Can Your Workers' Comp Carrier Pass a Safety Checklist?

March 25, 2002
Use this checklist as a tool to determine the effectiveness of your workers' compensation insurance carrier.

Loss control and safety traditionally have been an important component of an insurer''s service to business policyholders. Insurers, however, can vary greatly on the emphasis they place on loss control by helping their clients reduce workplace accidents and subsequent workers'' compensation costs.

The Wisconsin Division of Workers'' Compensation suggests employers use this checklist as a tool to determine the effectiveness of their workers'' compensation insurance carriers:

  • Your insurer explains the company''s loss control services within 30 days of the beginning of the policy period. It features safety in its communications with you.
  • For policyholders with regularly occurring lost-time claims, the insurer offers to meet with you at your business location to discuss safety, loss control and claims administration.
  • Your carrier helps you communicate your loss control, accident investigation, medical care and return-to-work programs to your entire work force to foster employee involvement and buy-in.
  • The insurer provides written guidelines on prompt and accurate reporting of all potential policy claims. Specialized forms for the administration of claims are provided to all policyholders, with easy-to-read instructions about how to file a claim.
  • Your insurer offers safety information in written and oral form for hazards peculiar to your industry or processes. A good carrier should be alert to your special risks and advise you to correct these hazards before they result in injuries.
  • The insurance claims adjuster should make every effort to contact the injured worker as quickly as possible after notice of a lost-time injury. The adjuster should fully explain to the injured worker how and when medical care will be provided and paid for by the insurer.
  • Your insurance claims adjuster reviews with a member of your staff the results of contact with the employee and medical providers, and any other investigations begun.
  • The insurer provides a detailed loss run. The frequency of loss reports depends on the volume of clams.
  • Your insurer assists you in developing light-duty and modified-duty programs. It is active in facilitating communication with the treating physician on return-to-work options.

Do not hesitate to contact your workers'' compensation insurance provider to discuss how it can work with your company in reducing work-related injuries. Remember, when purchasing workers'' compensation insurance, you are not merely buying indemnification for losses. You are purchasing a bundle of services, some of which can greatly affect the welfare of your company and its employees.

by Todd Nighswonger

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Ensuring a Safer Workplace through a Comprehensive Contractor Qualification Framework

March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...

EQT Private Equity to Acquire Avetta from WCAS

March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.

Guide to OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements

March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

What is the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers and why do they matter?

March 13, 2025
From raw materials to final products, each supplier tier poses risks and liabilities that can impact your organization. Avetta's supply chain management software offers peace ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!