Medical bills, lost time payments, and permanent injury payments. The costs associated with workers compensation goes far beyond the basic premiums. Reducing the number of claims is in the best interest of the employees and the company.What's the best way to reduce claims? Here are a few areas of interest.

Safety First!

Make a comprehensive safety program and make it a priority for your staff. Boring lectures and ignored pamphlets don't do anyone any good. Make sure your employees understand that safety is for their benefit. A focus on workplace safety leads to fewer injuries. Fewer claims reduce your worker's compensation premium.

Accountability is a big part of enforcing safety. Even if a claim doesn't result breaking procedure should have consequences. Empower managers to implement safety programs and enforce them. Be sure to hold regular meetings with employees to discuss safety issues.

Wellness Programs

Create a wellness program that rewards healthy lifestyle choices. You can provide:

• Healthy food options

• Exercise programs

• Gym memberships

• Quick smoking assistance

• Much more...

Employee Input

Talk to your employees about health and safety. Discuss with them the consequences of high injury rates. Tell them how a safer healthy workplace will benefit them. Focus on both personal benefits as well as company-wide benefits. Be open with them about the business aspect so they know its something that's good for them and the company too.

Claims Handling

When a claim happens act quickly. Use efficient systems that allow you to document the incident and get treatment for the injury as quickly as possible. Normal turn around on reporting an incident should be under 24 hours. The faster an employee is referred for care the faster they will heal and return to work.

Fraud Prevention

Any suspected fraud should be forwarded to your insurance company. Do your homework. Look over your policy and confirm the claim is valid. Keep your eyes open for any indication of subterfuge.

For example, a worker is on light duties for a back injury. But then you learn they're volunteering to help a friend move furniture. That could be a red flag for further investigation.

Light Duty Options

Create ways for workers to get back to work as fast as possible. If they aren't able to resume full duties light duty option increase the likelihood that an injured work will come back to work and come back sooner.

Reducing worker's compensation claims is a valid way to cut costs in your business. But it's also a worthy goal when it leads to a healthier more motivated workforce. A win-win for everyone.