Glass
manufacturer avoids loss through Return-To-Work program
Insured
The business is a commercial glass manufacturer that employs 40-50 workers.
Situation
An employee suffered a shoulder injury while moving large plates of glass. The
immediate medical diagnosis by the treating physician was for two weeks off duty.
As a result, the employer was faced with a substantial indemnity claim and potential
increase in both Experience Mod and annual premiums over the next three years.
Assessment
It was determined that the injured employee had made no effort to communicate
to the doctor that the company had a Return-To-Work program, instituted by the
Certified WorkComp Advisors (CWCA). Nor had the doctor taken the initiative to
learn about the program and available transitional opportunities before submitting
his medical evaluation.
Solution
The CWCAs contacted the doctor’s office on several occasions, explaining
the company’s Return-To-Work program, and how it would be beneficial to
the employer, employee and the doctor’s office. The doctor agreed and re-wrote
the evaluation, prescribing an immediate return to work on restricted duty for
two weeks. At the end of the 14 days, the employee returned to full duty status.
Result
As a result of actions taken by the CWCAs, potential malingering and loss time
were avoided and the claim was kept out of the indemnity category. This enabled
the company to bypass a potential claim of $12,000 and a resulting increase in
its MOD and premiums.
