Maybe you’re like many employers who believe that workers’ compensation insurance is just one of those unavoidable costs of doing business and an expense over which you have little control. Good news: controlling your workers comp costs isn’t as difficult as you might think!
The following six steps could help you reduce your workers comp insurance costs by 20% to 50%, depending on how many of them you have already initiated.
#1. Build your workers compensation program on a solid foundation
You cannot get your program underway unless everyone in your company is on board. Everyone on the management team must be committed to understanding their specific roles and the responsibilities of everyone throughout the company. This commitment from your key employees includes a thorough knowledge of how the workers’ comp system works; an understanding of experience modification rates, the formulas that produce them, and proper classification of employees is a good place to start.
#2. Pay attention to your hiring process
Competent employees tend to be safety conscious workers who are less likely to incur workers comp claims. Make sure your system for hiring brings the best into your company:
- Good interview techniques and thorough background checks will help you identify potential problems.
- Carefully review the applicant’s resume, paying attention to gaps in employment history. Ask the applicant to explain these gaps. Probe for information about the applicant’s attendance record during previous jobs.
- Conduct a complete background check after you have obtained written consent from the applicant.
#3. Make workplace safety a top priority
Safety needs to command equal status with production and quality. Train new employees to perform their jobs safely. Wellness initiatives, which reportedly return three to four dollars for each dollar invested, must be included here. Safety and wellness programs are critical in preventing claims from ever happening. Continually remind your employees to practice safety by posting reminders in common areas and holding meetings to discuss any issues affecting your staff.
#4. Set up a post-injury system
Studies of temporary and permanent disability claims reveal that timely medical treatment reduces expenses. Require employees to report all injuries, no matter how minor they may seem, and then ensure that injured employees receive prompt medical attention. Make sure that your company’s communications systems and post-injury response systems are in place and that you have an effective return-to-work program and policy that monitors your injured employees’ recovery and helps them get back on the job as quickly as possible. These are the core components of your workers’ compensation management program.
#5. Manage workers’ comp insurance claims efficiently
This might begin with using surveillance to prevent workers’ comp fraud. You’ll need to decide whether to request an independent medical examination (IME) and when to use various vendors. Planning for settlements and Medicare set-asides are important aspects of managing your claims. Your claims adjuster, armed with detailed account handling instructions, is also vital in managing claims efficiently.
#6. Control medical costs
Medical and pharmacy costs are rising at an unprecedented pace. Managing these expenses will take a substantial bite out of your workers’ comp bill. Building relationships with a medical provider, using a medical advisor, and utilizing a nurse case manager to monitor complex cases are all steps to be considered here. Also, be aware of the dangers to your injured employees from prescription drug overdose, which has become the biggest killer in the country.
No one benefits when employees get hurt on the job. With focus and effort, you can make workplace injuries less frequent, less severe, and less costly.
Reduce the Cost of Workers Comp Insurance: Get Help From American Insuring Group!
Contact American Insuring Group online or call us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848 for help in lowering the cost of workers compensation insurance for your business.
