ISSUES. MARCH 2016 Vol. 15, No. 2 Bi-Monthly Issue. Colored Sands Forest Preserve, Rockton, Illinois. IPRF.com. Reporting Workers Compensation Claims

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1 Risk & Safety Tips from the ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND IPRF.com ISSUES MARCH 2016 Vol. 15, No. 2 Bi-Monthly Issue ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND Cost Control Through Cooperation Since Warrenville Rd INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Reporting Workers Compensation Claims.. 2 Thank You Brad Modified Duty Work.. 3 Free IPRF Member Training Simulators.. 4 3rd Annual IPRF Loss Control Awards.. 5 IPRF APP Now Available.. 6 IPRF Claims & Loss Control Directory.. 6 Colored Sands Forest Preserve, Rockton, Illinois

2 REPORTING YOUR WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIMS: FILE THEM FAST! Reporting your workers compensation claims to the IPRF Claims Division in a timely manner is important. While late reporting of a claim may affect the employee s benefits, it often causes issues with the claims handling process and usually increases the cost of the claim. Late reporting can affect every aspect of the claim. Most importantly the compensability. For every day that goes by after an employee is hurt and without reporting the injury to you, the employer, or even worse, the injury was reported but the claim was not filed with IPRF Claims Division, lag time is involved. Lag time is the time between date of injury and the date of reporting to the employer and from the employer to the IPRF Claims Division. The following are a few of the dangers of reporting worker s compensation claims slowly. It can increase the cost of the claim Workers Compensation costs increase each day a claim goes unreported. Some studies indicate that a week s delay in reporting the injury to the carrier can increase the cost by 10%. Claims filed a month or more after an injury cost 48% more to settle than those reported in the first week. Other studies have shown that claims that are reported more than 24 hours from occurrence are 33% more costly. Potential for litigation increases The longer a claim drags on, the higher the potential for litigation. The employee may seek additional medical opinions or treatment, or begin to wonder if legal council will ensure a fair recovery to their injury claim. Swift resolution of the claim is best for all parties involved. Involvement of attorneys becomes more common as the report lag increases, as indicated in Exhibit 1. Claims reported immediately involve an attorney 13% of the time. This increases to 32% for claims reported after Week 4. This suggests that the complexity of resolving a claim increases as the report lag increases. 13% Percentage of Claims with A orney Involvement (Exhibit 1) 16% Guidelines that will help to reduce lag time: Designate and assign responsibility to a person responsible for filing worker s compensation claims; in the absence of the designated person, ensure a back-up is available and trained. Train supervisors on how to complete a First Report of Injury which includes same day reporting of the injury to their superior. Train them on how the claim is to be filed via fax number or online filing using ice. If needed, your IPRF Adjuster can walk you through the steps of filing an online claim through ice. Establish lag time goals, track results and hold supervisors responsible to achieve these goals. The bottom line is this: 18% 20% 24% 32% NO LAG WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 AFTER WEEK 4 Report Lag Injuries to employees are demoralizing and costly. Reporting claims as quickly as possible can help lower loss costs, reduce fees, and ensure that injured workers receive appropriate and timely medical care. For more information or assistance in reducing your lag time, contact your IPRF claim adjuster. The spirit is the true self. The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. Marcus Tullius Cicero How Can We Better Serve You? The IPRF is dedicated to its members and is always working toward higher levels of service. We need your input on: Safety Concerns Claims Loss Control Timeliness of Claims Processing Helpfulness and Courtesy of Our Claims Team Please call Robert M. Buhs, IPRF Executive Director (708) or rbuhs@iprf.com Page 2

3 HIGH PRAISE FOR IPRF SIMULATOR TRAINING PROGRAM Brad Hoffman, IPRF, received the following letter in response to fire extinguisher simulator training provided in January Brad: Thanks for the time you and Dan spent with our staff on Monday, January 4. The staff found the training very informative! We awarded prizes to our top team as well as our Smithton Fire Chief, teacher Kayla Ratz (she received an A- B-C home fire extinguisher). I had a teacher stop by today to say that she went home and checked to make sure her home fire extinguisher was charged. Many people commented that they felt the training was very beneficial. Today, my maintenance director made a map showing the locations of all fire extinguishers which I will be sending out to all of my staff for their review. We are also assigning the monthly checks on the fire extinguishers to staff members at our weekly central office staff meeting tomorrow morning. This was a good learning experience for all of us. In our brief meeting you mentioned that it would be helpful for me to send you a list of training that my staff has completed for the