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robintek

Jul 07
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How to Have a Fiscally Sound Year

By Life and Health

There’s no time better than the beginning of the year to set some fiscal goals and create a plan for improving your financial situation. You are probably ready for a brand new beginning and the thought of sticking to a budget after the holiday spending spree might sound a little more appealing than it would at any other time of year. Here is a step-by-step guide to create some annual goals as well as a financial plan that will help usher in a whole new financial foundation for you and your family.

Step one: List your goals for this year. It is important to remember that this step involves setting goals that are specifically to be achieved this year. That could involve paying off credit cards or small loans, saving money for a large purchase at the end of the year, or reducing your monthly bills so you can reduce your hours at work. This step should be completed with your family so that you can all discuss the goals and prioritize them. That helps to keep you all involved in committing yourself toward the goal and makes financial sacrifices easier for everyone to make.

Step two: Create a household financial plan. Your financial plan should be comprehensive and should consider all the insurance you have, the deductibles you have, and the emergency savings you have. The plan should also outline your average monthly budget, your debt and your plans for debt repayment or reduction. The purpose of the plan is to help you to recognize any shortcomings you have in insurance and savings needs and to give you some idea of how practical and achievable your goals are.

Step three: Make a new budget. In this budget, you should compare your income to your fixed monthly expenses and then determine what portion of your extra income should go toward achieving your listed goals for this year, which to apply to your long-term goals, and how much to set aside for shoring up all the shortcomings you found in step two.

Step four: Make sure your investments are well diversified. Because a loss in your savings account, retirement account or college savings plan could adversely affect the budget and financial plan you have created, it is a good idea to make sure these accounts are all well diversified. By diversifying the assets you have, you create a layer of protection against losses.

For instance, if you are heavily invested in company stock and the industry you work in has a bad year, you could see your retirement account balance decrease significantly. While this may not equal a definitive long-term loss (since the stock could increase over the next few years) it will certainly shake your confidence and create perceived financial stress as you become unsure of whether or not your retirement savings will be enough.

Make sure to have a balance in all your accounts of fixed products, high risk investments and low risk investments as well as investments in difference industries.

Jul 07
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The Proposed Trump Budget Affects Social Security Disability Insurance

By Life and Health

President Trump’s proposed budget cuts could save taxpayers $72 billion over the next 10 years. Revealed in May, the budget contains several policy changes that could affect your access to social security disability insurance benefits.

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program gives financial support to one in five or roughly 11 million Americans. The average social security disability insurance payment is currently $1,171 per month or $14,000 per year. Unfortunately, the program is fraught with overpayments and fraud. Trump’s proposed reform would address these issues.

Reforms Address Overpayments

The majority of overpayments resulted from benefit recipients who received both social security disability insurance and unemployment. In the new budget, beneficiaries would not be able to double dip. While receiving both benefits is not illegal, it did allow 117,000 American to receive over $856 million in 2010 alone with total overpayments amounting to $12.2 billion between 2005 and 2015.

Reforms Address Fraud

Trump’s proposed budget changes would also address fraud. Federal investigators uncovered repeated schemes where doctors issued phony diagnoses of physical or mental impairment that allowed beneficiaries to receive millions of dollars for which they were not qualified.

Additional Social Security Insurance Disability Reforms

In addition to addressing overpayments and fraud, the budget proposal includes several additional reforms.

    1. Limit retroactive benefits to six months rather than one year before the applicant’s official eligibility. There is currently a five-month waiting period built into the application process.
    1. Require applicants to prove that they tried to find a job before they filed for social security disability insurance.
    1. Mandate rehabilitation before recipients with back pain or arthritis can receive full disability benefits.
    1. Increase work incentives that encourage social security disability insurance beneficiaries to find a job, saving the program $50 billion in five years.
    1. Give administrative law judges a one-year probation period before promoting them to a lifetime appointment.
    1. Implement tougher measures that require facilitators of fraud to repay any overpayments.

Opponents criticize the proposed budget. They fear that the cuts will adversely affect eligibility and benefits for t he disabled Americans who need SSDI. They also cite the failure of previous return-to-work efforts implemented since 1980 and believe the changes benefit the wealthy and punish the middle class.

One spending watchdog group the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget approves of the proposals. It believes a reform of the social security disability insurance system is necessary to secure the organization’s solvency for Americans in the future.

