New technologies are improving workers’ compensation programs in everything from communications and training to healthcare delivery and claims, according to experts.
A market research leader identified several areas of workers’ comp that can benefit from technology:
- Communications with Employees. Information regarding prevention of injuries or claim updates can be provided through apps, or online web.
- Sharing workforce training via an employer’ web network or smartphone applications.
- Delivering care to injured workers through telemedicine and via mobile apps that can direct injured workers to medical providers.
- Managing claims by providing customizable mobile or email alerts.
A new technology that is also having a great impact is wearable technology. Wearables can monitor employee’s movements and alert them of danger. The information collected from wearables can be used in training, and wellness program. For example, some firms are equipping forklifts to sound an alarm or flash lights to warn employees and the public. However, there should be a growing concern that such collection of information can be an invasion of the employee’s privacy.
Technology can also help to improve and centralize the injury reporting system. Northwell Health, a hospital in New York, offered a case example of this. Previously, the hospital required injured workers to file a bunch of paperwork after suffering an injury. Penmanship was proven to be a problem. It resulted in various answers ranging from address, job title, to injury site. Now the hospital employed an online system, which automates forms and connects employee data to generate prefilled forms. After completing the forms, the system will send the reports to the designated persons in the system without the employees taking any further action. According to the hospital, the new system has resulted in a more positive response from employees and smoother transition for the employees to return to work.
Bank of America (“BOA”) offered another case study. BOA implemented a telenursing program for insured employees. This included a dedicated 24/7 reporting line that allowed injured workers to speak to a registered nurse and directly report a claim. The nurse in return assesses the medical history, injury, and pain level, obtains accident report, and offers a first-aid type of treatment recommendation. The nurse will then direct employees to a medical provider where allowed, and then will help the employee to schedule the appointment. Call notes are uploaded to the system and become viewable to adjusters. Experts said the use of telemedicine at BOA has resulted in higher network diffusion, lower claims numbers, and lower claims costs
However, telenursing poses a very major concern to employees. Employers, in its ability to create virtual clinics, may ignore to train employees or may not take reasonable care in providing workplace safety non-virtually, such as posting a panel, real-live training. Secondly, not all employees are well aware of technology to effectively use the system. Technology is great. Yet as any new development, there are always the pros and cons. Thus employers must carefully assess the advantages and disadvantages to provide the necessary care to protect their workers.
The Poirier Law Firm’s goal is to make sure that all of our injured workers promptly and efficiently, receive his/her necessary medical treatment. So if you or a family member have been hurt at work and have any issues with promptly receiving medical treatment, call Poirier Law today for help and for a free consultation. The Poirier Law Firm has represented injured workers for over 16 years. You deserve to have a zealous advocate in your corner!