Return to Work (RTW)
The single most powerful tool an employer has in controlling its workers’ compensation costs is immediately providing meaningful work.
MAY TIP: Yes, you can call your employee if they are injured on the job! Call them and check in on them. Ensure they know they are appreciated and that you care. Keeping in touch will help maintain your connection with them and their connection to the workforce.
Focus on Safety (FOS) –
Fall Protection
2021 National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction | May 3–7th
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 401 of the 1,061 construction fatalities recorded in 2019 (BLS data). Those deaths were all preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country to stop fall fatalities and injuries.
Go to osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down to learn how you can participate.
Click here for L&I Fall Protection resources.
Click here for L&I training topics, ideas and conversations.
GRIP Fall Protection Resources
On June 2, 2020, L&I adopted the final rule for Chapter 296-880 WAC, Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection. This rulemaking unifies fall protection requirements from multiple DOSH rules into one chapter applicable to most industries.
Click here to learn more about the rule.
Click here to download the GRIP Unified Fall Protection Quick Reference Guide
Click here to download the GRIP Unified Fall Protection work plan.
Click here to download the GRIP Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction resource guide.
ERNwest FOS Webinar Series – May Training
Each month ERNwest offers topical discussions about safety strategies unique to your industry. Download the 2021 Calendar of FOS Webinars as part of our available training and refer back to ERNwest.com/training for updates and additions.
May 11, 2021 at 10am | Hiring for Safety
May 18, 2021 at 10am | Drug-Free Workplace
Considering a Private Investigator?
Did you know that only one percent of workers’ compensation claims are fraudulent from onset? Fraudulent behavior is more likely to occur as the claim ages and someone becomes dependent on the system. When fraudulent claims do occur, a professional investigation can be a useful tool in resolving the claim if done correctly. If not done correctly they can be expensive and yield little result.
In Washington State, it is your responsibility to prove without a doubt that fraudulent behavior is taking place under an L&I claim. Often this can include the services of a private investigator; but before you hire one, there are a few things to consider:
- Is consistent fraudulent behavior taking place?
- Is there a cost benefit to an investigation? (i.e. will you have any return on your investment?)
- What type of investigation do you need? (Surveillance, background check, medical records sweep. Etc.)
- Set a budget for your investigations up front and stick to it.
- Get estimates from a few different companies before you commit.
- Does the company you are considering specialize in workers’ compensation investigations?
- Have clear objectives and leads to get the investigator started.
Workers’ compensation claim costs do not necessarily have a dollar for dollar increase on an employer’s rates/premiums. You may feel like hiring a private investigator is the right thing to do no matter what. Put feelings aside and get the information necessary to make the best-informed decision for your business.
Contact your ERNwest claim manager to determine if hiring a private investigator is the right action on your claim.
GRIP Group Manager: Ashlee Day (253) 237-0809 | ADay@ernwest.com
Upcoming Training
GRIP Webinar Training
These GRIP-specific trainings benefit new members or serve as a great refresher for established GRIP participants. Click on the dates below for more information about the training and to register.
May 6, 2021 at 10:30am | Getting your GRIP on Claims
May 20, 2021 at 10:00am | Hiring for Safety
ERNwest Webinar Training
ERNwest presents topics such as Understanding Industrial Insurance Rates, What is Retro? and Using Kept on Salary and Modified Duty Effectively on a monthly basis. Select a topic for more information and to register.
May 4, 2021 at 10am | Understanding Industrial Insurance
May 6, 2021 at 2pm | What is Retro?
May 18, 2021 at 10am | Fundamentals of Claims Management
May 25, 2021 at 10am | Using Kept on Salary and Modified Duty Effectively
Find more training online at ernwest.com/training.
Latest COVID-19 Updates
Additional RETRO Resources
GRIP Safety Resources
Access Toolbox Tips and general safety resources. Learn more.
Workplace incident or injury?
Contact ERNwest first.
Report incidents immediately so that your claims manager is aware and can help guide you through the process.
ERNwest.com/report-an-incident
Contact
For precautionary reasons related to COVID-19, MBAKS offices are closed until King County enters Phase 3. Staff is working remotely and can be reached via phone or email. Events and class cancellations are noted on the MBAKS Events Calendar. Refer to the MBAKS COVID-19/Updates for up-to-date information.
GRIP Retro Questions?
Ashlee Day, GRIP Group Manager, (253) 237-0809 | ADay@ernwest.com
GRIP Safety Questions?
Michael Octave, GRIP Safety Manager, (253) 237-0812 | MOctave@ernwest.com
Ann Kershul, GRIP Safety Manager, (253) 237-0819 | AKershul@ernwest.com
GRIP Stay-At-Work Questions?
Tom Nelson, GRIP Stay-At-Work Coordinator, (253) 372-2357 | TNelson@ERNwest.com
