Skip to main content
search
All Posts By

robintek

Oct 10
Love0

News from the Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference

By Workplace Safety

1610-wc-3The Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference (WCI) is just one example of how complex this topic is to everyone involved, from doctors to employers. Many of the sessions are made solely for those in specific industries (e.g., only for judges or attorneys.)

With a variety of laws from state to state and interpretations of those laws from state to state, this conference has to address a lot of questions and confusions. We’ll give you an idea of what it was like to attend, though it should be noted that it’s impossible to cover it all here.

All Eyes on Florida

The Florida Supreme Court has already ruled on several aspects of the workers’ compensation rules, as in they will not be limiting attorney fees and temporary employment benefits, in an effort to avoid needless litigation from employers. Some experts say this has worked with fewer court cases being heard, but insurance companies are claiming that they’re now subject to paying the costs and haven’t been able to set prices for their premiums based on these laws. They now want to raise their rates up to 20%.

Florida is where the event was held, so it was a topic that was especially on people’s minds. Between this and the contrasting event of falling costs of rates in Oklahoma, it was these two states that won the spotlight. Everyone at the conference wanted to fight against fraud and waste, but the best ways to regulate that is still debated by many.

Bureaucracy, Advocacy and Safety

These are typical topics when it comes to anything related to workers’ compensation, but the conference attempted to address them with a modern bent. For example, studies into the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) have not necessarily shown the rates to have changed due to the laws, though it behooves employers to keep an eye on any overlap between provider networks and approved workers compensation professionals for additional cost savings and streamlined care. They also talked about the employees who are not covered by workers compensation (e.g., domestic or agricultural workers.)

There was more information about how employers can better develop their own safety plans, and how changes in healthcare will affect the program. The conference addressed how many larger businesses do not have effective risk management, and how accountability should be at the forefront of each business.

There was an emphasis on how data can help people make better decisions, and on how best to use that data when it comes to driving change in workers compensation. In other words, there was a lot happening at this conference, and if you want to learn more about a particular talk you can click here.

Oct 10
Love0

What You Need to Know About the Workers Comp Appeals Process

By Workplace Safety

1610-wc-2Every day you likely see people make decisions you wish they would reconsider. People make mistakes because they’re tired, bored, angry or just plain uninterested in what’s happening around them. Appeals were made for those who feel the courts were full of professionals making choices based on their own self-interests and not based on the facts.

We’ll tell you what you need to know about workers who choose to go through the appeals process.

Before You Reach the Courts 

If a doctor denies a request for treatment that an employee feels is necessary, the first step is to get a second opinion. Often this can be done through a Qualified Medical Examiner, meaning this person has undergone special training to work with injured patients on the job. However, if an employer refuses to acknowledge their part in the matter or the insurer denies their responsibility in the claim, then it may be necessary to take the matter to the courts.

How It Works 

For some cases in workers compensation, the employer is clearly at fault, they cover the employee’s injuries and insurance picks up the tab. However, other times the facts aren’t so clear and the employer goes to court. Workers compensation will typically have their own judges who work to decide fair outcomes for all employees they see.

They look at the testimonies of the employee and potentially the employer, they’ll gather the medical information and review all other evidence to determine what compensation should be given. Once the judge gives their decision, either the employee or the employer may appeal. In New York state, it’s normally 30 days after the filing, but each state will have their own specifications.

The appeals board typically will then have the power to modify the terms of the decision, or flat-out agree or disagree with the judge. If those on the Appeals panel don’t agree with each other, it will get kicked up to a higher level for a full Board review, in which case there will be another set of people who look at the facts.

Benefits and Beyond 

You are not required to pay benefits while a case is being contested, meaning that some employers have used it to tie up funds by dragging cases out through appeal after appeal. The justice system is somewhat malleable in that cases have the ability to be pushed up the ladder until they reach the very top — especially in unique cases that haven’t been tried before. If you’re at a loss of what to do, remember that there are always options. However, the legal costs and hassle may not make it worth it.

Oct 10
Love0

Common Rules for Doctors in Workers Compensation Cases

By Workplace Safety

1610-wc-1Doctors to a certain extent run their practice they way they want to, as they can choose the types of cases they take and use different methods for different patients. However, they also have to play ball, so to speak, with a number of different regulators.

