NHADA-Pub3-2021-Issue4-FLIPBOOK

• Employees lack knowledge about hazardous substances. • New employees do not understand the purpose/ importance of personal protective equipment and its proper use. • Employers fail to convey the safety message. The NHADA Loss Prevention Team has developed an internet training program, in a partnership with TrainCaster, that addresses many of these issues. One of the modules is specific to new hires who can complete all OSHA required and best practices safety orientation training quickly and conveniently prior to their commencement of actual work. Providing new hires with employment- specific training helps set the tone of a safety culture in the workplace. Taking steps to help employees understand the risks they face and providing them with the tools and training they need to avoid injuries is a huge step toward managing the risk created by new employees. The other important practice in the onboarding process is to ensure that new hires understand to whom to report an injury and the importance of promptly reporting all injuries regardless of how minor they appear. We have seen an uptick in delayed reporting of injuries, particularly in the under 30 years of age demographic. Delayed reporting makes the investigation process more challenging as memories fade and video surveillance may be erased. Additionally, the claims department has lost control of the medical treatment. The new hire may not be aware that they are participants in a workers’ compensation managed care program that requires injured employees treat within a network of medical providers. The new hire may seek treatment with their primary care physician or the emergency room, either of which will drive up claims’ costs. Please take time to explain to all new hires how to report injuries. Ensure new hires understand they work in a managed care program for workers’ compensation claims, and make sure they know what that means in terms of medical treatment for a work-related injury. When in doubt, call Nurse Case Manager Marta Silakka at 603-224-2369. Please contact the loss prevention department to set up with TrainCaster through the NHADA web portal at nhadaworkerscomplp@nhada.com/ or 603-224-2369. If you have questions about the workers’ compensation process, please contact our Member Services Coordinator Deborah Handrahan at dhandrahan@nhada.com . N E W H A M P S H I R E 11