Injury Management - IMO - industry care services

IMO's per case cost savings range from a minimum of $1,000 to $20,000 in medical and lost time savings.

Definition
A matching system that coordinates work requirements to the injured employee's current abilities. IMO works with the physician and employer to evaluate available accommodations, including a gradual increase of job tasks, a modified duty or alternate work program, or transferring skills to a different work position.

When you need it
If the employee cannot safely return to his or her previous job on full duty; or the employer has medical only case management and requires return to work coordination.

How it helps
More than half of all worker's compensation claims costs are indemnity pay-out. By placing the injured employee on a Transitional Return to Work Program, IMO can help reduce these costs, while complying with the doctor's restricted work release.

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Definition
Vocational rehabilitation to help the injured employee realize remaining vocational potential. IMO identifies the employee's work capacities, already defined by the treating physician. After a comprehensive analysis of the employee's past education, vocational training, work history, and acquired and transferable skills, IMO helps the injured employee locate realistic alternatives with salaries comparable with his or her previous job.

When you need it
When an employee can't return to his or her previous position in full duty or modified tasks.

How it helps
Eliminates unnecessary indemnity pay-outs for the employer and returns the employee to a satisfying work environment.

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Definition
An assessment of work injuries, their frequency and severity, and an accompanying prevention plan that incorporates education and training. This customized injury prevention plan is then proposed and implemented at the job site. Types of programs may include: Train the Trainer Prevention Programs, Stretch & Wellness On-Site Programs, Back or Cumulative Trauma Educational Programs and Functional On-Site Body Mechanic & Posture Training.

When you need it
To remedy the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal disorders, especially for high risk employers; and when employers need documented evidence that injury prevention is provided on site to reduce their negligence.

How it helps
Injury prevention was sited by 88 percent of companies in a recent Tillinghast-Towers Perrin study as a frequently used and simple cost containment initiative.

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Definition
Interpretation and direction of the Americans with Disabilities Act. IMO will thoroughly analyze jobs to help you assess "reasonable accommodation," evaluate appropriate "post offer" screening and evaluations for high risk positions, assure that job sites and public accommodations are accessible to the disabled, assess whether an employee's current abilities can safely perform the essential requirement of the job, and assist in the mediation process between employer and employee.

When you need it
When an employer needs a neutral, objective expert to provide assistance with ADA guidelines.

How it helps
Prevents unintended discrimination to disabled individuals and the potential legal ramifications.

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Definition
An ergonomic objective measurement of the parameters and requirements within the work station and work environment. The ergonomic assessment provides a more clear understanding of the physical demand characteristics of the job.

When you need it
When a measurable method is needed to demonstrate job task requirements for a position with limited or no job description.

How it helps
Defines the physical job requirements of the injured employee so that all related parties understand what is involved. Reduces accident frequency and severity and promotes compliance with ADA guidelines.

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Definition
On the job treatment that promotes a medically safe return to work as prescribed by the physician during the employee's rehabilitation process.

Rehabilitating the Company Work Injury Process

Reduce on-the-job injuries with prevention strategies that target high-risk areas
Reduce medical costs by incorporating early intervention with innovative on-site medical case management
Reduce days off work and increase productivity with a stay-at-work emphasis

Our network of occupational health consultants provides businesses with innovative services to reduce costs associated with injury in the workplace and lost-time work days. Utilizing effective health care management strategies may include all or a custom selection of the following services:

The Company Analysis Plan
The Company Analysis Plan (CAP) is a detailed analysis that identifies the current injury prevention programs to the work injury process. The expertise of our network of occupational health consultants lends its assessment and knowledge of claims management, OSHA, ergonomics and safety, injury management, medical provider networks and medical utilization review. A CAP is completed with the assistance of key company personnel and an action plan is reviewed and delivered to determine a more customized on-sit plan for your company. The CAP will prompt identification of potential target areas requiring intervention.
Ergonomic and Jobsite Evaluations
Our consultants study and observe work stations in progress and perform an analysis of high risk areas, make recommendations for avoidance of hazards related to the specific job task and suggest modifications employees can make to reduce the risk of injury while on the job. Our experts also identify and quantify essential job functions for current prospective employees.
Employee Education and Training
Back Education and Body Mechanics Training
Back education and body mechanics training equips the employee with an understanding of their anatomy and body mechanics to teach them the proper way to handle the materials when lifting. It also provides them alternative means of lifting to reduce possible back injury and strain.

Seated Workstation Design
Computer workstation training helps employees learn how to set up correct workstations independently, and it reduces the risk of cumulative trauma and postural disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by teaching workers how to reduce exposure to CTS. Injury prevention techniques include stretching programs.

Training The Trainer
Education and training is implemented with managerial and supervising personnel to integrate them into the role of on-site injury prevention specialists.

In addition to these education programs, an occupational or physical therapist provides training in safety meetings.
Post-Offer Screenings
Assistance in employee placement of new hires includes the assessment of the applicant's ability to perform the physical components of the job and analyze which position will best match the prospective employees' abilities. This is done only after a conditional offer is made. Training for integration of new employees into the job is also offered.
Early Intervention Programs
An experienced and licensed therapist or occupational health nurse is placed on-site for prompt attention of those employees who may experience early signs and symptoms of cumulative trauma disorder. The on-site health care professional plays a key role in the prevention process to decrease incidence of workplace injury and illness. A modification to the job routine may be prescribed for the employee to counteract the symptom of cumulative trauma disorder. This program has been proven to significantly reduce recordable injuries and illnesses.
On-Site Medical Management Programs
Remember: The primary goal of the Medical Management Program is to "stay-at-work" not "return-to-work." On-site therapy is an industry trend to allow on-site medical intervention from a licensed occupational or physical therapist. With the CAP analysis, a more defined on-site clinic is presented with the stay-at-work emphasis. Benefits of a transitional return-to-work process while receiving therapy on-site reduces lost work hours and medical costs.

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For more information

If you are interested in finding out how your company can benefit from on-site therapy, call us toll-free at 877.742.4477. We will visit you and present a comprehensive overview that covers the following:

Early intervention on-site medical case management
Company Analysis Plan (CAP)
Implementing an injury prevention program in the workplace
Office ergonomics: practical guidelines for the seated workstation
Occupational health: a cost-effective approach to caring for the injured worker
OSHA and ergonomics: developing a comprehensive program
Medical management program / on-site clinic

Some Industry Clients of our Network of Occupational Health Consultants:

Aerospace
Airlines
Catering
Construction
Data processing
Distribution

Food service
Garment manufacturing
Grocery service
Manufacturing
Mining

Municipalities
Oil & gas
Retail
School district
Staff leasing

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Click here for a printable PDF of Industry Care Services.