Uncovering commonly overlooked RTW options by inspecting the way we view inspections

Sometimes it may seem as if there is a bureau or a department to regulate just about every business these days.  In all fairness, these regulations are for good reason and we're thankful that there's someone there to do it.  With regulation come rules.  With rules come inspections.  The good news is that these inspections can be a fantastic source for productive and meaningful return to work (modified duty) opportunities.

Restaurant Inspections

Hopefully your restaurant is not worthy of Chef Ramsey and his camera crew.  If it is, well, you’re dealing with more than just RTW problems and I’m afraid our blog can only address so many issues in 500 words or less.

Restaurant inspections are conducted by various regulatory bodies at the state level to determine if a restaurant is operating within approved food-safety guidelines, has appropriately trained staff, among other requirements.  Many newspapers, as well as online sources, publish the health inspections of restaurants and other food service locations.  Copies of inspection reports are available by request from the agency responsible for completing the inspection.  The point is, this information is, for the most part, easily accessible and can have an incredibly positive or negative impact on your restaurant’s reputation (and subsequent sales).

Common injuries in the restaurant industry include cuts and lacerations, slips/trips/falls, and lifting injuries to the back.  The resulting work restrictions can include limited use of the involved body part such as:  no use of the right hand, no lifting greater than 10 pounds, must be able to sit most of the shift.  The old adage goes, “If there’s time to lean, there’s time to clean.”  Meaning, if you’ve got time to lean on the counter, you’ve got time to wipe said counter, polish said glasses on the counter, or refill said condiment containers under said counter – it’s like the military – there’s always something that needs to be polished, painted, or wiped down.

Restaurant inspections are based off of the codes in place.  Check with your local health department or state agency to see if they have any check list resources to help ensure your restaurant’s operations meet or exceed the standards.  Not only is it a good business practice, but it’s a great resource for modified duty.  A clipboard allows for ease of use.  Even if it is the injured worker’s dominant hand, they can probably check a box under “yes” or “no” with their non-dominant hand.  Most importantly, the work is meaningful, productive, and serves a legitimate business purpose.  This is the best kind of modified duty you can find!

Other types of inspections

 

Long term care facilities have many requirements to meet when it comes to Medicare compliance.  OSHA has numerous requirements related to various aspects of your business.  These include material safety sheets (are yours updated to meet the Globally Harmonized standards/hazardous communications documentation requirements).  Are your eyewash stations up to par?  (More importantly, does everyone know what the standards for an eyewash station are?)  When was the last time your fire extinguishers were inspected?  Are all of your crew members’ step ladders safe and free of cracks or damage?  Are your company vehicles properly maintained for safe operation?  Ask your Risk Management Consultant to help you identify some issues that OSHA may be concerned with and implement a checklist/maintenance system for compliance.  Use that checklist system as part of your modified duty options.  While it may not yield months of modified duty options, it will help you get an injured worker working and hopefully help prevent future injuries or citations.  The goal of course is to make your workplace safer, not just to avoid the citations.

I’m sure there are various other types of inspections that your business may face – be prepared and help return an injured worker to meaningful, productive modified duty.

A must watch - "GOLD" - You can do more than you think

Two years ago I had the privilege of watching this film in its entirety at a seminar on the importance of return to work and disability management.  Those of us in the audience were also fortunate enough to hear Kirsten Bruhn speak about her experiences after her accident, and how swimming (and her family) helped her see a future in a new way.  She is an inspiration to many and I invite you learn more about her story.  In her words, "You are what you are thinking. I have learned that I need to step away from my handicap and reinvent myself for what I am capable of doing. And action follows the thought."

I encourage you to watch this short movie trailer and read about the two other Paralympic athletes, Kurt Fearnley and Henry Wanyoike.

There is a movement to change the way we talk about people with disabilities, how they are integrated in our society and workplaces, and a general understanding and appreciation for what it means to live and contribute when you have a disability.  It is a matter of changing the conversation and changing peoples' perspectives -- this video is a great starting point. 

In workers' compensation, we don't typically work with professional athletes, but we do work with industrial athletes.  When an accident occurs, whether it results in permanent impairment or not, that can be a life-changing event.  The impact it has on a person's life may vary, but never doubt that it has an impact.  We are in a position that requires us to understand that impact it has on an individual physically, psychologically, economically and socially -- and help them return to wellness.

Watch it, share it, keep the conversation going.

It's Kids' Chance Awareness Week! Please help spread the word by reading and sharing this post!

What is Kids’ Chance of America?
Kids’ Chance of America is a 501 (c)(3) organization that represents a collection of state-level non-profit Kids' Chance organizations that provide scholarship opportunities to children who need financial assistance due to a parent’s work-related injury or fatality. Cumulatively, since their inception in 1988, Kids' Chance organizations have awarded 5,479 scholarships totaling almost 14 million dollars.

There are currently 29 Kids’ Chance state organizations with several additional states in the planning stages. The goal is to establish a Kids’ Chance presence in every state so that all eligible students are made aware of their assistance. Find out if there’s a Kids’ Chance in your state.

What Makes Kids’ Chance Awareness Week Special?

Today marks the inaugural Kids’ Chance Awareness Week. Eastern Alliance Insurance Group is proud to provide financial support to many Kids’ Chance organizations, and sponsors the “fresh outlooks. better outcomes.” scholarship through Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania. Our employees also embrace this terrific cause, raising thousands of dollars every year for Kids’ Chance scholarships, and serving on the boards of several Kids’ Chance organizations.

In 2015, scholarship applications increased significantly but we know there are more students in need of assistance. Kids’ Chance Awareness Week is designed to increase visibility through special outreach events in each state that will spread the word about Kids’ Chance scholarship opportunities.

Planning for College Initiative

In order to help achieve the goal of creating a Kids’ Chance presence in every state, Kids’ Chance established the national Planning for College initiative. For a family who has lost a parent’s income due to a serious or fatal work-related accident, planning for college can become a real challenge. Through the Planning for College Initiative, Kids’ Chance is here to help those families with children of all ages stay in contact so, when the time is right, they’re prepared to apply for our scholarships.  If you or someone you know is eligible for a Kids’ Chance scholarship, enter your contact information in the Planning for College form.

How Can I Get Involved with Kids’ Chance?

• Contact the Kids’ Chance organization in your state to find out what special Awareness Week events are planned.
• Spread the word about Kids’ Chance Awareness Week through social media, tagging Kids’ Chance: @KidsChanceInc.
• Talk to your colleagues who may come in contact with injured workers and/or their families that may have children who could be eligible for a college scholarship -- now or in the future.
• Planning for College materials can be found here or to request Planning for College Cards, please contact the Kids' Chance office at admin@kidschance.org or call 484-945-9903.
• Share this blog post!  You can do so by using the sharing icons below.