Too many companies delay taking action because they believe better workers’ comp results require expensive software, new staff, or complex vendor arrangements. But the truth is, some of the most effective strategies are nearly free — and can be implemented immediately, with tools you already have.
If your workers’ comp program is under pressure to perform but overextended on resources, this post is for you. Let’s break down practical, low-cost changes that yield high-impact results in injury prevention, claims management, and employee trust.
The Hidden Cost of Inaction
Before we dive in, let’s be clear: doing nothing is costing you more than any of these tools ever will.
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“9-Element Blueprint To Create Your Workers’ Comp Employee Brochure”
Every unresolved injury, delayed return-to-work, or litigated claim quietly chips away at your margins. It leads to:
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Higher premiums and experience mods
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Longer claim durations
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Increased attorney involvement
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Lost productivity
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Disengaged employees
The good news? You don’t need permission from a CFO to fix these problems. You just need a simple system — and the will to use it.
1. First-Day Phone Calls: Free and Powerful
You don’t need a new hire to improve your injury response — you need a 10-minute phone call.
When a supervisor or HR team member calls the injured worker the day of (or after) the incident using the empathy sandwich approach, it builds trust and sets the tone for recovery.
What to Say:
“We’re so sorry you got hurt — how are you feeling?
We’ve started the claim and you’ll hear from the adjuster shortly.
We’re here to support you — please let us know how we can help.”
Cost: $0
Impact: Prevents fear, reduces litigation risk, increases cooperation
2. Handwritten Get Well Cards: The $1 Morale Booster
A get well card from the team may seem simple, but it’s often the only human gesture the injured worker receives.
It shows the employee they’re not forgotten. It makes them feel valued. And it reassures them that their employer sees them as more than a liability.
Keep pre-stamped cards and envelopes on hand and assign this task to supervisors or HR.
Cost: ~$1 per injury
Impact: Boosts morale, reduces adversarial behavior, improves return-to-work buy-in
3. Employee Brochures: Set Expectations, Prevent Panic
Confusion is one of the leading causes of escalated claims. An injured worker who doesn’t understand what happens next is more likely to:
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Delay treatment
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Miss appointments
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Hire an attorney
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Misinterpret silence as rejection
Create a simple brochure (one-page front and back) that outlines:
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What to do when injured
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Who to contact
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What the claim process looks like
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Wage replacement and medical expectations
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Your commitment to transitional duty
Distribute it at hire, during onboarding, and again at the time of injury.
Cost: Free to design; minimal cost to print
Impact: Clarity = lower fear = smoother claims
4. Wallet Cards or QR Lanyards: Eliminate Excuses
The biggest reporting delays happen because employees don’t know what to do when they’re hurt. That lag costs you dearly — in higher claim costs and regulatory risk.
Issue every employee a wallet-sized card or lanyard tag that includes:
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Injury reporting hotline or internal contact
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Step-by-step reporting instructions
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A QR code linking to your injury response brochure or form
This simple tool creates instant clarity in a high-stress moment.
Cost: Less than $1 per employee
Impact: Faster reporting, better documentation, cleaner claims
5. Transitional Duty Policy: Clarity that Pays Off
Modified duty isn’t just about return-to-work — it’s about setting expectations before an injury happens.
Create a short, clear Transitional Duty Policy that:
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Outlines your accommodation process
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Reassures employees they’ll stay on the team
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Limits modified duty to 90–120 days
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Lists examples of light-duty tasks
Once written, this policy becomes a powerful communication tool. Share it in onboarding, safety meetings, and post-injury discussions.
Cost: Free
Impact: Prevents prolonged claims, reduces indemnity costs, improves employee confidence
6. Weekly Check-In Calls: Keep Claims from Going Cold
Injured workers who stop hearing from their employer often:
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Disconnect from the workplace
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Delay recovery
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Begin to feel disposable
A quick weekly call or email can maintain the connection and reduce frustration. It also lets you catch red flags — like missed appointments or dissatisfaction with care — early.
Use a standard check-in script:
“Hi Sarah, just checking in on how you’re doing this week. Any updates from your provider? Is there anything we can help you with?”
Cost: $0
Impact: Reduces claim duration, increases RTW success, improves trust
Final Thought: Simplicity Wins
Transforming your workers’ comp program doesn’t have to involve costly tech platforms or fancy consultants. In fact, many of the best improvements come from basic human communication and clear expectations — delivered consistently, with empathy.
Start with what you can control:
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Say the right thing at the right time.
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Be present.
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Make it simple for employees to act.
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Systematize what works and repeat it.
No budget? No problem. These tools are ready for you today — and your claims outcomes will thank you tomorrow.
Michael Stack, CEO of Amaxx LLC, is an expert in workers’ compensation cost containment systems and provides education, training, and consulting to help employers reduce their workers’ compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is co-author of the #1 selling comprehensive training guide “Your Ultimate Guide to Mastering Workers’ Comp Costs: Reduce Costs 20% to 50%.” Stack is the creator of Injury Management Results (IMR) software and founder of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center. WC Mastery Training teaching injury management best practices such as return to work, communication, claims best practices, medical management, and working with vendors. IMR software simplifies the implementation of these best practices for employers and ties results to a Critical Metrics Dashboard.
Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: http://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/
Injury Management Results (IMR) Software: https://imrsoftware.com/
©2025 Amaxx LLC. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.
