Consider the environment when designing workers comp messages! Have you ever seen materials mis-matched with environments? For example, a potentially dangerous piece of kitchen equipment like gas fryolators or slicers with only paper instruction manuals which quickly disintegrate or get lost? Determine environment when developing communication materials. For example, is it a school bus, an airport, a restaurant where fried chicken is cooked, a stadium where popcorn & beer is delivered up/down steep steps, or in an office. The delivery of information must take into consideration the location where the communication is occurring. A laminated auto visor packet might be good in a school bus, and because of the potential for dirt or moisture in an environment, maybe "plastic paper" would be better than paper. Possible delivery systems to consider: posters, wallet cards, lanyards, zippered 3-ring mobile folders, sticker labels on telephones or dispatch areas, etc. Will it be used in one place or many? Perhaps a tool kit for supervisors who are not stationed in one location but who monitor multiple locations/departments and are on the go, should be a zippered 3-ring binder or closed, portable box rather than an open binder. Walk through several office supply stores to get ideas. View the environment where the communication tool kit will be used. Have a telephone label ON the telephone so when a claim is called in or a medical provider is contacted, the number is EASILY accessible to those making the phone calls. When we want to make a sale, we are very creative — often conveying our sales messages on magnets, pens and coffee mugs, so why not consider these options if you are rolling out a new program? Think outside the box. For more cost savings tips go to WC Cost Reduction Tips. Show the REAL cost of workers comp with the Real Cost Calculator. Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws are different. Consult with your corporate legal counsel before implementing any cost containment programs. ©2008 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@WorkersCompKit.com