Precast Inc. - March/April 2008 - (Page 16)

S A F E T Y & H E A LT H Return-to-Work Programs By Randy DeVaul Improving recovery after a work-related injury benefits everyone. W hen a workplace injury occurs, a number of events can shape the outcome of that injury for both the employer and the employee. Negative consequences include loss of worker experience, loss of quality, loss from unscheduled overtime, loss through an increase in workers’ compensation modification experience rates (resulting in higher premiums for the next three years), and potential loss of community and employee relationships. In addition, the employer increases the potential for a regulatory inspection or investigation with the likelihood of citations and penalties as well as the associated costs to correct any noted deficiencies. All of these lead to a loss in profits taken directly from the bottom line. The employer’s goal, then, should be to proactively prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. Should an injury occur, however, it is critical for the employer to manage the injury and ensure the employee has the ability to heal, recover and return to work as quickly as possible. An employer should know a number of facets about handling an injury, its claim and getting the employee back to work. One of those facets is the employer’s Return-to-Work policy. Before launching into the details, however, there must be a little background. 7. “I know they (the company) don’t really care. They just want me back to work so they can make money.” 8. “I think he really got hurt at home. He’s just looking for a free ride.” 9. “The company won’t pay me what I’m supposed to get. I’m calling a lawyer!” These myths lead to a high potential for litigation, leaving the employee feeling like there was no choice but to hire an attorney to look out for his or her rights. Though an insurance carrier may provide some guidance, an employer cannot rely on the claims adjuster knowing the details of the employer’s specific state or province’s requirements. Here are just a few of the facts that vary between states that employers must know to ensure a claim is handled or whether a claim even exists in the first place: Who is not covered. Categories of covered employees differ from state to state. Generally, however, workers covered by federal workers’ compensation laws are not covered by state law. In most (but not all) states, domestic workers, casual employees, farm workers, the clergy and independent contractors are not covered. What is covered. In most states, injuries that are directly related to the work that is assigned or being performed by an employee or in the course of performing those assigned duties are covered under the workers’ compensation program. In just a few states, any injury occurring on the work premises during scheduled work hours may be covered. What is not covered. In most (but not all) states, injuries resulting from a worker’s intoxication, intention to harm himself or another, the worker’s commute time, horseplay or directly and willfully violating a safety procedure, and injuries resulting from recreational activities are not covered. Outside-the-state coverage. Most state workers’ compensation laws are “extra-territorial.” This means that an employee hired in one state, who is hurt in a work-related The employer should try to get the employee back to pre-injury status as quickly as possible without compromising the injured’s health or well-being. Some expensive myths are circulating about workers’ compensation. The top myths include: 1. It happened at work, so it’s automatically covered. 2. Workers’ comp pays for everything, no matter what. 3. Employees receive full pay from the first day of injury. 4. The employee doesn’t have to come back to work until he decides he is ready. If there is already some mistrust, you may hear: 5. “My boss cares more about the numbers than he (or she) does about me.” 6. “Yeah, that guy just wants to lay out and milk it. There’s nothing wrong with him.” 16 MARCH/APRIL 2008 | PRECAST INC.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Precast Inc. - March/April 2008

Precast Inc. - March/April 2008 Contents Technically Speaking Concrete Repairs Return-to-Work Programs Marketing in a New World Building Confidence Risk Management Culture Bloquea La Energia – Es Tu Vida! Lock It Out – It’s Your Life! Fiber Optics in Countertops MCPX Wrap-Up Product Profile People & Products Advertisers Index NPCA Calendar

Precast Inc. - March/April 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.