Case Study: Metal Fabricator
Saves $40,000
Insured
A metal fabricator with annual revenues of $2,800,000 and 26 employees.
The company manufactures metal sign-holders for various retailers.
Situation
With no history of carpel tunnels issues, the insured experienced a rash
of carpel tunnel injuries unexpectedly, with two in excess of $80,000. This
drove the company’s Experience Mod up to 1.72 and resulted in the
policy being canceled by their Workers’ Comp carrier.
Assessment
The first claim was a legitimate case and the employee required medical
attention and physical rehabilitation. The following claims occurred so
rapidly that they were deemed questionable. There was also no clear language
in place in the employee manual to address the situation.
Solution
After a detailed analysis, the Certified WorkComp Advisors (CWCA) designed
and implemented a detailed and specific plan of action. The insured’s
Return-to-Work program was replaced with a proper Recovery-at-Work plan
and the outdated manual was rewritten. Injured workers were assigned appropriate
light duty. The CWCAs conducted educational courses for medical providers,
who previously had minimum knowledge of workplace injuries, Finally, the
insured was placed with a carrier who more fully understood Workers’
Compensation procedures.
Result
The first injury, a 57-year old woman who had to have both wrists medically
treated, returned to work through the Recovery-at-Work program, and the
claim remained a medical only claim. This saved the company over $40,000,
and an estimated .40 points on its Experience Mod. Further declines in the
Mod are expected as a result of the improved injury management practices.
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