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As the threat of the Coronavirus continues to expand globally, it is important that employers develop an exposure control and response plan as well as provide training to impacted employees. To help, ESM has developed training tools for employers to use as a framework from which to mitigate the exposure. Click for more information.
Read MoreIs there a quick resource to decipher what the claims adjuster is talking about with my Workers’ Compensation claims? Here is a quick glossary of term that helps you to interpret the Workers’ Comp lingo spoken by an adjuster.
Read MoreRecently, ESM was successful in assisting an excess carrier reached an amicable agreement with an employer in resolving a pending allocation on multiple claims for an injured employee that was first reported to the excess carrier over a decade ago. Click below to find out why allocation is important to large deductible and self-insured employers.
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There seems to be so many delays in moving a claim to resolution and closure. What can an employer do to speed up the process? Here are a few strategies to help you resolve your Workers’ Compensation claims.
Read MoreServices provided by the Insurance Carrier or Third-Party Administrator are usually dependent on the premium size of an account. What services will help you manage your Workers’ Compensation claims? Here are eight services that can be negotiated with the carrier at policy inception or renewal.
Read MoreBeing proactive with safety is part of our human makeup. Millions of years of evolution has expanded our neocortex all the while storing logic that defines safe and unsafe behaviors. This part of our brain known as the Reptile Brain, understands three behaviors: fight, freeze or flight. Find out about Cal-OSHA serious penalties, hazard assessment and how we can learn from our reptile brain.
Read MoreUPDATE: July 3, 2018
I’m sure you have heard the news and are trying to confirm its validity. Here’s the answer.
Per Cal-OSHA Consultation, NO!
Click to find out more.
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When it comes to the California Workers’ Compensation system, it is much easier to avoid penalizing situations than it is to fight them. So, how do we avoid getting slapped with costly penalties? There are three steps: Understand the Labor Codes driving your exposure, come up with a plan of action to avoid the exposure and implement it. Click to read more.
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The Governor’s proposed 20-21 Budget includes “$17.5 million and 103.5 positions in 2020-21 to 2022-23, funded by various special funds, to implement Chapter 296, Statutes of 2019 (AB 5) and to address increased investigations of worker status, wage claim filings, and workplace health and safety inspections.” Click to read more.
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Watch a webcast on Assembly Bill 1804 & 1805, which went into effect January 1, 2020.
Learn about the new reporting requirements (AB 1804), changes to the definitions of “Serious Injury or Illness” and “Serious Exposure” (AB 1805) and what employers can do to comply.
Read MoreUnsure of all the different acronyms used in the Workers’ Compensation industry? Click here for a list of frequently used terms and their definitions.
Read More“My doctor’s office can only schedule appointments during my work hours.” How many times have you heard this or one of the many other issues your injured workers have declared regarding lost time and their medical appointments? Click here for tips on payment practices.
Read MoreCal-OSHA found Home Depot’s safety policies and prohibition on open-toed or open-heeled shoes did not adequately protect employees. Result was a $11,250 citation, not including the cost of the injury and indirect costs of updating their safety program, appeal, legal fees, investigation time, etc. Click here to find out how to establish a shoe policy
Read MoreAn important concept in the world of insurance is subrogation. The idea of subrogation is often confusing for even seasoned insurance professionals. It is important to understand the basics so that companies and their agents can spot the potential for subrogation, since it may mitigate the exposure of a claim, and a corresponding hike in Workers’ Compensation premiums.
Read MoreLately, we have seen an uptick with a Compromise & Release (C&R) Workers’ Compensation Claims. With a C&R the injured employee receives a lump sum amount that includes a buyout of all future medical care. The carrier is “released” of all future exposure. However, if the employee is still employed, they can file another subsequent claim with the same employer. Even if it is to the same body part, medical care cannot be apportioned. There can only be apportionment to the Permanent Disability portion of the Award.
Read MoreWhen a serious injury or death occurs at work, your immediate goals are to:
Reduce the impact of a serious injury to the injured employee and co-workers/witnesses
Manage and reduce the cost of the injury
Comply with legal requirements
Recently, there seems to be an almost palpable and growing concern of violence occurring in our communities, schools and workplaces. At the same time there is a confusing dynamic. The issue of workplace violence seems to dominate our news feeds (and interest) in a very predictable manner; for a few days, or weeks after a high-profile incident occurs, then the energy fades.
Read MoreFirst aid is one of the most frequent topics of conversation I have with my clients. The confusion typically arises from two main issues:
The WCIRB (Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau in California) rule changes, starting in 2019, which deducts $250 from ALL claims in the X-Mod calculation (more on this later).
The differences between a First Aid designation for Workers’ Compensation insurance purposes, and a first aid incident under the OSHA definitions (listed below).
Receiving a subpoena can be intimidating! It comes in the mail and asserts that you must respond and maybe even appear by a deadline or else…
Well, first things first. Nine times out of ten you do not need to go anywhere. You can generally fax, mail, email or even have the copy service company collect the documents requested in person.
Read MoreCal-OSHA’s Heat Illness standard (Title 8, Chapter 4, §3395: www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3395.html) requires employers to have a Heat Illness Prevention Plan. Not having a policy, procedure and conducting the required training could result in employee illnesses, increased X-mods, higher insurance premiums and Cal-OSHA citations!
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