Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I invest in external HR consulting services?
   At the Henderson Group, we live and breathe workers’ compensation and disability management issues. Legislation surrounding these important work force issues changes constantly. By partnering with us, our clients are able to leverage our expertise to minimize losses by making better hiring decisions, maintaining safer work environments, better managing claims, and taking timely advantage of legislation changes. We work with companies to develop:
• Comprehensive job descriptions to appropriately set job expectations.
• Programs for physical examinations and drug testing as contingencies for job offers. 
• Training for employees and supervisors on timely reporting of accidents and return-to-work programs to get people safely back to work.
• Claim monitoring and subsequent process change initiatives to minimize future claims.
   
2. Why do I need a Return-to-Work program?
   Having an employee out on leave of absence is costly. It not only impacts a company financially, but impacts the productivity and morale of other workers. And, studies have shown that employees that are allowed to return to jobs, even with physical restrictions recover from injuries faster. At The Henderson Group we can help you develop programs that will work at getting your key resources back to work safer and faster. In addition, we will work with you to stay in compliance with the many changes that have taken place recently in California’s workers’ compensation laws relative to return-to-work.
    
3. What is a claim review and what is the best timing?
   The Henderson Group will ask that your insurance company provide verbal or written information regarding your open workers’ compensation claims. We specifically look at issues, plans of action, and reserve dollars for each claim.  This information is then discussed with you in detail.
   
   The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau requires that insurance carriers file a yearly unit statistical report, with reserve dollars, beginning 18 months from policy inception. This report is used to calculate the experience modification (ex-mod), and can impact future premium levels. 
   
   We recommend that a claim review be conducted by The Henderson Group twice a year: 60 to 90 days ahead of the unit statistical filing and 60 days prior to policy expiration. At a minimum, it is critical that a claim review be held in advance of the unit statistical filing.
   
   
4. What can I gain from claims monitoring?
   Claims monitoring is desired by those clients who want more than just a once or twice a year update on their open claims. Through claims monitoring clients are kept abreast of the activities of each claim on a continual basis. Clients who participate in The Henderson Group Claims Monitoring Program receive regular telephonic and e-mail consultation on current open claims, newly reported claims, and potential claims. 
   
   
5. What is an Injury Reporting Tool Kit and where do I get one?
   At The Henderson Group, we’ve taken the complexity out of injury reporting by creating a tool kit that helps employers work through all of the necessary steps required by law. Whether it is an admitted injury or a questionable claim, it is important to begin the documentation process immediately so that the claim is adjudicated properly and timely. To assist our clients in documenting and reporting claims in a consistent manner, the Injury Reporting Tool Kit consists of:
• Employee Accident Statement Forms
• Supervisor Incident Reports
• Witness Statement Forms
• Authorization Forms to release medical records
• California required forms (DWC-1 and 5020)

Please contact The Henderson Group to place your order for an Injury Reporting Tool Kit and start streamlining your claim reporting process.

6. My managers, supervisors, and rank and file employees are too busy to spend time on training for workers’ compensation issues. Why is this important?
   Employees need to know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to workers’ compensation and return-to-work programs. Managers and supervisors need to know how to report an incident, investigate and document appropriately, and define a return-to-work strategy for an impacted employee. By proactively establishing and communicating expectations for all who are potentially involved, risks can be minimized and the productivity of your work force can be protected.