From being approved to working with a certain insurer to keeping their medical license, they have a lot to consider. We’ll look at how workers compensation plays out for them.

State to State 

There is a lot of misinformation out there about how doctors treat workers compensation patients, and much of it has to do with the fact that each state has their own rules. For example, in California a worker can have their regular doctor treat their injury if they had their own health insurance at the time they were hired and if they had already told their employer about their doctor before being injured.

In other states, the employer may choose the doctor as a way to ensure there is no fraud or the worker may be able to choose any doctor that’s in their network.

Insurance and Billing

A doctor has to follow a very complex set of rules should you go to him or her with a work-related injury, and the billing gets confusing quickly. Though a patient can typically go to any doctor as the very first consultation (or the ER should it be deemed necessary), a doctor may refer them to someone else for additional treatment.

Also, in certain states it may be possible to receive care from a PA or an RN for treatment while in other states one may be required to see an MD or DO, and the care may be limited. Say a worker has chronic back pain (to take one of the most common scenarios of injury), and they want to see a specialist like a chiropractor or massage therapist for relief. The insurance may cover only a few sessions at most.

Finding a Doctor 

As an employer, it’s easy to want to use all the power that you have available to you. In many cases if you live in a state that allows you to make the decision, it makes sense to find a doctor that will be fair to your employees, but who will never recommend treatments they don’t need. Ultimately this should lower your insurance and make you less of a risk.

However, it’s also worth noting that when a doctor doesn’t have a history with a patient, they’re liable to make mistakes. Those mistakes could very well leave you liable to additional compensation if something goes wrong and the worker never fully recovers.

Oct 10
Love0

How to Add Temp Staff Quickly During Busy Seasons

By Risk Management Bulletin

1610-rr-4Does your business have a busy season? It might if your industry is retail, landscaping or catering, and that means you may need temporary workers. Here are several tips on how to add those workers quickly to your staff during your busy seasons.

Prepare and Plan

Unless this is your first year in business, you know when your busy seasons fall during the year. Take time during the slow times to prepare for the busy hiring season.

  • Decide how many employees you need.
  • Outline job duties and write detailed job descriptions.
  • Write your help-wanted ad and identify in-print and online job boards.
  • Clear time in your calendar to conduct interviews.
  • Set up a training program.

Hire a Temp Agency

Screening employees requires a big chunk of your time and valuable resources. Consider hiring a temp agency.

The temp agency is experienced in finding, screening and hiring employees. In fact, they probably already have a list of potential employees for your business. With their help, you can focus on doing your job instead of on finding and hiring temp workers.

Start a Referral Program

You already have a team of great employees. Why not reward them for referring the people they know, like and trust. Chances are high that your team will only refer quality candidates since their reputations are on the line.

When starting your referral program, determine the reward. It can be cash, a day off when business slows down or other high value prize. Then determine how many referral prizes each employee can earn. Finally, follow through and award the referral prizes as you promised.

Recruit on Local Colleges

Local college campuses are filled with students who need extra cash. They also typically have flexible schedules, so recruit your next temp workers there.

Contact the administration office or student employment office and share your job openings. You can also participate in job fairs or get permission to post job ads on school bulletin boards.

Offer Retention Bonuses

You invest quite a bit of time and resources in finding and trailing temporary workers. A retention bonus encourages them to remain on your staff after the busy season.

The bonus can be as large or small as you can afford. Also, consider giving a bonus to any temp employees who are available as needed throughout the year to fill random large orders or cover staffing gaps as needed.

These tips can help you quickly fill seasonal employment voids. Use them to ensure that your business can fill orders and meet customer demands as you keep your business moving forward.

Oct 10
Love0

Your Responsibility for an Employee’s Substance Abuse

By Risk Management Bulletin

1610-rr-3Seventy-five percent of the nation’s alcoholics are employed, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration. If your small business employees someone who abuses alcohol or drugs, your business’s safety, productivity and your bottom line are at risk.  For maximum protection, implement a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and alcohol and understand your responsibility for substance abuse.

