In an informal online poll, 44 percent of employers and others involved in the claim process think communicating with employees causes them to file a workers’ comp claim if they are predisposed to do so and another 44 percent think communication with employees sometimes results in them filing a claim. This means that many employers are probably not communicating with their employees about workers’ compensation benefits because they think it will result in additional claims. With 20 years of experience, I can verify this is true.
The truth is — SOMEONE will be communicating with your employees about workers’ comp, so let that “someone” be YOU! Plaintiff’s lawyers repeatedly tell employers that the one reason employees seek their assistance is because they cannot get answers from their employers about their benefits.
Having said that, prepare an Employee Brochure. A clear, simple, tri-fold brochure telling employees the following:
1- What type of injuries WC covers
2- The benefits – medical expenses, lost wages, , medication, mileage, scarring, etc.
4- How they will receive benefits
4- Transitional Duty Program is required (if applicable)
5- Fraud Control
6- WHO TO CALL WITH QUESTIONS
In summary, provide information about who, what, when, where, why!
For more cost-saving tips go to WC Cost Reduction Tips.
Show the REAL cost of workers’ comp with the Real Cost Calculator.
Workers’ Comp Kit® is a web-based online Assessment, Benchmarking and Cost Containment system for employers. It provides all the materials needed to reduce your costs significantly in 85% less time than if you designed a program from scratch.
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.
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