Injuries due to slips and falls are one of the most frequently reported workers’ compensation claims. While these accidents can happen anywhere, any time, they typically spike during the winter months. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 20,000 workplace injuries due to falls from snow, sleet, and ice occurred in 2016. Of those, 28 percent resulted in more than a month off of work.
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Employees and visitors alike are at risk, but with a proactive safety plan, slips and falls can be prevented.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 42,000 opioid-related deaths in the United States each year. And according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, drug overdoses are one of the leading causes of death for Americans under the age of 50. With the popularity of synthetic opioids surging, experts predict the death toll will only increase.

In the most basic terms, the CDC defines opioids as “a class of drugs used to reduce pain.” However, not all opioids are the same. There is a wide range of legal and illegal drugs that are classified as opioids.

Unlike other drug epidemics, the reach of opioids is unique. Although in different ways, this crisis affects all people in all economic classes. People who can afford prescription drugs are just as susceptible to an overdose as those who cannot afford them because of the unprecedented availability of cheap substitutes. This can make it extremely difficult to create a meaningful opioid strategy.

Estimates show the opioid epidemic costs the U.S. economy over $95 billion annually, with employers paying $18 billion of that. And, these figures are only expected to rise.

With more employees falling victim to addiction, employers are faced with lower productivity, higher health care costs and fewer qualified job applicants, which means employers should try to do everything possible to combat the impact opioids have in the workplace.
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There is no silver bullet for this crisis. However, exploring new initiatives can help in the development of a strategy that best suits the needs of your employees. 

We have all dealt with unprecedented change in the Health Insurance marketplace over the past decade. While that pace of change has slowed, there is no such thing as status quo.

A trend that we are seeing accelerate is insurers attempting to manage their costs by transferring costs to other insurance policies.  Iowa’s two primary health insurers – Wellmark and United Health Care (UHC) (and we are certain many others in Iowa and all states) are part of this trend.

Simply, if you are eligible to be covered under a Workers Compensation policy, UHC and Wellmark have confirmed with us they will not pay medical bills associated with injuries that arise out of and in the course of employment.

Note that this does not say that they won’t pay for injuries that occur if you are actually covered by a Workers Compensation policy.  Their wording and intent is to exclude claims if you are eligible for a Workers Compensation policy, whether you are actually covered or not. The test is if you could have coverage and just about anyone “could have” Workers Compensation coverage.

This change affects two kinds of “employees.”

Health literacy refers to the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Health Literacy Month, observed each October, aims to close the gap that exists between the way healthcare is communicated and the ability of most people to understand the information.
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According to the National Action to Plan to Improve Health Literacy, nearly 9 out of 10 adults don’t fully understand routine health information. People who have difficulty understanding how to prevent and manage their health are more likely to skip needed medical treatment, go to the emergency room more often, and tend to make mistakes with their medications.

To build healthier communities, we need to work together. With clear communication, we can help people adopt healthy behaviors, follow medical advice, and understand their health insurance. 

Did you know that 60.3 million U.S. workers are affected by workplace bullying? A 2017 survey conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute found:

• 70% of perpetrators of abusive conduct are men
• 61% of bullies are bosses
• 66% of all targeted workers are women
• Male perpetrators target females 65% of the time
• Female perpetrators target females 67% of the time
• 40% of targets are believed to suffer adverse health consequences from bullying
• 29% of targets remain silent about their abusive conduct; only 17% seek formal resolution

​Bullying is generally defined as the use of intimidation through power, influence, tone or language to affect a person negatively. It is often intentional; however, sometimes the bully is not aware of his or her hurtful actions or words.

Across the country property and business owners have been overwhelmed by damage caused by tornados, fire, flood, and other disasters. For many, this is the first time they have experienced such loss, and they become targets of insurance fraud when questionable contractors show-up in damaged communities offering to clean and repair the damage, handle the insurance claim, and other services.

A fire can happen anywhere, but three simple steps: Look, Listen, and Learn, are essential to reducing the likelihood of having a fire and escaping safely in the event of one. The National Fire Protection Association’s 2018 Fire Protection Week Campaign is an important reminder to:

• Look for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.
• Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.
• Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

​Fires are the leading cause of home injuries and death. In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy.  Does your family have a plan if a fire started in your home?

You may have heard the phrase, “the only constant is change.”  Take a moment to think about everything that has happened over the course of this last year.  Have you changed jobs, gotten married, or had a baby?
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It’s true. Our lives are always changing, which is why it is essential to review your insurance needs annually. Coverage needs change as the circumstances in our lives change. Family, home, and career status should be reflected in your policy coverage.

Join Molyneaux Insurance on November 1, 2018, at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport for our annual Trumps & Tricks Euchre Fundraiser. You can register for the event by sending an email to euchre@molyneaux.com or calling 563-324-1011.

This event is an opportunity to support our community while having fun and creating memories. Since 2000, Trumps & Tricks has raised over $254,000 for local charities. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Scott County Family YMCA and Child Abuse Council.

Your support of Trumps & Tricks is instrumental in the success of this charity event, but spots fill up quickly.

Date: Thursday, November 1, 2018
Location: Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W Locust Street, Davenport, Iowa
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Individual entry for the event is $35.00

Make a donation and your entry is included!

• A $250 donation (Trump Club) include two entries
• A $125 donation (Bowers Club) include one entry

Gift certificates are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and highest round! There will also be raffle packages and a 50/50 drawing.
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Trumps & Tricks is more than a euchre tournament – it’s an opportunity to come together and support the Scott County Family YMCA and Child Abuse Council. We hope you’ll join us for this deserving cause.