1st Edition
Managing Workers' Compensation A Guide to Injury Reduction and Effective Claim Management
Workers' compensation causes headaches throughout all levels of an organization. Injuries affect production, costs, and morale. Managing Workers' Compensation: A Guide to Injury Reduction and Effective Claim Management lays out - in logical order - management and safety procedures that reduce injuries and the aggravation that follows. The authors cover hiring, training, and managing employees with injury avoidance in mind. They provide a blueprint for dealing with injured employees and their families, and for determining the correct time for the employee to return to work.
The book discusses the all-important issues of fraud, modified duty, substance abuse testing and accident investigations. It also provides guidance for managing your organization's safety efforts in a manner that targets workers' compensation cost control as one of its major objectives. In addition to comprehensive coverage of workers' compensation, the book gives you a thorough explanation of additional sources of assistance, including the availability and utility of Internet safety resources, a complete listing of state workers' compensation agencies, and sample checklists that help you evaluate your workplace.
Although workers' compensation laws vary from state-to-state, the principles behind the system and the ability of employers to influence their own premiums remain consistent. By gaining a thorough understanding of these principles and implementing proven cost control strategies, you can realize substantial savings. Managing Workers' Compensation: A Guide to Injury Reduction and Effective Claim Management explains the process by which premiums are calculated and shows how you can impact - favorably - the amount your organization pays in premiums.
Introduction
Basic Principles
Historical Pespective
Methods of Coverage
Key Participants
Facts vs Fiction
What are the Costs?
Summary
AVOIDING CLAIMS THROUGH SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Manage or be Managed
OSHA Safety and Health Program
Safety Committees
Personnel Management
Training
Incentive Awards
Summary
IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF WORKPLACE HAZARDS
Introduction
Hazard Identification Methods
Hazard Control
Performance Assessment
Summary
SAFETY INTERNET RESOURCES
Overview of the Internet
Accessing the Web or "Going on Line"
Advantages Provided by the Internet
The WIIFM Formula
Information Management
Conclusion
UNDERSTANDING AND INFLUENCING WORKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUMS
Introduction
Calculating Premiums
Influencing Workers' Compensation Premiums
Summary
THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS COORDINATOR
Introduction
What is a Workers' Compensation Claims Coordinator
Selecting a Workers' Compensation Claims Coordinator
Roles and Responsibilities of the Claims Coordinator
Summary
UNDERSTANDING AND IMPLEMENTING A MODIFIED DUTY PROGRAM
Introduction
Benefits of a Modified Duty Program
Resistance to Implementing Modified Duty
Getting Started
The Modified Duty Process in Action
Summary
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS
Introduction
Benefits of Conducting Accident Investigations
Focus of Accident Investigation
Deciding which Accidents to Investigate
Who Should Investigate
Gathering Information
Identifying Surface and Root Causes
Mitigating the Causes
Evaluating Control Strategies
Summary
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS
Introduction
Benefits of Substance Abuse Programs
Applicability of Drug Testing
Creating a Clear Policy
Involvement of the Supervisor
Educating Employees
Employee Assistance Programs
Obtaining Assistance
Conclusion
COMBATING WORKERS' COMPENSATION FRAUD
Workers' Compensation Fraud
Effects of Workers' Compensation Fraud
What Constitutes Workers' Compensation Fraud?
Factors that Effect the Potential for Fraud
Warning Signs (Red Flags)
Investigating Suspect Fraudulent Claims
Methods of Detering and Detecting Fraud
Conclusion
COMMON AND COSTLY INJURIES
Introduction
Ergonomics
Slips/Trips/Falls
Appendices
Sample Safety Programs for "Your Company"
OSHA Checklist: Self-Inspection Checklist
Company Safety and Workers' Compensation Cost Profile
Sample Modified Duty Program
National Resources for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information
Directory of State Workers' Compensation Administration
Biography
Keith Wertz, James J. Bryant
