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97-233 Resolution No. 97-233 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF LUNDSTROM INSURANCE FOR LIMITED SELF-INSURANCE PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that Robert 0. Malm, Interim City Manager, be and is hereby authorized and directed to accept the proposal on behalf of the City of Elgin of Lundstrom Insurance for the city' s limited self-insurance program for the period October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference. s/ Kevin Kelly Kevin Kelly, Mayor Presented: September 24, 1997 Adopted: September 24 , 1997 Vote: Yeas 7 Nays 0 Attest: s/ Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk \,(y OF 6(0 Agenda Item No. 0 4 City of Elgin � 1' D1\d f} ?/,, (1/q 7 ‘11 September 19, 1997 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Robert O. Malm, Interim City Manager SUBJECT: Increasing Umbrella Insurance Coverage PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to provide Council with the additional premium cost for increasing our Umbrella Liability insurance coverage limits . BACKGROUND (eft' At your September 10th Committee of the Whole meeting, Council requested cost information for increasing our Umbrella liabil- ity insurance coverage limits . As discussed, our current excess insurance policies provide the City with a total of $7, 000,000/occurrence and $8, 000, 000 aggregate liability coverage. Attached is a proposal from Lundstrom Insurance, which indi- cates that each additional $1, 000,000 of umbrella liability coverage will cost $2 , 000 in additional premium. GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED None. FINANCIAL IMPACT Taking into consideration the enhancements to our limited self-insurance program that were recommended and approved by Council at the last meeting, the City' s premium savings is $23,287 compared to last year' s costs . The proposed increase of $2,000,000 in umbrella liability +. coverage would cost $4,000; this expense would be taken from [ the above savings . t At September 16, 1997 Mr. Mike Sarro City Of Elgin 150 Dexter CT Elgin, IL 60120 Dear Mike: Following is a schedule of premiums for the Umbrella policy, reflecting the additional premium charge for increasing the policy limit in increments of $1, 000, 000 . Note the City' s current Umbrella limit is at a limit of $5, 000, 000 with a premium of $52, 000 . POLICY LIMIT ADDITIONAL PREMIUM rb. $6, 400, 004 $2, 000 $7, 000, 000 $4, 000 $8, 000, 000 $6, 000 Note that the Underlying Limits for the policies coverd by the Umbrella policy are as follows: General Liability: $2, 000, 000 Per Occurr./$3, 000, 000 Agg. Auto: $2, 000, 000 Per Occurr. Public Officials : $2, 000, 000 Each Claim/Aggregate Law Enforcement : $2, 000, 000 Each Claim/Aggregate Liquor Liability: $2, 000, 000 Per Occurr. /$3 , 000, 000 Agg. Employee Benefits ; $1, 000, 000 Each Claim/$3, 000, 000 Agg. Employers Liab. : $1, 000, 000 Each Accident Mike upon review please identify which Umbrella Limit that the City Council wants to have bound. Sincere , lo o ' V \ Na....... 4hn Hamilton ndstrom Insurance r ,....•.,rtronnkr r ur..v T CT rT Kr n7 _F L :4 t ( n T) I A 9 t '.B'A'S ltow 11 J CITY OF ELGIN 150 DEXTER CT ELGIN, IL 60120 PRESENTED BY: J J RONALD PAVLIK LUNDSTROM INSURANCE OCTOBER 1, 1997/98 f- I . 1 IN 'RODUCTION F TGIF AGENCY. For over four decades, Lundstrom Insurance has provided personal and commercial insurance services to a diverse client base of prestigious individuals and organizations. An intense commitment to personal services is the hallmark of Lundstrom Insurance's success. Lundstrom Insurance's client service is driven by the commitment to building and maintaining long-term relationships rather than short-term profits. Each client receives ongoing services which enhance the function and cost-effectiveness of their insurance and risk management programs. In a proactive vein, Lundstrom Insurance has already positioned resources to develop and market the next generation of insurance products and financial services. Lundstrom Insurance professionals are on the leading edge as changes occur in the financial services industry. Our well-trained professionals are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence. By utilizing the broad knowledge, experience and creativity of these professionals,Lundstrom Insurance is able to