How Can You Control Workers’ Compensation Costs?

Regardless of the industry you’re in, the best way to control the cost of workers’ compensation premiums is to avoid injury claims. A safe environment, effective safety training, and ongoing programs to promote safe work habits are keys to preventing employee injury.

Once new employees are properly trained to perform their jobs safely, it’s important to maintain safety awareness. In addition to posting safety reminders in common areas, consider holding workshops or hosting safety seminars to talk in depth about the specific issues affecting workers. Providing incentives for good safety records is also a good idea.

In most states, workers’ compensation is “no fault.” That means that on the job injuries are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of the cause of the accident. In other words, if employees are injured on the job due to their foolish or careless behavior, those accidents are covered by your workers’ compensation insurance. This is why it’s crucial to continually promote safety awareness and safe work habits.

Workers compensation costs businesses over a half trillion dollars. You don’t have to accept your current levels of workers compensation claims or claim costs. Contact Proof:Positive today for a free initial consultation.

Safety Programs – For a Healthy Balance Sheet

The quality of an organization’s safety programs forecasts an employees’ likelihood of entering the workers’ compensation system. The time and resources invested in enforcing safe work practices reflect the employer’s commitment, not only to guarding an employee from workplace hazards, but to protecting them from the hazards of our workers’ compensation system.

Carefully-crafted programs embed the standards for a safe workplace into daily operations. Successful programs begin with employee selection, protection of employees through training and hazard controls, engage employees in the process, and support the employee in their return to work, should they become injured. A safety program with this scope, protects an injured employee from a sometimes arbitrary and disabling workers’ compensation system.

Strong safety programs are the foundation upon which supportive and enriching tools can be provided to the injured employee. This is also the bedrock upon which substantial cost savings and productivity gains are built. Successful companies have already discovered the value of a strong safety program. In fact, it is rare that an organization enjoys high margins and strong revenue, in absence of a strong safety program.

Building a strong safety program begins with management commitment. If an organization lacks in-depth knowledge of workplace safety, or needs an objective assessment of their current program, a comprehensive review is in order. Proof Positive will develop a blueprint for safety program success.

Remember: Safety program quality is a proxy for balance sheet health.