Margaret Spence, CWC

Today, WorkCompSeminars.com Announced the launch of their Certified Workers Compensation Return to Work Coordinator Training Program. The program is schedule to start on January 24, 2011. The course is a 4 week – live online virtual seminar. – Visit their website for more information – Certified Workers Compensation Return to Work Coordinator Training Program - This [...]

Despite the economic downturn – employees are still getting injured on the job and employers are still struggling to manage the employee post accident. One of the key aspects of workers compensation injury management is having an effective return to work program that is not only strategic but aligns with proactive human resources policies, says [...]

By Margaret Spence – Published in Florida Underwriter “No single injury management relationship is more important than the one established with the occupational clinic.” That’s a phrase workers’ compensation professionals keep saying, but do we really understand how to make the occupational clinic relationship work? What are the key advantages to building a relationship with [...]

By Margaret Spence – Published in Claims Magazine There are few stakeholders in the system who would refute the headline of this article. As we grapple with the things we dislike about the workers’ compensation system, outside forces are chipping away at our bronze coating and creating new standards for adjusters and industry stakeholders. Is [...]

Nash’s family filed a $50 million lawsuit against Sandra Herold, owner of the out of control chimp – Travis. Now the other shoe drops – Ms. Herold and her attorney are claiming that this is a work related injury and Ms. Nash is only entitled to workers compensation benefits.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a record-setting consent decree resolving a class lawsuit against Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Sears) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for $6.2 million because they maintained inflexible workers compensation leave policies

Workers’ compensation return to work programs, have to be an integral part of your retention policy or strategy. Your employees—are your most valued asset. If employees are your most valued asset, then you should recognize the importance of implementing a comprehensive return-to-work program. Your obligation as the employer does not end when the injury begins. Returning an employee to work is an investment in your company, and it shows that you still value your employees after they are injured.

Workers Compensation is a team sport – everyone has to work for the same goal on the same team – unfortunately medical treatment often creates a disconnect between the goal of the employer – return to work; the goal of the employee – stay at home a little bit longer and the goal of the treating doctor – fill out volumes of paperwork so he or she can get paid and keep everyone happy in the process

Imagine if everyone shared your vision of getting ill or injured employees back to work?  In today’s tough economy, it may be difficult to sell your company on the benefits of continuing to offer injured employees viable light duty jobs especially if you are considering a layoff.

National Return to Work Week (NRTWW) is an opportunity for stakeholders in the workers compensation and disability management process to demonstrate their commitment to helping injured, disabled or ill employees stay-at-work or return-to-work. This week highlights the importance of retaining ill or injured employees, focusing on their ability to do the job rather than using their disability to exclude them from the workforce.