Last year, more than 77 million people across the country volunteered in their community, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. Some of them may have been the very volunteers assisting your members and guests at your Lodge events.

Lodge volunteers play an important role, and it is the Lodge’s responsibility to ensure their safety, especially when they’re new to volunteering. This not only helps reduce the risk to volunteers and others at your location, it also helps ensure that volunteers get the most out their volunteer experience and keep coming back.

Follow these safety training tips for new volunteers:

Document Your Safety Procedures

The best safety plan is the one that is committed to writing. Documentation ensures that all necessary procedures have been accounted for, and that each volunteer […]

Despite fostering a unique environment and healthy business practices, every type of business has inherent dangers. Anywhere that hires employees must face the threat of employee theft, and your Lodge is no different. Mitigating this risk, however, can be a relatively easy process if you examine common employee theft occurrences and prepare accordingly.

Employee theft incidents to prepare against

While you may trust all Lodge members and employees, employee theft does occur. Often, employees can successfully steal money from their employer by going after small amounts over a long period of time. Whenever cash is involved, the strength of your controls weaken further.

How you can defend your Lodge against employee theft

To combat employee theft and member theft, try the following tactics:

1. Consider using tests and software marketed under the label “profile […]
   

Heat exhaustion is one of three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe. While heat exhaustion is in the middle, this syndrome must be taken seriously.

Heat Exhaustion Causes

According to the Mayo Clinic, your body needs to maintain a normal core temperature around 98.6 F. In hot weather, your body cools itself by sweating. However, when you overexert in hot, humid weather, your body cannot cool itself efficiently.

This syndrome can also be caused by dehydration, alcohol use and overdressing.

Certain factors can increase your sensitivity to heat, including:

• Young or old age— Infants and children younger than four and adults older than 65 are at higher risk of heat exhaustion.
• Certain medication—Some medications affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and respond appropriately to […]
  

Despite how successful your Lodge’s risk management program is, Lodge employees can still get injured at your Lodge.

Workers’ Compensation insurance provides coverage for “on-the-job” injuries, including medical expenses and lost wages. This coverage applies regardless of fault and is written to follow individual state laws. Some states require this coverage, while others highly encourage it.

Because workers’ compensation claims are different from case to case, there is often confusion surrounding how to handle a claim.

When to Report an Injury

Report lag, or the number of calendar days between when an injury occurs and when it is reported to the insurance carrier, is a major issue in workers’ compensation claims. Measure your Lodge’s report lag, and make adjustments, if possible.

Generally, the shorter the length of report lag, the better. Timely claim reporting […]

According to the National Safety Council, shoveling snow is responsible for thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths each year.

While shoveling may not seem more strenuous than running on a treadmill, it actually raises your blood pressure and heart rate more than other types of exercise. Shoveling also uses your arms, which is more taxing than work that requires your legs.

Because this overt exercise is rare for citizens over 55, they are more at risk for lower back and Cardiac-related injuries.

Shoveling Safety Tips

To prevent Lodge members from shoveling-related injuries, share these tips:

• Warm up your muscles before shoveling by doing some light movements and bending.
• Wear layers and remove them as you get warm.
• Choose an ergonomically designed shovel to help reduce the amount of […]
  

The official start of winter on December 21^st is a good reminder to prepare your Lodge for winter weather. Depending where your Lodge is located, this means different preparations. If you live further south in the United States where snow is infrequent, consider stocking up on ice melt to be prepared in the event of freezing rain. If you are located somewhere that receives several feet of snow per year, arrange snow removal.

No matter where your Lodge is located, preparation to prevent common winter weather claims like slips and trips is important.

Avoid Common Winter Weather Claims—Slips and Trips

Unsurprisingly, ice is one of the most common causes of winter weather claims. Whether your Lodge sees ice once or once a week during the winter season, it is critical to take […]

With the New Year, many are reflecting on 2018. Unfortunately, 2018 saw many natural disasters in the United States. From hurricanes to wild fires, many homeowners and business owners were required to clean up and rebuild.

As 2019 begins, it can be beneficial to reflect and reevaluate the measures your Lodge has in place, should something similar occur where you reside. Take the time to evaluate your Lodge’s natural disaster preparation plan because a few simple steps can help you make the best of a terrible situation:

How to Prepare your Lodge

Your buildings are likely your Lodge’s biggest assets, and can also be the most costly to repair. With these tips, your Lodge will be better prepared and protected.

• Risk Assessment – Start by evaluating the natural disasters that your Lodge […]
  

A surprising number of claims come from an unexpected source: metal folding chairs. Collapsing chairs are dangerous and often collapse during normal use. Many injuries can occur from a chair collapse, including:

• Heavy bruising
• Smashed fingers
• Broken arms and wrists
• Fractured pelvises
• Severe lacerations
• Concussions

Injuries associated with deteriorating folding chairs may require corrective surgeries, hospitalization and significant recovery times. They are extremely expensive to both the injured and your Lodge, as medical expenses alone can easily top tens of thousands of dollars.

Evaluate Folding Chairs to Prevent Collapse

To avoid an injury and costly claim, perform a thorough and in-depth safety review of all chairs—whether they are folding or standard design. Questions to ask when determining if a chair should be retired:

• When was the chair purchased? If it’s over 10 […]
  

With the holiday season fully upon us, many Lodges are ready to decorate. During this joyous season, it is important to consider holiday decorating safety. Whether your Lodge decorates a small Charlie Brown tree or goes full Chevy Chase, keep your Lodge’s property and members safe with these tips:

Indoor Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

• If your Lodge purchases a live tree, check for freshness as a fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Because heated rooms dry live trees, fill the tree stand with water each day.
• If your Lodge has an artificial tree, ensure it has a fire resistant label. If not, consider purchasing one that does.
• Artificial or real, be sure to place your tree at least 3 feet away from all […]