Return to Work 101 The Basics The content of this presentation is general in nature and provided to you for informational purposes only. The information is derived from sources believed to be reliable and is offered as a resource to be used together with guidance from your professional insurance, legal, and safety advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. ACUITY assumes no liability by reason of the information contained in this document. If you have a specific concern, you should contact your professional insurance, legal, or safety advisors.
Senior Loss Control Representative
1) How RTW controls costs & helps employees 2) Elements of a program 3) Steps to implement - See part 2 for additional details A system can keep things from going off track.
Overachiever MOST EMPLOYEES ARE HERE Malingerer
Impact on the company Impact on employees Company culture Legal implications (WC, ADA)
Reduces: Lost Productivity Indirect Operating Costs Claims Cost Insurance Premiums Claims Cost: 1) Managing Care / PPO Use 2) Appropriate Treatment 3) Employee Lost Time Impact Your Experience Mod Impact Your Insurance Premium
Improves: Management-employee relations Productivity Employee morale Consistency & efficiency in handling injured workers
Reduces loss of income (WC waiting periods) Reinforces A sense of security and stability Management commitment to employee welfare A positive self-image for injured worker feels valued Speeds recovery Maintains normal working relationships with others Reinforces the "going to work daily" habit Reduces risk of litigation
Perceptions Complaints Give him/her a break Good communication can combat this See Part 2
Company Culture Legal Implications (WC, ADA)
There are several important needs: Administer effective first aid Provide effective medical treatment Provide information and guidance to employee Support employee s psychological needs Investigate and analyze the incident Control medical costs Return employee to work as soon as possible
The sooner an injured worker is returned to active employment, the greater the probability of full recovery. Injury Healing Recovery
TRUST
If they don t trust you, they may get misguided advice elsewhere from: Family members Co-workers Friends Attorneys TRUST
Coordination Communicate Documentation Communication Document Coordinate
1. Identify responsibilities 2. Document policies/procedures 3. Identify transitional/modified work 4. Communicate & educate 5. Work with medical providers/use PPO 6. Set a time limit
WC Coordinator Supervisor Employee Claim Adjuster Doctors Other Management Employee Supervisor HR/WC Coordinator Doctor Claim Adjuster
Report injuries to ACUITY within 24 hours Keep abreast of status Keep in contact & show compassion Ensure documents are completed/kept Help identify tasks within restrictions Monitor emotional state Monitor timing of check-ups, etc. Provide updates to all involved
Outline the steps/progression following injury Purpose of program Your preferred medical provider(s) How we transport to medical facility Who goes with employee to medical facility Under what circumstances employee goes home vs. back to work Documents to use & when Timing/duration/frequency of medical follow-ups Identification of modified/transitional duty Document responsibilities
Letter to doctors informing them of your policies Work restriction form for doctors to complete No checkbox of off work until Modified/transitional duty offer letter/agreement
Start with brainstorming on common restrictions One-handed Sitting 10 pounds/20 pounds for lifting Document essential functions or job demands
Policies in writing (handbook & separate) Education/information sharing Who? Management team Supervisors All employees What? Your policies & why How Workers Comp works/state regulations
Know your state s WC Laws Employee or Employer choice? Identify providers within your WC PPO Meet with preferred provider(s) to share expectations & philosophy Have information ready to share with other providers when/if used Invite providers into facility/workplace
Any assigned transitional/modified duty has an end date Typically the next doctor appointment New/updated duties are identified following the reevaluation No more than a month should pass between employee medical visits/evaluations If no progress in set number of days, then discuss with adjuster regarding second opinion, why they are not progressing and what to do
Supervisor/WC Coordinator goes to medical facility while someone else starts investigation/analysis Doctor provides clear restrictions/capabilities Employee/supervisor brings medical restriction information back to work Modified/alternate work tasks are identified Supervisor & WC Coordinator frequently check on employee s progress & alter work tasks based on progress
Employee feels VALUED
Maximum ACUITY Service for Healthcare = FREE 24/7 Nurse Triage Hotline Medical advice for non-emergency injuries/pain Assistance in determining the need for a clinic visit Assistance in identifying nearest in-network clinic or specialist Self-care advice Part of a cost-containment strategy
1) How RTW controls costs & helps employees 2) Elements of a program Coordination Documentation Communication 3) Steps to implement See part 2 of our RTW webinar series for details on policies, sample documents, and procedures
For further assistance Call your agent Contact ACUITY Loss Control at 800.242.7666 Send an email to ACUITYEducation@acuity.com Like us on Facebook Visit www.acuity.com