Managing Workers Compensation Costs and Loss Control in the Workplace

Managing Workers Compensation Costs and Loss Control in the Workplace

Managing Workers Compensation Costs and Loss Control in the Workplace Presented by: Denise Moore, CIC Association Programs Director Alicia Piecuch, CSP Loss Prevention Cia Hart, AIC, CPDM Workers Compensation Claims MaryBeth Puncochar, CPDM Workers Compensation Claims Our loss control service is advisory only. We assume no responsibility for management or control of customer safety activities nor for implementation of recommended corrective measures. This presentation is based on information supplied by the customer and/or observations of conditions and practices at the time of the consultation. We have not tried to identify all hazards. We do not warrant that requirements of any federal, state, or local law, regulation or ordinance have or have not been met.

Experience Rating Changes National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) submitted Item E-1402 for state regulatory approval. The changes will go into effect January 1, 2013. One of the changes that will impact us all: Increase in the split point calculation Source: National Council on Compensation Insurance FYI-CW-2011-05 3

What is Experience Rating Split Point? Experience rating uses a split rating approach to reflect frequency and severity of losses Amount up to $5K is primary and reflects frequency. Primary losses are given full weight in experience rating formula. Amount over $5K is excess and reflects severity. Excess losses are only given partial weight in formula. Source: National Council on Compensation Insurance FYI-CW-2011-05 4

Experience Rating Split Point The current split point of $5,000 has been in place for over 20 years Indications are that the split point should be increased to $15,000. This is not surprising since the average cost of a claim has tripled since the last split point update. Source: National Council on Compensation Insurance FYI-CW-2011-05 5

Changes in Average Claim Cost Average time loss and medical only cost at first report Source: National Council on Compensation Insurance FYI-CW-2011-05 6

Timeline for Changes Effective on the loss cost/rate effective date for each state beginning with 1/1/13 filings Transition program will phase in the split point change First year the split point will be increased to $10,000 Following year, the split point will increase to $13,500 Third year, the split point will be increased to $15,000 plus 2 years of inflation adjustment (rounded to the nearest $500) Source: National Council on Compensation Insurance FYI-CW-2011-05 7

What Impact Can be Expected? When the split point is increased from 5K to 10K: Overall, the experience rating changes will be revenue neutral In general, experience credits will become larger and experience debits will become larger There will be exceptions to the above, especially when the mod is near 1.00 Source: National Council on Compensation Insurance FYI-CW-2011-05 8

9 Source: National Council on Compensation Insurance FYI-CW-2011-05

Review from NCCI Changes outlined in Item Filing E-1402 will be implemented beginning with state rate filings effective on and after January 1, 2013 Change is premium neutral Generally, employers with favorable loss experience will receive larger credits Generally, employers with less favorable loss experience will receive larger debits Source: National Council on Compensation Insurance FYI-CW-2011-05 10

Loss Prevention in the Workplace Frequent OSHA penalties Major workers compensation loss sources Common controls for each major loss source Loss prevention basics 11

OSHA in the Hospitality Industry Hazard Communication Standard Requirements for safe walking and working surfaces (slips/trips/falls) Provision and use of personal protective equipment Electrical Source: SIC 5810 (Eating and Drinking Places) for October 2007 - September 2008 www.osha.gov 12

Major Loss Sources 13

Major Loss Sources Hospitality Source: Liberty Mutual, 2009 14

Slip/Trip/Fall Same Level Floor surface quality Floor cleaning products adequate to do the job Train employees on proper floor care Clean as you go policy Slip resistant shoes 15

Manual Material Handling What lifting, carrying, bending, rotating tasks are your employees performing? Restocking How are heavy items stored? Are employees trained on proper lifting techniques? 16

Struck By, Against or Caught Between Objects Fingers in safe Equipment Falling boxes or objects Employees running into each other Doors opening into others 17

Slips and Falls from Elevations Stairs, ramps, inclines, ladders Can elevation changes be avoided? Anything over ¼ inch is a trip hazard 18

Workplace Violence, Misconduct Cameras, security guards, police presence Background and reference checks on all hires Opening and closing procedures Cash handling procedures Management training Accountability 19

Loss Prevention Basics Develop written safety program New employee training 20 Refresher training Active safety committee Regular workplace inspections Documented Effective accident investigation Corrective actions taken Accountability

Controlling the Case After a Claim Happens

Controlling the Case After a Claim Happens 4.1 million employees sustain an occupational injury or illness each year 80 million workdays are lost annually, costing businesses over $20 billion annually There is a direct correlation between the number of time loss days and the medical cost incurred get workers back to work as soon as possible Frequent and ongoing contact employer communication with injured workers results in improved outcomes by 20% 22

Respond Timely and Appropriately Investigate the circumstances from loss prevention and containment perspective Take immediate remedial action to prevent further or addition injury Talk to witnesses; consider having them put observations in writing 23

Timely Reporting Report new claims immediately to insurer Enables carrier to begin management immediately Reporting does not constitute claim acceptance or agreement with facts as stated by employee Failure to allow employee to file a claim can result in penalties Determine if worker needs emergency medical care 24

Maintain Contact Remain in regular contact with employee who misses time from work Preserves the relationship between employer/employee Provide transitional work opportunities to employees who cannot return immediately to their regular job Participate actively in return to work process 25

Conclusion Being proactive about maintaining a safe workplace and returning employees to work after an injury will help you control your costs from work-place incidents Questions? 26

Thank you!