Despite how successful your Lodge’s risk management program is, Lodge employees can still get injured at your Lodge.

Workers’ Compensation insurance provides coverage for “on-the-job” injuries, including medical expenses and lost wages. This coverage applies regardless of fault and is written to follow individual state laws. Some states require this coverage, while others highly encourage it.

Because workers’ compensation claims are different from case to case, there is often confusion surrounding how to handle a claim.

When to Report an Injury

Report lag, or the number of calendar days between when an injury occurs and when it is reported to the insurance carrier, is a major issue in workers’ compensation claims. Measure your Lodge’s report lag, and make adjustments, if possible.

Generally, the shorter the length of report lag, the better. Timely claim reporting is an indicator of a good claims management program. It means:

  • Communication is open between parties
  • The injured employee received proper medical care
  • Adjustors are able to fully investigate claims in a timely manner
  • Compensability decisions are able to be made

In fact, when claims are not reported within the state’s statutory window, report lag can be a cause for litigation.

How to Avoid Claims

While workers’ compensation claims are inevitable, there are steps you can take to make your Lodge safer. Implement these measures to prevent workers’ compensation claims.

  • Require employees to go through orientation and training
  • Talk through all tasks and ask which tasks employees feel comfortable doing
  • Use professionals for high-risk tasks, such as roof work
  • Schedule regular breaks for anyone working more than two hours
  • Encourage employees to ask questions
  • Establish a lifting policy (wide stance, bend at the knees, rise using legs, not the back)

A smart risk management program paired with a workers’ compensation insurance policy can help reduce your Lodge’s workers’ compensation claims and associated fees your Lodge may have to pay in the event of a claim.