I still got stung too but it's a matter of reducing risk, not eliminating it.
#1 document, train, and get signatures with tests for training and exercising safe practices. Have clear terms for termination in the employee handbook and "egregeous offenses" violating safety protocol results in immediate termination at management's discretion. I'm not sure if that is enough to get out of a WC claim but it's a start.
#2 Be consistent with these trainings, with write ups, with documentation and have them initial these write ups as clear violations of policy.
#3 It may be offensive to hear but, you may need to hire better candidates. Doesn't mean they aren't nice people, but my ideal candidate hates sitting at home and can't afford reduced pay through WC.
You even have to add to your contracts so clients don't take advantage of you too.