The Congress is currently debating President Trump’s proposed budget. Time will tell if the reforms will build a healthier social security disability insurance system. In the meantime, consumers can continue to draw on their benefits and report fraud as they improve the program for everyone

Jul 07
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Solvent Exposure Risks

By Employment Resources

In our modern world, just about everyone comes in contact with solvents on a daily basis. At work, you might be exposed to solvents when you come in contact with glues, paints, thinners, degreasers, or cleaners. As a result of this widespread contact, it is important to understand the hazards that are associated with these chemicals. For practical purposes, a solvent is simply any chemical capable of dissolving specific solids or liquids. Petroleum based solvents are the most common type used in industry.

Exposure and overexposure to a solvent can occur in various situations. Preventing such exposures is key to protecting yourself from the damaging effects that certain chemicals can have on your body.

Examples include:

Absorption by direct contact on the skin. Wearing the right type of gloves and other protective gear is one way of preventing skin contact with the solvents you are using.

Inhalation by breathing vapors. Breathing in the vapors can quickly result in the chemical entering your body and bloodstream via your lungs. Utilizing the proper respirator can protect your lungs from toxic vapors.

Ingestion of the solvent due to not washing your hands after usage. Direct contact with your hands and mouth through eating or smoking may result in unexpected ingestion of solvents. Making sure you follow proper hygiene rules when handling solvents will help prevent ingestion.

Puncture of the skin by a tool or other object that is covered with solvent. Punctures can result in the introduction of toxic chemicals directly into your bloodstream. Making sure you wear proper safety equipment will aid in preventing injuries of this type.

Overexposure to solvents can cause a variety of ailments. Depending on the type of solvent you are exposed to, the body can react in different ways. Skin contact can result in minor skin rashes or an allergic reaction resulting in “chloracne.” This happens when the solvent dissolves the skin’s natural oils. Some workers can develop a sensitization to a particular product or chemical which causes their entire body to be overly sensitive to that substance. In this instance, even a slight exposure can result in adverse or serious reactions. Serious overexposures can lead to illnesses resulting in tissue or organ damage.

As with any chemical or product, important information is contained in the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS provides information on safe use, handling, disposal and protection methods among other information.

Solvents serve a useful purpose in our everyday lives. If we take the time to learn more about them, we can be better prepared to use them correctly, protect ourselves, and still get our job done effectively. If you are unsure of the potential hazards of a solvent or other chemical that you are using, be sure to ask questions and/or review the MSDS. It is far better to be overly cautious, than to risk an adverse reaction.

Jul 07
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Employee Benefits for Grocery Stores Employees

By Employment Resources

As a grocery store employee, you expect to get a regular paycheck. However, you may also be eligible for a variety of employee benefits for grocery stores employees. Here’s a partial list.

Healthcare

Access a variety of healthcare options, including:

  • Medical insurance
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Group vision and dental plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Group life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability plan
  • Mental health and behavioral health care
  • Free flu shots

Education

Whether you work as a cashier, stocker or manager, you could be eligible for education assistance, including tuition reimbursement or scholarships. Your employer may also offer a mentorship program or leadership development courses taught by your grocery store corporate management team or other trainer.

Employee Assistance Program

If you face a personal emergency, take advantage of the employee assistance program. It can pay a personal bill or provide other assistance.

Some companies also offer assistance with child or elder care. You may also receive free or discounted legal consultations and financial planning.

Time Off

Enjoy paid vacation, sick and holiday time off. The amount of paid time off you receive depends on your employer, the number of hours you work and your specific benefits package.

Future Funding

Grocery stores like Publix give employee stock ownership. Your company may not offer a generous option like this, but do take advantage of their 401(k) retirement savings plan and matching funds.

Payday Perks

Every week or two, you’ll receive a paycheck. Opt into direct deposit in one or more checking or savings accounts, allowing you to customize your paycheck the way you want.

Other payday perks could include a free credit union membership where you can access higher than normal interest rates. Some companies also offer:

  • Quarterly bonuses
  • Annual holiday cash bonuses
  • Bereavement pay
  • Jury duty pay
  • Premium pay for overnight, weekend or holiday shifts

Miscellaneous Benefits

There are a variety of additional benefits that supplement your paycheck and offer personal and professional fulfillment. They include:

  • Service awards
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Holiday exchange (get the day off of your choice when you work on a holiday)
  • Discounts on local attractions or events
  • Adoption assistance
  • Discounts on home or auto insurance
  • Cellphone discounts
  • Gym membership
  • Free food or discounted groceries
  • Product tastings
  • Free uniforms and shoe allowance
  • Free parking
  • Annual review
  • Annual survey to give feedback to your supervisor

These are a few examples of employee benefits for grocery stores employees. Check with your particular employer as you take advantage of all the benefits you’re eligible to receive.

