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Feb 08
6

Tips to Help Reduce Your Workers Compensation Costs

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Take these precautions to reduce the risks and costs associated with an employee injury.

As a business owner, you are responsible for the success of your company and the safety of all your employees.  While this is a big order to fill, there are steps that you can take to ensure that your workers stay safe.  For instance, having the right business insurance is a great place to start when protecting your business.  However, there are other precautions that you can take to ensure that your workers compensation costs don’t get out of hand.  Here are some of the steps you should consider taking to reduce your business’s workers comp costs.

Take Claims Seriously

If an employee comes to you and tells you that they’ve been injured, it’s important that you take this claim seriously.  Even if the employee insists that the injury isn’t serious, you still need to take steps to ensure that your employee gets the necessary medical treatment right away.  Not only can your quick action prevent the injury from becoming more serious, but it can also ensure that you aren’t sued later for negligence.

Handle Issues When They’re Small

While that broken light bulb or that bit of uneven flooring might not seem like a big deal now, these issues can increase your employees’ chances of falling and injuring themselves.  Address potential safety hazards as soon as possible to avoid having to file a workers compensation claim down the line.

Be Involved in the Process

Many small business owners think that workers compensation claims should be completely handled by their insurance company.  However, claims can quickly spiral out of control if you do not manage the process carefully.  Take the time to walk through the process with your employee and make sure they aren’t feeling pressured or rushed.  Oftentimes, your employee will cause far less trouble if they feel listened to and supported.

Try out these suggestions to keep your business’s worker’s compensation costs down.  Remember, if you want to protect your business, it’s important to have the right business insurance to meet your needs.  To find the right policies to meet your needs, contact the professionals at Contractors Insurance Agency.

Jan 25
6
Steps to Take During a Worker’s Compensation Claims Investigation, essential elements of a workers compensation claims investigation

Steps to Take During a Worker’s Compensation Claims Investigation

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An employee injury can happen anywhere at any time.  If an accident happens in your place of business, then an investigation is sure to follow.  Not familiar with the different steps of a claims investigation?  Then learn more about the essential elements of a workers compensation claims investigation.

Interviewing the Injured Employee

One of the first things that will take place in an investigation is an interview with the injured worker.  Because they were directly involved in the incident, they can provide valuable insight to help a claims investigator evaluate the case.  Some of the common questions asked include:

  • How did the injury occur?
  • What activities were you doing just prior to the accident?
  • How did you report the injury?
  • What is the extent of your injuries?
  • Did you receive medical treatment immediately after the incident?

Determine Witnesses

The next step in a claims investigation is finding out who else was a witness to the accident.  Witnesses include those who saw the incident, but also those who know the injured employee’s habits and conduct.  Some of the important information to gather includes:

  • Activities and interest of the employee outside of work
  • Where they received medical treatment in the past
  • Any other organizations they belong to
  • The employee’s background (work and education)
  • Whether they have been involved in other workers compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits

Reconstruct the Site of the Accident

Finally, investigators will try to recreate the scene where the injury supposedly took place.  This can provide the necessary evidence to corroborate an employees story or disprove it.

These are the essential elements of a workers compensation claims investigation.  Unfortunately, you cannot completely eradicate the chances of an employee injury in your workplace.  To get the right coverage to address your needs, contact the team at Contractors Insurance Agency.

Jan 11
6
Handling an employee injury

What to Do If an Employee Is Injured at Work

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Do you know what to do in the event that an employee in injured in your workplace?  If you are a business owner, then you definitely should.  Even with the most intensive safety training and the strictest security protocols, it’s impossible to completely eradicate the risk of employee injury.  From having the proper business insurance protections to investigating the accident, you should be prepared for the worst.  Here’s what you need to do to if an employee is injured on the job.

Prevention

You should do everything you can to prevent your chances of an employee injury.  This means educating your staff on the best safety practices, properly training them on how to handle various tasks and to use equipment, and having the proper safety protocols in place.  Additionally, you should be sure that you have the proper workers compensation insurance so you’re ready if an employee is injured on the job.

Medical Attention

If, despite your best efforts, an employee suffers an injury during work, then the first thing you should do is get them the proper medical attention.  Even if the employee insists they are fine or if their injuries seem minor, it’s always better to be overcautious.  Oftentimes minor injuries can become more serious due to negligence or improper treatment.

