Planning ahead for work injuries
Here’s what you can do to be ready if one of your employees gets hurt at work:
- Identify who will handle work injuries
Choose someone who will make sure injuries are reported to us, and stay in contact with injured employees, our claims staff and employees’ physicians. - Keep visible reminders of how to report around your office
Find posters, stickers and more in the resource catalog. - Establish a procedure for injury reporting and train your supervisors
Have guides to the injury reporting process around the workplace for supervisors’ reference. If your organization operates outside of normal business hours, be sure to mention any change in procedure for injuries during nights and weekends. You can use our one-page claim guide or create your own. - Assemble packets for injured employees to take along to the doctor
In each packet, include a Work ability / Return-to-work form, an insurance ID card with our billing instructions and address, and a letter telling the physician you offer light-duty work. We offer a claim packet that contains all of these items in one place, along with additional information on reporting claims and return-to-work. - Create a list of potential light-duty jobs
Ask your managers, “What would you do if you had extra help?” and use their feedback to create the list. Find a list of common transitional, light-duty jobs broken down by industry in the resource catalog. - Establish a return-to-work program
Make sure your employee handbook includes a policy that communicates your commitment to bringing injured workers back as soon as they’re medically able.
Learn more about why and how to create a return-to-work program - Notify us of your preferred clinic
Give your claims representative the name of your preferred clinic, or call us at (800) 937-1181. That way, if someone from your organization reports by phone, we can mention the name of the clinic when they call.
Learn more about why employers should get to know medical providers
Finding out about work injuries
When you or a supervisor become aware of a work injury, you become responsible for reporting it.
In most states, “employer notice” of an injury can include:
- Being told verbally or in writing
- Seeing an accident occur
- Suspecting that an injury occurred
Once you learn of an injury, the clock starts ticking toward state deadlines to either pay or deny workers’ comp benefits. You can help your employee get the right care and avoid fines by reporting all injuries as soon as you learn of them, even if they seem minor.
