The link to implementing an effective return-to-work program

Lower workers' compensation costs are every employer's goal, yet where do you begin?

Start with a BWC employer services specialist (ESS) — your link to the best rate-lowering solutions, particularly through BWC's return-to-work and Transitional WorkGRANT$ programs.

An ESS is a single-point contact for employers, serving as the key to the array of BWC customer services, safety programs and cost-cutting information. Seventy-one ESSs work in BWC's 21 customer service offices throughout the state, providing employers with one-on-one, personalized service.

For instance, an ESS can refer employers to BWC's resources, such as disability management coordinators and re-employment advisers, who also strive to save employers money and return employees to work.

"We typically serve in the front-end marketing and sales role," said Randy Ferguson, BWC program coordinator of field operations. "We are the marketers for BWC."

One of an ESS's most marketable services is promoting the value and savings of BWC's return-to-work program that enables injured workers to gradually return to performing full or modified job duties based on the physician's restrictions.

The injured worker's physician and managed care organization (MCO) work together to determine a schedule of duties based on the nature of injury and type of work.

For employers, these programs translate into good news, financially speaking. The up-front costs associated with implementing these programs result in significant cost savings, since employees are back in the workplace sooner after an injury.

BWC also offers Transitional WorkGRANT$ to curb the costs of implementing return-to-work programs. Transitional work enables injured workers to perform modified or lighter work, generally not exceeding a period of two or three months. For example, if a police officer breaks his leg, he can perform desk duties during his recovery.

After an employer implements a return-to-work program with a certified provider, he or she can apply for one of BWC's Transitional WorkGRANT$ and be reimbursed for up to 80-percent of the program development costs within a set limit — guaranteed. The program is funded through the Ohio State Insurance Fund and the grant money is paid directly to employers.

If an employer is interested in establishing a return-to-work program and participating in the Transitional WorkGRANT$ program, the first step is to contact an ESS at the nearest BWC customer service office.

The ESS ex-plains the ratemaking process, how it affects the employer's premium by examining specific claims and how the customer's rates would be affected if these injured workers had returned to light-duty work.

If employers decide to establish a transitional work pro-gram, the ESS encourages them to choose a transitional work developer from a list of more than 100 BWC-accredited providers.

"Most times, when employers are able to have someone sit them down and explain the true financial impact of instituting or not instituting a program, they become very interested," said Ferguson. "The employer sees the benefit in creating this win-win situation. Their injured workers gain job security and know that management cares about their health, well being and recovery. Meanwhile, the employer pays fewer claims dollars."

The ESS is your first stop in discovering all of the benefits BWC's return-to-work program can provide your company.

To find out how an ESS can help keep your workers' compensation costs down call your local customer service office and check out Employer Programs.