Management Commitment
Create a Safety Program

An effective safety program begins with senior management; it is only senior management that can set the attitude for safety within the organization. It is also the responsibility of senior management to make sure that each employee understands their role in creating and maintaining a safe work environment. To do so, employees must be involved in the program. Expectations must be established and communicated at all levels and training must be given so that each employee knows what is expected. If the employees see that the senior management is committed to a safer workplace then they will be more likely to buy into the process.

Keys to an effective Safety Program

• Written safety manual – including expectations and accountability measures
• New employee safety training and documentation
• Monthly or quarterly safety meetings for all employees
• Return to work program, including preferred medical providers where available
• Periodic safety inspections

Loss Prevention – Designate a Safety Coordinator. The safety coordinator is responsible for increased employee safety training and the oversight of the safety program. The safety coordinator is the “go to” person for all safety issues. He or she should be knowledgeable about the issues and acts as a safety resource for the organization and safety liaison between management and employees.

Keys to Loss prevention

• Establish accountability procedures
• Develop expectations
• Thoroughly train employees
• Observe and coach

Claims management – Designate a Claims Coordinator. The claims coordinator makes certain that all claims are promptly reported (less than 24 hours) and works aggressively with the employee and adjuster to return the employee to work. The claims coordinator trains other employees regarding their roles and responsibilities in reporting claims. He or she is responsible for communicating with employees who have been injured, following up at least weekly, to monitor the employee’s progress and treatment program. The claims coordinator is the communication link between management, the insurance adjuster, and the treating physician.

In most cases, the roles of Safety Coordinator and Claims Coordinator will be delegated to the same individual.

Keys to Claims management

• immediately report all claims or potential claims
• use preferred providers where possible
• communicate with the physician
• be aggressive with a return to work program
• discuss these things during new employee orientation

Another key element in this process is having a knowledgeable insurance broker who understands claims management and has the resources to help you implement an effective claims management program. At CIG, we take a “hands on” approach with our clients to help reduce their workers compensation premiums. We offer several tools through our website, including safety videos, online reporting forms, safety meeting literature, and much more, to aid our clients through the process.

Bringing your workers compensation claims under control will not happen overnight, or even in the first year. But with a comprehensive claims management program in place and the commitment from everyone involved, over time, you will begin to see the benefits of lower premiums and increased productivity.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss this article in more detail, then please do not hesitate to give us a call. Or, you can contact me directly at 316-440-3521.