Safety first: Implementing a hazard-avoidance company culture reduces costs
One of the best ways to prevent workers’ compensation costs is to avoid accidents in the first place. Businesses spend $170 billion a year on costs associated with occupational injuries and illnesses, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA, however, also reports that a business can reduce its illness and injury costs by 20 to 40 percent by implementing a safety and health culture.
Evaluating MCOs: Report cards help businesses learn how well claims are handled
Just as school report cards helps parents understand how well their child performs in school, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s MCO Report Cards help companies understand how well managed care organizations perform on workers’ compensation claims. Available since 1998, these report cards break each organization down by number of employers, number of claims, first […]
Prospective billing: New process offers payment options, reduction in base rates
As part of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation ongoing efforts to modernize operations and provide better service to Ohio’s employers, there now is a prospective billing system for private employers.
MCO open enrollment ongoing through May
it’s the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s MCO open-enrollment period. This is the biennial time in which employers can choose to change their managed care organization, and this year, it takes place from May 2-27.
Drug-free safety programs provide discounts, prevent accidents
Drug abuse in your workplace may be more prevalent than you think — 15 to 17 percent of employees in an average U.S. company are substance abusers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Transitional work programs can benefit your company
by implementing a transitional work program, employers can potentially reduce their workers’ compensation premiums because they will be reducing both their payments of lost-time compensation and the medical costs on claims.
DSH helps pay dividends: Industry-specific safety program addresses workplace issues
One of the new programs from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to focus on safety and improving care for injured workers is the Industry-Specific Safety Program. It is designed to encourage Ohio’s employers to use the many safety services and programs available through the Division of Safety & Hygiene (DSH).
Know your rights and obligations under the HIPAA Privacy Rule
The HIPAA Privacy Rule is very complex — partially due to the fact that it regulates three very different types of organizations (defined as covered entities), and the rules related to each vary. Amy Broadbent of JRG Advisors talks about the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule and how it impacts your business and workforce.
How to get the word out about EAPs, which traditionally are under used
Employee Assistance Programs have a long history of success in helping employers and employees tackle complicated and difficult problems. And, yet, EAPs remain an under-used resource for many employees. LifeSolutions’ James Kinville gives ways employers can make employees more aware of EAPs and take advantage of their services.
How to protect your data and network by building a security plan
As companies grow, it’s easy to miss technology changes that can expose your business to vulnerabilities. No one is immune and protecting your business is not a “set it and forget it” situation. All Covered Pittsburgh’s Stephan J. Cico shares how building a security plan can help.