Workers' Compensation
The Situation
No one, including the employee, the employer or the employee's co-workers win when a person is injured on the job. The results ripple through the company affecting everyone, including the customer. The cost of workers' compensation injuries is for many companies the largest add-on to the direct cost of labor. A well-managed workers health program and wellness strategy has proved direct documented financial value to companies over and over. The achievement of such a successful strategy starts with a team approach and a formal process dedicated to the on-going productive health of the workforce. Members of the team works best when there is integration of the employees, safety personnel, management, medical partners and insurance carriers.
The best programs begin as part of the recruiting and hiring process. Did you know that illicit drug users have 6 times as many on-the-job-injuries and that 47% of industrial injuries can be linked to alcohol consumption? Did you know that 10% of back injuries may be avoided by performing post-hire functional capacity tests? Post-hire physical examinations could be cost savings by documenting previous existing conditions. Many of these screenings also ensure compliance with government agencies, but in fact are just good business. Beyond communicating the expectations and requirements for the job, the selection of the employees physically qualified to perform a job is key to success.
The next critical investment to be made is in the evaluation of the workplace itself. Very often, having an occupational health professional conduct a plant walk-through and examine specific job sites, including ergonomic reviews where injuries have occurred will yield recommended changes and programs to avoid similar incidents in the future. Developing a safety and training program is also critical to preventing injuries. This may include performing regular safety and environmental audits, investigating and documenting accidents, and training employees in identifying risks and working safely.
The Medical Management Process
Once an injury occurs, the major element influencing long-term savings is also one of the simplest. Being the employee's advocate is gaining access to the best medical treatment for the particular injury. This will result in the employee regaining the functional ability to perform at the workplace in the shortest time possible while avoiding many of the hidden costs of workers compensation.
If an employee requires medical treatment beyond first aid, it is important for effective medical management to have close communication between the treating provider, insurance company, and the organizations workers' compensation representative.
The IMA Advantage
Industrial Medical Associates has over twenty years experience as problem solvers for workers' compensation. Choosing the right medical partner is critical to reducing costs. Our occupational health team of providers, nurses, technicians and medical management team ensures timely, aggressive treatment and keeps your employees on the job or safely returns them to full duty or modified duty as soon as possible. The knowledge that our team has of your workplace environments helps to achieve the safe return to duty for your employee. Our medical team is always available to discuss difficult cases with the company compensation representative. If a medical referral is needed, IMA has a preferred panel of specialists who are sensitive to the objective of the employer.
For injury care after IMA's business hours, IMA has established relationships with emergency room departments so your employee does not get lost in the system. In most cases, the employee can receive follow up care during our normal business hours.
An array of services offered to cater to your business' needs include:
• Substance Abuse Testing and Policy Development
• Functional Capacity Testing
• Post-Hire Examinations
• Plant Walk - Through
• Modified Duty Program Development
• Ergonomic Review and Training
• Medical Management
• Medical Treatment of On-the-Job Injuries
Documented Results
Over the years, many of our clients have documented the results of participating in an effective employee health program. They can be rather dramatic. For example:
• Manufacturer over Two Year Period :
• Reduction in Restricted Work & Lost days: 2485 to 736
• Reduction in Indemnity Reserves: $785,396 to $145,325
• Reduction in Medical reserves: $295,375 to $101,398
• Reduction in Daily Cost Of Workers Compensation: $5,625 to $1,583
• Extended Health Care Provider One Year Period :
• Reduction in Reported Accidents: 793 to 640
• Reduction in OSHA Reportable: 81 to 53
• Reduction in Lost Work Days: 350 per month to 65 per month
To help you get started in planning your business' personal strategy, please call Tim Christman
at IMA at (315) 478-1977 Ext. 247.
