Workers' Compensation - 10 Suggestions For Controlling Cost

As with many runaway insurance cost issues, workers' compensation in many states is plagued by out-of-control costs, unnecessary litigation and underfunded, understaffed state-administered agencies. When faced with an alleged work-related accident, injury or illness, here are some cost control suggestions that an employer might like to consider.

1. Require prompt reporting of all accidents and injuries.
2. Conduct a prompt, thorough and accurate workplace investigation and take whatever steps are necessary to avoid a recurrence of the accident or injury.
3. Critically evaluate all of the information gathered to be sure it supports the decision to pay or not to pay.
4. Update and review the file regularly, keeping in mind that to act reasonably does not necessarily mean the decision made will be upheld.
5. When in doubt, confer with an attorney, insurance carrier or service organization representative, and obtain their written opinions for the file.
6. Ensure appropriate rehabilitation for an injured worker so that he or she can return to work quickly. Consider creating light duty assignments to assist in returning the injured worker to employment.
7. Demand sensible medical fee schedules. Consider cost containment programs.
8. Encourage simpler procedures and better communication of rights and benefits, plus teamwork between doctors, employers and state regulatory agencies.
9. Support alternative methods for resolving legitimate disputes short of going to court.
10. Provide suitable alternative employment in the event a worker cannot return to his or her original job.

Finally, it is highly recommended that employers conduct periodic and on-going safety training programs as a means to prevent accidents. Approximately 85 percent of all work-related accidents are attributable to unsafe employee acts caused by a lack of worker knowledge or skill. There's a good article How To Put A Cap On Workers' Comp Cost written by Joseph Henry that you might like to read

Each of the 50 states has its own workers' compensation law. The Department of Labor has a link that enables anyone to connect to the appropriate state information.

Comments

[Mathew Robin]

Your cost control suggestions for workers' compensation is very informative also controlling the medical treatment is the quickest way to cut your Workers Compensation costs. Controlling the medical costs not only means using the medical networks to reduce the cost of the medical bills, but to control the doctors that treat your injured workers and claims.

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