Know the Law

According to federal law, only certain companies have to implement a zero-tolerance policy and test employees for substances. Those companies:

  • Have a federal contract or grant of more than $25,000
  • Are involved in any type of public or commercial transportation
  • Provide natural gas facility services
  • Work at railroads
  • Operate vehicles registered with the U.S. Coast Guard
  • Perform air traffic duties

Your small business may not meet these requirements, but you are still required to maintain a safe culture and environment in your business. If one of your employees is injured on the job, your business is responsible for the Workers’ Compensation claims. Likewise, if one of your employees injures someone else while he or she is working under the influence, your business will assume the liability.

Screen Employees  

Most substance abusers do not announce their problems. They also may gravitate toward small businesses that don’t have strict drug and alcohol policies or regular testing in place. Protect your business when you require all new employees to take a drug and alcohol test and agree to your written substance abuse policy.

Write a Substance Abuse Policy

Protect your employees and small business with a written substance abuse policy. It will:

  • Outline your zero-tolerance policy or other restrictions on substance use
  • Solidify any employment testing requirements
  • Share the consequences for positive drug or alcohol tests and subsequent use
  • Maintain confidentiality

Find more information about how to develop a legal and non-discriminatory alcohol and drug abuse policy from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Provide Treatment Options

Your small business is not required by law to provide treatment options for employees who suffer from substance abuse. Consider offering treatment options, though.

Join a consortium of other small business owners. Together, you can provide an employee assistance program (EAP) that offers short-term counseling and treatment referrals and assists you in retaining your quality employees.

You should also familiarize yourself with the substance abuse treatment options provided by your insurance company. Share the available resources with employees who are covered by the policy and have a substance abuse problem.

Alcohol and drug abuse can impact your small business in a very negative way. Create a plan to address your responsibility and reduce your risk.

Oct 10
Love0

Cash Flow Mistakes That Threaten Your Small Business

By Risk Management Bulletin

1610-rr-2Every small business needs capital to succeed. You might be making cash flow mistakes, though, that threaten your business’s success. As many as eight out of 10 small businesses and start-ups fail because of poor cash-flow management reports U.S. Bank. Take time today to analyze your small business and correct any cash flow mistakes.

    1. Buy Impulsively

      Whether you’re brand new to business or have been in operation for years, impulse buying is tempting. However, it can ruin your ability to buy what you need, weather slow seasons and grow.

      Curb impulse buying when you create a budget and follow it. Before you buy anything, analyze its purpose. Also, consider how often the item will be used and if you can find it cheaper somewhere else. As an example, insurance is a necessity, but shop around for the best rates on the coverage you need.

    1. Don’t Get Paid in Advance

      When you allow your customers to pay after you perform a service or provide a product for them, you risk not getting your money. Plus, your cash is tied up in the materials needed to make their product.

      Always collect a portion of the total cost upfront, and use that cash to pay for materials. Be sure to collect the full payment before you make the final delivery, too.

    1. Let Late Payments Slide

      You likely have a relationship with most of your customers and may not push them to pay past-due invoices. However, if you don’t receive payment for the good and services you provide, it won’t take long for you to go out of business.

      Secure your business’s future when you collect payments on time. Set up payment reminders, charge interest on past-due accounts and require invoices to be paid in full before you deliver further goods or services. Check into collections policies, too, as you protect your bottom line.

    1. Don’t Keep Enough Cash on Hand

      You never know when an emergency will occur. Plus, you need to prepare for slow times.

      Set aside adequate cash. Ideally, a cushion of three to six months of operating expenses could help you stay in business if slow sales or an emergency occurs.

  1. Make Unrealistic Revenue Projections

    As a small business owner, you may be optimistic about future sales.  Creating unrealistic projections could cause you to overextend yourself now, though.

    Be honest and objective when predicting your revenue. Use accurate expense and sale records as well as past data when you calculate future revenue.

Your small business’s success depends in part on your cash flow. Stop making these mistakes today as you pave for the way for a positive future. For assistance, contact your business mentor or local SCORE chapter.

Oct 10
Love0

How Online Listings Secure Your Business Identity

By Risk Management Bulletin

1610-rr-1A quick Google search of your business can reveal interesting results. One of the first things that may pop up is your online business listings. They include details about your services, location, hours of operations and contact information. These listings help customers find you, and they can secure your business identity in several important ways.

