Dawn Araya
Vice President, Regional Claims Practice Leader – Upper Midwest
Effectively managing workers’ compensation claims can become more than difficult—and potentially increase costs—if you’re not properly prepared.
Preparation can reduce overall costs and may benefit both the employee and the company by helping to support the employee’s return to work in a healthy state, both physically and mentally.
On the other hand, a poorly planned return to work (RTW) may increase the likelihood of relapse or secondary injury, potential legal challenges, and reduced employee confidence and productivity. This often results from a lack of communication, rushing the process, or treating the return as a "back to business as usual" scenario rather than what it absolutely needs to be: a transitional phase.
“Transitional” is a key word here. Use the term “transitional work” instead of “light duty” because the latter can make the RTW employee—as well as other employees—feel that the work arrangement could be long-term when the plan is for it to be temporary.
According to SFM Mutual Insurance, whose expertise is solely in workers’ compensation, transitional duty can help reduce overall costs, support healing, potentially lower the risk of litigation, and improve employee morale.
Ways to prepare to avoid return-to-work pitfalls
Follow medical advice regarding the employee’s capabilities. Ignoring restrictions outlined by a doctor may set the process back and potentially result in further injury or litigation.
Pay attention to mental health needs. RTW without workload adjustments or support structures can cause delays and possibly more medical issues.
Keep in touch during their medical leave. The workplace may have changed significantly—new and updated technology and new staff—without any reorientation.
Make sure to address safety concerns, including the underlying causes of the injury. An employee with mobility issues may need ramps, accessible restrooms, or a workspace that accommodates their limitations. Wherever necessary, consider changing safety procedures, processes, equipment, or employee dynamics that contributed to the injury.
Inform others of the returning employee’s reduced capabilities. Otherwise, it can lead to gossip and resentment, and the employee may feel guilty and work too hard to compensate, which can lead to a relapse.
What happens when RTW takes longer than expected?
A planned timeline for increasing work hours created by the employee’s doctor can help result in a more productive RTW.
- A worker with a significant back injury may continue to suffer from pain and muscle spasms that prevent return to pre-injury, difficult tasks.
- The employee may have difficulty getting back into the routine or become overwhelmed by interacting with other employees.
- If the employer doesn’t provide an accommodating environment, the employee may have to work at a slower pace.
How we can help you prepare
Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) can help you develop best practices to prepare for effectively managing the workers’ compensation process. We can also work with you to analyze specific claims.
MMA can help you mitigate costs and identify needs that may currently be unmet. We can work with you to develop return-to-work programs, improve safety and risk management protocols, assist in identifying quality medical care providers, and support efforts to reduce the risk of litigation.
In addition to our workers’ compensation consulting, our Workers' Health 360® provides your organization with holistic, easy-to-digest insights based on:
- Medical plan data
- Pharmacy use
- Short- and long-term disability
With our guidance, you can use data to create programs aimed at elevating employee productivity, positively impacting employee health and well-being, and reducing risk exposures affecting employees.
If you want to learn more about how MMA can help you be better prepared for your next workers’ compensation claim, reach out to an MMA specialist today to explore new approaches to workers’ compensation.