provide a combination of sophisticated products and services. The bottom line on Lundstrom Insurance's capabilities is clear: Protecting the assets and earning power of your company from loss or destruction. The measure of our success is just as straight forward: The minimization of adverse financial effects on your cash flow,Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statement. We look forward to continue to demonstrate our effectiveness as your broker and risk management partner. Pik t I 3 I (l 2 INTRODUCTION OF THE SERVICING TEAM Lundstrom Insurance offers professional and experienced personnel, who stand ready at all times to serve your organization in any capacity related to the insurance function. We strive to attract high level employees that have demonstrated superior academic achievement, reached a level of maturity to deal with complex problems, and have the desire to improve through advanced training. We continually seek experienced personnel who can bring to us unique skills and have developed a professionalism consistent with our high standards. Our team approach allows us to provide dedicated and quality insurance, risk management and claims service to all our clients. You are assured to receive the utmost in personal service. We have organized the following service team approach: Ron Pavlik - Account Executive. Supervision, as well as coordination, of the rest of the staff serving their area of responsibility, lies with an agency principle. We assist your firm with risk analysis including identification of exposures, recommend appropriate transfer of risk, and proper use of self-insurance and/or deductibles. We believe risk analysis is at the r!b' heart of your program. Bill Beckmann, CPCU - Account Executive. Review of the insurance provisions in a contract, lease or convention agreement provides an opportunity to examine the content, accuracy and compliance of these documents. John Hamilton - Account Executive. Maintaining a proper relationship with insurance company contacts in order to provide the best combination of protection is essential. We will negotiate with companies for comprehensive coverages and fair pricing. The markets or carriers which we use, are selected based on their financial integrity, market share as it relates to particular coverages, and quality of local support staff. John Hamilton - Customer Service Representative. The primary contact provides timely action of your daily service needs, including but not limited to, preparing invoices, processing policy changes,reviewing audits and issuing automobile identification cards. Heather Friedel- Claims Representative. At the time of a loss, we assist to make sure that . the claim is presented in an appropriate and complete manner so that the loss settlement is fair and satisfactory. We will provide pro-active assistance and support to you on all claims. Whenever necessary, we will intervene in any coverage or monetary dispute between you and an insurance carrier. 3 Steven Daluge, MS, CSP - Certified Safety Professional. An expert review of company safety engineering recommendations and guidelines in implementing them will be a great j� benefit to your business. In some cases, if appropriate, we will assist you in having them modified or adjusted. Keith Lindley - Surety Bond Specialist. Complicated bond requirements are handled expeditiously and professionally. We will review insurance requirements and suggest options for compliance. L I 1 I r 4 F 701'..- _ Li RISK �VIANAGFMEN ,SRICESROIFD • 3 ............................................ . .. .. . ...... ........ .. .. .. ........ The Sales Risk Management Department of Lundstrom Insurance provides a variety of `; services to meet the risk management needs of our diverse client base. These services include,but are not limited to,the following: • Risk analysis including identification of exposure, recommended appropriate transfer of risk, and proper use of self-insurance and/or deductibles. 