Summer Workers Comp Claims

Here are a few of the common workers’ comp claims filed in the summer months, and what small businesses can do to help reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and illnesses among employees:

Heat-related illnesses

Outdoor workers and those who work in non-air conditioned spaces are often at risk for a variety of heat-related illnesses, like heat stress and heat exhaustion. The most severe form of heat-related illness is heat stroke, which is a life-threatening emergency. It’s vital that employers provide proper training to employees and supervisors to ensure they understand the dangers of heat-related illnesses and how it can impact their overall health and safety.

A few things employers can do to reduce the amount of heat-related workers’ comp claims include:

Develop and implement an acclimatization plan for new workers to gradually increase their exposure to heat.

Keep workers hydrated by providing plenty of water and fluids throughout their shift.

Schedule frequent breaks and check in on workers to watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

Young or seasonal worker injuries 

Summer not only means a break from the books for teens and college students across the country, but it also represents an opportunity to save some money by picking up a full or part time job.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), employees less than 18 years old experience an estimated 160,000 work-related injuries and illnesses every summer, with the majority of these injuries occurring within the restaurant industry. These young or new, seasonal workers generally have less experience and training when they enter the workforce and may not understand some of the basic safety procedures designed to prevent injuries on the job.

To reduce workers’ compensation claims in young or seasonal workers over the summer, employers should require all new hires to participate in safety training programs, understand their right to work in a safe environment and ensure these workers are consistently supervised.

Summer business travel

Summer is a busy travel season for both business and pleasure. Employees required to travel abroad need to be aware of any potential risks this travel involves, and how they can best protect themselves. These risks include:

Unsafe drinking water: Employees should be reminded to drink only bottled water or carbonated beverages and avoid ice cubes in their drinks.

Threats of disease outbreaks in the region, such as measles, Zika and malaria.

Not receiving necessary vaccinations in the appropriate amount of time — in some areas of the world, travelers should receive vaccinations six to eight weeks prior to traveling.

Cleanup and restoration from storms or wildfires

Mother Nature can wreak havoc on commercial property, with heavy rains and high winds from storms destroying the exterior of a building, like roofs, signage, gutters and more. And, 2018 was one of the most destructive wildfire seasons to date, with thousands of commercial structures destroyed in the state of California alone.

These acts of nature and the cleanup process involved can also be hazardous to employees and can result in workers’ compensation claims. Therefore, a few of the steps employers should take to prepare for any nature-related incidents include:

Watch the weather reports to stay abreast of any impending severe storms.

Properly prepare the building by securing any lose items outside, moving items away from exterior glass frontage and unplugging electrical equipment.

Develop an emergency action plan to ensure employees have ample time to leave the premises and return home safely.

Following water damage, protect employees from the risk of mold developing by utilizing dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air.

Keep the area affected ventilated by opening doors and windows.

By: Brad Wilkins loss control manager at AmTrust

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Getting the Lowest Work Comp Cost

Getting the lowest Work Comp costs is NOT Brain Surgery..

 It’s a simple proceedure and we do it EVERY Day.

Right now, there are forces at work that are kicking up your Workers Comp Cost.. Inflating your bills and well, just  ’dipping their hands’ into your pocket.  You don’t know about it because it’s not your business to know.  Your business is Home Health Care!

You’ve been told that you have little or NO control over Workers Comp Cost  AND IT’S JUST NOT SO!

We use a Proprietary 3 Step Method lets you GRAB CONTROL from those people that ‘dip their hands’ into your pocket on a regular basis

Here’s how it’s Done..

#1: We have the rates for EVERY company in the state.. EVERY ONE OF ‘EM.

#2: We use our Comparison Processor and run them through a ‘Matrix’

#3 We take the results and MARKET YOUR ACCOUNT to get BIDS for YOUR business.

Once the numbers are in, we present the results!

After that, it’s IMPERATIVE that you maintain control and avoid COST CREEP..   So, we keep up on things FOR YOU

Here’s the short list of what you can expect:

1. Review Classifications for ‘best use’ determination

2. Review OPEN CLAIMS to assure that they are closed in a timely manner.

3. Review XMOD worksheets for error and correction

4. Prep you/your staff for Premium Audits

5. Review audit worksheets with you fir error and correction

6. File DISPUTED AUDIT notice when needed

7. Handle Certificates of Insurance

8. File CHANGE OF PREMIUM BASIS notice based on return premium audits or projected payroll changes.

9. Provide you with an in-house Certificate Management Program for use with vendors and sub contractors

10. Set up annual review discussions

Call me now… let us get to work for you! 

PJ  201 945 3100                               

 

 

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Why do some insurance companies SURCHARGE

 

Why do some insurance companies SURCHARGE  Your NJ  Workers Comp Premium?

 To a large extent, New Jersey Work comp is controlled.

  • Rates are published by the “Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau”
  • All companies must use those rates
  • Statistical date is maintained by the NJCRIB

There are certain circumstances that allow for a Surcharge on the premium developed using those rates

Placement in the “Assigned Risk” of Work Comp

If your policy is placed in the NJ Workers Comp Ins Plan (Assigned Risk) there is an AUTOMATIC surcharge of at least 17%    It can be MORE

Insurance Company filed Rate Surcharges

Some insurance companies think they need more money that the filed rates allow.  They ask for (and get) approval for a ‘rate surcharge’ over and above the state filed rates.

Good News.. You have choices!

There are alternatives to surcharged policies.  We deal with several “A” rated insurance companies that are Actively Seeking new Home Health Care Insurance Accounts.

Some of them actually DISCOUNT ….

Call me to find out more 888 312 94-843

 

 

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Just What Is “Pay As You Go” Workers Comp??

A relatively new development in Home Health Care Workers Comp Insurance is “ Pay As You Go “ billing.

Simply put:

  • You (or your payroll company) reports your weekly or bi-weekly payroll to the insurance company Then…
  • The company calculates the cost for Workers Comp insurance for that pay period.    And..
  • You “ Pay As You Go”

No More:

  • Large Up Front Deposits
  • Billing / Payment chase
  • Year end audit surprise

It’s a good deal for everyone, and now, YOU can get in on it. We do this every day for New Jersey Home Health Care Agency Owners!

No Set Up Fees…

Feel free to call me about this!

PJ Giannini
201 945 3100

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