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) –
Overexertion
Overexertion Injuries from Transfers and Lifting
Spring is finally in the air and a great time to remind everyone to use good body mechanics when doing transfers and repositioning of residents. But let’s not stop there! Use the same body mechanics and lifting guidance at home as you head outdoors to garden and play sports. Download Safe Lifting & Carrying techniques.
When there is a mismatch between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the worker, injuries can result. Ergonomics is the practice of designing equipment and work tasks to conform to the capability of the worker. OSHA offers health care tips on Ergonomic Hazards and Solutions.
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
May 20, 2021 at 10am | Hiring for Safety
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.
WHCA Group Manager: Stephanie Scheurich (253) 237-0837 | SScheurich@ernwest.com
Upcoming 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
WHCA Safety Resources
Access WHCA and general safety resources. Learn more.
How WHCA Group Retro Affects
Your Bottom Line
L&I workers’ compensation rates have declined steadily over the past several years, saving our industry millions of dollars in paid premiums. Get the details.
WHCA Pays You Back!
The association, through the Retro program, will reimburse up to $2,500 per year when you buy equipment needed to keep your staff working safely. Access the Safety Rebate Form for a complete list of covered items and for instructions to get started. Download the 2020-2021 WHCA Safety Rebate Form.
Administrator / Executive Director Training
Whether you are new to the Washington Health Care Association (WHCA), new to Retro, new to your position or just have questions, you’ll find helpful information about the benefits and requirements of WHCA Retro membership and how ERNwest can help you succeed with Washington Workers’ Compensation. | Welcome to WHCA Retro
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
Contacts
WHCA Retro Questions?
Stephanie Scheurich, WHCA Group Manager (253) 237-0837 | SScheurich@ernwest.com
WHCA Safety Questions?
ERNwest Safety Department Safety@ernwest.com
Darrell Beaman (253) 237-0831 | DBeaman@ernwest.com