5 • Work on a team approach with a backup account executive and also an agency customer service representative • Prepare complete and accurate specifications to solicit the most comprehensive and broadest coverages and programs available, in order to provide excellent value. • Maintenance of a proper relationship with insurance companies. The markets or carriers which we use are selected based on their financial integrity, market share as it relates to particular coverages, and quality of local support staff. • Work to "sell" your account to the insurance company underwriters by presenting the best and most comprehensive picture of your account. • Present the results of our efforts in a clear manner, and with the benefit of our experience provide recommendations. • Review all insurance provisions of leases, contracts, or other agreements, for adequacy, 1 compliance, and any additional cost or coverages that may be required, and recommend modifications as needed and appropriate. fl • Assist in negotiating insurance problems with landlords, tenants, contractors, consultants, 0 etc. • The issuance of Certificates of Insurance, Automobile Identification Cards and other iinsurance evidence as needed. • Review all policies of insurance for accuracy. I • Order any policy changes and upon receipt,again review for accuracy. • Monitor and check each audit for accurate premium charges. • Provide a"Schedule of Insurance" for easy reference of your coverages. 0 • Review company safety engineering recommendations and guide you in implementing rthem, or, in some cases if appropriate, assist the company in having them modified or adjusted. 5 . . n 5 U te,... At time of loss, we assist to make sure that the claim is presented in an appropriate and ' complete manner so that the loss settlement is fair and satisfactory. j • Be available when needed to assist in all of your insurance needs. We have specific "backup" people assigned to your account. ;3 U . i,"-. 5 I I r I 1 1 �0 I I .. _ 9 4.,.., I .. . . .6 6 g lopb. PROP ER INSURANCE 3 , •. .................... . . . ....::.:.:.. . UInsured: City Of Elgin Insurer: St.Paul Insurance Company U Policy Term: 10/01/97 To 10/01/98 CAUSE OF LOSS FORM USED: ISpecial Form: Provides coverage against All Risk of direct physical loss or damage,except those perils that are specifically excluded in the policy. 1 LOC# BLD# SUB. OF INS. AMOUNT COIN% DED. VALUATION 1 Blanket Real&Personal $93,847,052 100% $100,000 R/C • IProperty Business Income $ 1,000,000 50% N/A 1 (Bartlett Water Supply) 000 Contingent Tax Interr. $ 7,000,000 50% N/A Extra Expense $1,000,000 I Personal Property Including $ 25,000 Inventory at Other Location' Electronic Data Processing, $ 1,124,537 Media and Extra Expense • 40.,,,,i; . 1 f 7 a , 10,„,,k . j TERMS AND CONDITIONS: } I Coverage includes: Water Damage including back up of sewers 3 Flood(Excluding Flood Zone A)-Limit: $6,000,000 Earthquake-$16,000,000-Underground pipes $6,000,000 -All Other Locations 0 Difference In Conditions-$ 70,000,000 Replacement Cost Valuation for real,personal property and computers Actual Cash Value for auto and contractors equipment f100%valuation on real and personal property Agreed Amount-waiver of co-insurance on real property,personal property,auto physical damage, contractors equipment and computer equipment IOperation of building laws, increased costs of construction and demolition and debris removal $100,000 deductible per claim except: * 1 1%for earthquake I Business income and extra expense: Gross Earnings Form 30 days extended period of indemnity 50%valuation as respects Contingent Tax Interruption I Agreed Amount- coinsurance waived Limit excludes ordinary payroll *Deductible of$25,000 and $50,000 are available. See Premium Summary Page. tj. . I 1 9 Iiiiiibk I D 8 3 rr s :..... • INLAND MARINE 13 s Insured: City Of Elgin Insurer: St.Paul Insurance Company Policy Term: 10/01/97 To 10/01/98 COVERAGE DEDUCTIBLE Contractors Equipment $16,074,279 $1,000 Miscellaneous Equipment $9,900,317 $1,000 Leased Equipment $ 500,000 $1,000 Radio&Emergency Equipment $ 7,271,358 $1,000 Accounts Receivable $ 250,000 $1,000 Valuable Papers $ 100,000 $1,000 Fine Arts $ 77,334 $1,000 Unscheduled Equipment $ 1,000,000 $1,000 I . iJ I 9 OMMERC AL CRIME ........................... .•••••••••••••••••••...„•••••.••••••••••••••..........••••••••••••••••••.......................•••••1 , .•....