Steps Toward a Return to Work Program

1. Steps Toward a Return to Work Program • Outline developed by: • Mike Fredebeil (Asst. Vice President, Willis Construction Group) • James Skelton (Sr. Loss Control Consultant, BB&T) • Jerome A. Stevenson Jr. (Corp. Safety Dir., L.E. Schwartz & Son, Inc.)

2. Steps Toward a Return to Work Program • Obtain commitment from your management team. • Develop a long term approach as opposed to short term solutions. • See the injured employee as a team member.

3. Steps Toward a Return to Work Program • Develop a Return to Work policy. • Appoint a resource to coordinate the program. • Provide training to key personnel.

4. Steps Toward a Return to Work Program • Provide each employee a copy of the Return to Work policy. • Managers. • Key personnel. • Current & New Employees.

5. Steps Toward a Return to Work Program • Develop a strong Safety and Accident Prevention program. • This program should include strong safety policies. • Develop and enforce a strong discipline policy.

6. Return to Work Facts • Employees out of work longer than 6 months have a 50% of returning to work. • Litigation is 50% lower if contact is made to an injured employee within 7 days. • Employees out of work 14 or more days have financial difficulties. Effective Disability Management, 2001. Liberty Mutual.

7. Return to Work Facts • Litigated claims can result in increased claims’ cost (up to 80%). • Return to Work doesn’t always mean Light Duty. • Returning injured employees to work reduces Workers’ Comp. Premiums. Effective Disability Management, 2001. Liberty Mutual.

8. Return to Work Facts • Each company pays for insurance premiums. • The insurance company pays the injured worker: • Medical benefits. • Lost Wages (66 2/3%) and indemnity. How Cost Affects the Bottom Line, 2003. BB&T.

9. Cost of Workers Compensation STATE RATE FOR EACH JOB TYPE X PAYROLL FOR EACH JOB TYPE MANUAL PREMIUM X Experience Modifier (Safety Grade) = STANDARD PREMIUM GOOD .85 AVERAGE 1.00 POOR 1.50

10. Cost Effect on Workers’ Comp. THOUSANDS $200 $150 $150K $100 $100K $85K $50 .85 MOD 1.00 MOD 1.50 MOD How Cost Affects the Bottom Line, 2003. BB&T.

11. Return to Work Facts • Using the previous chart strict risk management practices can result in: • Increased profitability. • Reduced losses. • Reduced workers’ compensation premiums.

12. Return to Work Facts • Strong safety practices will include: • Strict risk management. • Strong claims adjustment. • Strong Return to Work program. • Employees must know that these practices are the company’s policy.

13. Return to Work Techniques • Consider terminology: • Modified duty. • Temporary alternative position. • Permanent alternative position. • Review the OSHA 300 Log.

14. Return to Work Techniques • Develop modified or alternative duties. • Even if they are not currently available. • Duties should always be forwarded to the physician. • Keep a rolling database of duties. • Let the physician modify or specify limitations.

15. Return to Work Techniques • Provide a copy of job descriptions to the physician. • Ask representatives (from the physician’s office) to visit your job-sites. • Post required documentation in Public Access areas. • I.e. – Lobby, HR Manger’s office, jobsite trailer.

16. Return to Work Techniques • Provide every employee a copy of your return to Work package. • Obtain signatures indicating reception. • If an employee is injured give him or her a copy of the W/C laws and obtain a signature. • Let the employee initial by a copy of the Panel Physician at the time of treatment.

17. Return to Work Techniques • Contact the employee within 7 calendar days. • Studies reflect that In-touchEmployers are more likely get employees back to work. • Morale calls improve communication and keeps the employee involved with company news. • The company can obtain general assessments.

18. Return to Work Techniques • Require accidents to be reported promptly (w/in 24 hours). • Discipline the violator. • Always require a drug screen at the time of medical treatment.

19. Return to Work Techniques • Track all time. • Modified, Alternative, or Lost. • Lost time is most expensive. • Wages paid by carrier. • Effects premium.

20. Return to Work Techniques • Lost time (cont’d): • Employer must rehire. • Employer must retrain. • Will the new employee fit in. • Quality of work, dependability, etc.

21. Return to Work Benefits • Reduces lost time severity. • Employees are seen by Occ. Medicine physicians that can provide quality for work-related injuries. • Potential to avoid legal complications. • Shifts focus to an ability as opposed to disability.

22. Return to Work Benefits • Employee has attachment and sense of job security. • Employee stays active. • Positive impact on worker morale and productivity. • Reduced Costs.

23. Sample Return to Work Forms • Following forms are available in electronic format: • Georgia State Board Return to Work • Georgia DOAS Return to Work • Always file a claim for your states Subsequent Injury Trust Fund (if applicable).

24. Sample Return to Work Forms • Following forms are available in electronic format: • Return to Work Policy • Panel of Physician • Refusal of Treatment • Texas State Board Return to Work

25. Sample Return to Work Forms • (cont’d): • Managed Care Organization (MCO). • Drug/Alcohol Screen Consent Form. • Modified Duty Acceptance Form.