Workers Compensation HR, JE, 12/10/12
Part 1 What is Workers Comp?
Workers Compensation in Georgia Workers Compensation laws vary by state. In Georgia they are administered by the Board of Worker s Compensation According to Georgia s State Board of Worker s Compensation: The Workers' Compensation Act defines the responsibility of the employer to provide prompt medical and disability benefits for injuries sustained on the job by workers, resulting in partial or total incapacity or death. In return, the employer is shielded from tort liability for these injuries.
VPH Workers Comp Statistics Workplace injuries have other costs as well: Life changes for the employee Productivity loss Recruiting costs Large settlements for permanent partial or full disability
Part 2 Workers Comp Statistics
VPH Workers Comp Statistics Top auto liability claim causes for FY2012: 1. Following too close 2. Backing into another vehicle 3. Inattentive driving 4. Improper backing up
VPH Workers Comp Statistics Top injury claim causes for FY2013: 1. Falling (same level) 2. Struck and injured by client 3. Altercation 4. Strain jumping 5. Stuck by object being lifted 6. Strain from pushing or pulling
Part 3 Accident Reporting
Accident Reporting Workers injured on the job must report the accident immediately to their supervisor. If their supervisor is not available, employees will need to report the accident to the next available supervisor. If no supervisors are available, employees should contact Katrina Patterson in HR at 678-209-2360.
Types of Workplace Accidents 1. Emergency Care accidents 2. Non-Emergency Care accidents (still requiring medical care) 3. No-medical care/incident Only accidents
Emergency Care 1. Employee should proceed to the nearest emergency medical care facility or call 911. 2. Notify the supervisor, who must report the injury by calling DOAS (Department of Administrative Services) 877-656-RISK (7475). 3. After the emergency situation subsides, the employee must call the AmeriSys Case Manager at 678-781-2848 or 800-900-1582.
Non-Emergency Care 1. supervisor must 1 st report the injury to DOAS by calling 877-656-RISK (7475). 2. After the injury has been reported by the supervisor, the employee will need to call AmeriSys at 678-781- 2848 or 800-900-1582 to talk to a case manager. 3. The case manager will assist you in selecting a physician and obtaining follow-up care. (Supervisor must have already reported your injury to DOAS.)
Incident Only (No Care) If the accident does not require OUTSIDE medical attention, supervisors should NOT CALL in the incident to DOAS or AmeriSys. Instead, the supervisor must complete the Report of Employee Injury form. Fax the form to Katrina Patterson at 678-212-6314. Calling in accidents that do no require outside medical care will result in an unwarranted $85.00 charge to View Point Health.
Accident Investigation One of your employees tells you that something hurts. You may need to ask more questions to see if it is related to their job. What kind of questions would you ask?
Part 4 Accident Prevention
Accident Prevention Help your employees avoid injuries on the job by keeping the work area safe: Tuck away cords and wires, especially during holidays. Move boxes off the floor to prevent tripping. Clean up spills immediately. Call Melissa Knight for help moving heavy things. Call Melissa Knight if there is something loose, broken, or wrong with your unit s furniture or building environment. Encourage employees to take occasional breaks, switch between tasks, use aides like wrist pads, and to spend time doing hand/wrist exercises to help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Seek assistance if a client becomes hostile or abusive. Take precaution in inclement weather, clear debris, and clean up standing water or ice. Keep your employees health and wellness in mind.
Do you have any Questions? Katrina Patterson 678-209-2360 Katrina.patterson@vphealth.org Jamika Solomon 678-209-2364 Jamika.Solomon@vphealth.org
Pop Quiz 1. What are the 3 most frequent injuries at VPH? 2. How could you prevent each of these in your unit? 3. If a salaried employee gets hurt but does not require medical attention, what should you do? 4. What if they are an hourly employee? 5. What if they are an agency temp? 6. Who is VPH s Workers Comp expert?