Why You Need to Know the WC Cost Containment PROCESS

Yes, you’ll need to know the subject matter of workers’ compensation cost containment, but you’ll also need to know the PROCESS. When you want to control workers comp costs, you will need to learn how to move through the implementation process of a cost containment program. The hardest part of the process is getting started, and keeping your company moving, so you must have an arsenal of tools to move them forward on a daily basis. You must MANAGE the process of change within your company.

Many companies  ask why workers’ compensation is a problem and why costs are so high. Simply put, it is because there are too many claims lasting too long. For years, employers have assumed there is nothing they can do to prevent rising costs.

Many employers  believe they have no choice but to continue paying higher premiums and long-term medical expenses. They assume once an employee is out of work on workers’ compensation there is nothing they can do to bring the employee back to work.

Employers can  however, implement in-house programs, policies, and procedures designed to bring employees in line and work together to reestablish control and lower costs.

Workers’ compensation  management or injury management (IM) includes both proactive management – before accidents occur – and reactive management:  managing a claim from the minute it, happens until the employee is brought back to full-time productive duty.

It may be helpful to know the WorkersCompKit® includes a Facilitator’s Guide. This program-planning guide is for the person leading implementation. (workersxzcompxzkit)

Some of the forms you will need for program management are:
1. A timetable
2. A facilitator’s agenda
3. An injury coordinator job description
4. A participant’s agenda
5. A sample letter to divisions with assessment results
6. A sample CEO Roll-Out Letter
7. A sample Kick-Off Letter from Injury Coordinator

Don’t hesitate to ask your peers for these tools. Most risk managers are willing to help their peers. If another risk manager has developed a program, they may be willing to share what they have developed. Also, your broker may have some of the tools. Note: make sure they are not providing you with tools that are copyrighted to another company.

Author Robert Elliott,executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your property/casualty insurance broker or agent about workers’ comp issues.