Recognizing that significant delays in recovery drive tremendous increases in spend for workers' compensation claims, the company MedRisk has responded with an innovative program that tackles psychosocial factors behind many of the issues associated with the trend. The program, called MedRisk Restore, is addressing the issue of injured workers who are “disengaged” from life activities,…
Why Can't We Be Tough On Workers' Comp Fraud?
Fraud, when discussed in the context of workers' compensation, is an interesting thing that many can't seem to agree on. Some injured workers will tell you that there is virtually no such thing as workers' comp fraud (except for all the fraud committed against them by the entire world – insurers, employers, regulators, Starbucks Baristas…
In a Year of Tough Stories, IAIABC Ignite is Looking for a Few Good Successes
This past year has been a tough one for the workers' compensation industry, particularly in the realm of the press and public opinion. The ProPublica/NPR stories, released simultaneously with a highly critical OSHA report solely focused on displaying all that is bad in workers' comp, were a big psychological hit on the industry. No one…
The Incredibly Awesome Victims of Charleston
Sometimes you can be judged by the people you leave behind. The nation was rocked last week by the most heinous of hate crimes. 21 year old Dylann Roof entered the Emanuel African American Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, and slaughtered 9 innocent churchgoers in a purely racist, hateful assault. The agony of this event…
Can We Get a Waze App for Workers' Comp?
Two interesting things happened to me yesterday. First, I spoke at the Minnesota Department of Labor’s Workers’ Compensation Summit at Cragun’s Resort near Brainerd, MN. Second, I got a wild ride back to the airport thanks to my GPS navigation app, Waze. The conference was held at a beautiful resort location, and the hospitality…
I'd Rather Have the Ticket
A police officer from Newton, New Jersey pled guilty this week to charges that he repeatedly exposed his genitals during traffic stops. He was accused of exposing his genitals to young men he had pulled over for traffic violations, and then letting them leave without issuing tickets or summonses. He was a 14 year veteran…
McDonalds Employees Make Further Push to Automate Their Jobs
In a clearly orchestrated move, 28 McDonalds employees from around the nation filed health and safety complaints against their employer Monday, claiming they were severely burned while working and told by managers to treat the wounds with condiments. The employees were assisted in this effort by the “Fight for $15” campaign, a program launched by…
South Dakota Supremes Declare Horseplay Compensable
Workers' compensation is no stranger to stupid stories. Lord knows we have seen our fair share of inane dumbassery. This story – make that this court decision – would be one of them. Last week the South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that a man who broke his ankle “running away from a co-worker” after playing…
Delegating, Dumping and Beating the Monkey on Your Back
Effectively managing people is somewhat of an art form, and not something that everyone can do well. Skilled delegation, despite the current “open office, team empowerment” business jargon of the day, is still part of effective management. And as many of us know all too well, there is a fine line between delegation and dumping.…
On Golf and Workers' Comp
Last Thursday I snuck off early for a round of golf before heading into the office. We teed off at 6:45AM, and were done by 9:40. A quick jaunt by the house for a shower and a change of clothes, and I was in the office by 10:30, with few the wiser regarding my absence.…