4 Workers’ Compensation Mistakes to Avoid in the Construction Industry

4 Workers’ Compensation Mistakes to Avoid in the Construction Industry

Workers’ comp is granted fairly based on a medical records review. Here are 4 mistakes the construction industry should avoid to reduce costs.

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Workers’ compensation programs were introduced to reduce litigation associated with work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Workers’ compensation lawyers need to determine whether it is worthwhile taking up a case, and for this they usually utilize the service of a medical review company to review the injured / ill plaintiff’s medical records. Employers in all industry sectors must have workers’ compensation coverage for their employees.

The construction industry is one sector where workers’ compensation coverage is vital especially because this industry is characterized by dangerous worksite areas and complex/hazardous job requirements. Injuries/illnesses/accidents can easily happen. Construction workers include carpenters, roofers, sheet metal workers, welders, flooring installers, plumbers, electricians, and other laborers. High-risk occupations in the construction industry come with the following concerns: • Construction site accidents • Electrical/plumbing accidents • Falling debris • Crane, forklift, bulldozer and other vehicle accidents • Exposure to hazardous materials • Occupational diseases Workers working with metals can incur the following common injuries: • Cuts from sharp objects/metal • Eye injuries from pieces of metal flying into the eye or scratches to the surface of the eye • Back injuries from lifting heavy objects improperly and not maintaining proper posture while handling objects Employees injured on the job may file workers’ compensation claims to receive financial assistance to cover medical costs and lost wages. However, when several

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workers’ comp claims arise, it would increase insurance premiums and business costs.

How can business owners reduce insurance premiums and control costs? By avoiding certain workers’ compensation mistakes.

1. Hiring employees that are not qualified for the job: This is a major reason for the increasing number of claims. Only qualified employees will know how to properly perform their jobs. In addition, they would know the safety measures to follow to prevent injuries and accidents. So, when hiring workers for your construction company verify whether they have the necessary credentials. Consider the following important things.

• Is their experience from trade school or an apprenticeship?

• What types of certifications does the employee have and who administered those certifications?

• What about their previous work experience? How long were they on the job and what were the job responsibilities? Who employed them?

• Has the person completed the required training (OSHA, metal work training etc.)?

2. Not having in place an onsite plan of action to prevent workplace injuries: It is important for businesses to create a clear plan of action for their workers. Though creating such a plan requires considerable time, it can minimize the chances of injury. With a lower injury rate, there will be fewer workers’ compensation claims.

• Provide access to lift training • Provide protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, steel toe boots, helmets and so on, as well as proper training on how and when to wear that equipment.

• Create a system of procedures for heavy equipment use

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• Ensure that employees attend ongoing training that includes working with metal, and updates on safety procedures within the industry 3. Not properly following the workers’ compensation process: This is the biggest mistake employers can make. Missing deadlines, submitting incomplete paperwork, not following up with insurance adjusters – these can create many problems that will have a negative impact on the employee as well as the business. Here are the mistakes to avoid.

• Not reporting an injury/accident immediately • Missing important deadlines for submitting paperwork • Not getting a written statement regarding the injury from the employee • Not having a good plan of action to help injured workers get back to work • Not following up with injured workers who are on leave 4. Not changing the classification of the business operations: Businesses are required to obtain a classification that ideally describes their business practices because insurers use that classification to determine the best coverage, which in turn is used to calculate how much compensation needs to be paid. If a change in business operations is made (adding a new division/expanding services etc.), businesses should re-evaluate their classification. This will help avoid the situation where the current insurance policy does not provide proper coverage for the injured employee.

Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory, and the compensation amount is made available to an injured/sick employee based on a comprehensive medical records review. By avoiding the mistakes outlined above, businesses can prevent high premiums and increased costs and benefit from easier claims processing.

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