Tips to Control Worker’s Comp Costs

• Match a worker’s skills and abilities to their job.
• Make safety a job priority.  It’s far less expensive to prevent an accident than to pay for one.
• Fix dangerous conditions.  Failure to take corrective measures when you become aware of a hazard creates the potential for a “Serious and Willful Misconduct” suit.
• Train supervisors.  Supervisors and managers are included in the definition of “employer” in workers’ comp law.
• Report employee injuries as soon as you become aware of them.
• Provide claim forms within one day of learning of an injury.  Forward the completed form to your insurance provider immediately.
• Refer the injured worker to an approved medical provider if you plan requires one.
• Keep in touch with the injured worker throughout their recuperation period.
• Allow workers to return to their jobs as soon as possible, altering their responsibilities as necessary, either temporarily or permanently.
• Maintain good records in the employee’s personnel file.

Reducing the Risks: Liability and Workers’ Compensation Claims

Although  the following suggestions are directed towards hotel operations, we thought many are applicable across a variety of industries. 

· When hiring new personnel, conduct more extensive background checks and require green cards and other identification to prevent future liabilities.

· Walk the grounds daily, making sure there are no hazards for employees or guests.

· Know where subcontractors, landscapers and maintenance crews are working, and where they are storing their equipment.

· Provide employee incentives for those who follow safety rules.  For example, employees who work for a length of time without injury may accrue points for a gift card or other benefit.

· Be sure you have proper coverage for guests’ technology devices, including laptops and PDAs/phones.

· Document every mishap in detail, even if no one needs medical treatment.  Without documentation, the injured party may later claim s/he suffered more serious injuries.

From Bruce Zaccanti, Ernst & Young, as reported in Hotel and Motel Management, February 4, 2008 issue, p. 40.

Tips to Minimize Legal Woes: Guest Accidents

Often the first few minutes after an accident occurs are the most crucial.  The following steps should be utilized by control people in that critical time period:
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