Supervisors in the workplace, much like a championship team’s defense, play a pivotal role in injury management. Their response in the first moments after an injury determines whether the process leads to a smooth recovery or spirals into an expensive, drawn-out claim. Just as the Eagles didn’t let distractions get in their way, companies can’t afford to ignore how their leadership shapes workers’ comp outcomes.
The Impact of Early, Effective Response
A 2012 study by Liberty Mutual demonstrated how swift and supportive injury response can reduce costs by 40% and claim duration by 58%. The study tracked thousands of claims and found that two factors made the biggest difference:
- Injury reporting within 20-60 minutes of occurrence through a 24-hour injury hotline.
- Supervisors responding with respect and care in those initial interactions.
This mirrors the Eagles’ game plan execution—staying focused on fundamentals and eliminating unnecessary risks. The Chiefs’ offensive struggles were worsened by their failure to adjust, just like a supervisor’s negative or delayed response can worsen a workers’ compensation claim.
Small communication improvements can lead to large workers’ comp savings, just as small adjustments in a football game can shift momentum and lead to victory.
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Supervisors Set the Tone: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Supervisors are the first line of defense in ensuring that workplace injuries are managed properly. However, negative language and mismanagement can push employees toward litigation, prolonged recovery, and even fraud. Research by Scott W. (2013) identified the biggest mistakes supervisors make when responding to an injury:
- Blaming the injured worker. (“Why weren’t you paying attention?”)
- Expressing frustration. (“This is the third time this has happened this month!”)
- Questioning the claim’s legitimacy. (“Are you sure this wasn’t from your weekend?”)
- Encouraging workers not to file a claim. (“Maybe just ice it and see if it gets better.”)
Each of these responses fuels an adversarial relationship—much like an undisciplined defense taking unnecessary penalties. Instead, just as Vic Fangio put his players in position to make plays, supervisors need training to respond with empathy and precision.
Knowing what to say after an employee is injured at work can make a significant impact on claim outcomes.
The Winning Playbook for Injury Response
If the Eagles’ defensive front operated like a well-oiled machine, the same should be true for a company’s injury response. Here’s a step-by-step guide for supervisors:
1. Demonstrate Care First
Just like the Eagles’ defense dictated the game from the start, supervisors must control the injury response narrative. This means expressing concern, listening, and problem-solving. Simple statements can set the right tone:
- “I’m sorry you got hurt. How are you feeling?”
- “Let’s make sure you get the right care right away.”
2. Set Clear Expectations
Most injured employees are fearful about what comes next. Supervisors should immediately address the key questions:
- How will I get paid?
- How will I receive medical treatment?
- Will I be able to work?
Providing an employee brochure or a verbal summary ensures clarity and trust—just as an NFL defense adjusts coverage assignments before the snap.
3. Facilitate Medical Treatment
A common mistake is letting supervisors decide the course of treatment. Instead, companies should implement injury triage services, similar to how NFL teams have dedicated medical staff. As Curtis Smith, Executive VP of Medcor, puts it:
“In most workplaces, supervisors and employees don’t have medical training. Without a system in place, some injuries are overreacted to—sending employees to the ER unnecessarily—while others are underreacted to, delaying crucial treatment.”
Instead, the supervisor’s job is to:
- Call the injury triage service immediately.
- Ensure the employee is transported to the correct provider (not necessarily the emergency room).
- Stay with the employee or arrange follow-up communication.
4. Document and Investigate the Injury
Just as film review helps NFL teams prevent repeated mistakes, a supervisor must thoroughly document what happened:
- Employee’s own words about the injury.
- Supervisor’s first impressions (not opinions on legitimacy).
- Witness reports.
- Essential details (time, location, tasks being performed).
5. Maintain Consistent Communication
Injured employees often feel isolated. Weekly check-ins and a simple get-well card can make all the difference. The Eagles’ defensive unity wasn’t just about individual performance—it was about sticking together and keeping the pressure on.
Implementing workers’ comp communication strategies can help ramp up your program and improve results.
Lessons from the Super Bowl: Consistency Wins
The Eagles didn’t change their defensive scheme for the Super Bowl—they executed their plan flawlessly. Companies must do the same with their injury response. Businesses can win the workers’ comp game by consistently training supervisors, ensuring rapid injury reporting, and focusing on respectful, structured communication—just like Philadelphia won Super Bowl LIX.
A well-prepared defense beats even the best offense. Whether on the field or in the workplace, having a solid game plan is the key to victory.
Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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