LOSS CONTROL
INSIGHTS
www . emcins . com | SUMMER 2013
TAME RISING INJURY COSTS
“ Reducing workplace accidents through proven loss control practices is still important , but it ’ s becoming just as important for employers to initiate strategies to control rising injury costs ,” advises EMC Injury Services Manager Monte Ball . According to Ball , there is no single solution to taming injury costs . “ The best approach incorporates one or all of the following strategies . The more of these strategies you employ , the more your potential savings in injury costs ,” notes Ball .
Select Provider Program By taking control during the first 24 to 48 hours of a claim , a select provider program can improve the collection of information about the injury or illness , assist employees in finding prompt medical care and reduce administrative headaches for your organization . Another program benefit is the potential medical cost savings when employees can be directed to medical providers who are part of a preferred provider network .
Return To Work Programs Effective return to work programs reduce the chance that an employee will become totally and permanently disabled . Such programs may also reduce operation costs and indemnity payments , and improve communications between employer and employee . Employers may reduce the cost of their claims , as well as the impact on future workers ’ compensation costs , by safely returning injured workers to modified or alternative duty as soon as they are medically able .
Prework Screenings Using functional job description information , physical therapists can design prework screenings for specific jobs . Conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been made , prework screenings verify that employees are physically capable of performing the job before they are placed in that position . The resulting functional job description information assists physicians with return to work decisions , physical therapists with creating prework screening programs and safety professionals with implementing needed safety practices .
Health and Wellness By adopting healthier lifestyles , employees can decrease their risk factors for chronic disease , which may result in lower healthcare expenses for your organization . Benefits of implementing a successful wellness program can include lower healthcare costs , increased productivity , reduced absenteeism , fewer injuries and reduced workers ’ compensation costs .
Start Taming Medical Costs Today Ball ’ s advice to clients is to begin with a return to work program and functional job descriptions . “ Those two strategies are the cornerstone of an overall approach to controlling workers ’ compensation costs ,” comments Ball , who also stresses prework screenings for workplaces with physically demanding jobs . “ Don ’ t forget to add EMC ’ s Select Provider Program ,” he adds .“ It can deliver big advantages and requires little work to implement .”
Count on EMC ® To Help Reduce Accidents And Costs Since 1926 , policyholders have counted on EMC for effective loss control practices to reduce the severity and frequency of workplace injuries . Now you can Count on EMC to help tame rising injury costs . Talk to 45,000
your independent agent or an EMC risk improvement representative about these and other valuable services provided free of charge to EMC policyholders .
NEED TO KNOW
U . S . TRAFFIC FATALITIES ARE ON THE RISE Approximately 36,200 motor vehicle fatalities occurred in 2012 , according to the National Safety Council . This is a five percent upsurge from 2011 and is the first increase since 2004 to 2005 . In addition to devastating human loss , motor vehicle crashes present a significant national cost in lost wages and productivity , medical expenses , administrative expenses , employer costs and property damage . “ Although we have improved safety features in vehicles today , we also have new challenges , especially as they relate to teens and distracted driving ,” notes Janet Froetscher , president and CEO of the National Safety Council .
WILDFIRE RISK PREDICTION More than 67,000 wildfires burned more than 9.2 million acres throughout the country in 2012 , according to the National Interagency Fire Center . Warm temperatures and drought conditions will contribute to an increase in the risk of wildfires this year . The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety urges home and business owners to take action now to help reduce their wildfire risk . Information is available at www . disastersafety . org .
EMERGENCY VEHICLE VISIBILITY GUIDE The U . S . Fire Administration ( USFA ) recently announced the availability of a guide to help emergency services departments increase the visibility of emergency vehicles to motorists in order to keep responders safe during roadway operations . Vehicle Marking and Technology for Increased Highway Visibility — A Reference Guide for Decision-Makers provides information on best practices in the application of various arrangements of emergency warning devices , creative use of retroreflective decal markings and other innovative designs . Further information on USFA ’ s emergency vehicle and roadway safety research initiatives may be found at www . usfa . fema . gov .