Critical Steps That Protect Employees and Your Business Following a Work-Related Injury

Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

In the landscaping industry, workplace injuries can occur despite the best safety efforts. When an injury does happen, the employer’s next steps can significantly impact the outcome for the injured employee, the employer, and the insurance carrier.

The first step is to report the injury as soon as possible, even if it initially appears to be a minor injury. Prompt reporting allows the insurance carrier to begin managing the claim immediately, which often leads to better outcomes for all parties involved.  Early reporting helps ensure the injured employee receives appropriate medical care, logs important details about the incident, and can help prevent a minor injury from developing into a more costly claim.

After the claim has been reported, it is important to let the treating clinic know that modified duty is available. This allows the medical provider to evaluate the employee's ability to return to work and identify any temporary work restrictions.  

If the work restrictions can be accommodated, modified duty can be offered to the injured employee. By doing this, it allows for several important benefits:

• It allows the injured employee to continue to receive their normal wages. If the injured employee was not offered modified duty, then they would be eligible for temporary disability benefit which is generally less than their normal wages.

• By keeping the claim from any temporary disability being paid, the impact to the experience modification rate (XMOD) is minimal. Because normal wages continue to be paid by the employer and not the insurance carrier, the temporary disability portion of the claim is controlled and the actual overall claim costs are reduced, thus having a positive impact on your XMOD. By controlling your XMOD, you are helping your company maintain stable rates for your workers’ compensation insurance premiums.

• Offering modified duty also improves employee morale while strengthening company culture. It demonstrates that the company values its employees and is committed to supporting them throughout the recovery process.

• Finally, offering modified duty can significantly reduce the likelihood of litigation. When injured employees remain connected to the company, continue earning their regular wages, and feel supported throughout the recovery process, communication tends to remain strong. This often leads to a more positive claim experience while reducing the potential for litigation.

Prompt claim reporting and a strong return to work program are great ways for landscape companies to control workers' compensation costs, reduce likelihood of litigation, and demonstrate their commitment to employee wellness.

Reach out to me at ggarcia@ranchomesa.com if you have any questions or additional interest in this topic.