Employers are increasingly utilizing temporary or float-pool staffing companies to fill shifts. As a result, we are seeing an increase in injury claims for temporary workers and the following trend:
The Injured worker names the location where they are injured as their employer, rather than the temporary staffing company. If the location is named instead of their employer (the staffing company) L&I assigns the claim to the company where the work was performed.
If the claim is assigned to the wrong account, there is a narrow window of time to protest the assignment before it becomes final. Once final, these cannot be changed, even if it is found later that the employee is not yours. Keep in mind, benefits paid on these claims could raise your workers compensation rates and lower your premium refunds.
What can you do?
- Before any injury occurs, let your ERNwest Claims Manager know that you are using temporary staffing in your building. This will help them provide a higher level of scrutiny when looking at your new claims.
- If your company uses temporary or float-pool staff, please carefully check any L&I correspondence to make sure that the employees assigned to your account work for your company.
- Let your ERNwest Claims Manager know immediately if a claim is filed for a temporary staffing company employee.