It's All About Paperwork
Yes, even in our great electronic age, sometimes it is not about the computer. Although, there are two ways to go in designing and developing the materials needed throughout the life of a efficient, cost-effective workers' compensation program. You need to give "sample" forms to the field personnel rather than expecting them to learn the subject matter and what standard practices are in the industry. They can't do their own jobs PLUS develop samples or templates, so corporate or their broker should give them a hand.
1. EASY: Find and use a pre-developed WC program – with everything you need, adaptable to your company's needs and culture, OR
2. NOT SO EASY: Design your own from scratch. Either way, these are the tools you need to get started in formalizing procedures and to facilitating communication among various parties such as the employee, injury coordinator, personnel, and medical and legal staff. Designing forms/letters so they may be systematically filled in leads to each case being handled in exactly the same way and that leads to workers' comp cost savings. Here are some of the basic forms or templates you will need when developing a workers compensation cost control program.
1. Work Ability Form
2. Employee Brochure
3. Supervisor Wallet Card
4. Medical Provider Brochure
5. Employee Contact Log
6. Form Letters to Treating Physicians
7. Form Letters to Adjusters
8. Form Letters to Employees
9. Supervisor's Guide to Work Injuries
10. Training Materials for Supervisors
Other materials may be added to the list, but these forms are must-haves for your files as they will be used over and over again. Make all materials accessible to your project team so when an injury occurs, it is easy for those at the scene to find and take with them the necessary documents when accompanying the injured employee to a medical care facility. Here are three forms to get you started; they will give you an idea of where you need to be if you are designing your own program. http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/free-workers-comp-form.php
It is also important for all team members to be familiar with the forms and know how they are used and when. A checklist of documents needed by each department's is a good idea to put into place. If the wallet cards, for example, aren't handed out at hiring, it may be too late after an accident to find out a supervisor doesn't have one. You can start quite easily by jotting notes on a pad on your desk of types of communication materials that would be helpful. You don't have to be perfect, but you DO have to "get started."
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, healthcare, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
WC Calculator: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/calculator.php
TD Calculator: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/transitional-duty-cost-calculator.php
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
