CRITICAL 24 HOURS
reporting to their supervisor. PROMPT MEDICAL TREATMENT EXPEDITED RETURN TO WORK
Less common, but certainly prevalent — is
the concern that there will be a negative
reaction from a supervisor. This highlights
the importance of supervisor training,
creating a clear message about immediate
reporting and maintaining a supportive
work environment. Immediate assessing of the injury and
facilitating appropriate and personal
treatment is crucial. Determine the type
and severity of the injury. Ideally, a staff
member trained in first aid can assess the
severity of the injury and the appropriate
action needed. For injuries that usually
result in the most lost time and highest
claims cost — such as sprains, strains,
and neck and back injuries — appropriate
medical care is most likely a prompt visit to
a clinic or a doctor well versed in evidence-
based occupational health care delivery. An
established clinic relationship facilitates
prompt and appropriate treatment for
injured workers. From the moment an injury is first
examined, there should be considerations
made as to when the employee will
be able to return to his or her duties.
Return to Work programs tend to result
in better health outcomes and preserve
many important benefits — such as
health coverage — that are contingent on
attendance. Return to Work programs
also tend to limit claims costs to medical
costs only. Whenever possible, employers
should facilitate a return to work in order
to minimize indemnity payments, because
even small indemnity payments can have an
adverse effect on your mood. To facilitate
your Return to Work program, you should
do the following:
Delayed reporting may also be caused
by a conflict over a noninjury issue. This
occasionally can result in an employee
belatedly reporting a real or fabricated
injury in order to retaliate for some
other grievance against the company or
supervisor. Unfortunately, claims of this
nature are rarely resolved quickly.
TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION
Since time is so valuable to the process,
it is important that training is given in
advance so employees will not be confused
about their responsibilities should an
injury occur. For supervisors, training
allows them to take a more active role in
managing the response and to serve as a
guide for injured employees. This means
quicker reporting times and better health
outcomes.
Training should ensure employees are
aware of how to access appropriate care.
Employees should be comfortable reporting
injuries knowing they will be treated
with care and respect. During training,
continually reinforce the co mpany’s
commitment to helping every injured
employee heal properly and return to work
promptly.
To aid in educating your staff about
workplace injuries, your company should
create and post a written, 24-hour response
plan for employees and supervisors to
follow.
TIMELY REPORTING
After triaging the victim and providing
prompt medical attention, it’s important
that the injury gets reported to the
appropriate parties immediately. Ensure
that injury reporting is quick across all
levels (supervisor, injury management
coordinator, and insurance carriers).
Timely reporting is one important result
of effective training and results in a rapid
return to work and minimized indemnity
claims.
BY: EIVIND OLAND
• Communicate caring and concern
as soon as possible, letting injured
employees know that you care about
their well-being and want them back
on the job as soon as they are able.
• Give the injured employee forms
to take to the doctor. These forms
allow the doctor to authorize a return
to work and note any temporary
restrictions an employee may have.
• Follow up with the injured employee
by finding out how the doctor’s visit
went. Together, you can formulate an
appropriate Return to Work plan. +
Eivind Oland has 36 years of commercial property and
casualty and risk management experience. During his
career, he has gained extensive knowledge in the insurance
field as a multi-line underwriter, commercial lines marketer
and account executive. He is currently a Certified
Insurance Counselor, an Accredited Advisor in Insurance
and a Certified WorkComp Advisor. He can be reached at
715.858.5025 or [email protected]
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