A New Look at an Old Problem: Workers Compensation. Presented by Alan Smith, Sharon Edmon and Sabrina Jeter

Transcription

1 A New Look at an Old Problem: Workers Compensation Presented by Alan Smith, Sharon Edmon and Sabrina Jeter

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3 Objectives Who is Garland ISD Learn the basics of Workers Compensation Discuss employer responsibilities Learn about claims management Cover effective ways to handle claims Learn how to get buy in from top management Discuss claims prevention

4 GARLAND ISD 7,500 Employees 57,000 Students 3 Cities Garland, Rowlett and Sachse Almost 95 square miles 318 Buses 211 trucks, vans, etc. 12 th Largest School District In Texas

5 Understanding Workers Compensation Workers' compensation is a state regulated insurance program that pays medical bills and replaces some lost wages for employees who are injured at work or who have work related diseases or illnesses. Benefits are paid without regard to fault.

6 Understanding Workers Compensation Texas private employers can choose whether or not to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage for their employees. Public school districts in Texas are required by law to provide Workers Compensation benefits to their employees.

7 Employer Responsibilities Employers who carry workers' compensation insurance coverage are required to report all known occupational disease and any work related injuries that result in lost time. Employers who fail to meet these requirements commit an administrative violation and may be subject to administrative penalties.

8 Employer Responsibilities You have the right to: Information Dispute resolution Reimbursement for voluntary benefit payments Accident prevention services Loss run reports Assistance Report fraud Contest compensability You are responsible for: Reporting injuries Reporting wages Making supplemental reports Keeping records Posting notices Giving written notice to new employees

9 The Claims Management Process The Best Claims Management is Don t Have Claims How?

10 HOW? Use modified duty to reduce cost & Stop the claims with Safety

11 Light Duty (Modified Duty) Modified duty requires flexibility One Size Does Not Fit All Modified duty SAVES at a minimum 25% of the cost of claims

12 Light Duty (Modified Duty) 1. Develop a modified duty program one department at a time. 2. Start with worst problem and best attitude. 3. Be flexible a) Accommodate only one or two b) Limit time on modified duty c) If a department refuses modified duty, coordinate modified duty assignment in another department

13 Effective Ways to Handle Workers Compensation Claims 1. Report claims to your insurance company ASAP 2. Pay close attention to all open claims 3. Work closely with your insurance company adjuster 4. Do all that you can, as an employer, to get your injured employee back to work ASAP 5. Utilize Network Medical Providers/Political Subdivision for Workers Compensation Alliance

14 Top Management Buy In Top management support is the most important success factor for safety programs. They impact whether a program succeeds or fails. Active involvement from all levels of management, particularly those managers who directly supervise the work, will impact positive change. If support is not gained, employees will sometimes view safety improvement efforts as a distraction at best.

15 Top Management Buy In Recognize your success at board meetings, city council meetings, Commissioner s Court and other forums in front of other department heads. Show results: cost savings and people at work.

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17 4 Year Cost Comparison of Injuries

18 4 Year Count Comparison of Injuries

19 Count Comparison by Employee Type 09/01/13 08/30/ School Year 348 Injuries

20 Safety Program Risk Management has developed a Safety Team Leader Program throughout the district. These individuals have the great responsibility of being the liaison between Risk Management and their campuses or departments. Their tasks include: Submit monthly SurveyMonkey link or Distribute safety flyers each month Encourage safe behavior and participation Hold safety meetings Promote use of PPE (personal protective equipment) Notify Risk Management of all hazards

21 Claims Prevention Risk Management provides monthly safety tips and quizzes to the entire district. This program is designed to accommodate all employees, whether they have access to a computer or not. SurveyMonkey is the electronic tool used for those with access and flyers are created for those without computer access.

22 Claims Prevention Risk Management uses a few approaches to involve management, supervisors, principals and other leaders. These approaches include: Safety Newsletters Monthly & Quarterly reports with cost and count comparisons Meetings to review updates and safety guidelines Site visits and inspections Telephone conferences Incentive contests for 100% participation for school year

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30 Questions Garland ISD Risk Management Department 414 Stadium Drive Garland, TX (972) Tel. (972) Fax