WORKERS ' COMP
There are numerous factors that can contribute to higher workers ’ compensation expenses for an organization . One emerging cost driver is the concern of comorbidities .
A comorbidity occurs when an individual experiences multiple health conditions at the same time . The presence of comorbidities within your workforce can carry significant consequences — namely , elevating the severity of workplace injuries and lengthening employees ’ recovery time following an injury . These ramifications can , in turn , lead to an increase in both the overall cost and complexity of workers ’ compensation claims .
Review the following guidance to learn more about how comorbidities can impact your workers ’ compensation program as well as what you can do to mitigate this concern .
COMORBIDITIES EXPLAINED
Put simply , comorbidities are health conditions that an individual experiences simultaneously .
Comorbid conditions are typically long-term , underlying health complications that have the potential to increase the severity of other injuries or illnesses that the affected individual may experience . These conditions can also make it more difficult to diagnose workplace injuries and place additional roadblocks in an injured employee ’ s recovery process .
Common comorbid conditions include :
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Depression and anxiety
• Alcohol and drug abuse
According to a study conducted by the National Council on Compensation Insurance , workers ’ compensation claims involving comorbidities have nearly tripled since 2000 . Further , the average cost of workers ’ compensation claims connected to a comorbid condition totals almost twice as much as that of comparable claims that don ’ t involve comorbidities .
This increase in workers ’ compensation costs is likely tied to the often complex , long-term nature of claims that involve comorbidities . Individuals who have comorbid conditions typically take longer to heal from an injury , are more prone to develop additional complications due to an injury , and are even at an increased risk of being left permanently disabled by an injury .
For example , an employee who already has diabetes would be more likely to suffer an infection or even require an amputation procedure following an injury to one of their legs on the job . While diabetes wouldn ’ t be listed as the cause of the employee ’ s injury , the presence of this comorbid condition could certainly worsen its impact .
It ’ s also important to note that an employee ’ s workplace injury can lead to the development of a comorbid condition during their recovery process , increasing their risk of experiencing more severe , long-lasting ( and costly ) complications in the future .
For instance , if an otherwise healthy employee were to experience that same leg injury , they might become addicted to the pain medication they are prescribed during the recovery process , instigating a substance abuse problem . If that employee were to then become injured once again at work and require medication to heal , their history of addiction could make it more difficult for them to properly recover without experiencing further substance abuse issues .
HOW TO MITIGATE COMORBIDITIES
In order to help minimize the concern of comorbidities within your workforce and keep workers ’ compensation costs under control , consider implementing the following :
• Wellness initiatives — These initiatives can encourage your staff to prioritize their health and reduce their likelihood of developing comorbid conditions . Potential initiatives might include :
• Having an on-site fitness center or providing discounted memberships for off-site fitness centers
• Offering healthy snacks and lunches in the break room or cafeteria
• Administering on-site wellness activities , such as health education courses or yoga classes
• Using an employee assistance program
• Conducting annual , on-site health assessments or screenings
• An effective return-to-work program — In addition to developing various wellness initiatives , it ’ s also important to ensure your organization utilizes an effective return-to-work program for injured employees . Such a program can help support injured staff throughout their recovery , reducing their risk of developing comorbid conditions during the healing process . Specifically , be sure to collaborate with returning employees to create a personalized plan that prioritizes their safety and establishes transition tasks that support their specific needs . After all , even employers with solid return-to-work programs can be tested by cases involving comorbidities . In these situations , it ’ s especially critical for your organization to be flexible and creative in finding ways to properly accommodate returning employees — whether that entails changes to the work environment or modified job tasks .
WE ’ RE HERE TO HELP
Overall , the issue of comorbidities in your workforce is a growing concern , with the potential to have a costly impact on your workers ’ compensation program . That ’ s why it ’ s crucial to take comorbidities seriously and do what you can to prioritize your employees ’ health , thus minimizing your organizational risks .
Fortunately , you don ’ t have to navigate this issue alone — we ’ re here to help . Contact Spectrum Insurance Group today for additional workers ’ compensation guidance and resources . +
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