Keep Costs Down with Quick Reporting
posted by TrueNorth Risk Management on Thursday, April 7, 2022
Workers’ compensation claims affect more than just the injured employee.
From an employer’s perspective, there is lost production and continuity, increased costs and resource strains.
It is important to act quickly and take action immediately for legal reasons, but also because studies show that the faster you initiate the workers’ compensation process after an injury, the lower the ultimate cost of your claims.
Waiting more than 48 hours after an incident occurs gives the injured party and witnesses time to forget crucial details about what happened. It also means employees’ recollections may become skewed from opinions of outside parties, like an attorney, or from talking to one another.
You can help protect your company and save money by taking the following steps in the 48 hours immediately following an employees' report of an injury:
- Refer employee for medical attention
- Perform an assessment or accident investigation
- Ensure the injury or accident will not happen again
- Report the injury
- Inform Employee about company policies on returning to work
- Submit the workers’ compensation claim
Early reporting is important, but creating a culture of safety can help minimize risks. Consider these pre-incident best practices:
- Conduct annual training
- Be familiar with state rules for “first aid” claims vs. claims subject to reporting
- Establish and monitor reporting goals at the location level
- Commit to modified return-to-work programs
- Set expectations for supervisors to support return to work programs
In addition to these points, make sure you become familiar with the workers’ compensation laws in your state(s) of operation. Your state’s workers’ compensation board will help you stay in compliance with the legal timelines in effect in your state, which will ultimately help save your company money.
For questions, reach out to the TrueNorth team today!
This publication has been prepared by TrueNorth Companies, L.C. and is intended for informational purposes only. Transmission of this publication is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, a client relationship with TrueNorth Companies, L.C. This publication does not constitute any type of representation or warranty, and does not constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal advice. This publication is not a contract and does not amend, modify or change any insurance policy you may have with an insurance carrier. © 2022 TrueNorth Companies, L.C. All rights reserved.
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In addition to helpful weekly guidance on home and auto, TrueNorth provides a number of insurance options to protect your family from risk. For information on a home or auto quote, visit www.iTrueNorth.com or call us at (319) 739-1277. We'd like nothing more than to help safeguard the things that matter most to you.
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