Jul 07
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Healthcare Insurance Options for Employee Benefits Packages

By Employment Resources

Insurance is one of the most important benefits in an employee benefits package. As you look for your next job, consider the healthcare insurance options your potential employer could offer.

Medical

The types of medical coverage offered in an employee benefits package depends on the number of employees, the company’s budget, available plans and legal requirements. In general, medical insurance options include:

  • Deductibles
  • Copayments
  • Out-of-pocket maximums
  • Network of doctors and hospitals
  • Primary care
  • Preventative screenings
  • X-rays, blood work and other testing
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Behavioral health care
  • Maternity care
  • Wellness programs
  • Option to add family members for an additional cost

Check your insurance package for details on the coverage. Make sure the medical treatment you want and need is included, and determine how much of the premium you’ll have to pay. Depending on the coverage, you may have to pay more to see medical personal that are not part of the approved network.

Dental

Oral health affects your body’s overall health. Healthy teeth give you confidence, too, so take advantage of dental insurance.

Your coverage may include:

  • Regular cleanings and oral exams
  • X-rays, cleanings and fillings
  • Discounts for orthodontic services
  • Oral surgery

Vision

When your eyes are healthy, you can focus on your work and are less likely to develop headaches and other health conditions caused by eye strain. A vision plan can include an annual eye exam to evaluate eye health and the need for corrective lenses. Your vision insurance may also cover eyeglasses, contact lenses and safety glasses.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription medication can correct a variety of illnesses and chronic conditions.

Most prescription drug plans categorize medicine in tiers with tier 1 being the most affordable and tier 4 being the most expensive. Your plan will outline which medicine falls into which tier.

  • Tier 1 is primarily generic brands
  • Tier 2 is preferred brand name and some generic brands
  • Tier 3 is non-preferred brand name drugs
  • Tier 4 is usually self-administered or specialty drugs for chronic or serious conditions

Depending on the type of coverage you have, you can fill prescriptions at a local pharmacy or order online.

HSA/HRA/FSA

Employers and employees with certain types of medical insurance can open a Health Savings Account (HSA), a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Those funds pay qualified medical expenses like deductibles, copayments, prescriptions, testing and therapy.

These and other healthcare insurance options like wellness programs, hearing coverage and disability could be part of your employee benefits package. Evaluate your needs then consider the insurance benefits package employers offer as you choose your next job.

Jul 07
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Retaliation in the Workplace

By Your Employee Matters

In Smith v. Hy-Vee, Inc., Drew Smith brought sexual harassment and retaliation claims due to conduct caused by Sheri Lynch, a tech cake decorator, who engaged in rude, vulgar, and sexually charged behavior toward Smith, and apparently all the other employees. The court stated that since Lynch did not seem to be “sexually motivated” toward Smith or any of the other employees, but simply out of control with all of them, there was no sexual harassment.

The issue in the case, however, was whether or not Smith had a reasonable belief that it was against the law and if the company retaliated against her because of her complaints. The court ruled that because she had to show the “good faith” nature of her belief, the facts from the underlying claim would be admissible at the retaliation trial. (What lawyers call having to “try a case within the case.”)

This case carries two lessons for employers:

If the crazy facts in this case are even slightly true, how did an employee like Sheri Lynch stay employed at Hy-Vee? Smith stated she reported incidents of harassment to at least 12 different managers and co-workers, making 66 to 101 complaints to management. Interestingly, Hy-Vee denies Smith ever complained. The company claimed that there were a number of incidents in which Smith herself did not act appropriately or questioned the authority of supervisors. She was also written up for making mistakes in cake and bagel orders during her final weeks of employment.

Although rude, vulgar, and obnoxious bosses might not end up generating a harassment or discrimination claim, they easily can trigger a legitimate retaliation case and expensive litigation. (Think about it — thousands of dollars in lawyers’ fees over cakes and bagels.) Remember that when employees bring these underlying complaints, they don’t have to use magic words like “harassment,” “discrimination,” or “retaliation” in order to trigger protection.

Jul 07
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7 Tips to Share Workplace Concerns With Management

By Your Employee Matters

Sharing concerns with your manager at work can be intimidating, but you may need to talk about a difficult project, challenging co-worker, mistake you made, personal problem or other issue. Learn how to share workplace concerns with management in a way that ensures you are heard and doesn’t jeopardize your job.

