The workers’ compensation claims coordinator

Contents 6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................108 6.2 What is a workers’ compensation claims coordinator ........................109 6.3 Selecting a workers’ compensation claims coordinator ......................109 6.4 Roles and responsibilities of the workers’ compensation claims

coordinator.................................................................................................. 112 6.4.1 Coordinating the development and implementation

of relevant policies and procedures ......................................... 113 6.4.2 Educating and training employees, supervisors

and managers ................................................................................ 113 6.4.3 The central contact person for all work-related injuries........ 114 6.4.4 Submitting claims to the workers’ compensation

insurance carrier ........................................................................... 114 6.4.5 Screening claims for evidence of fraud and claims of

questionable compensability....................................................... 115 6.4.6 Coordinating and reviewing accident investigations............. 115 6.4.7 Ensuring that corrective measures have been

implemented.................................................................................. 115 6.4.8 Acquiring return-to-work documentation................................ 115 6.4.9 Coordinating modified duty strategies..................................... 116 6.4.10 Maintaining effective communication with

injured employees......................................................................... 117 6.4.11 Maintaining effective communication with physicians ......... 118 6.4.12 Maintaining effective communication with insurance

carrier’s claims representatives .................................................. 118 6.4.13 Maintaining effective communication with company

managers and owners.................................................................. 119 6.4.14 Participating in all safety meetings ........................................... 119 6.4.15 Conducting routine evaluations of the company’s

workers’ compensation management program....................... 119 6.5 Summary ..................................................................................................... 119

6.1 Introduction Similar to other functions within a business, controlling the costs relating to workers’ compensation requires effective management. Other functional divisions of businesses such as purchasing, marketing, production, and the like have assigned managers, supervisors, or coordinators. In fact, few business owners would feel comfortable without a single individual to hold accountable for these operational functions. Therefore, if a company is truly sincere about desiring to control the costs relating to workers’ compensation, an individual employee should be designated to manage that function, as well.