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September/October 2005

Table of contents:

1. Save Time And Money on Workers' Comp Cases - Part II
2. When Disaster Strikes: Disaster Supply Kits
3. Think Safe! - Halloween Safety Guide
   

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Save Time and Money on Workers' Comp Cases - Part II:
Aggressive Case Management

In our last edition, we discussed how Early Intervention Programs and Onsite Therapy services can help your organization save thousands of dollars in Workers' Compensation costs while minimizing employee time away from work. Another powerful tool at your disposal, with a similar purpose, is Case Management.

An aggressive medical Case Manager will ensure that an injured worker receives prompt and appropriate medical care in order to expedite return to work at minimal expense to the employer. Delegating injury cases to a qualified Case Manager can also save you a good deal of time and frustration - common side effects of handling these cases yourself.

Case Managers have an expert knowledge of the both the Workers' Compensation and medical systems. They use this knowledge to benefit the injured worker by ensuring quality medical care and follow-through. Benefits to the employer are numerous: coordination of medical services, communication between medical providers and the employer, identification of fraudulent cases, and a return-to-work ASAP mindset.

There are two main types of medical case management: field and telephonic. With field case management, the Case Managers accompany the injured worker to medical appointments and interact with the providers face-to-face. Field case management is particularly effective because issues are addressed in person with the employee, physician and Case Manager, resulting in excellent communication and clarification of goals and responsibilities. Telephonic case management is useful for coordinating medical services with the employee/employer and for obtaining information needed for the case.

If you would like more information on how CISonsite's medical case management services could be of benefit to you and your organization, please contact Sheila Panozzo at (866)298-1312.

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When Disaster Strikes: Disaster Supply Kits

In lieu of the tragic events resulting from hurricane Katrina, many of us have wondered how prepared we would be if disaster strikes. Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. A winter storm could confine your family to home for more than a day. An earthquake, flood or tornado could cut off basic services like gas, water, electricity and telephones for days. A hazardous material spill on the highway could mean instant evacuation from your home.

According to the American Red Cross, there are 6 basics you should stock in your home (for complete list visit www.redcross.org):

WATER: Store one gallon of water per person, per day. Keep at least a 3-day supply of water on hand for each person in your home.

FOOD: Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking. Some choices include:

♦ Ready-to-eat canned meats, tuna, fruits and vegetables.

♦ High energy foods: peanut butter, cereal, granola bars, trail mix.

♦ Canned juices, milk, soup

♦ Vitamins

♦ Food for infants or those on special diets

TOOLS and SUPPLIES:

♦ Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils

♦ Flashlight & extra batteries

♦ Battery operated radio & extra batteries

♦ Cash/Traveler's checks, change

♦ Non-electric can opener, utility knife

♦ Small ABC type fire extinguisher

♦ Tape, Pliers, Compass, Plastic bags

♦ Whistle, Signal Flare

♦ Matches in waterproof container

♦ Paper, Pen

♦ Toilet Paper, wipes

♦ Soap, liquid detergent

♦ Personal hygiene items

♦ Plastic bucket with tight lid

♦ Shut-off wrench for home gas/water

♦ Disinfectant, bleach

FIRST AID KIT

♦ Scissors, Tweezers, Needles

♦ Various adhesive bandages

♦ Various gauze pads & rolling bandages

♦ Antiseptic, petroleum jelly

♦ Latex gloves, safety pins

♦ Thermometer, sunscreen

♦ Hypoallergenic adhesive tape

♦ Aspirin/non-aspirin pain reliever

♦ Anti-diarrhea medication

♦ Antacid, Laxative

CLOTHING and BEDDING:

♦ At least one complete change of clothes and footwear per person

♦ Sturdy shoes or work boots

♦ Rain gear

♦ Blankets or sleeping bags

SPECIAL ITEMS: Remember family members with special needs

♦ Baby Supplies: Diapers, formula, bottles, medications

♦ For Adults: Medications, contact lenses and supplies, denture needs

♦ Important Documents (Keep in waterproof container): Will, insurance policies, passports, social security cards, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, family records, list of important telephone numbers.

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffle bag. Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Change the water and food supply every 6 months and update the rest of the kit on an annual basis.

While we are often helpless to prevent a disaster, we can find some peace of mind in being prepared should one occur.

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Think Safe! - Halloween Safety Guide

Halloween is a fun time of the year, particularly for those of us with kids. Here are some tips for making Halloween enjoyable as well as safe.

• Costumes should be fire-proof and short enough so as not to trip over.
  

• Masks should have eye-holes large enough for good peripheral vision.
  

• Children should go out during daylight hours only unless accompanied by an adult
  

• If children are out after dark, they should carry a flashlight, glow stick or have reflective tape on their costume.
  

• If children are responsible enough to go out by themselves, instruct them to stay with their group
  

• Plan a safe route for your children and set a time for their return home. Make sure they understand how important it is for them to be home on time.
  

• Instruct them to never go into the home or car of a stranger.
  

• Tell children to avoid eating any treats until they are examined by you.
  

• If you set jack-o-lanterns with candles on your porch, be certain to position them far enough away from trick-or-treaters so costumes won't accidentally be set on fire.

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

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