Consider solutions not just the problem.

Would you like to change an unfair policy, correct a mistake you made or address the annoying personality of a co-worker? In addition to sharing your concern, offer solutions that improve the company and show that you’re a team player.

Prepare yourself.

Before your meeting, write down what you want to say. You can even prepare a cheat sheet to reference during your meeting if necessary.

Time the conversation wisely.

Instead of squeezing in a conversation before a meeting, at the end of the day or when your boss is walking out the door for the weekend, make an appointment. You’ll have your boss’s full attention and improve your chances of getting the issue resolved. Also, if possible, choose a time of day when you both are fresh and able to think clearly and calmly.

Maintain Professionalism

Even if the situation is emotional, do your best to remain professional, focus on facts, stay objective and avoid name calling or blaming others. Take time to calm down and remain non-confrontational and purposeful. Avoid losing your temper, crying, cursing or making personal accusations. You’re there to improve the situation, not throw a fit.

See managers as allies.

While the management team has the authority on the job site, they are also your allies. They want you and the team to succeed, which means they need to hear your concerns, so don’t be afraid to approach them.

Ask the offender to join your meeting.

When you need to discuss a problem with a co-worker or boss, consider asking the person to join your meeting. This way, you can air your grievances in a professional manner with your boss as the mediator and work together to find a mutually satisfying solution.

Be willing to compromise.

You may want to see the situation resolved to your advantage, but be prepared to compromise for the good of the company, its future and your own self development. Remember to look at the situation from your boss’s point of view, too. You may need to accept responsibility for any mistakes you made or agree to make changes in the future so the company will succeed.

Sharing concerns with management is intimidating, but you owe it to yourself and your company to speak up. Use these seven tips to help you successfully share workplace concerns with management.

Jul 07
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Tips For Ride Sharing To Your Job

By Your Employee Matters

Also known as carpooling, ride sharing occurs when two or more commuters share a private vehicle on their drive to work. It gives you several benefits, so learn more about why you should ride share and tips to do it successfully.

Why You Should Participate in Ride Sharing

Ride sharing is actually very beneficial.

    1. Save money. With less wear on your vehicle, your maintenance costs will decrease. You’ll also pay less for gas, tolls, parking and other expenses when you share these costs. Pay less for your auto insurance, too, because you drive fewer miles each year and avoid accidents.
    1. Reduce stress. When you no longer have to deal with traffic, congestion and other commuting stress, you can arrive to work less frazzled and stressed.
    1. Reduce pollution. Do your part to reduce emissions and protect the environment when you share a ride to work.
    1. Save time. Ride sharing gives you access to the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane. It’s usually less crowded and can help you arrive to work earlier and save time.
    1. Create safer roads. With fewer cars on the road, accident risk decreases.
    1. Build friendships as you chat or discuss current events on the way to work.

Ride Sharing Options and Etiquette

There are several ride sharing options for your work commute. You can ask a co-worker, neighbor, family member or friend who lives nearby, drives near your job site and works similar hours to share rides with you.

If you can’t find anyone nearby who wants to ride share, use carpool.com or another ride sharing website to find a commuting partner. You can also pay a bit more for a ride sharing service like Uber or Lyft if you only want to ride share a few times a week or less often.

Remember that you can customize your ride sharing experience to meet your needs. Maybe you ride partway with your neighbor and walk the rest of the way or carpool with a co-worker several times a month.

Once you do agree on ride sharing, decide who’s driving. You may each take turns driving your personal cars or provide money for gas, tolls and other expenses to the regular driver. The meeting place can be your home or a central location.

Keep your ride sharing agreement running smoothly when you follow several etiquette guidelines.

  • Arrive on time.
  • Create a schedule to accommodate vacation days or holidays.
  • Keep the car clean.
  • Agree on off-limit conversation topics or radio stations.
  • Use deodorant but not cologne or perfume.
  • Pay your share as agreed upon.

Ride sharing for work is highly beneficial. Check into this option today as you save time, money and the environment.

Jul 07
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It’s Time to Review Potential Job Hazards

By Workplace Safety

One of the best ways to protect workers in a particular job is to conduct a job hazard analysis.

This simple but powerful technique identifies hazards before they occur, focusing on the relationships among the worker, task, tools and equipment, and the work environment. Once you’ve identified job hazards, you can eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.

