5 Ways Employers Can Reduce Workers Comp Claims

It is not easy being an employer in today’s economic climate. One of the things compounding the difficulty is the excess of worker’s comp claims. Yet, having too many worker’s comp claims need not derail the company. The following are five ways that employers may reduce worker’s comp claims:

License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source

Employee Hotline

Many times, employees have previously noticed an unsafe situation at work, but have said nothing about it. With a confidential employee hotline in place, the employees will feel comfortable to state an unsafe condition that they have picked up on. This situation can then be quickly and quietly corrected before any accident or claim takes place.

Managerial Presence

When an accident occurs, it is often the case that the employee was engaging in some risk-taking action. If there is a strong managerial presence on the floor, this kind of dangerous activity is less likely to occur. This is due to the natural process of people not wanting to appear off-task in front of their boss.

Frequent Inspections

In any workplace where a high volume of worker’s comp claims have been filed, it is wise to greatly increase the amount of inspections. There should be frequent physical inspections of the premises, complete with checklists and times and dates. The inspector should also have an area on the form where they can write in notes and observations.

Reporting System

It may be fun and productive to have a monthly drawing and provide gift certificates or other incentives to employees. A reporting system can be established for any employee who has reported potential safety situations or innovative solutions. That employee may be entered in the drawing to get the gift certificate. It is far more cost-effective for an employer to provide an incentive for prevention of an accident than to fulfill a worker’s comp claim.

Mandatory Safety Attire

Depending upon the type of work establishment, it may be appropriate to have mandatory uniforms or safety attire. This may include non-skid shoes for slick surfaces, eyewear or other protective gear, as indicated by the industry. Naturally, each industry has individual safety standards. Protective garments, gear and shoe wear can prevent a variety of accidents.

There is hope in today’s economic climate for employers. Worker’s comp claims may be greatly reduced. For one thing, frequent inspections of the physical premises will help. Also, a strong managerial presence on the workroom floor may help to prevent accidents and claims. Finally, a clear reporting system, employee hotline and mandatory safety attire will all serve to decrease the volume of worker’s comp claims. The workplace will become a much safer place to be.

About the Author: The preceding article was contributed by Brian S. from Orlando, FL. If you have been injured because of a workplace safety issue, he recommends WorkFlow Orlando, a highly qualified workers’ compensation clinic who specializes in drug testing Orlando services.