Return to Work
Managing Performance Issues for Light-duty Workers
We know that providing return-to-work (RTW) options help claims close faster and maintain control of your workers’ comp program. The benefits on your bottom line are well worth the process of identifying appropriate work, obtaining physician approval, and getting buy-in from supervisors.
There are times, though, when an employee will have performance issues while on light duty, and that undue stress could shadow the benefits of RTW. For example, what if an employee consistently shows up to work late, causes problems with other employees, or defies your job site rules? Should you continue to manage this situation, or should you let the worker go?
To help you answer this question, consider some potentially unwanted effects. Do you want your premiums to increase in the future? Do you want to lose control of an already difficult claim? Do you want to reward an employee with L&I benefits? If you answered no to any of these questions, then do not move too quickly to terminate a difficult worker.
First, call your ERNwest claims manager to help you understand the cost and consequences of termination and to help assure that you have all the proper claim documentation in place to avoid time-loss benefits. Secondly, pull out your employee handbook. Injured employees are subject to the same rules and policies as all other employees. You do not have to wear “kid gloves” when you manage a worker on light duty; however, you need to apply your policies consistently between injured and uninjured employees.
If you have a complex claim situation or are dealing with difficult performance issues, call your claims or group manager right away so they can guide you through best practices for your company and help you save costs and alleviate stress.
Stephanie Scheurich, WHCA Group Manager (253) 237-0837 | SScheurich@ernwest.com
WHCA Safety
Nursing Home Safety Precautions
As an employee of a nursing home, you are subject to many stressors on your body throughout the day. This may include lifting heavy or awkward equipment, rolling food carts, pouring food out of heavy pots, reaching into containers, making repairs, and doing housekeeping chores. Performing such repetitive and strenuous tasks can lead to chronic pain or injury. Download ergonomic tips to keep staff injury-free on the job.
WHCA Safety Resources
Access WHCA and general safety resources. Learn more.
OSHA Recordkeeping
Your Responsibilities
Time to get up-close and personal with those OSHA logs. December is usually the month business owners clean up Worker Injury and Illness records, in preparation for the recordkeeping scramble in January. Remember that if you are a “covered employer,” you have two obligations:
- You are required to post your OSHA Form 300A Summary in an area available to employees and employee representatives, February 1 – April 30.
- You are required to provide your OSHA Form 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses during 2020 in electronic format to Federal OSHA by March 2, 2020.
ERNwest offers webinars to help you complete your OSHA Recordkeeping responsibilities. OSHA Recordkeeping – Nuts & Bolts and OSHA 300 Recordkeeping Electronic Reporting are offered in both Decembers 2020 and January 2021 and will get you up to speed on all your recordkeeping requirements. Go to a list of ERNwest Training online to register for the webinars that work on your schedule. Download the OSHA Fact Sheet to understand full requirements under the rule.
Q&A
Who must complete the OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping forms? How do I know if I am exempt from OSHA Recordkeeping?
Under the OSHA Recordkeeping regulation, certain covered employers are required to prepare and maintain records of serious occupational injuries and illnesses using the OSHA Form 300 Log. Learn Who Keeps Records and if you are exempt from the recordkeeping rules.
If I am not exempt from OSHA Recordkeeping, am I also not exempt from the OSHA Electronic Reporting requirement? How do I know if I am a ‘covered employer?’
If you know you are exempt from the recordkeeping rules because, for example, you’re an employer with ten or fewer employees during the entire year or your business NAICS identifier appears on the list of exempt businesses, you are also exempt from the OSHA Electronic Reporting Rule. The exception is that the State of Washington Labor and Industries (L&I) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) or the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) may select you to participate in the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses for the reporting year and that you must keep accurate and complete records of each workplace-related injury and illness. Learn what a covered employer is.
Helpful Safety Topics
Winter Weather Preparedness
Cold weather is upon us, and it’s time to start preparing. For many, working outdoors in winter can bring new factors into the workplace, and education and awareness can help prevent winter weather from causing incidents and injuries. The National Weather Service identifies October and November as months for Washingtonians to start preparing for the months ahead. Follow the link for ways to raise awareness and help keep employees safe during the winter months. https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter
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.
Upcoming Training
Select the dates below for more information about ERNwest-specific trainings and to register.
November 3 | 10:00am | Understanding Industrial Insurance Rates
November 5 | 2:00pm | What is Retro*
November 17 | 10:00am | Fundamentals of Claims Management*
November 19 | 10:00am | Incident Analysis: A Systems Approach
View a list of all ERNwest training
COVID-19 Information
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
Remember to report all incidents on the ERNwest website so that your claims manager is aware and can help guide you through the process. | ERNwest.com/report-an-incident
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 (Central/Eastern WA) (253) 237-0831 | DBeaman@ernwest.com