This is a relatively easy task, although it takes time to analyze hazards for each job category and each step in the job. You also have to do some digging into past performance.

Priority should go to jobs with the highest injury or illness rates; the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries or illness through simple human error, complex enough to require written instructions; or that have undergone changes in processes and procedures.

Job hazard analysis involves these steps: 

Involve employees. 

Their unique understanding of the job can be invaluable for finding hazards. Involving employees will help minimize oversights, ensure quality analysis, and get workers to buy in to the solutions because they’ll share ownership in their safety and health program.

Review accident history. 

This includes the workplace record of accidents and occupational illnesses, accident damage that required repair or replacement, and any near misses. These are indicators that existing hazard controls might be inadequate and need more scrutiny.

Conduct a preliminary job review. 

Discuss with employees the hazards they know exist in their work and surroundings. Brainstorm with them for ideas to eliminate or control these perils. Of course, if any hazards pose an immediate danger to an employee’s life or health, take immediate action to protect the worker.

List, rank, and set priorities. 

List jobs with hazards that present unacceptable risks, based on those most likely to occur and with the most severe consequences. Make these jobs your first priority for analysis.

Outline steps or tasks. 

Nearly every job can be broken down into job tasks or steps. When beginning a job hazard analysis, watch the employee perform the job and list each step (it might help to photograph or video the worker performing the job – these visual records can provide handy references when doing a more detailed analysis of the work). Record enough information to describe each job action without getting bogged down in details. Avoid making the breakdown so detailed that it becomes unnecessarily long or so broad that it fails to include basic steps. Review the job steps with the employee to make sure you haven’t omitted anything. Stress that you’re evaluating the job itself, not the employee’s job performance.

Identify hazards. 

List the hazards you identified in Step 3 (as well as any additional hazards you discovered when observing the employee) with each step or task involved in the job.

Jul 07
Love1

Workers’ Compensation Risks in the Logging Industry

By Workplace Safety

Logging is one of the oldest and most dangerous professions in the United States. Workers are exposed to dozens of potential illnesses and injuries on the ground, in heavy equipment or around a sawmill. Discover the Workers’ Compensation risks in the logging industry as you protect yourself on the job.

Logging Dangers

Employees in the logging industry face dozens of challenges. They typically work in rough terrain outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions around heavy logs and heavy equipment. Accidents can happen easily in these conditions.

Accidents are also common due to falling trees or equipment troubles. The work is hard, too, and can be exhausting, making it easy for employees to let down their guard.

Isolated logging locations can also increase the negative effects of an illness or injury since employees may be far from medical treatment.

Consider these additional risks, too.

  • Being hit by dangling branches or falling logs
  • Falling from trees
  • Chainsaw and axe injuries
  • Tractor or heavy equipment accidents
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Uneven terrain that causes fractures, sprains, lower body injuries, lacerations or contusions

Logging Jobs Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The logging industry comprises dozens of different jobs in timbering, hauling, processing and manufacturing. In each of these jobs, you’re at risk for injury or illness. Here’s an example of several jobs that are eligible for Workers’ Compensation.

  • Timber excavation
  • Manual or mechanized fallers
  • Buckers
  • Tree climbers
  • Choke setters
  • Rigging slingers and chasers
  • Tractor, loader or other heavy machine operators
  • Log sorters
  • Transporters
  • Debarking crew
  • Planing crew
  • Machine operators
  • Log and chip processors
  • Machine mechanics
  • Lumberyard employees
  • Log graders and scalers
  • Customer service specialists
  • Building material dealers
  • Foremen and crew

How to Prevent Logging Injuries and Illnesses

Even though you’re careful and use proper safety equipment, you can still be injured or become ill on the job. Take these precautions as you prevent logging injuries or illnesses that are eligible for Workers’ Compensation.

Wear safety equipment. Your gear should include a hard hat, sturdy boots with slip-proof soles, appropriate clothing and protective-hearing devices.

Know how to operate equipment whether you’re in charge of a chainsaw or logging truck.

Take ongoing safety training to stay updated on industry safety procedures and practices.

Insist others follow safety procedures. Always point out unsafe practices as you encourage a culture of safety.

Are you Covered?

If you work in the logging industry, you need Workers’ Compensation insurance for loggers. It covers a variety of work-related illnesses and injuries and ensures you receive medical care and income if you’re injured or become ill because of your job. Whether you cut, haul or process logs, make sure your employer carries this valuable coverage as you protect yourself on the job.

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