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Workers' Compensation and On-The-Job Injuries
How to Manage Injuries and Costs
 INTRODUCTION (All States)
Workers' Compensation is designed as a "no fault" system to protect
injured employees who have been hurt on the job. The basic premise is protection
from employer liability (being at fault or responsible for the injury) in return
for statutory medical and wage continuation benefits for the injured employee.
However, in an effort to make the system work, most states have created a complicated
delivery system of benefits loaded with abuse. In many cases, the doctors and
attorneys have taken control of these injuries and use the injured employees as
a vehicle for their fees. With limited resources, the employers continue to pay
for medical treatment, wage continuation, impairment ratings, settlements, claims
management, loss product, and higher premiums.
SAFETY FIRST (Eliminating
the Claim)
Implementing strict safety and procedure guidelines are the best protection for
your employees. First, have an orientation for each employee, including a checklist
to make sure nothing is missed. Make sure all rules are posted and followed and
any safety videos or literature is openly available to everyone. Keep all forms
and paperwork in an organized file that is easily accessible. Monthly safety meetings
will update and quiz employee's knowledge.
Safety committees serve as representatives for workers and also as a feedback
system; they note unsafe conditions and acts and provide documentation of meetings
and claims. By conducting the programs mentioned and much more, you will cut down
on injuries and also your liability.
INSURANCE IS NOT THE ONLY
ANSWER
While having good insurance for your employees is important, the best insurance
is avoidance of injuries on the job. This is achieved by adhering strictly to
rules and safety guidelines, which are clear to all employees and available for
everyone to see. However, when an unforeseen accident does occur, a nonsubscription
program can ease the burden of an injured employee and protect employers as well.
The following pages will explain the details of the nonsubscription program so
that you will clearly understand the regulations, benefits, and procedures associated
with this program.
FIGHTING BACK
Every dollar spent on work-related injuries equals profits off the bottom line.
With a business to run and focus on sales and production, Workers' Compensation
has become a disproportionate cost factor in the financial picture of most companies.
It does not need to be that way. There are many tools, procedures, systems, and
networks that can help gain control of this escalating cost. The key is to reduce
both severity and frequency of your claims' experience, which will result in lowering
your cost, improving morale, increasing productivity, and increasing your bottom
line.
THE PLAN
By instituting a number of critical steps, you can significantly reduce the cost
associated with workers' compensation. This plan is effective in all states. By
understanding the laws in each state and taking advantage of specific procedures,
any company can reduce their cost and improve morale. The plan works for all size
companies, all types of insurance packages, and all sorts of businesses. The program
includes insurance evaluation, claims oversight (the average adjuster manages
175 open claims), employee and supervisor training, procedural manuals, safety
rules and regulations, OSHA review, and follow-up as requested.
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