Rehabilitation Of Injured Workers Boosts The Bottom Line
To most employers, Workers' Compensation insurance is a
necessary evil. Not only a statutory requirement, it ensures
that employees injured in the course of their work are taken
care of. It can, however, be very costly, particularly for
larger companies where the premium is based, in part, on claims
experience.
Work accidents can never be completely prevented, however, with
the implementation of safe work practices and a strong
rehabilitation policy, the number of incidents and time lost
will be significantly reduced. This will result in lower claims
costs and, therefore, lower premiums. Productivity losses are
also minimised with injured workers rehabilitated for a quick
return to work.
An employee being injured on the job affects several parties.
* The injured worker and his family need to be reassured that i.
his medical needs will be attended to and ii. the family will
not suffer financially.
* Colleagues and Workmates need to be reassured that the injured
worker is being taken care of properly and that management is
supportive. They also need to be kept updated on his progress
and expected return to work.
* Supervisor/Immediate Boss needs to know worker is being looked
after and also needs to take a proactive role in the
rehabilitation process. This is done through close contact with
the relevant rehabilitation and health professionals managing
the case and the injured worker himself.
* Corporate Management needs to be kept apprised of the current
situation; in particular, how the progress of claim and
estimated cost will affect claims costs. Close contact with
Workers' Compensation insurer will clarify this and ensure all
parties are working together to achieve a successful outcome
-i.e.: returning the injured employee to work.
Apart from the obvious stress and strain on the employee's own
family, the insured business is placed under pressure when an
employee is injured and at risk of suffering considerable
financial loss as a result.
For example:
Jim works at the "Crisp 'n Juicy" apple orchard. Crisp 'n Juicy
supplies eating apples for the major supermarkets in the state
and also has its own juicing centre at the orchard. From there,
Crisp 'n Juicy Apple Juice is transported all over the country.
Jim's job is to sort the apples according to size and type into
eating apples and juicing apples. It's a fairly specialised role
and a keen eye is needed to select which are juicing apples and
which are for eating. It is also fast-paced so Jim must be
quick, efficient and precise. It took Jim years to reach his
current level of proficiency; the only other person who can
match him is Crisp 'n Juicy's owner.
Just as work was finished for the day, Jim decided to pick up a
crate of apples and place it next to the sorting bay ready for
the next day. When he lifted it his back "froze" and he found
himself doubled up in pain. Jim's boss, Tony drove him to the
hospital where it was confirmed he had a slipped disc in his
back. Jim was certified unfit for work and kept in hospital for
a few days.
Tony visited him in hospital the next day, bringing claim forms
for Jim to complete and reassuring him that he would be looked
after. An appointment was also scheduled with Crisp 'n Juicy's
Rehabilitation Provider for when Jim was released from hospital.
Meanwhile, back at the orchard...
Bill, the owner of Crisp 'n Juicy, has ceased his outside
commitments with potential export market representatives so that
he can replace Jim at the sorting bay. He knows that to train
somebody new would take weeks, if not months.
Bottom line... Crisp 'n Juicy is losing money every day Jim is
not at work.
Two weeks have passed and Jim is moving more freely after an
intensive physiotherapy treatment program. In consultation with
his treating doctor the rehabilitation provider has devised a
return to work plan. The employer is thrilled at the prospect of
having Jim back at work and implements the program immediately.
Jim returns to modified duties for two weeks, sharing the role
initially with Leila, the new trainee. Jim is teaching her how
to sort apples, which enables Bill to recommence his marketing
activities and make the company more even profitable.
After two weeks on modified duties, Jim returns to full duties.
Seeing the potential damage that could have been done to his
business, Bill implements a work safety program, part of which
entails all workers attending a course on safe work practices,
including lifting.
In consultation with Crisp 'n Juicy's Workers' compensation
insurer, Bill learns that quick rehabilitation intervention has
potentially saved the company hundreds of dollars in premium.
Bill's a happy fellow.