DEVELOPING A POST-INJURY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Kevin O'Sadnick, CSP
Risk Control Manager, Safety National
The development of your Post-Injury Management Program (PIM) should be a goal that permeates throughout the entire organization. It is also recommended that the workers’ compensation (WC) process and Post-Injury Management Program be communicated to employees at the time of their new-hire orientation. Successful communication of WC and PIM Programs is critical! It should include a discussion of what WC is and also review the importance of prompt injury reporting, what should be done after an injury, designated medical providers, how medical bills are handled, and lost work benefits. The ultimate goal in explaining this is to ease any possible post-injury concern your employee could face.
It is believed that when employees have an understanding of the WC process and their employer’s PIM Program, they are less likely to hire legal representation. Successfully explaining the WC process and PIM Programs will display your company’s commitment and play a big role in successfully getting employees back to work. Every company should also make it a point to find out what their local WC regulations are in relation to whether they are able to direct medical care for injured employees. Most recommend researching nearby urgent care facilities or clinics close to their facilities. It is also not a bad idea to discuss with these facilities their average wait times for walk-in injures and even their capabilities for any post-injury drug or alcohol testing.
Another critical aspect of Post-Injury Management Programs is the manner in which the company representative responds or reacts when an employee injury is reported. Remember, the “bedside manner” of the person who takes an injured worker report will set the tone for this program’s success or failure. In order to respond appropriately to an injured employee, representatives should take an approach similar to the way one would respond to their child or loved one after an injury. An employee reporting an injury should receive a feeling of empathy, care, and non-judgement. Also, keep in mind that post-injury discussions or analysis should be strictly fact-finding, as opposed to fault-finding. The last thing an injured employee should feel is that their employer is out to get them or does not believe their account of what happened. Accident reports should always be non-biased and specific to facts. Communicate any doubts or concerns relative to the legitimacy of a work-related injury to your WC carrier and let them handle things from there.
Finally, when an injured employee returns to work with “restrictions” or “light duty”, make sure their direct manager reviews and fully understands the restrictions. These managers should keep an eye on and communicate with the recovering employee to ensure their work restrictions are truly a good fit for their capabilities. The last thing anyone wants is to have an employee working beyond his or her true capabilities, resulting in a new injury or worsening of his or her existing injury. It is also a good idea to ensure an employee with work restrictions is not working beyond the doctor’s restrictions. If an employee feels that their work restrictions are too limiting, or that they are capable of more, get them back to a physician for updated restrictions or possibly a full release.
By: Kevin O'Sadnick, CSP
Risk Control Manager, Safety National
Summary of Qualifications
Kevin is a risk control professional with over 13 years experience. Kevin has a broad base of knowledge and experience involving broker relationships, workers’ compensation, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, OSHA, fleet safety, auto liability, general liability, and property protection. He has experience working with the manufacturing, construction, retail, public entities, and service industries. Kevin began his career as a loss control consultant at a construction company where he was responsible for overseeing day-to-day job site safety as well as OSHA compliance and training. He later moved on to work at a major insurance carrier serving in various capacities as a senior loss control representative. He most recently worked as a loss control consultant at a Missouri-based insurance broker.
Responsibilities
Kevin is responsible for providing technical advice, managing risk control functions and coordinating risk control service for clients (policyholders) of Safety National. Kevin represents Safety National as a thought leader on risk control subjects and assists with developing new resources and enhancing existing resources.
Professional Affiliations
American Society of Safety Engineers
Board of Certified Safety Professionals
Education
Kevin is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in safety management. Kevin is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), a certified OSHA Outreach Trainer for General Industry, a registered loss control consultant in the state of Texas and an approved field safety representative in the state of Arkansas. Kevin is also a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).