••• . • Insured: City Of Elgin Insurer: St.Paul Insurance Company Policy Term: 10/01/97 To 10/01/98 • COVERAGES LIMIT DED. * 1 INSURING AGREEMENTS: 1 Employee Dishonesty(A) $ 500,000 $ 100,000 1 ploy Forgery or Alteration(B) $ 500,000 $ 100,000 Theft,Disappearance and Destruction(C) Sec. 1 -Inside the Premises $ 500,000 $ 100,000 Sec.2-Outside the Premises $500,000 $ 100,000 Money Order&Counterfeit Currency $500,000 $ 100,000 COVERAGE ENDORSEMENTS: • j Faithful Performance Agreement applies I * Optional Deductibles Available: $50,000- 1794 $ 5,000-3453 See Premium Summary Page El 10 1Vl $O1LR +& ACHINERY Insured: City Of Elgin Insurer: Hartford Steam Boiler Policy Term: 10/01/97 To 10/01/98 COVERAGES LIMITS PER LIMITS OF INSURANCE: Direct Damage& $16,000,000 Any One Accident Extra Expense $1,000 * Deductible Business Income $100,000 Sustained 24 Hours Actual Loss I *$2,000 deductible on sewage/water treatment facilities Joint Loss Agreement Clause r I 11 EQUIPMENT COVERED: COVERAGE INCLUDES U T-• .Perils: Heating,air conditioning,cooling,freezers,boilers, 1. Electrical Injury including miscellaneous electrical apparatus panels, generators, artifically generated current motors,etc. Mechanical breakdown Explosion of steam vessels and piping • I I I 1 i - 9 1 0 12 3 t , : . , : , . . n OMMERCl , GENERAL LIABILITY ':::v.::....::..'..."::. ....::.:''.'.............::•::.:'...:.: - ... :i''::i%:,:'..}...:..y...v'':.::.:..:v'. '::•%:':::•:i!i'':::i:?iiii v..::.is.ii::::.::tii%i•i":ni:ii::•:•r.,Y-.. :,.: .:: Insured: City Of Elgin NInsurer: St.Paul Insurance Company Policy Term: 10/01/97 To 10/01/98 COVERAGE WRITTEN ON: Occurrence Form COVERAGE LIMITS LIABILITY: General Aggregate Limit $3,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate Limit $3,000,000 1 Personal/Advertising Injury Limit(excludes $2,000,000 discrimination and wrongful termination) Each Occurrence $2,000,000 Fire Damage Limit-Any One Fire $ 100,000 Medical Expense Limit-Any One Person $ 5,000 Law enforcement-each wrongful act $2,000,000 I Law enforcement- annual aggregate $2,000,000 Liquor Liability-Per Occurrence $2,000,000 Aggregate $3,000,000 SIR: $250,000 applies to bodily injury and property damage,per occurrence $750,000 Combined aggregate for General Liability,Auto Liability,Public Officials Liability and Law Enforcement Liability I ri13 0 COVERAGES INCLUDED: Premises/Operations Products/Completed Operations 3 Independent Contractors Blanket Contractual Liability Host Liquor Liability Employee as Additional Insured Broad Form Property Damage Incidental Medical Malpractice Limited Worldwide Liability(suits in U.S.) Automatic Coverage-Newly Acquired Organization(90 days) 1 Public Executive Officers are Protected Persons Employee Benefits Liability(each claim and aggregate) Claims Made Coverage Limits: $1,000,000 each claim $3,000,000 aggregate Deductible: $ 1,000 Retroactive Date: 10/01/87 1 Note:All pollution is excluded El I 1 9 • I I 14 3 ..:.... .:. ..::..... ...: , . .:.... PUBLIC OFFICIALS LIABILITY I Insured: City Of Elgin Insurer: St.Paul Insurance Company Policy Term: 10/01/97 To 10/01/98 COVERAGE WRITTEN ON: Claims Made Form Retroactive Date: 10/01/87 $750000 Combined Aggregate SIR for General Liability,Auto Liability,Public Officials Liability and Law Enforcement Liability COVERAGE LIMITS LIABILITY: Each Claim/Annaul Aggregate Limit $2,000,000 Self Insured Retention: $ 100,000 I NOTE: The limit of liability includes defense costs, charges and expenses, U 15 II ISilik. j COMMERCIAL. �4uTOMOBILf IInsured: City Of Elgin Insurer: St.Paul Insurance Company n U Policy Term: 10/01/97 To 10/01/98 ■ I COVERAGE LIMIT PER I LIABILITY: ilk Bodily Injury and Property Damage $ 2,000,000 CSL Each Accident Medical Payments $ 5,000 Each Person SIR . $ 250,000 Per Occurrence . $ 750,000 Combined Aggregate SIR for Auto Liability, General Liability,Public 0 Officials Liability and Law Enforcement Liability A COVERAGE APPLICABLE TO Liability: Any Auto 0 Hired Autos&Borrowed Autos Medical Payments: All Owned Autos iit"'' Uninsured Motorists:Underinsured Motorists:Comprehensive: Collision:Towing and Labor: a E:1 16 i COVERAGE ENDORSEMENTS: OPTIONAL ENDORSEMENTS : ( ) Rental Reimbursement Any One Day- Number of Days- Total Limit- ( ) Hired Physical Damage ( ) Drive Other Car Coverage Note: Uninsured/Underinsured Liability Coverage is excluded. 1 1 r I i 4r, I 17 a . _ r „,,,„„„,„::::::::::::::„,:„„:,„,„:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::„.„:::,...........„:„:„:::::::::::„:„.....::::::::::::„.:::::::::„.....„:„........:„....„:„...........:::::::::::::::.„„:„....„.::::::::::::::::.::.:::::::::::„.::::::.:::::::::::::::,:::::::::::::::;,::::,:::::::::::::::.,.....„..:::::::,::::::,::::::::::::::::.:„.,.........