SEPTEMBER - 2022HR TECH OUTLOOK8THE HUMAN SIDE OF WORKERS' COMPENSATIONAlicia DePalma, Claims Consultant ­ AVP, LocktonByEmployers often view workers' compensation as a state-by-state regulatory monster that can be mildly frustrating at best,with substantial impacts on productivity and the bottom line. What some employers overlook is that the process can be terrifyingfor the injured employee. The human side to workers' compensation can get lost in the shuffle. Imagine being hurt performing some function of a job you do every day. Where do you go for treatment? How will you get paid? Will your co-workers, supervisor,or company view you differently? What if you're never "quite the same?" Even with a separate department tasked with risk management, employers need to include Human Resources in the workers' compensation conversation and process.Collaboration between human resources and risk management functions is natural to the workers' compensation claims process.HR is often the point of contact for critical lost time information, such as wage statements and work history. HR is also the keeper of information that is essential to employee performance and job status. Termination, reductions in hours, or a layoff can significantly impact an employer's options for resolving a workers' compensation claim. Additionally, a siloed approach between risk management and HR can lead to more costly claim results. For example, HR can serve a pivotal Alicia DePalma
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