Managing Worker's Compensation: A Guide to Injury Reduction and Effective Claim Management » (1st Edition)

Workers' compensation causes headaches throughout all levels of an organization. Injuries affect production, costs, and morale. Managing Workers' Compensation: A Guide to Injury Reduction and Effective Claim Management lays out - in logical order - management and safety procedures that reduce injuries and the aggravation that follows. The authors cover hiring, training, and managing employees with injury avoidance in mind. They provide a blueprint for dealing with injured employees and their families, and for determining the correct time for the employee to return to work.

The book discusses the all-important issues of fraud, modified duty, substance abuse testing and accident investigations. It also provides guidance for managing your organization's safety efforts in a manner that targets workers' compensation cost control as one of its major objectives. In addition to comprehensive coverage of workers' compensation, the book gives you a thorough explanation of additional sources of assistance, including the availability and utility of Internet safety resources, a complete listing of state workers' compensation agencies, and sample checklists that help you evaluate your workplace.

Although workers' compensation laws vary from state-to-state, the principles behind the system and the ability of employers to influence their own premiums remain consistent. By gaining a thorough understanding of these principles and implementing proven cost control strategies, you can realize substantial savings. Managing Workers' Compensation: A Guide to Injury Reduction and Effective Claim Management explains the process by which premiums are calculated and shows how you can impact - favorably - the amount your organization pays in premiums.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION OVERVIEW Introduction Basic Principles Historical Pespective Methods of Coverage Key Participants Facts vs Fiction What are the Costs?
Summary

AVOIDING CLAIMS THROUGH SAFETY MANAGEMENT Manage or be Managed OSHA Safety and Health Program Safety Committees Personnel Management Training Incentive Awards Summary

IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF WORKPLACE HAZARDS Introduction Hazard Identification Methods Hazard Control Performance Assessment Summary

SAFETY INTERNET RESOURCES Overview of the Internet Accessing the Web or "Going on Line"
Advantages Provided by the Internet The WIIFM Formula Information Management Conclusion

UNDERSTANDING AND INFLUENCING WORKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUMS Introduction Calculating Premiums Influencing Workers' Compensation Premiums Summary

THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS COORDINATOR Introduction What is a Workers' Compensation Claims Coordinator Selecting a Workers' Compensation Claims Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities of the Claims Coordinator Summary

UNDERSTANDING AND IMPLEMENTING A MODIFIED DUTY PROGRAM Introduction Benefits of a Modified Duty Program Resistance to Implementing Modified Duty Getting Started The Modified Duty Process in Action Summary

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS Introduction Benefits of Conducting Accident Investigations Focus of Accident Investigation Deciding which Accidents to Investigate Who Should Investigate Gathering Information Identifying Surface and Root Causes Mitigating the Causes Evaluating Control Strategies Summary

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS Introduction Benefits of Substance Abuse Programs Applicability of Drug Testing Creating a Clear Policy Involvement of the Supervisor Educating Employees Employee Assistance Programs Obtaining Assistance Conclusion

COMBATING WORKERS' COMPENSATION FRAUD Workers' Compensation Fraud Effects of Workers' Compensation Fraud What Constitutes Workers' Compensation Fraud?
Factors that Effect the Potential for Fraud Warning Signs (Red Flags)
Investigating Suspect Fraudulent Claims Methods of Detering and Detecting Fraud Conclusion

COMMON AND COSTLY INJURIES Introduction Ergonomics Slips/Trips/Falls

Appendices Sample Safety Programs for "Your Company"
OSHA Checklist: Self-Inspection Checklist Company Safety and Workers' Compensation Cost Profile Sample Modified Duty Program National Resources for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information Directory of State Workers' Compensation Administration