Pub. 3 2021 Issue 5

avoid something minor becoming something major. Sometimes the simplest of injuries can evolve into a dangerous complication. We may suggest medical treatment even if both the employer and employee don’t believe it is necessary. Minor to Major: • A simple cut, scrape, or puncture wound can become infected. A simple puncture that could be treated at an occupational health provider’s office for less than $500, with wound care and a tetanus shot, can evolve into a major infection in a matter of hours or days. That could result in emergency medical care, hospitalization, IV antibiotics, time lost from work, and thousands of dollars in medical bills. • A simple back strain can be treated at an occupational health office with over-the-counter medications, home therapies and physical therapy, or a home exercise program on the day of the injury. Not seeking treatment typically could lead to the injured worker becoming so uncomfortable in 24 – 48 hours that they seek emergency medical treatment. This then could require prescription medication and time lost from work, not to mention the cost of the emergency room visit. The workers’ compensation process can be overwhelming to many. The rules, deadlines and details seem complex, but the NHADA WCT Team can help you manage. Before an injury occurs is the best time to set Continued from page 9 up office policy on what to do when an injury occurs. Deb Handrahan is our team’s expert in this area. She is available to visit our members, review the workers’ compensation process and forms, and assist you in developing and identifying temporary alternative duty jobs. The time to figure this out is not when the injured worker is standing in front of you in pain and in need of medical treatment. Knowing what forms to complete, who to call, how to assist the injured worker, and having light- duty ready and available is the key to cost containment. Time lost putting this in order when the accident occurs will cost the member money and delay our investigation. We encourage all members to request a visit with Deb to review the process of what to do when an employee is injured. (Deb can be reached at 603-224-2369 or by email at dhandrahan@nhada.com. ) When injured workers seek medical treatment, they will be given a NH Workers Compensation Medical Form after the visit. This form is extremely important to the injured worker, the employer and us. The form outlines the description of the injury, employees’ complaints, medical diagnosis and treatment, work status, if the medical provider believes the injury is work-related, whether or not the injured worker has reached maximal medical improvement or if there is any permanent impairment. After seeking medical treatment, the employee shares the form with their employer when arriving at the workplace. This form outlines the plan for return to work by detailing light duty. It also gives the employer information on the treatment of the injury and follow-up care. Most providers D R I V E 10