a workstation with proper ergonomics can be a daunting task. Most workplace managers or human resource managers will hire an Ergonomics Consultant to design their employees’ workstations, whether in-office or remote. Contact your management today to see if this is something they offer. Or consider a virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be affordable enough to invest in for remote workers.

2. Strengthen Your Hips and Glutes

When the muscles surrounding the knees are weak, it puts all of the pressure of your body weight on the knees. Work on strengthening your hips and glutes with strength training twice a week. Doing so will build the surrounding muscles to protect your knees.

3. Improve Your Posture

Posture impacts everything from your vagus nerve to your knee health. It’s often overlooked.

The mid-day slump is a common cause of chronic pain for desk workers. Be mindful of your posture at all times.

Your feet should evenly touch the floor and your screen should be at eye level. Your shoulders should be relaxed on your armrests throughout your workday. Poor posture, if not addressed, will also strain the neck, back, arms, and legs.

Related article: “4 Tips to Improve Your Posture at Work

4. Move Every Hour or Half Hour

Even if you’re sitting in the best position with the best posture, your knees “lock” into a position. This is never good for them. Keep things fluid by taking 250 steps every hour (about 2 minutes of walking).

Consider setting a timer on your phone to remind you to take a break.

Related article: “5 Reasons Work Breaks Boost Productivity

5. Incorporate Self-Care

The workday puts a lot of stress on the body. Make sure to incorporate self-care into each work week. Go for walks, swim, get a massage, or try knee acupuncture.

Use Proper Ergonomics to Design Your Home Office Setup

Remote work is a luxury to be enjoyed. If you feel that working from home has worsened your knee pain, take charge.

Speak with your office manager or human resources manager and ask them to schedule an ergonomics assessment for your workstation.

You may also consider a virtual ergonomics consultation where a professional ergonomics consultant will advise you on simple changes that can prevent knee pain (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone). They’ll also address any other issues such as neck pain or carpal tunnel. Once your workstation is comfortable, you will likely find yourself working not only pain free, but in a timelier and more productive manner!

If you or your remote employees need to design an ergonomic home workspace, contact the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. for more information.

At SolutionsNW.com we value the importance of a positive workplace culture. Part of a positive workplace is a safe workplace, Contact Us to schedule an ergonomics consultation or ergonomics assessment for your office today.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

Pin It on Pinterest