Don’t find fault. Find a remedy.
- Henry Ford (1862-1947)
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Calculating Experience Mods
Posted on January 26, 2012 by The Seltzer Group
The time is NOW for employers to understand rule changes on Experience Mods
One of the noteworthy events of 2011 for Workers’ Compensation, The National Council on Compensation Insurance’s (NCCI) proposal to change the Experience Rating formula, seems to be under most employers’ radar screen. While the new implementation schedule does not begin until January 2013 and many of the details are unknown, employers who understand the implications will be able to better manage their costs.
Currently in NCCI states, the first $5,000 of a loss is considered primary and the portion of the loss higher than $5,000 is considered excess. This is called the split point and is important because the primary losses are weighted at 100% in the experience rating formula driving it up quickly, whereas the excess loss only receives partial weight.
It has been over two decades since this $5,000 benchmark was established and during this time the average cost of claims has more than tripled. As a result, the plan gives less weight to each employer’s actual experience and according to NCCI, mods “have gravitated toward the all-risk average.”
NCCI’s proposal is to increase the split point over a three-year transition period, based on the state’s filing date
■In 2013 increase the split point to $10,000
■In 2014, increase the split point to $13,500
■In 2015 and thereafter, increase the split point to the indexed value of $15,000 based on the average of cost of claim
The impact on an individual employer could be significant. Experience Mods are essentially a comparison of the employer’s losses compared with those of other employers in the same industry. Primary losses are the major cost driver in experience ratings. Under the current system, employers with several small claims under $5,000 will have a higher Mod than a company with one large loss. While frequency still trumps severity, the threshold for frequency is changing significantly. Employers with many claims exceeding $5,000 will feel the bite. If you were to plot Experience Mods today, the result would be a bell curve with a concentration around the 1.0 rating. The result of this change will be to stretch and flatten that curve.
While many of the details are yet to be flushed out, it is generally agreed that employers with higher than expected losses will pay more than under the current system. It is also possible that employers with lower than expected losses may see their Mods and premiums drop. The situation is compounded for employers with multi-state Mods. The change is being phased in, based on the state’s filing date; therefore, it is quite possible that split points will differ.
While controlling the Experience Mod has always meant reduced premiums over the long-term, it takes on even more importance now. This change in the system is dynamic, unlike the long-standing static split point of $5,000, the new split point will rise as losses rise.
Employers should assess their primary losses and costs of claims and take steps to reduce losses and improve hiring practices. Many employers must have a 1.0 Mod to bid on jobs; it’s critical they begin to look at the composition of their losses to ensure that they do not lose their bidding eligibility.
Info from: The Institute of Work Comp Professionals December newsletter
The Seltzer Group, located in Eastern Pennsylvania, specializes in developing safety, workers compensation, human resources, claims, and risk financing programs. They are a proud member of the Keystone Insurers Group and are nationally recognized for their expertise in workers compensation solutions. The Seltzer Group serves businesses and individuals locally, regionally, and on the national level
Filed under: Claims Management/ Workers Compensation, Risk Management | Tagged: Business Insurance, business insurance pa, Experience Mod, mod calculations, Workers Compensation | Leave a Comment »
Studies on Shift Workers
Posted on January 25, 2012 by The Seltzer Group
Shift Workers, risk of MS
Shift workers at a young age is linked to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis, suggests a new study from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Researchers analyzed data from two previous studies and found that people younger than 20 who had worked shifts between 9pm and 7am for at least three years had a twofold increased risk of MS, compared with those who never worked such shifts.
The study, published in Annals of Neurology concluded that the increased risk of developing the central nervous system disease stems from off-shifts disrupting the younger workers’ circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.
Shift Workers , risk of heart disease
Female shift workers may be at a greater risk for heart disease, find research from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Researchers examined 227 female hospital workers ages 22 to 9=66 for metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of factors- including abdominal obesity and high blood pressuer- that increase the risk of heart disease.
Researchers found a connection between age, length if employment and risk. Almost 75% of women working shifts for more than 15 years had metabolic syndrome, compared with 8% of women with less than six years of shift work. The condition may be linked to the disruption of biological rhythms and rest patterns associated with shift work, researchers suggested.
Info from: The Institute of Work Comp Professionals December 2011 newsletter
info@seltzergrp.com
The Seltzer Group, located in Eastern Pennsylvania, specializes in developing safety, workers compensation, human resources, claims, and risk financing programs. They are a proud member of the Keystone Insurers Group and are nationally recognized for their expertise in workers compensation solutions. The Seltzer Group serves businesses and individuals locally, regionally, and on the national level
Filed under: Health and Wellness, Risk Management | Tagged: Business Insurance, Business insurance Pottsville PA, shift workers health risks, Workplace Safety | Leave a Comment »
Obesity and the Employer
Posted on January 24, 2012 by The Seltzer Group
It seems the obesity epidemic is making national news almost daily. According to the Center for Disease Control, 33.8% or one third of U.S. adults are obese. The facts are scary and it’s no secret that obesity increases the risk of other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, respiratory problems and more! In 2008 medical care costs relating to obesity in the U.S. were a staggering $147 billion and with the percentage of obese individuals increasing every year, that number is not getting any smaller.
