Although injuries at the workplace cost companies money in workers' compensation claims, there are ways that employers can control the cost as well as control collateral damage.

• Contact Nextep (or your carrier if on your own policy) within 24 hours of the incident. Statistics show that the price of a claim increases drastically when reported 3-10 days after the incident, as opposed to immediately after it occurs.
• Use a clinic. Unless it is a life-threatening emergency, send the employee to a Concentra clinic (or your policy's approved occupational clinic). For a Concentra clinic in your area, visit http://maps.concentra.com/.
• Perform post-injury drug testing on all employee injuries. Post-injury drug testing is a requirement with most workers' compensation policies, including Nextep's.
• Obtain written statements from the employee and any witness(es) immediately and investigate the incident. If there are any unsafe conditions, take proper ameliorating measures right away to prevent other injuries.
• Use prevention. Walk around your worksite regularly to check for any unsafe conditions that can be fixed now. A $200 safety device can save your company from a $20,000 claim.
• Return the employee to work quickly; ideally the same day if possible, or within three days of the injury. Be ready to offer modified duties where needed. Studies show that employees recover three times faster, indemnity costs decrease by 2/3, and medical costs are cut in half when the employee is part of an effective return to work program.

For questions or guidance on your company's risk procedures, please contact risk@nextep.com.