Help Customers Find You

Your small business grows as customers purchase the goods and services you offer. By participating in online listings, you assist customers in learning more about your business. When you don’t claim your online listings, you could lose potential customers to your competitors, so claim all your listings, post pictures of your products and staff, update your office hours and make it easier for customers to find and get to know you.

Protect Your Brand

You’ve spent time developing your brand, and now you need to protect it. Claim your online listings before a competitor does. Remember that shady operators can also claim your listings before you do and then hold them ransom. It pays to claim all your online listings now and then monitor them regularly.

Secure Your Reputation

Almost every business has disgruntled customers or former employees. Because anyone can edit online listings, these disgruntled people may change information on your listing. Secure your reputation when you:

  • Claim all your online listings
  • Protect the accounts with a secure password
  • Check your online listings
  • Ensure the information remains correct

Include Helpful Reviews

Many customers want to know that you’re a reputable business that meets or exceeds customer expectations. Reviews are one way they can find out if you’re a good fit for them or not. Be sure to ask your loyal customers to post positive reviews on your online listings.

Maximize Customer Service

Sometimes, your customers are not satisfied and turn to the internet to leave feedback. When you stay updated on your online business listings, you can reach out to any unsatisfied customers and address their complaints. Your diligence could turn a skeptic into a loyal customer for life.

What to do Next

Now that you know how your online business listings help you, learn how to keep them working in your favor.

  • Claim all your online listings. Many are free.
  • Secure your online listings with a password to your online business listings to prevent anyone from changing the information.
  • Perform regular updates to ensure the information remains correct.
  • Add keywords that describe your business as you stay on top of the search engine listings.

Online business listings can play a role in your small business’s success. Claim your listings today and update them regularly. With these tips, you secure your business reputation and identity.

Oct 10
Love0

Is It Cheaper to Insure an Old or New Car?

By Personal Perspective

1610-pp-4How old’s your car? To save money, you may prefer to invest in older model cars. The insurance costs could take away any financial benefit, though, so understand if it’s cheaper to insure an old or new car.

Drop Comprehensive Coverage

Older cars depreciate in value. Find your car’s value in Kelly Blue Book or Edmonds then check your insurance policy. If you’re paying more for your comprehensive coverage than the car is worth, drop it and save money.

Your Age Matters

If you’re a young or senior drivers, be prepared to pay higher auto insurance rates because statistically drivers in these age groups have a high risk of accidents. On average, middle age drivers enjoy the lowest insurance rates.

Check Out the Safety Features

The safety features on your vehicle can lower your insurance rates since they reduce accidents. Older cars without safety features such as automatic brakes and back-up cameras may be more expensive to insure.

Drive Safely

The way you drive can actually influence your auto insurance rates more than your car’s age. Maintain a clean driving record to get the best rates.

Know Other Factors that Determine Insurance Rates

Your car’s safety features, your age and your driving record impact your insurance rates. Other factors can affect your policy’s costs, too.  Those factors include:

  • Marital status
  • Gender (depending on the state in which you live)
  • How often and where you drive the vehicle
  • Claim history

How to Lower Your Rates

You increase your chances of earning low insurance rates when you take several steps.

  • Don’t drive while you’re distracted. Pay attention to your surroundings and keep your focus on the road.
  • Obey traffic laws and follow posted signs.
  • Choose a high deductible. By increasing your deductible, you can lower your annual vehicle insurance costs.
  • Improve your credit score. Many insurance companies use your credit score to decide if you’re a good insurance risk, so improve your score to get lower insurance rates.
  • Add a vehicle. Instead of purchasing two different insurance policies, add the second driver in your home to your policy and save money.
  • Bundle different policies. Purchase auto insurance from the company that also insures your home or rented apartment, and you’ll get a discount on your car insurance.

While the age of your car does affect your car insurance rates, other factors also determine the amount of insurance premiums you pay. For more details, talk to your insurance agent. He or she can also suggest additional steps you can take to lower your rates and get the insurance coverage you need.

Oct 10
Love0

What Timeshare Insurance Do You Need?