year. Below you will find our completed training. I pulled some slip/trip/fall tips out of the IPRF newsletter and sent those on via to the staff today as well. I look forward to hearing more from you about the two training sessions you mentioned when we met: OSHA 10 and Supervisor Safety Training. CPR/AED Training Bloodborne Pathogen Training (received IPRF award) Bullying Prevention Training Concussion Training for all athletic and physical education staff Educator Ethics Training Expecting/Parenting Youth; Domestic Violence; Sexual Violence Training Identify Protection Training Physical Restraining Training Food Allergy and Anaphylactic Shock Training For information on other simulator training opportunities provided by IPRF, see page 4. Mental Illness Identification/Suicide Prevention Training Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training Teen Dating Violence Training Environmental and Occupational Safety & Health Training - Hazard Communication (GHS) Training for all maintenance and custodial staff Let me know if there is anything else you need from me. Regards, Dr. Susan Homes, Superintendent Smithton Community Consolidated School District #130, 316 South Hickory Street, Smithton, IL MODIFIED DUTY AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION When an employee is injured on the job, in the course and scope of their employment, situations can develop that affect both the injured employee and employer. In cases where the injury isn t significant, and the employee is capable of performing some kind of work, the employer may consider modified duty work. What is modified duty work? Modified duty work is work that the employer can provide to injured employees in lieu of their normal job duties. These duties are modified to meet any restrictions that the injured employee s physician feels the injured employee is capable of performing while still under strict medical care. Benefits of modified duty: Modified duty can be beneficial to both the injured employee as well as the employer. Employee benefits: Helps the injured employee to stay connected to his job, but in a modified capacity. Aids in the healing process by helping the injured employee to remain active. Helps the injured employee to remain positive about returning to regular duty work. Helps the injured employee to measure his/her progression and establish target dates for possible return to work. Employer benefits: Helps to keep the employer engaged and connected to the company s operations and workforce. Demonstrates the employers care and willingness to help their injured employees. Helps the company s morale when employees know the company cares about their employees. Help company productivity when employees can contribute to company objectives, even in a limited capacity. Helps control indirect costs associated with an employee injury (lost time, overtime, etc.) Modified duty work is beneficial to all parties. It provides assistance, guidance and support in a number of ways to both employee and employer. It helps doctors to measure the physical progress of their patients. The benefit of providing modified duty work is an important factor in the entire return to work process. Page 3

4 IPRF USES TRAINING SIMULATORS TO TRAIN MEMBERS AT THEIR LOCATIONS Providing safety training for employees is an effective way to establish a culture of safety and reduce injuries. Illinois Public Risk Fund is a strong proponent of safety education for its members. We ve invested in training simulators in order to bring members the latest technology in training. Like all other safety training with IPRF, training simulators are available to IPRF members at no cost; that s right, it s FREE! Here s the three onsite training opportunities IPRF currently offers: FIRE EXTINGUISHER SIMULATOR It is used to promote the safe and effective use of a fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher simulator allows us to provide training in a controlled and safe environment. The simulator uses laser technology to simulate the activation of the fire extinguisher. Both 10 and 20 pound laser-equipped fire extinguishers are used. When pointed correctly at the base of simulated flames on a video screen, the flames are extinguished. The concept of P.A.S.S. is enforced while operating the fire extinguisher: The advantages of the fire extinguisher simulator are: The training can be conducted at anytime and anywhere regardless of weather outside. Because it s done indoors there is no mess or clean-up associated with the training. The training is safe for the trainees. There is no exposure to flames, smoke or chemicals. The training is effective. The programs can simulate class A, B, and C fires each at four levels of difficulty. Training consists of a 15 minute classroom presentation which covers the basics of a fire and the use of the fire extinguisher. The presentation is then followed by handson training with the simulator system. DRIVE SIMULATOR This equipment is designed to promote safe and defensive driving techniques in a controlled and safe environment. The drive simulator system enables a trainee to drive in virtual reality while operating the controls of an actual vehicle. We connect our drive simulator to your vehicle, whether it is a police car, fire truck, ambulance or pickup truck. The key of the vehicle will be activated to free up the steering, but the engine will not be started. A panoramic view of the road and