Workers compensation is recommended as protection and coverage for your employees. In most states it is required of all employers. Workers compensation will offer medical coverage and payroll assistance for employees who receive work-related illnesses or injuries. As an employer, if you have a long list of claims, there are some practical ways to reduce workers compensation claims.
1) Perform employee background checks and drug screening. Reducing workers compensation claims can start as soon as when you’re making hiring decisions. Performing a background check and drug screening of job candidates will give you an idea of individuals that might not be suited. Some people have a history of workplace accidents, which may point to neglecting proper safety precautions.
2) Inform and train employees on workplace safety. Workplace safety is one of the most efficient ways to reduce workers compensation claims. Be sure you have a safety program in place that will educate and train your employees on safety precautions. This includes having a safety manual with a list of your safety procedures, how to response to accidents, and incentives for employees who show initiative and prove to follow safety protocols.
3) Inspect equipment and working environment. On a regular basis, a qualified person should be inspecting your work environment, as well as the equipment that is used on a regular basis. During inspections, issues with equipment or unsafe work environments can alert you to changes that will prevent accidents and workers compensation claims.
4) Use ergonomic office equipment and furniture. For employees with office and administration duties, injuries can occur over time from repetitive motions. Prevent these workers compensation claims by providing them with ergonomic furniture and equipment. This includes chairs with proper adjusting capabilities, tables, mats, keyboards and other equipment.
5) Provide protective equipment. Many work-related accidents can be prevented with the proper safety precautions; this includes protective equipment. Provide your employees with everything they need for a safe work environment, including gloves, helmets or goggles. Other safety equipment might be helpful depending on the type of business you run.
6) Maintain good records of accidents. Include responding to accidents immediately. You should always keep records of any work-related illnesses or accidents that occur at your company. This includes full details of the accident, who was involved, and the response time. The records can be used to improve the safety of your environment and to train employees on proper response time.
7) Create a solid back-to-work plan following a workers compensation claim. When an employee goes on disability leave due to a work-related injury, it is often difficult to keep in touch with them and get update on how they’re recovering. In order to reduce their worker’s compensation claims, it helps to have a plan for when they will return back to work. These programs help minimize the amount of time employees take off during recovery.
Worker’s compensation is a great benefit to have for your employees, but it can also make a substantial impact on your business finances. By following these ways to reduce working compensation claims, you’ll receive a dual benefit of better finance management, but a safer working environment for your employees.