By Personal Perspective

1610-pp-3A timeshare is one way to vacation in style since it gives you access to your favorite vacation destination. When you purchase a timeshare, you can choose from three different types – deeded ownership, right to use and points. Before you embark on your next trip, make sure you purchase adequate timeshare insurance.

  • Deeded Ownership

    With a deeded ownership timeshare, you buy the timeshare and then live there a few weeks out of every year. When you’re not there, other people use it. Because you own the unit, you may sell, lease, bequeath or donate it.

    Title insurance is the first type of insurance you should buy for a deeded ownership timeshare. It ensures the title for the unit is free and clear and indeed legally owned by you.

    Purchase deeded timeshare property insurance, too. It covers your timeshare property against losses from fire, weather, vandalism and theft.

    Consider a comprehensive policy that insures the building and your contents and provides liability coverage as well. The contents policy covers the possessions that are in the timeshare. Liability coverage can pay medical expenses or court costs if someone is injured while staying at your timeshare, and it pays for damages a friend may do while staying in your unit.

  • Right to Use

    This type of timeshare is one that you rent or lease for a set number of years. You do not own the timeshare but can rent, transfer or bequeath the right to use the unit.

    Because you do not own the timeshare, you will not need to purchase property insurance. The actual timeshare management company or develop will carry this coverage. However, you may pay for that insurance coverage as part of the unit’s maintenance fee.

    What you will need to purchase is contents and liability insurance policies. Your full-time homeowner’s policy may provide the contents and liability coverage you need, but read the policy carefully to be sure.

  • Points

    Some timeshare developers or club managers sell points you can redeem for your vacations. This option gives you flexibility in where you stay, and the points may be redeemable for travel and other vacation-related expenses.

    If you participate in a points timeshare, the timeshare developer or club manager will usually pay for property insurance. You should read the timeshare contract and find out if content and liability coverage is also paid for or if those policies are your responsibility.

The timeshare you choose determines the type of insurance you need. With all three choices, review your contract carefully to find out what’s covered. Then talk to your insurance agent as you purchase the right timeshare insurance for your needs.

Oct 10
Love0

What is Lock Bumping?

By Personal Perspective

1610-pp-2As many as one in five homes are invaded annually in the United States. One tool thieves use is lock bumping. They use a bump or rapping key to unlock pin tumbler locks and gain access to your home. Learn about lock bumping as you take steps to secure your home and peace of mind.

How Lock Bumping Works

Typically, you can only open a door with a key that’s specific to that lock. The key’s design aligns with the lock, pushes the pins into place above the shear line and unlocks the door.  A bump key is designed to also unlock a door except the thief inserts it into the keyhole and taps the key with a screwdriver or hammer. The bumping pushes the pins in the lock above the shear line and pops the lock.

Thieves can easily learn how to make a bump key thanks to numerous online how-to videos and instructions. With a collection of 10 different bump keys, they can open 90 percent of the doors in the U.S., and the entire process takes a few seconds. Tips That Protect Your Home From Lock Bumping

Protect your home and prevent lock bumping with several steps.

  • Buy a different pin tumbler lock. Certain locks are harder to bump. When shopping for new locks, look for ones that are:
    • Made with security pins
    • Not made from hardened steel
    • Designed with programmable side bars and not top pins
    • Equipped with a trap pin
    • Shallow drilled where one of the interior pins is slightly shallower than the others
  • Change the spring tension. Stronger top springs in the lock make bumping harder, so ask a locksmith to make at least two of the top springs firmer.
  • Replace the traditional pin tumbler lock. Instead, invest in a disk tumbler, time, combination, electronic or electromagnetic lock. They don’t contain pins and are less vulnerable to bumping.
  • Reinforce existing locks. If you don’t want to replace all the locks in your home, replace the door’s metal strike plates. It mounts on the doorjamb and costs about $10.
  • Lock your door always. Whether you’re hanging out at home, working in the yard or garage, going to work or taking an extended vacation, lock your doors. Don’t make it easy for a thief to enter your home!
  • Purchase adequate insurance. Homeowners and renters insurance won’t prevent lock bumping, but it can give you peace of mind. With the right insurance, you can replace any of your possessions that are lost, stolen or vandalized.

Your home’s security and peace of mind are vital. Understand and prevent lock bumping as you protect your home and family.

Close Menu