Workers' Compensation: Key Do's and Don'ts for Employers

This comprehensive workshop will provide employers with critical knowledge on how to navigate the complex world of Workers' Compensation. Participants will learn essential practices for managing workers' compensation claims efficiently and legally. The session will focus on key Do's, such as the importance of reporting injuries promptly and accurately to your insurance carrier, providing injured employees with clear information about their rights and options, and maintaining open communication throughout the claims process. Documentation is vital, and attendees will understand how to document every step, from the initial injury to recovery. The workshop will also highlight critical Don'ts, such as avoiding retaliation against injured workers, ensuring timely submission of necessary paperwork, and never discouraging employees from reporting injuries or providing inaccurate reports. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of incident reporting and documentation practices, learning how to create detailed reports, gather witness accounts, and track medical and recovery documentation. The session will also cover the role of the Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) in resolving disputes related to medical care and return-to-work assessments. Finally, the workshop will address the delicate issue of disciplining or firing an employee with a work comp claim, stressing the importance of avoiding retaliation and documenting performance issues properly. By the end of this workshop, employers will have a comprehensive understanding of how to handle work comp claims with legal compliance, fairness, and transparency.

Speakers:

Emma Ashbee is the newest addition to the George Petersen work comp team, with a background in managing work comp claims, return to work programs, and new hire onboarding. She holds a BA in Business Administration from Simpson University and certifications from Cal/OSHA and OSIP as a Qualified Administrator. In her previous role at Sierra Pacific Industries, Emma worked as claims adjuster, coordinating with supervisors, medical providers and attorneys, and managing indemnity benefits. She also assisted employees with understanding their benefits and facilitated their return to work, ensuring compliance with state regulations. In addition to workers' comp, she specializes in new hire onboarding, pre-employment drug screening and background checks for employers in California.

Scott Shoffner is a 5th generation Shasta County Native. He has been a Licensed Commercial Insurance Producer in Redding since 2005. He has been with George Petersen Insurance since 2017 and possesses a wide range of commercial insurance knowledge. Scott works closely with mid to large-sized contractors of all types and addresses the unique insurance challenges the construction industry faces in California.

Host or Publisher North Valley Employer Advisory Council (NVEAC)