Worker's Compensation | Brownell Insurance

What resources are there for employers?

Employers – how has the rise in opioid abuse affected your business? Whether your employees have struggled with addictions, cared for family members who have, or you simply have struggled to find employees who test drug-free, there has likely been some impact.

While rising healthcare costs, and limited resources for addiction and treatment, mean a certain financial toll for business owners, there are ways to alter the likelihood for your company. Many opiate addicts have resulted from the onset of injury or trauma for which narcotics have been prescribed. These incidents, many of which occur on the job, lead to lost wages, lowered productivity and chronic pain management by many of those employees.

There are steps an employer can take to reduce risk, keeping injuries in the workplace to a minimum and identifying those at risk of chronic pain resulting from on the job injury. In fact, Travelers Insurance has developed a new Early Severity Predictor® model that helps to not only identify those at greatest risk of ongoing chronic pain resulting from workplace injuries, but also identifying adjustments to medical care and connections to resources which will help reverse the sharp rise in chronic pain caused by workplace injuries.

For more information on Employee Workplace Injury, the Early Severity Predictor or developing a Safety Management Program you may visit Travelers Insurance, or call our office. If you are currently an employer with workers’ compensation, be sure you are carrying the right amounts, and meeting all of the requirements of your policy. If you are uncertain about coverage limits, audits or other insurance related items, we would be happy to offer you a free consultation.

Worker’s compensation Insurance and Beyond

Three Critical Factors for Seasonal Employers

With the month of May quickly approaching many small business owners relying on seasonal employees, such as landscapers, roofing companies, paving companies and farmers, begin to interview and hire for the upcoming season. It can be a challenge to find good help, especially for temporary positions. But, once these employees are hired it is critical that they are covered on the job site in case of accident or injury. Be sure your worker compensation policy is brought up to date and that coverage is in place for this new group.

Provide the Right Coverage
In the state of New Hampshire, it is required that all employers engaging worker’s that are not owners of the business be covered by worker compensation insurance. The laws vary from state-to-state but failing to carry a policy of this type could result in fines or levies, and an on the job injury may significantly impact the business as medical bills may need to be paid out of the owner’s pocket.

Keep in mind that worker compensation insurance is separate from your general business policy but can be purchased through your commercial insurance provider.

Make Policies Clear
No matter what type of employees you hire, it is essential to have written policies and procedures in place. These policies must be applied to, share with and enforced thru all employees whether full-time permanent, part-time or contract workers. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault when on-the-job injuries occur if there are not written procedures and company policies in place.

Ensure that all policies comply with Labor Law regulations, for most labor laws, including those addressing harassment, discrimination, and workplace health and safety apply to temp and seasonal employees just the same as with any other employee. The same applies to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), covering minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping and child labor.

Reduce Workplace Injury
Besides covering employees with workers’ compensation insurance, the best way to keep the workplace safe is by enforcing safety rules and training.

There are several ways to maintain a safe workplace:

Perform regular safety inspections to eliminate r prevent hazards
Keep the workspace clear of materials, tools or equipment that could cause a worker to trip
Provide employees with necessary protective gear
Schedule thorough safety training for new employees, and have refreshers for seasoned employees
Display posters, brochures, etc. with safety reminders and tips

If you are unsure about whether or not you are required to provide worker compensation insurance, or the number of employees, or compensation amounts that may change your status, always speak to a professional for guidance. Your commercial insurance agent should be able to advise you of the current laws surrounding this, and business policy types. For additional information or inquiry please email Rick Brownell Jr., at rickjr@brownellinsurance.com