Following is a compilation of ideas expressed by CEB members on this issue.

1. Join a group
   Joining a group worker’s compensation program is one of the easiest ways to reduce your costs.  As with health care costs, when you join a group risk is spread over more employees, thereby reducing your costs.  Both trade associations and your local chamber of commerce offer group rates.  Keep in mind that if you already have a bad rating you may have some difficulty getting into a group.
   
   

2. Put safety first
   No matter what the cost savings, safety must always be your first priority.  To keep employees aware of the safety issue establish a program within your company, for example, safety bingo.  Programs like this communicate your commitment to safety.  They also keep safety in the forefront of employees’ minds and make use of peer pressure in their implementation.
   
   

3. Form safety committees
   A safety committee keeps all employees aware of everyday safety.  Make sure that your committee has workers in key positions.  These workers are closer to potential safety problems, and can bring these issues to the committee for solutions.  In addition these workers can implement your program in the workplace, again making use of peer pressure to ensure success.
   
   

4. Challenge all illegitimate claims
   Even if the courts are pro-labor make it a policy to challenge all illegitimate claims.  By setting a precedent of challenging claims you’ll enjoy reduced claims in the future, more than offsetting the initial costs you incur.
   
   

5. Hire a private investigator
   On all fraudulent claims hire a private investigator.  He or she can find evidence of fraud, greatly reducing your costs.
   
   

6. Start a drug testing policy
   After every reported accident conduct a drug test on the claimant.  You’ll find your accident claims will drop significantly when employees know they will have to undergo a drug test.
   
   

7. Use local hospitals
   Researching your local hospitals can greatly reduce your costs.  Many hospitals have occupational care units that are pro-management.  They offer excellent services at low fees.
   
   

8. Bring employees back to work early
   Set a policy of bringing all worker’s comp cases back to work as soon as possible, even though you may need to provide menial work for them.
   
   

9. Choose a doctor
   Select a doctor that is caring and compassionate, while also being pro-management.  Have all claimants visit this doctor before determining action.
   
   

10. Limit use of chiropractors
    Chiropractic services can quickly escalate your costs, particularly when there is abuse.  When you suspect abuse have the employee visit your doctor.
    
    

11. Track all cases
    Assign an employee to handle and track all worker’s comp cases.  The objective of this position should be to reduce costs.  Evaluate this employee based on cost reduction.
    
    

12. Require timely accident reports
    Set a policy that all accidents must be reported by the end of the day the accident occurred.  Follow through on this policy by challenging all claims that are not reported on the day of the accident.
    
    

13. Require back belts
    When appropriate require the use of back belts.  These belts make it virtually impossible to lift incorrectly and they illustrate your commitment to safety.  They also keep everyday safety in the forefront of employees’ minds.
    
    

14. Use disability insurance
    Disability insurance can be much less expensive than worker’s comp premiums.  When buying disability insurance make sure it starts the first day after an accident.
    
    

15. Research potential employees’ claim histories
    There are companies that will tell you the worker’s comp claim history of prospective employees. This research can help you avoid hiring people with a bad history.  Be sure to check with your attorney on procedures for handling this process legally.
    
    

16. Genuinely care about your employees
    One CEB member’s company – with 1,600 employees – has the president take charge of all accident cases personally.  This procedure demonstrates management’s commitment to the employees and to the dangers they face in the workplace.  Assign a top-level executive for early intervention into accident claims.  This executive needs to show personal interest in the employees’ problems, and should keep in constant communication with employees who are off work.