There are many ways interested stakeholders can reduce workers’ compensation costs in their programs. Running a more effective program and reducing costs starts with a safe work environment that can be as simple as the A B Cs…
Avoid unnecessary risks in the workplace. Educate all workers on how to be safe.
Be aware of common pitfalls that drain program costs. This includes not making sure all employees are aware of safety.
Caution all employee’s to be careful during the workday.
Do not delay in reporting work injuries. Provide resources for employees to report claims and provide appropriate First Aid.
Employers are usually the party required to complete the state-mandated First Report of Injury.
Falls in the workplace lead to serious work injuries. Always make sure employees are provided with the proper safety equipment.
Get an ergonomic workplace assessment for all employees. Repetitive use injuries are common in any occupation or job.
Help all injured employees in their return-to-work efforts. Studies show the best way to reduce workers’ compensation costs is to get people back in the workforce as soon as possible.
Idiopathic work injuries are generally not compensable. A careful investigation is required to determine if this is the case, so liability can be denied in a timely manner.
Just because an employee claims a work injury does not mean it is always compensable. A proper investigation starts immediately after the injury occurs.
Keep your First-Aid kit properly supplied. This can be the responsibility of a safety committee member to check safety supplies frequently.
Letting garbage sit around the workplace can result in injuries. Encourage all employees to clean up messes – even if they are not responsible for it.
Making safety rules is important, and the first step to avoiding work injuries. The next step is consistently enforcing them for all employees.
Never miss a deadline when it comes to filing a workers’ compensation document. Failure to do so can result in penalties assessed to a workers’ compensation program, higher insurance premiums, and the payment of additional benefits.
Open blades and moving machinery are dangerous. Make sure all safety equipment is in place and functioning correctly on a daily basis.
Prepare for all types of emergencies – think outside the box. What is your company’s safety plan to deal with severe weather, workplace violence, harassment, or acts of God (e.g. – flooding, earthquakes or tornados).
Questions need to be asked constantly to improve workplace safety. A safety officer or committee can be a great resource for employees wanting to learn more.
Required workplace safety posters alert employees to common dangers. Some of the required posters are available to employers for free through state labor and industrial commissions.
Set up regular safety training. While it is important for new employees to learn about the dangers of a workplace, it is especially important for even seasoned employees to be made aware of ongoing risks and dangers.
Talk about workplace safety at every company meeting. This not only reinforces important messages, but it demonstrates a stakeholder’s commitment to safety.
Unlit areas and workplaces are dangerous. This can include slips/falls and even eye strain. Make sure that all employees have adequate lighting.
Violence in the modern workplace is an important issue to address. This includes teaching employees how to recognize the signs of depression or isolation in a coworker.
Walkways and stairwells are common places for injuries. It is important to make sure these surfaces are free of debris and have proper lighting.
Xerox machines can cause work injuries. Yes, even paper cuts could be compensable. Make sure all cuts and wounds are properly irrigated and bandaged.
You play an important role in workplace safety. Never pass up the chance to improve your workplace.
Zzzzzzzzz. Getting a good night’s sleep is important. Countless work injuries are the result of employee drowsiness.
Everyone needs to make a commitment to workplace safety. It not only reduces workers’ compensation costs but also promotes workplace morale.
Author Michael Stack, CEO Amaxx LLC. He is an expert in workers’ compensation cost containment systems and helps employers reduce their workers’ comp costs by 20% to 50%. He works as a consultant to large and mid-market clients, is a co-author of Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering Workers Comp Costs, a comprehensive step-by-step manual of cost containment strategies based on hands-on field experience, and is founder & lead trainer of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center .
Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: http://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.