Investigation

The next thing you will have to do is conduct and investigation of the accident.  Generally, this will require you to collect written accounts from the injured employee and any witnesses.  Additionally, you should take pictures of the scene of the accident.  These photos might reveal previously unnoticed hazards that might have contributed to the incident.  If you notice any dangers, then make an effort to remedy them.  Document the changes that you make.  Not only will this help prevent injuries in the future, but it will help you prove that you have made the necessary adjustments.

Insurance Claim

Finally, you will need to file a workers compensation claim.  Your insurer should be able to walk you through the claims process.  Keep in mind that you should never attempt to bypass this step.  If the employee’s injuries worsen or if they decide to sue, you will need your insurance policy to rely on.

These are the steps you should take to handle an employee injury.  Remember, the best way to protect your employees is by having the proper business insurance protections in place.  To get the right coverage to address your needs, contact the professionals at Contractors Insurance Agency.  Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.

Dec 28
6
Creating an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Your Business, emergency evacuation plan for your business

Creating an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Your Business

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Take these steps to create an emergency evacuation plan for your business.

Unfortunately, a natural disaster or other major emergency can strike with very little warning.  That’s why it’s so important that your employees know what to do in an emergency situation.  One of the best way to be prepared is by having an emergency evacuation plan for your business.  Not sure what an evacuation plan entails?  Then take these steps to help you create a plan for your business.

1) Set Procedures and Escape Route Assignments

Floor maps of your building should be posted prominently throughout your office space.  The location of exits, meeting points, and the location of equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits should be clearly marked.  Your building’s exit routes should always be well lit and should be kept clear to facilitate emergency evacuations.

2) Establish a Clear Chain of Command

When an evacuation takes place, you will need several calm and responsible individuals to oversee the evacuation process.  It’s important that your employees know who to look to for advice and directions.  That’s why it’s best to establish a chain of command before an emergency actually occurs.  Your leaders should understand their role fully and know that they might have to make split decisions for the safety of the rest of your employees.

3) Organize an Employee Check-In Process

Finally, you should create a procedure for employees to check in after an emergency evacuation.  You should assign someone to take a headcount to ensure that all employees are present.  A secondary check-in procedure should also be in place to inquire after employees who are not present.

Once you have an emergency action plan for your business, it’s important that you practice it.  Practicing your plan several times a year will ensure that your employees will know what to do when a real emergency arises.  Want another way to prepare your business for an emergency?  Then make sure you have the proper insurance protections in place.  To find the right policies to protect your business and your employees, contact the experts at Contractors Insurance Agency.

Dec 14
6
Try Out These Holiday Safety Tips for Your Business, holiday safety tips

Try Out These Holiday Safety Tips for Your Business

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Protect your business by trying out these holiday safety tips.

For many businesses, the holiday season means an extended closure of their offices.  If you are planning on closing your business for the holidays, then it’s important that you employ the proper security measures.  Protect your business this season by trying out these holiday safety tips.

1) Clear Away Debris

One way to protect your business during your absence is by clearing away winter debris from your business’s windows and doors.  For instance, you should be particularly careful to clear away fallen branches and any accumulations of ice and snow.  This will make it much safer and easier for your security team to survey your company’s building while it’s closed.

2) Remove Valuables

If you are going to be away from your business during the holidays, then make sure you and your employees do not leave any valuables behind.  Remove any money in the cash registers, valuable electronics, and any other items of value that you might have around your office.  Keeping all valuables out of sight will reduce your business’s chances of getting robbed while you’re away during the holidays.

3) Install a Security System

Even if your business has a security team, investing in a security system is a great way to add an extra layer of security for your business.  Not only can a good security system protect your business while you’re away, but it can also protect your and your employees when business activities resume.

4) Employ the Buddy System

If you have employees who want to come to the office during the holidays, then make sure they do not go alone.  Always encourage your employees to work in pairs.  This way your employees can watch out for each other, and keep an eye out for any potential dangers.

These are just a few holiday safety tips that you should employ to protect your business this holiday season.  Another way to make sure that your business and your employees stay safe is to make sure you have adequate commercial coverage.  To find the right policies to protect your business and your employees, contact the experts at Contractors Insurance Agency.  Our dedicated team has you covered.

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