scenery is presented to the trainee via virtual reality goggles. The scenery is computer generated by a portable computer. The computer software interacts and receives data from the vehicles wheels and pedals as the trainee performs normal driving activities. This provides an extremely interactive driving experience. There are numerous programs that can be presented to the trainee. We can change driving conditions to simulate country driving, city driving, construction zones, intersection manipulation, various weather conditions, pedestrian interference, and uncooperative drivers. There are special driving scenarios pertaining to emergency vehicle operations (police pursuit and fire), allowing the trainee to operate sirens and lights to control traffic. FIREARMS TRAINING SIMULATOR (FATS) The firearms simulator enables a trainee to practice skills and techniques inside the police station. The simulator uses laser technology to simulate the activation of a firearm. Air compression simulates re-coil of the weapon as it is discharged. Scenarios are displayed on a large 8' x 6' screen. Learning to use a weapon accurately is just the start of an officer's education. Learning to use a weapon appropriately is of greater importance. All officers are to observed by the department s own firearm instructor. The firearms simulator focuses on these two learning aspects of the use of a firearm: 1. Judgmental: Video scenarios place the trainee into various decision making scenes. The trainee is required to make decisions to draw their gun and fire depending on the action taking place on the screen. 2. Skills and Techniques: The trainee is able to use several shooting courses to hone their shooting skills. The importance of this training cannot be over emphasized. An officer familiar, confident, and well trained with a weapon is unlikely to exercise poor judgment in its use. The IPRF instructor has numerous drills to improve reaction, speed and accuracy. All may be fully customized to suit the skill levels of the officer. The video scenarios provide many judgmental situations where lethal reaction may or may not be appropriate. The IPRF instructor has the ability to change the scenario as it plays out, according to the reaction of the officer. The advantages of the IPRF firearms training simulator are: The simulator is highly portable so the training will be conducted at your police station. The training is safe for the trainees. There is no exposure to lead or noise. The training is interactive and effective, targeting skills and the judgmental decision process. To schedule IPRF Simulator Training, please contact your Loss Control Consultant, or Donna Ryan at donna.ryan@ccmsi.com Page 4

5 NOMINEES IN FOR 3RD ANNUAL IPRF LOSS CONTROL AWARDS Every year IPRF honors two Member organizations that have had the most success in lowering workers compensation losses. Each IPRF nominates one of their Members for each category. The two categories are: Outstanding Member of the Year, and Most Improved Member of the Year. To be nominated, IPRF Members must meet the following criteria: Have an effective safety program in place Actively promote safety awareness at every level of their organization Have an active Safety Committee that reviews employee accidents and recommends safety improvements Continuously conducts employee safety training, and safety inspections Consistent utilization of IPRF Loss Control safety resources Nominees for Outstanding Member of the Year must have a loss ratio below 25% Nominees for Most Improved Member of the Year must have had at least a 50% reduction in claims frequency and severity Plaques are ceremoniously presented in honor of the recipients of each category. The following were past recipients of the Outstanding Member of the Year award: Village of Elwood. Terry Berger is their Loss Control Consultant. The Village of Elwood has maintained a 0% loss ratio for the past five policy years, an outstanding achievement Nominees for Outstanding Member of the Year were: City of DuQuoin; Illinois Valley Economic Development; Richmond Twp. Fire District; and South Elgin and Countryside FPD Southeastern Illinois College. Brad Hoffman is their. Southeastern Illinois College has maintained an extremely low loss ratio for 2012 and Their strong safety awareness efforts reflect in their low loss experience Nominees for Outstanding Member of the Year were: Palos FPD; City of Lincoln; Pleasantview FPD; City of Princeton; and Countryside FPD. The following are past recipients of the Most Improved Member of the Year award: Darien Woodridge FPD. Ted Golden is their. An overall strong safety effort is evident from top to bottom at DWFPD. A loss ratio of 3% for 2014 is a great accomplishment for a large Fire District Nominees for Most Improved Member of the Year were: Village of Coal City; Downers Grove Sanitary District; City of Harrisburg; City of Kanakee; Village of Lakemoor; and City of Taylorville City of Carlinville. Bill Bloch is their Loss Control Consultant. The City of Carlinville worked hard to reduce their loss ratio from near 50% down to 4%. Working closely with IPRF Loss Control, their focus on safety training and safety awareness programs paid off Nominees for Most Improved Member of the Year were: Village of Barrington Hills; Greater Peoria Sanitary District; City of Hickory Hills; and City of Marion. All of the Award Recipients and Nominees mentioned above share the following