Ohio Workers’ Compensation

What are some casual factors employers can use when reviewing their accident investigation reports?

When an occupational injury occurs, there are a lot of casual factors that employer’s can use to prevent the next accident from reccurring.

1. Tasks - Ergonomics, safe work procedures, safety devices.
   Example:  Employee’s are not following the proper work procedure and
   are finding ways to hurry to get their job done.
2. Material - Equipment  Failure, Machinery Guarding, any Hazard Substances
   Example:  No notification to management of any minor problems with the machines or tools
3. Environment - Weather Conditions, Noise Levels, Personal Protective Equipment
   Example: Winter weather such as ice and sleet causing slips and falls
4. Human Factor - This could be personal such as Level of Experience, Internal Training, and Stress
   Example:  Management not taking the time to give proper training 
5. Management - Management Support and Safety Policies
   Example: Not enough upper management support to enforce safety policies

Share This

Employers get it!  Document.  Document.  Document.  It has been drilled into their heads for years.  Clear and accurate employment manuals.  Work Rules.  Safety Training.  Injury reporting.  Safety Training.  Alcohol/Drug Testing.  Do it.  Make sure your records show you did it and that your employees attended.

So, you do all the right things and you still end up at the Industrial Commission.  A hearing officer holds your fate in his/her hands.  What matters to them?  What should you do to maximize your opportunity to prevail?  I talked with some of those that represent you at hearings.  Here is what they have to say:

1. The most believable person is the one acting in a reasonable fashion.  No eye rolling.  No exhaling in disgust.  These tactics will weaken your position.  If you want to make a statement, keep it concise and to the point.  Do not come off as if this is a personal issues and please, please do not complain about the high cost of your premiums-the hearing officers do not set them and most do not understand them. (Continued)

   Share This

Just another way to control your Workers’ Comp cost - The $15,000 Medical Only Program:
 
- BWC sponsored program which helps keep costs from appearing on your rating experience
- Will help keep rates and premiums lower despite claim activity
- Makes the employer the manager of medical only claims
- The employer agrees to pay up to $15,000 in medical costs per claim
- The employer can pick and choose which claims they want to be a part of this program
- The employer can also withdraw a claim from the program at any time even if they have not paid the full $15,000 yet
- The employer must pay all invoices in a timely manner
- The employer also must keep a payment log as the BWC can audit these files

Share This