Top 10 Risk Management Techniques
The Risk Management Techniques for Workers Comp can vary by state. One technique may not work in a certain state.
The following is a list of great risk management techniques for Workers Comp. The list is generic. Most should work in every state. These are not just beneficial to cost-savings for employers. The techniques are also benefit the injured employee in the long run.
- Rehabilitation nurses – For many years, I have recommended rehab nurses on workers compensation files. The nurses can provide such info/services as:
- Initial Intake – one of the most important parts of the initial interview is the surroundings in the home. A good rehab nurse can identify an concerns that he/she sees in the home or family life. As most workers comp adjusters will tell you, the home life makes a huge difference on the return to work.
- Obtaining medical information – accompanying the injured employee to the provider appointment can save many headaches later in the file.
- Return to work – rehab nurses are invaluable in assisting with a return to work situation. They can often become the communication hub between the employer, physician, and employee.
- Medical networks – Having a documented medical network can be priceless to a WC claim. Keeping control of the claim is one of the most important considerations. Employers usually request no sacrifice in the care of the injured employee. The flow of information to the adjuster is very important. The 15% network reductions are somewhat important but not as important as a high level of care.
- .Wikimedia Commons – Indian NavyJob banks – this is one of the “golden oldies” of risk management techniques. Employers and organizations that have full job banks can make an adjuster’s initial investigation much easier. The treating physicians and medical providers can easily see what the job entails with a full description and/or a video. The return to work release -especially with modified duty – can be more easily obtained from the physician.
- Ergonomicist visit – This may seem like a very expensive technique. However, a visit to a worksite by an ergonomicist can enhance small tweaks in employees’ duties that will result in lower injury rates. Ergonomics was partially responsible for the 50% reduction in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome over the last 10 years -amazing.
- Hiring – One of the best ways to avoid injuries is before the employee is hired. Happy, well adjusted employees are more rarely injured and return back to work much more quickly after an injury. One plant nurse used to keep track of new hires by giving them a 1 star to 5 star for a great potential employee. 90% of the employees injured were 1 star hires. There are stacks of legal ramifications in the hiring process. This suggestion may be more state-specific.
- Know your adjuster’s name and email address – One of the easiest ways to reduce your Workers Comp costs is to be in contact with your adjuster and vice-versa. Always inform the adjuster of any file developments, good or bad. Facilitating the adjuster’s job will always reap cost savings.
- Plant or facility nurses – This is an expensive option unless you have centralized employee facilities. Plant nurses are one of the best cost-cutters as many minor claims can be handled in-house. Spending $400 on a deep splinter may not be the best use of funds. Plant nurses can also cover a few facilities if they are centrally located.
- Walk-in or industrial clinics – This is comparable to one of the Six Keys To Workers Compensation – Medical Networks. If you have an industrial medicine clinic near your facilities and are not using them, most industrial clinics will greet you with open arms. The clinics usually have a marketing person that would love to give you a tour of the facilities. Walk-in clinics are the same if they handle WC files. I recently discussed this technique with a group of safety officers. They were in a remote area and had no walk-in clinics. A local family Doctor may suffice as long as they know you have a return to work program.
- Second level physicians – The physicians in this group consist of orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and the more specialized medical facilities. The first level physicians (see #8) need to know your preference for physicians in this level. Directing medical care is possibly the largest cost saver as the medical treatment costs are kept in check. The indemnity cost reductions follow the medical treatment recommendations. I always recommend that the employees receive the best care possible while these cost-cutting measures are put into place.
- Safety continues after accident. – I have been told by safety consultants and safety personnel in companies that their job stops at the time of the accident. Nothing could be further from the truth. Loss reduction continues after the accident. Making sure the adjuster gets the 1st report of injury and quick medical treatment should still be tracked or facilitated by the safety department. Your job performance is based on injury severity and repetition. The E-Mod is the safety score (of sorts).There are many more recommendations than just these 10 Workers Comp Risk Management Techniques. Feel free to use the search box above in the top right corner.
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