Collect Quality Information!!!!
Complete information and accurate at the beginning of a claim is imperative.
Imagine crossing the Atlantic with a packed lunch. Sometimes when I see the initial actions taken by an employer it is simply the return to work equivalent of this!
Unfortunately to safe guard your business and your workers from lengthy claims a “Packed Lunch” of information often cannot be relied upon!
Actions to take:
1. Ensure the lines of reporting and roles for incident reporting are crystal clear. This is where I find the most hold up in claims related information. The chain does not understand the importance of the information and therefore doesn't relay it in a timely or complete fashion. Current changes in OHS legislation make anyone party to the prevention of an incident or and “officer”. Heavy fines can be enforced for any organisation or individual who fails to inform, assess and address possible OHS hazards effectively.
2. Ensure you complete an incident form immediately after the incident. The managers on duty should fill out the form with the worker as soon as possible ensuring that all factors involved in the incident, and any potential reasons for the injury (whether it be work or non-work related) are recorded. Both the manager and injured worker should sign and date this document.
3. Fill in the claim forms. Many employers do not even know what these are. These are forms insurers supply to record all information they need to make an informed liability decision.
4. Have a preferred Nominated Treating doctor (NTD). It's a fantastic duty of care for your employees. Mean's they get the medical attention they need immediately as well as the employer support in the doctor’s surgery. At the initial case conference supply the suitable / pre injury duties to the NTD. This is a more complete level of consultation and will often save weeks of lost time on a claim.
Please take the time to complete these simple tasks. It often saves time later in a claims process and means that everyone is on the same page right from the beginning.
If you have any questions, suggestions or would like assistance with any return to work issues please contact me.
ross.mitchell@nds.org.au
Yours in safe return to work,
Ross.
Injury Management and Return to Work Advisor - National Disability Services