„...................,...::.::.......:.:.:.,....,.............:...:..„ � U : SPECIFIC EXCESSI/ORKERS COMPENSATION• 3 ...................................................,....................„.................,......................,................................................_........................................................................................................................... ...... ... . . . . Insured: City Of Elgin Insurer: Safety National Casualty Corp. Policy Term: 10/01/97 To 10/01/98 N I COVERAGE LIMIT . PER I WORKERS COMPENSATION BENEFITS (A): STATUTORY States: Illinois 1 EMPLOYERS LIABILITY(B): IBodily Injury by Accident $1,000,000 Each Accident Bodily Injury by Disease $1,000,000 Policy Limit 0 Bodily Injury by Disease $1,000,000 Each Employee NI SIR $300,000 Each and Every Loss Ii - . Payroll: $27,370,473 r 1 E 18 UMBRELLA LIABILITY 3 Insured: City Of Elgin ElInsurer: St.Paul Insurance Company r. Policy Term: 10/01/97 To 10/01/98 U COVERAGE LIMIT PER Limit of Liabili ty $ 5,000,000 Each Occurrence $ 5,000,000 Annual Aggregate Self Insured Retention $ 10,000 PRIMARY COVERAGES: Commercial Liability $ 2,000,000 Each Occurrence $ 3,000,000 General Aggregate $ 3,000,000 Products Aggregate $ 2,000,000 Personal Injury $ 100,000 Fire Damage Liability r, Auto Liability $ 2,000,000 Combined Single Limit Employers Liability $ 1;000,000 Each Accident $ 1,000,000 Disease Policy Limit $ 1,000,000 Disease Each Employee Employee Benefits Liability $ 1,000,000 Each Claim 3 $ 3,000,000 Aggregate t Law Enforcement Liability $ 2,000,000 Each Wrongful Act J $ 2,000,000 Annual Aggregate Public Officials Liability $ 2,000,000 Each Claim/Annual Agg. Liquor Liability $ 2,000,000 Each Occurrence $ 3,000,000 Aggregate II 19 PREMIUM COMPARISON COVERAGE EXPIRING RENEWAL RENEWAL PREMIUM PREMIUM PREMIUM W/$250,000 SIR W/$250,000 SIR W/$150,000 SIR Property+ [$100,000 SIR] $59,782 $60,193 $60,193 Inland Marine [$100,000 Deductible] $49,931 $39,373 $39,373 Crime [$100,000 Deductible] $1,435 $1,435 $4,888* General Liability $87,689 $78,513 $91,953 Liquor Liability Included Included Included Law Enforcement Liability $66,555 $62,897 $64,599 Paramedic Liability Included Included Included Public Entity Management Liability [$100,000 SIR] $26,045 $23,158 $23,158 Auto Liability++ $33,093 $24,188 $28,880 eiwk Auto Physical Damage [$1,000 Deductible] Included Included Included Umbrella Liability $54,289 $52,000 $52,000 Claims Administration (excluding Workers Compensation) $32.548 $32,548 $32.548 St.Paul Total $411,367 $374,305 $397,592 • Boiler& Machinery- Hartford Steam Boiler $9,996 $9,396 $9,396 Excess Workers Compensation- Safety National $56,569 $45,132 $45,132 Lundstrom Subtotal: $477,932 $428,833 $452,120 Workers Compensation Claims Administration $35,250 $35.250 535.250 TOTAL $513,182 $464,086 $487,370 Average Claims(Excluding Workers Compensation) $390,000 $350,000 $350,000 [5 years through 10/1/96] Average Workers Componsation Claims $810,000 $730.000 $730.000 [5 years through 10/1/96] TOTAL PROGRAM COST: $1,713,182 $1,544,083 $1,567,370 +Property values have increased by$6,485,600. ++Renewal exposure rated on 256 autos,per expiring policy *Crime Deductible reduced to$5,000 20 3 . .. ?"'w 1 . . .. . . . :;::: SIR/DEDUCTIBLE � �"P O S I SIR/DEDUCTIBLES PREMIUM Property: (Currently Currentl $100,000) $100,000 $60,193 $150,000 $48,322 I $50,000 $81,222 Crime: (Currently$100,000) $100,000 $1,435 I $50,000 $3,229 $5,000 $4,888 I General Liability: (Currently$250,000) $250,000 $78,513 $150,000 $91,953 1 $100,000 $104,139 $50,0000 $127,297 Auto Liability: (Currently$250,000) $250,000 $24,188 I $150,000 $28,880 $100,000 $32,834 $50,000 $41,286 ILaw Enforcement: (Currently$250,000) $250,000. $62,897 $150,000 $64,599 3 $100,000 $69,396 $50,000 $78,295 I Public Entity Mgmt Liability: (Currently$100,000) $100,000 $23,158 $150,000 $21,586 $50,000 $25,923 I 3 DISCLAIMER-The abbreviated outlines of coverages used throughout this proposal are not intended r to express any legal opinion as to the nature of coverage. They are only visuals to a basic understanding of coverages. Please read your policy for specific details of coverages. I21 I . r . . ] . ... .. . . . . ... ..WHAT YOU CAN DD TD oWER OUWaRKFRS .. , . ..... , .. ...... . .. . , , .. ....... .. .. . .. . „ ,. . . • .. ,... ....p Y ' COSTS I While you may have little control over the rising costs of