Reduce Lost Time Claims with Supervisor Training
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Reduce Lost Time Claims with Supervisor Training

Any business or organization would be thrilled to learn a simple, proven, low-cost way to impact their lost time claims and workers’ compensation costs.

Turns out, there’s just such a thing.

Kathy Espinoza – a board-certified professional in the fields of ergonomics, safety and workplace issues – recently published an article entitled “Want to reduce lost time claims? It pays to be nice.”

In this article, she explores research on the topic, which shows that

just four hours of supervisor training on communication skills and respect of injured workers, along with ergonomic accommodations for injured workers reduced lost time claims by 47 percent. The study also showed an 18 percent reduction in existing claims and an 80 percent reduction in workers’ comp costs.

See the research abstract: “Supervisor Training to Optimize Response to Worker Injuries” 

Espinoza goes on to describe in detail the four-hour training program which achieved these results, focusing on basic communication strategies, ability to empathize and ergonomic modifications. According to the study itself, this training led to “statistically significant improvements in supervisor’s confidence to communicate effectively with injured workers, suggest ergonomically-based job accommodations, and maintain a positive and supportive attitude with injured workers.”

Another, related study examined by Espinoza showed that modified duty and early return to work programs are even more effective when communicated by supervisors as an “enterprise-valued and expected part of returning to work for everyone.”

Espinoza concludes, “Consider training your supervision team on how to communicate effectively with injured workers, how to provide and support ergonomically-based job accommodations, and the importance of being supportive, proactive and collaborative with injured workers.”

Contact Saginaw Bay Underwriters for more information on this topic. We’d be happy to help your company or organization with the kind of training described here, as well as safety initiatives, early return to work programs and more.