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Gheck Iniury Claims

Although the workers' contpen- sation prenriums for each iob classification are set by state ag'encies, the basic rate can be changed by the clainrs experience of the individual company with some paying as much as one-third less than the basic rate while others pay 5001, more.

Careful monitoring of clainrs can reduce rates. Putling through all claims because of union pressure is wrong because employees are lempted to claim contpensation for off-job injuries.

Claims not verified by a supervisor should be carefully investigated. If a worker does not report an injury until the next day, it is wise to be especially thorough in checkIng.

The nurse should take careful notes when a worker reports to the medical office with an injury. lf a different version of the accident should be given to the supervisor or to a compensation referee, these notes can be inrportant in getting the claim denied or the amount of disability reduced.

All questionable claims should be challenged. Refuse to put in a claim and contest it if the worker files. Be sure to appear at the hearing. Even if the worker is granted compensation, the word will get around that the company is not an easy mark.

Be certain that the insurance company investigates all claims carefully and rejects doubtful ones.

Establish a vigorous safety program with full management participation. Appoint a management safety committee to review accidents and determine preventive measures.

Preventing Theft

(Continued from page 86) help to cut down on shoplifting losses.

Keep tight checks and controls on washrooms.

Keep unused checkout aisles closed.

Schedule working hours to assure adequate personnel coverage during peak periods. Keep doors that are used infrequently locked.

Post antishoplifting signs.

Display small inexpensive items behind the checkout counter. Keep small expensive items in locked display cabinets.

Use plainclothes patrols in larger stores.

Make sure employees know what to do when they spot a shoplifter. Turn over apprehended shoplifters to the police.

During busy periods, station a uniformed guard at your exit.

Most people are basically honest. Remove the temptation to steal, and there is every chance that they will remain honest. But unfortunately, the retailer must also protect himself against the minority who are basically dishonest - the hard-core thieves.

The only way to stop an employee who is a chronic thief is to uncover his method of operation and put an end to both it and his employment before your loss is great. Undercover investigation is the most effective way to do it because the chronic thiefis adept at working around antitheft procedures such as package examinations at employee exits.

Such investigation can be done by (l) developing your own informants or (2) hiring professional investigators.

Although home-grown informants might appear to be less expensive, working with a qualified, reputable investigative firm has advantages. For one thing, the welltrained professional does the job in an objective, impersonal way. He knows what to look for, where to look, and what steps to take to trip up the hard-core thief.

The investigator's function is clear cut - to investigate and to uncover employee and customer theft as quickly as he can. He reports his findings to the ownermanager with documented evidence.

You can also get advice, assistance, and information from a merchants' protective association, a retail credit bureau, a Better Business Bureau, the police department, and the district attornev's office.

Tips on Goal Setting

Goal setting for employees, a sales team. or personal accomplishments should follow certain rules to assure success.

(1) Be realistic. Don't demand more than is possiblel a person should not feel that the task is beyond reason.

(2) Be specific. Establish a clear goal with no chance of misunderstanding what is to be done and the expected results.

(3) Be flexible. Goals must coordinate with those of the employee without conflict.

(4) Measure progress. Criteria for judging progress of the employee should be established.