Maintaining an effective light-duty program

1. All injuries should be reported to Penn National Insurance as soon as possible.
   Prompt reporting of all injuries involving outside medical treatment is critical to the claims management process. Any delay in reporting the claim directly affects the adjuster’s ability to properly investigate the loss and make the proper decision regarding the payment of statutory wage or medical benefits.
2. Train supervisors on their role of managing workplace injury. Supervisors play a key role in responding to injuries, in returning injured employees to productive employment, and in assisting with the investigation of accidents. Ensure that all supervisors understand their post-injury responsibilities and their key roles in prevention.
3. Set clear expectations for all employees. All employees must understand their responsibilities in preventing injuries, in working safely, and in reporting injuries to their supervisors. Employees also should understand that you have a system that will take care of them if they become injured on the job. The security that comes from this knowledge tends to reduce their anxiety over what may happen to them if they become injured.
4. Keep the focus on safety and analyze all accidents to prevent recurrence. A continuous focus on safety conveys two key messages to employees: You are serious about eliminating hazards and performing the work as safely as possible. And you care about the well-being of all employees. After an accident, carefully analyze the root causes and implement appropriate corrective action. When you do this immediately, it reinforces your basic safety message.

Core material provided by LynchRyan, a management consulting firm specializing in workers' compensation cost controls.