characteristics: They have a commitment to safety that starts with their safety committee which meets regularly and is made up of Department Heads. All accidents or incidents (near misses) are thoroughly investigated. They have written and enforced safety procedures. They conduct documented safety inspections using checklists. Management is involved and active with promoting safety awareness. They work closely with IPRF Loss Control to rduce hazardous exposures via safety training and using the safety resources on the IPRF website. IPRF would like to congratulate all of the past Nominees and Award Recipients, your continued efforts to promote safety awareness to your employees is appreciated. Our common goal is to reduce and control workplace hazards and exposures for the well being of all of your employees. Keep up the great work! Please continue to work with your to improve safety and reduce injuries for your entity. We look forward to announcing the Nominees for the 2015 Member of the Year Awards. Look for the Nominee announcements in the next IPRF Newsletter Most Improved Member of the Year award recipients... Darien Woodridge Fire Protection District 2014 Outstanding Member of the Year award recipients... Village of Elwood Award plaques presented by IPRF s Executive Director, Robert Buhs Page 5

6 DIRECTORY Registered for IPRF eblasts? 100% GREEN Newsletter LOSS C O N T R O L IPRF APP NOW AVAILABLE! In a continuing effort to provide our members with resources to eliminate accidents and injuries, IPRF Loss Control now has an App that can be downloaded for free. Visit the App Store and download the IPRF App, please search for IPRF. Currently the IPRF App is only available on ios devises (Apple) such as iphone and ipad. Plans are in place to expand to Android users in the future. The App gives users access to a wide range of important safety documents and links to other useful safety-related Apps. We designed the Safety Awareness Application to be a companion inside the workplace and in the field, putting information at your fingertips when you need it. It is designed to work with Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free download. This allows you to not only view forms and checklists, but use, save and them. As an IPRF App user, you have access to GAP analysis documents, Risk Reminders, forms and checklists as well as links to other Apps and safety-related websites. Illinois Public Risk Fund (IPRF) eblasts are to communicate information of a time sensitive nature to the IPRF membership on proposed workers compensation legislation, OSHA or IDOL regulation announcements, promote available training or other items of special interest. In doing so, all e-blasts will be short and concise without overwhelming the reader with a lot of content to sift through. If you are not currently receiving Free eblasts, from IPRF, you are missing: Statutory & Regulation Reminders Legislative Updates & Call To Action Available Safety Service Offerings To register to receive our eblasts, you can sign-up by visiting and clicking on the banner Sign Me Up for EBlasts! or visit the Loss Control page and click on the button on the right. After filling out your address, first and last name, and department, you will be added to our list. CLAIMS Robert Brummell Senior Claim Manager P (630) rbrummell@ccmsi.com F (217) Lisa Caron Claims Representative, P (630) lcaron@ccmsi.com Subrogation F (217) Kim Dubravin Unit Claims Supervisor P (630) kdubravin@ccmsi.com F (217) Gabriela Bennett Claims Specialist P (630) gbennett@ccmsi.com F (217) Glenn Macey Claims Specialist P (630) gmacey@ccmsi.com F (217) Dahlia Johnson Claims Specialist P (630) dahlia.johnson@ccmsi.com F (217) Elaine Serafino Claims Specialist P (630) eserafino@ccmsi.com F (217) Elena Lumbreras Unit Claims Supervisor P (630) elumbreras@ccmsi.com F (217) Ryan Evers Claims Specialist P (630) revers@ccmsi.com F (217) Kathy Johnson Claims Specialist P (630) kjohnson@ccmsi.com F (217) Thalia Nevels Claims Specialist P (630) tnevels@ccmsi.com F (217) Kevin O'Rourke Claims Specialist P (630) kevin.orourke@ccmsi.com F (217) David Hunter Claims Specialist P (630) dhunter@ccmsi.com F (217) Paul Boecker Unit Claims Supervisor P (630) pboecker@ccmsi.com F (217) Carol Biagi Med Only Representative P (630) cbiagi@ccmsi.com F (217) Josie Murray Med Only Representative P (630) cmurray@ccmsi.com F (217) Nancy Radzienta Med Only Representative P (630) nradzienta@ccmsi.com F (217) Haley Zierman Unit Claims Clerk P (630) hzierman@ccmsi.com F (217) May Soo Hoo Unit Claims Clerk P (630) msoohoo@ccmsi.com F (217) LOSS CONTROL Jim Patino jpatino@ccmsi.com Terry Berger tberger@ccmsi.com Ted Golden tgolden@ccmsi.com Brad Hoffman bhoffman@ccmsi.com Randall House rhouse@ccmsi.com Bill Bloch bbloch@ccmsi.com Donna Ryan donna.ryan@ccmsi.com Loss Control Supervisor Danville, Illinois Administrative Assistant P (630) P (630) P (630) P (314) P (630) P (217) P (630) F (217) IPRF 3333 Warrenville Road Lisle, IL Toll Free Phone: Toll Free Fax: Back issues available online at: The information contained in this newsletter has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, and the editor has exercised reasonable care to assure its accuracy. However, the Illinois Public Risk Fund (IPRF) does not guarantee that the contents of this publication are correct, and the statements attributed to other sources do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of IPRF. Page 6