Is intense problem-solving needed: A consultation at times determines that a company requires intense problem-solving and a team approach. I call my solution an Expert Panel Review (EPR). This is a team approach using a multi-disciplinary team of experts to identify obstacles and simultaneously find ways to overcome the obstacles. I have used this technique with many companies including two newspaper/publishing conglomerates.
The Expert Panel Review approach combines an education with an assessment and implementation. It’s a full-court press brainstorming session facilitated by a workers’ compensation expert.
The team can include the following:
1. HR Expert/Attorney
2. Labor Expert if the company has unions
3. Workers Compensation Consultant
4. Claims Expert with expertise in states with operations
5. Account Executive/Insurance Underwriting Expert
Company representatives should include: Workers Comp Manager, Risk Manager, Nurse, Medical Advisor, Benefits, Safety/Loss Control, Legal, Insurance and any other departments involved in workers’ compensation or injuries.
Also, an experienced risk manager with a Best-in-class workers’ comp program can be included as an “independent” expert. You may offer to pay the independent risk manager for his time (actually, you’d be paying his employer.)
The goal of the session is to convene strategic personnel in a planned, directed atmosphere to target critical workers’ compensation issues. Using flip charts, dry erase boards and other workshop tools, participants are lead through cost containment steps and many “what if” scenarios are discussed.
At the end of the session – usually a day-long meeting – an Action Plan is completed with steps defined for the next several months…. it’s the start of implementation of your new Workers’ Comp Program. If you received your National Workers’ Compensation Management Scoreâ„¢ prior to the session, bring the recommendations for improvement to the Expert Panel Review as a starting point for the discussion. These recommendations are prioritized during the EPR.
If you would like more information about the Expert Panel Review, contact [email protected] or call 860-553-6604.
Try the WC Cost Calculator to show the REAL COST of work comp.
Look at WC 101 for the basics about workers comp.
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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