health care, as an employer you ij have the tools to lower your Workers' Compensation costs by reducing on-the-job injuries and returning injured employees to work. IThe following information will help you put an effective loss control plan into motion. ACCIDENT PREVENTION I You and your managers must first be committed to safety to set the example for your employees to follow: mitia** MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT To test your commitment to providing a safe workplace, ask yourself the following questions: • Do you require use of personal safety equipment? • Does your company have a safety ro am? P gr 1 • Are your managers held accountable for safety in the workplace? • Are safety rules enforced by your managers? ICONTROLLING WORKPLACE HAZARDS Inefficient machinery: tools, and work methods can lead not only to injury and higher Workers' Compensation costs, but also to lower production. Look at the ways jobs are P erformed by peo le and their equipment; make sure they work together safely. When you discover safety and health hazards, make corrections immediately. 1 • Are safety inspections conducted on a regular basis? • Does your business have a method to review all accident and near-miss incidents? 1 • Do you have an accident emergency plan in place? _ • When you find workers exposed to hazards in the workplace do you take action to 3 eliminate those hazards? • Do you perform regular maintenance on your equipment? r SAFETY TRAINING A large percentage of the more serious on-the-job injuries reviewed by our company involve people who are employed for less than a year. Lack of safety training and inadequate 1 1 22 I supervision of new employees can often be at the root of the loss problem. Safety training j begins the day a new employee starts work and must continue to be an important part of every worker's job. • Do all of your employees receive a safety and health orientation? I • • Are employees involved in solving safety and health problems? • Do your workers know about the hazards in their jobs and do they know how to identify Iand report hazards? • Do employees know how to use and take care of the personal protective equipment? 3 i. • Does your organization provide ongoing communications between managers and workers stressing the importance of safety? ICLAIMS HANDLING Returning your injured workers to work is one of the most effective ways to cut your Workers' 1 . Compensation costs. When a worker is disabled by a job-related injury you have the obvious medical costs as well as many hidden costs - lost time by fellow workers, loss of efficiency, lost time by supervision,training costs, and possible damage to tools and equipment. IYour employees need to know that you will do everything possible to get them back to work I if they are hurt on the job. Are your workers told exactly what to do if injured? How an injury is handled when it first occurs can have a major impact on the length of the disability. Here are several steps you can take that will help reduce costs: 1 • Make and enforce a company policy that All injuries, no matter how small, must be reported immediately. This helps a company know what is going on in its plant, office or job site and assists the company's safety program. I • A thorough investigation should be conducted on every reported injury. Make this a matter of routine rather than a subject for concern. Determining accurately what happened is an important step in managing your Workers' Compensation claims. ! • Stay in touch with the injured employee. Letting your worker know you care eases their anxieties and becomes an essential ingredient in a successful return to work. Injured 1 workers are more likely to involve an attorney (driving up costs)when they feel ignored or forgotten.. 1 •. Identify or design light duty jobs that can be performed as the injured worker recovers. Even in part-time work is all that is available, the claim cost will be reduced because disability payments charged will be offset by the employee's wages. 3 Your Workers' Compensation insurance is based upon the types of jobs at your company, the size of your payroll, and your claims record. It is not likely you will cut staff or change the types of jobs employees perform in order to reduce insurance costs. However, you can lower your costs through good safety,hiring, and return-to-work programs. 1 . 1 23