Accidents and injuries can be a costly
component of agribusiness operations, so it is wise to be actively
involved in managing workers compensation expenses. The following
practices have been proven to minimize lost time and medical expenses
and maximize employee recuperation and return to work status.
1 Have a verifiable safety program. An
effective safety program sets the stage for reducing the number of
workplace accidents and provides a documented defense when accidents
do occur. The term “program” implies multiple levels of
activities with a planned and consistent focus on safety, rather than
a few random events. Training meetings, publications, posters, safety
awards and inspections are all vital components of a diverse safety
program. Material should be available in English and any other language
that represents a significant portion of your workforce.
2 Provide personal attention to injured
employees. Personal attention signals to workers that the organization
cares about their well-being and employment status. This is also the
best way to monitor the worker’s recovery and state-of-mind
following an accident. The best way to avoid litigation is early personal
contact so that problems the worker may be experiencing can be corrected
quickly.
3 Follow up. This includes following up
with the injured worker, worker’s comensation claims adjusters,
supervisors, doctors, transportation company, attorneys and anyone
else involved in the patient’s care or claim. Don’t assume
that details are always being handled in a timely manner.
4 Be involved in the process. Accidents
can quickly evolve from a simple incidnet into a major event without
someone directing the “process.” From risk assessment
and control, the intial reporting of a workplace injury, treatment,
assignment of benefits, through maximum medical improvement and return
to full duties, a lot can happen. Make sure that you are involved
in all aspects of the workers care. Don’t wait until attorneys
are hired to become involved.
5 Understand the laws of your
state. Many employee rights are mandated by federal and state laws,
including the right to a safe work environment, notification of workplace
hazards and workers’ compensation when injured on the job. Be
familiar with the specific job. Be familiar with the specific codes,
compliance requirements and workers’ compensation laws that
specifically pertain to your industry and location.
6 Attend hearings and mediations.
Part of being involved in the process is involvement in the legal
aspects of workers compensation. By attending legal proceedings (this
may also include depositions), you will have a much better understanding
of the claim and its ramifications, be able to more clearly represent
your organization’s best interests and send a strong message
that as the employer, you are still actively involved in the employment
situation.
7 Have a “relationship”
with your workers compensation insurance provider. The more your provider
knows about your business and your injury management philosophy, the
better they can meet both the needs of the injured worker and the
employer. Talk openly and honestly about claim management expectations
and procedures before issues arise. Make sure you know whom to contact
for initial claim evaluation, disability management, lost time and/or
medical only claims.
8 Don’t rely on the workers
compensation adjuster alone. Unfortunately, not all workers’
compensation adjusters are as meticulous at following their claims
as they shoud be. Hold them accountable for their actions or inaction,
and don’t be afraid to step in when appointments, transportation
or translation services are not being provided in a timely manner.
It is your right, your obligation, to question how a claim is being
handled, and to demand that problems be rectified immediately.
9 Ask the injured party about
the care they are receiving. There is no better way to determine how
an injured employee feels about the care they are receiving then asking
them directly. It shows that you care and provides and opportunity
to fix problems that might be identified.
10 Get them back to work ASAP.
The primary goal of your workers’ compensation strategy should
be to get employees back to work as quickly as possible. Often this
can be accomplished by offering light duty work to those with limited
work restrictions. Be flexible and creative in adapting to duty restrictions,
but make sure that limitations are stated clearly in writing from
the treating physician.
11 Keep the lines of communication
open. Communication with claims adjusters, employees, supervisors
and doctors should be frequent, professional and to the point. Arrangements
for appointments, requests for information, treatment options and
case management are on-going activities that don’t operate in
a vacuum.
12 Consult with an attorney.
If a workers compensation case becomes unusually complicated, there
are unique circumstances surrounding
the accident or recovery, the injured party hires an attorney, or
the accident results in possible termination of the employee, it may
be in your best interest to consult with an attorney specializing
in workers compensation law prior to taking action.
13 Share accident information
with employees. Too often information about the number, type and cost
of workplace accidents is hidden from employees, with only OSHA’s
annual summary of Work-Related injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A)
providing any indication of the impact of accidents on the organization.
Break accidents into categories by type of injury, numbers of injuries,
percent of total injuries, total cost, percent of total cost, and
average cost. By sharing this information, employees will gain a much
better understanding of type, incidence rate and cost of workplace
accidents, and the importance of minimizing them.
Dr. Mark Wade is manager of human resources for Evan Properties Inc.
in Vero Beach Fla. He can be reached at (772) 234-2410, ext. 220,
or by e-mail at mwade@evansprop.com.
