Roles and responsibilities in Workers’ Compensation Employers – Injured Employees – Medical Providers and Insurance Carriers In determining why employers have losses, one of the most common problems we find is that responsibilities are blurred and are not articulated. As a result, the process gets off track, time is wasted and costs escalate. While roles and responsibilities will vary depending upon company policy, here are some general guidelines: Employer responsibilities • Provide a safe work environment • Develop written Return-to-Work policies and procedures • Educate all employees about the program • Train employees on proper reporting of incidents and incident investigation • Promptly report job related injuries to the insurance carrier • Provide information to employees about the Workers’ Compensation system and benefits • Develop a Return-to-Work information package for medical providers • Regularly communicate with the injured worker during the time away from work and monitor progress upon the injured worker’s return to the job • Make every effort to develop and provide meaningful return to work opportunities • Proactively communicate with the treating doctor and insurance carrier to encourage recovery and return to work • Develop functional job descriptions and identify physical requirements that clearly identify physical activities required to do the work • Hold medical providers and insurance carriers accountable for providing data to effectively measure results of disability duration and treatment • Evaluate the program Employee responsibilities • Know and follow safety policies and procedures • Report any injury immediately • If medical attention is necessary, inform your treating doctor that return to work opportunities are available to accommodate your physical abilities • Provide your doctor with a Return-to-Work Information Packet as provided by your supervisor • Notify your supervisor immediately if your work status changes • When your doctor releases you to return to work, report on the next regular shift and • Follow your doctor’s orders and restrictions at home and at work. Insurance Carrier responsibilities • Ensure proper administration of all Workers’ Compensation claims • Maintain communication with the injured employee, health care providers, and the employer; • Encourage and actively assist injured workers in the successful return to work. Health Care Provider responsibilities • Provide appropriate, effective medical treatment that facilitates recovery and expedites return to productive work (evidence-based guidelines) • Learn about the employer’s Return-to-Work program • Set reasonable return to work and recovery goals from the beginning of treatment • Work with employer to encourage appropriate return to work opportunities