Do I Really Have to Report Every Workers Compensation Claim?!?!

This past week I did a presentation on what a reportable claim is and how first aid differs from a reportable claim.  After the presentation I quickly realized that many people in the room, let alone my current clients, probably had no idea they had an option when it comes to reporting workplace injuries.  So in the next few minutes, I'll attempt to explain what a first aid vs. reportable claim summary situation actually is.


First off, Cal/OSHA defines "first aid" as any one-time treatment, and any follow-up visit for the purpose of observation of minor scratches, cuts, burns, splinters, or other minor industrial injuries, which do not ordinarily require medical care.  This one-time treatment, and follow-up visit for the purpose of observation, is considered first aid even though provided by a physician or registered professional personnel.  For those of you who do not know who or what Cal/OSHA is, they are responsible for enforcing California laws and regulations pertaining to workplace safety and health.  They provide free assistance to employers and workers about workplace safety and health issues.  Cal/OSHA is also the organization that enforces rules and regulations, can impose inspections and/or fines to employers based on worker complaints and high hazard industries.

What's the difference between recordable incidents and first aid?  I've listed some examples below.

RECORDABLE INCIDENTS:

• Occupational fatalities
• Occupational illnesses
• Lost work day injuries - injury caused absence from work and/or restricted activity beyond the day of injury
• Loss of consciousness
• Positive X-ray diagnosis (fractures or broken bones)
  

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NON-RECORDABLE INCIDENTS "FIRST AID":

• Treatment of first degree burn
• Application of antiseptics during the first visit to medical personnel
• Removal of foreign bodies not embedded in the eye by irrigation
• Use of non-prescription medications
• Application of hot and cold compresses during the first visit to medical personnel
• Negative X-rays diagnosis (no fractures or broken bones)

First aid is a one time treatment and subsequent observation of minor injuries and need not be recorded if the work related injury does not involve loss of consciousness, restriction of work or motion, or transfer to another job.  

Let's cut to the point.  Why does it matter?!  Well a reportable incident means that a claim will show up on your insurance loss runs or claims summary for the year.  If you report a claim to your workers compensation carrier, it will show up on your annual report.  An incident that only requires first aid does NOT have to be reported to your insurance company as a claim.  Not only can your experience modification rating be positively effected by this, but the bottom line is that it effects your pocket book in a positive way, as well.  Less frequency of claims shows a workers compensation carrier that you are a safe, responsible employer and in turn more premium credits are given to those safe, responsible employers.

If your questioning whether or not a claim is reportable, feel free to give a us a call before making that call.  We're always here to help!