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V O L . X X I N O. X V I I I H E A LT H Y B U S I N E S S 12 H OW TO B Y R I C K D A C R I F rustration reigns with many manag- ers when employees are out with a workplace injury. Absent blood and gore, an air of suspicion hovers over the claim the longer the individual remains out of work. While most claims are legitimate, too often they are viewed as fraudulent and managers feel the system is rigged against them. It doesn't have to be this way. Managers can gain control of the system and reduce their overall costs, while showing compassion for the injured employee. No matter how good an organiza- tion's safety program is, injuries still occur. Employers must, therefore, develop a positive "post-injury response" system, designed to care for their injured employee, get him back to work quickly, while minimizing workers' compensa- tion costs and lost productivity. To do this, employers should implement a six- step post-injury response system: 1. Take care of the injured employee When someone becomes injured, they are your priority. Whether it is providing first aid or escorting the person to the hospital, the tone of the case will be established in the first few minutes after the injury. Employees are most vulnerable immediately after the injury. Questions flow through their head: "Will I be OK?" "How will I be able to pay the mortgage if I'm out of work without a paycheck?" Reassure the employee. Show com- passion and concern. Your employee is hurt. Too often supervisors forget how to respond and focus on getting the first report of injury completed. is should not be first on the radar. ere will be plenty of time later to fill out those insurance forms. e priority now is the injured employee. 2. Designate an injury coordinator Your workers' comp claims must be managed. Close your eyes to the problem and bad things happen. e coordinator must proactively manage each claim. Working with the injured employee, medical provider, insurer, supervisor and potentially a regulator requires someone with strong people and organizational skills. 3. Establish a medical provider relationship If an injured employee needs medical treatment, a relationship with doctors, medical specialists and a hospital or clinic are key. Physicians should know and understand your workplace so that they can provide quality care and to help the employee to return to work when medically fit. 

 4. Form a modified duty program is is the key to reducing your costs. Studies show that when employees return to work, under proper medi- cal supervision, they heal quicker, feel better about themselves and work and are able to remain produc- tive. Supervisors understandably are concerned about employees reinjur- ing themselves or having their shift bogged down by an employee who is not 100%. However, this is the single best way to reduce your costs and get your injured employee back to work quickly at full duty. 5. Analyze all accidents e true cause of all accidents must be determined so they can be prevented in the future. Analysis and correction form the basis of your safety program and sends a powerful message to all employees that safety is important. 6. Develop a relationship with the insurer As your partner, they can be key to the early, successful resolution of the claim. Without their help, claims can linger. Utilize their safety and claims management programs and invite them to your facility. ey are not your enemy. Reducing your workers' compen- sation cost requires a comprehensive program where employers partner with employees, medical providers and the insurer. If you take care of your injured employee, get them the best medical treatment and provide a caring and trusting work culture, your workers' compensation costs will drop and your employees will be happier, more productive and have less work- related injuries. Rick Dacri is a Kennebunk- b a s e d w o r k f o r c e e x p e r t a n d management consultant. Dacri & Associates provides sustainable workforce strategies that are tailored to help businesses accomplish their goals and better use their greatest resource — employees. He can be reached at rick @ dacri.com Cut workers' comp costs in 6 steps Employee Benefits Solutions has the solution to your employee's benefits needs! Developing the right benefit package is easier when you partner with an organization that provides analytical detail, hands on service, and visionary thinking about improving your organization's overall health. Call us today to put our unique approach to work for you and your business. 1085 Brighton Avenue Portland, ME 04102 207-775-3793 www.holdenagency.com Our mission is to evaluate, implement and service employee benefit programs that support employee recruitment and retention. Experience? Our docs have it. More than 146 years' experience performing joint/orthopaedic surgery here in Maine. Providing the very best in orthopaedic care. www.cmogroup.org Click on "Staff" to learn more about our docs. 690 Minot Avenue, Auburn, ME 207.783.1328 • 800.571.2222

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