Workers’ Compensation 101: An Intro for the EHS Pro

We’ve all heard of workers’ compensation insurance. It’s a key part of a company’s overall risk management strategy – but can come with a hefty price tag. The total cost of an injury can be up to seven times the medical expenses. And the longer an employee is off work from that injury, the higher those costs will be. The claims process, including how quickly and effectively employees return to work, is managed by Human Resources with little to no involvement from the EHS professional. But is that really the best way to manage this program? Can the world of EHS somehow assist in having a positive impact through a high-level review of the most important aspects of a program? We’ll discuss the difference between a workers’ comp claim and an OSHA recordable injury/illness, as well as the role the EHS professional can play to benefit both the company and employees.