How is this a concern of the employer and what can they do about it? Consider that most working adults obtain health insurance through their employers. This means that health insurance premiums, paid by the employer, will fluctuate and increase in relation the health care needs of their employees. If it is safe to assume that one in three employees are obese, the chances of a serious health issue or the need for care will also increase. The same goes for Workers Compensation. According to a study published in the American Medical Association that was taken from 1997-2004, there is a direct correlation between body mass index and workplace injuries. In this study obese employees had 50% more claims during this time than those of recommended weight. There were also higher medical claim costs, indemnity costs and more lost work days.
One great way to help fight obesity is to encourage your employees to be healthy. Try organizing a wellness fair or an exercise program for your employees. Help your employees find a local gym or see if you can work with the gym to offer your employees a discounted memberships. Another idea is to start a company sponsored wellness program. There is evidence that having wellness program available to your employees can significantly improve health and productivity and decrease injury and health care costs overall.
For more information about Wellness Programs and how starting one can affect your bottom line, click here!
The Seltzer Group, located in Eastern Pennsylvania, specializes in developing safety, workers compensation, human resources, claims, and risk financing programs. They are a proud member of the Keystone Insurers Group and are nationally recognized for their expertise in workers compensation solutions. The Seltzer Group serves businesses and individuals locally, regionally, and on the national level.
Filed under: Claims Management/ Workers Compensation, Health and Wellness | Tagged: employee benefits, employee wellness progam, health inurance costs pa, injuries, Obesity, obesity workplace injuries, workers compensation pa, workplace injuries | Leave a Comment »
Exercise at the Office
Posted on January 23, 2012 by The Seltzer Group
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the average adult get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. This may seem like an unreachable goal for most working adults. Our time is filled up with work and household duties, leaving little time to work out. One way to try to make exercising part of your day is to schedule it as you would any other appointment or task you wouldn’t break- or you could try getting a work out in over your lunch break. If your company has a wellness or exercise program, take advantage of it.
According to the CDC, even if you don’t have the time for a full 30 minute workout, three short 10 minute bursts of activity will have the same cumulative effect overall. Here are a few ideas for ways to squeeze in some exercise at work:
- Try some stretching moves at your desk for your legs, back, neck and arms
- Stand up and do jumping jacks or lunges while you’re waiting for something to print
- Try getting a 10 minute walk in during break times
Obviously this will not replace a full home or gym workout, but it’s definitely better than nothing. Your health is worth it!
For more ideas about office workouts click here!
It is always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
The Seltzer Group, located in Eastern Pennsylvania, specializes in developing safety, workers compensation, human resources, claims, and risk financing programs. They are a proud member of the Keystone Insurers Group and are nationally recognized for their expertise in workers compensation solutions. The Seltzer Group serves businesses and individuals locally, regionally, and on the national level
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“There are risks and costs to a program of action…”
Posted on January 20, 2012 by The Seltzer Group
“There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.”
- John F. Kennedy (1917-1693)
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Employee exercise programs may increase productivity
Posted on January 19, 2012 by The Seltzer Group
A small reduction in work hours that allows for an employee exercise program may be beneficial to a company’s bottom line, suggests a Swedish study published in the August issue of the Journal of Occupational Medicine.
As part of the study, employees at a large public dental health organization in Sweden were separated into three groups. One group was required to participate in 2.5 hours of exercise per week, conducted during normal working hours; a second group was assigned reduced hours without mandatory exercise; and a third group worked normal hours with no required exercise.
Researchers found that employees who were assigned to the mandatory exercise program self- reported significant increases in productivity and had fewer work absences related to illness. Productivity seemed to step from higher output during working hours and fewer missed workdays.
Info from: The Institute of Work Comp Professionals October newsletter
info@seltzergrp.com
The Seltzer Group, located in Eastern Pennsylvania, specializes in developing safety, workers compensation, human resources, claims, and risk financing programs. They are a proud member of the Keystone Insurers Group and are nationally recognized for their expertise in workers compensation solutions. The Seltzer Group serves businesses and individuals locally, regionally, and on the national level
Want to learn more? Visit our website for to see a full list of The Seltzer Group’s educational programs. We’re always adding new topics and programs so check back often!
Filed under: Claims Management/ Workers Compensation, Health and Wellness, Risk Management | Tagged: Business Insurance, business insurance pottsville, Business insurance Pottsville PA, claims prevention, employee exercise programs, health and wellness programs, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Business Insurance, reading pa business insurance, Wellness, Workers Compensation, Workplace injury, Workplace Safety | Leave a Comment »
Eating at your desk could lead to foodborne illness
Posted on January 18, 2012 by The Seltzer Group
According to an ADA survey, 83% of Americans regularly eat at their desks. However, only 36% of survey respondents said they clean their work areas, desktop, mouse and keyboard on a weekly basis; 64% said they do soon a monthly basis or less.
A 2007 study from the University of Arizona found that desktops have 100 times more bacteria than a kitchen table and 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. To prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria, ADA recommends that workers:
- Wash hands with soap and warm water before every meal.
- Clean all surfaces before eating on them.
- Refrigerate perishable food items within two hours of the time it was removed from the refrigerator at home.
- Make sure the office refrigerator temperature is set below 40⁰F and clean it out frequently.
Info from: The Institute of Work Comp Professionals October newsletter
The Seltzer Group, located in Eastern Pennsylvania, specializes in developing safety, workers compensation, human resources, claims, and risk financing programs. They are a proud member of the Keystone Insurers Group and are nationally recognized for their expertise in workers compensation solutions. The Seltzer Group serves businesses and individuals locally, regionally, and on the national level
Want to learn more? Visit our website for to see a full list of The Seltzer Group’s educational programs. We’re always adding new topics and programs so check back often!
Filed under: Health and Wellness, Risk Management | Tagged: business insurance pottsville, Business insurance Pottsville PA, employee health, employee health programs pa, foodborne illness, Health and Wellness, office lunch, reading pa business insurance, wellness pa | Leave a Comment »
Risk Management/ HR
Posted on January 17, 2012 by The Seltzer Group
It is so important for business owners to understand how risk management and human resources go hand in hand. It’s a good idea to have your human resources team and risk management team work closely together from the start. To have an effective risk management/ HR team, there are certain roles that should be filled.
First is the risk manager. A risk manager is responsible for:
- The discovery of loss exposures and the selection of the best treatment options.
- The evaluation and implementation of Loss Prevention Procedures.
- The design of the insurance program and effecting coverage at an acceptable price.
- The monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment options selected.
- The quality control of needed products and services.
- The effectiveness of all employees who deal with Risk Management issues.
- Recommend appropriate precautions to management to prevent losses and minimize the impact of those that do occur.
- Work with Insurance Carrier Loss Control personnel to ensure the best loss prevention program, without incurring unnecessary expense.
Next the administrative coordinator:
- All administrative functions needed to accomplish the effective management of risk.
- Communication with the Client and Insurance Carriers regarding plan changes, corrections and modifications.
- Accounting issues.
- Marketing of the requested insurance program.
The claim coordinator is responsible for:
- Loss minimization- preserving property and minimizing liability damages.
- Claims reporting.
- Communicating with employees to best guide them through the claims process and mitigate litigation risk.
- Monitoring claims activity, including work comp lost time.
Finally, the HR Director is responsible for:
- Implementation of company specific Hiring Processes.
- Development and implementation of Employee Handbooks and Policies.
- Compliance with regulatory requirements (FMLA, COBRA, ADA, Sexual Harassment etc.)
With all of these pieces in place your company is able to avoid HR compliance issues, eliminate claims before they happen- even at the time of hire, manage your risk effectively and handle any claims that do occur to achieve the best possible outcome. It doesn’t make sense for every business to have all of these positions on payroll. For some outsourcing HR or Risk Management services may be a better alternative. Regardless of how you go about it, a company will benefit from a solid risk management plan and a team to implement it.
The Seltzer Group, located in Eastern Pennsylvania, specializes in developing safety, workers compensation, human resources, claims, and risk financing programs. They are a proud member of the Keystone Insurers Group and are nationally recognized for their expertise in workers compensation solutions. The Seltzer Group serves businesses and individuals locally, regionally, and on the national level.
Filed under: Human Resources, Risk Management | Tagged: Business Insurance, business insurance orwigsburg, business insurance pottsville, Business insurance Pottsville PA, HR compliance, Human Resources, Orwigsburg Insurance, Pennsylvania Business Insurance, Pennsylvania Insurance, reading pa business insurance, risk management, risk management plan pa | Leave a Comment »
Slips, trips and falls
Posted on January 16, 2012 by The Seltzer Group
Did you know that slips, trips and falls make up nearly 25% of all industrial accidents? According to OSHA, they cause 15% of all accidental deaths in the workplace.
There are common causes that are simple enough to fix. Here are a few suggestions:
- If something is dropped- pick it up!
- If something spills- clean it up!
- Don’t carry a load you can’t see over or around.
- Wear proper footwear.
- Wear properly fitting clothing.
- Try to keep work areas well lit.
- Repair or place a warning by loose/uneven flooring.
- Clean or place a warning by wet or oily surfaces.
For more information about slips, trips or falls in the workplace please refer to OSHA online.
If you would like more information about workplace safety or safety programs, please click here.
The Seltzer Group, located in Eastern Pennsylvania, specializes in developing safety, workers compensation, human resources, claims, and risk financing programs. They are a proud member of the Keystone Insurers Group and are nationally recognized for their expertise in workers compensation solutions. The Seltzer Group serves businesses and individuals locally, regionally, and on the national level.
Want to learn more? Visit our website for to see a full list of The Seltzer Group’s educational programs. We’re always adding new topics and programs so check back often!
Filed under: Risk Management, Safety | Tagged: Business Insurance, business insurance orwigsburg, business insurance pottsville, falling at work, injury prevention, OSHA, reading pa business insurance, Workplace injury, Workplace Safety | Leave a Comment »
