1. business and industrial

q2 2014
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
DENVER, CO
PERMIT NO. 680
community focus
7501 E. Lowry Blvd.
Denver, CO
Community Investment Pillars
As a company that has called Colorado home for nearly
100 years, Pinnacol Assurance is committed to supporting
the well-being and sustainability of the communities in
which our valued employees work and live. Colorado is
more than a place where we do business, it’s a place we
call home; a place we want to see grow and thrive.
Our community investment supports our mission: to
provide assured protection to Colorado employers and
their greatest asset — their employees. As a workers’
compensation insurer, Pinnacol’s work focuses on keeping
worksites safe, helping injured workers get back to work
and ensuring that Colorado has a robust business climate.
Our community investment pillars tie directly to that work.
ƒƒRehabilitative Health Services — Organizations that
provide services to those who are recovering from
physical injuries or living with ongoing disabilities.
ƒƒSafety and Prevention Services — Organizations that
promote and enhance worksite and employee safety.
ƒƒEconomic Development and Vitality — Support for
Colorado institutions that serve to promote and
enhance our economic climate by making Colorado a
great place to work and grow a thriving a business.
Do you have questions? Suggestions?
Want to receive Focus via email?
We want to hear from you!
[email protected]
Your Source for Colorado Workers’ Compensation Information
For more information about Pinnacol’s community
investment pillars, visit www.pinnacol.com/
community-relations or call 303.361.4783.
policyholder spotlight
We are pleased to recognize the following Pinnacol policyholders for their recent awards:
ƒƒAMI Mechanical – Member of the Year, Hispanic
Contractor Awards, Large Subcontractor of the Year
ƒƒBlack Roofing – 2013 Job of the Year Award, Colorado
Roofing Association
ƒƒCapital Roofing – Torch Awards for Ethics, Northern
Colorado and Wyoming 2014 Better Business Bureau,
25-50 employee category
ƒƒCentennial AG Supply – Best Practice in Safety Award,
Better Business Bureau Safety Group
ƒƒColumbine Label Company – Eugene Singer Award for
Management Excellence, Tag and Label Manufacturers
Institute, small company category
ƒƒMicrobial Research Inc. – Torch Awards for Ethics,
Northern Colorado and Wyoming 2014 Better Business
Bureau, 1-10 employee category
ƒƒRed Noland Auto Group – Colorado Springs Business
Journal Award, Community Giving
ƒƒSaunders Construction – Member of the Year,
Hispanic Contractor Awards, Large General Contractor
of the Year
policyholder training
ƒƒSky Blue Builders – Member of the Year, Hispanic
Contractor Awards, Small General Contractor of the
Year
ƒƒSouth Valley Drywall – Excellence in Ethics Award,
American Subcontractors Association
ƒƒThe Egg & I – Best Practice in Safety Award, Better
Business Bureau Safety Group
Has your organization recently received an award?
Share the good news and let us know! Email
[email protected] – we want to hear from you.
Register Now for Pinnacol’s Fifth Annual Risk Management Symposiums
Registration is now open for Pinnacol’s “Fundamentals
of Workers’ Comp” Risk Management Symposiums this
summer. This year, the symposiums will be held at three
different locations throughout Colorado. Free to Pinnacol
policyholders and agents, the symposiums offer expert
counsel and a variety of back-to-basics sessions to help
protect employees.
This year’s topics include:
ƒƒWorkers’ Comp 101 — What Is It and
Why Does My Organization Need It?
policyholder resources
2014 q2 focus
ƒƒDenver on Thursday, June 26, at The Inverness Hotel
and Conference Center
ƒƒGrand Junction on Wednesday, July 23, at the Two
Rivers Convention Center
ƒƒColorado Springs on Friday, Aug. 15, at Antlers Hilton
Colorado Springs
For complete course descriptions and to register, visit
www.pinnacol.com/employer/training. Remember,
space is limited, so register today!
in this issue
> 2014 Legislative Wrap-Up
> Policyholder Spotlight
>C
lassification Codes
Affect Premiums
ƒƒAccident Investigation
ƒƒEffective Safety Training
Focus Is Going Online - Sign Up Today!
We are excited to announce that we will be moving this
publication online. We will be sending a reminder as it gets
closer, but if you are not currently receiving emails from us,
sign up by sending an email to askpinnacol@pinnacol
to ensure you receive the next issue of Focus.
We look forward to seeing you in:
ƒƒReturn-to-Work Q&A
Just include your name, policy number and the name
of your organization. We will let you know when the
next issue is available.
ƒƒManaging Change
ƒƒAnd more…
2014 RISK MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUMS
FUNDAMENTALS
OF WORKERS’ COMP
DENVER JUNE 26 | GRAND JUNCTION JULY 23 | COLORADO SPRINGS AUG. 15
How to Prepare for a Claim
What You and Your Employees Can Do
president’s message
feature article
Education and Feedback
q2 2014
>>
focus is published quarterly
for Pinnacol policyholders.
Pinnacol’s mission is to provide
assured protection to Colorado
employers and their greatest
asset — their employees.
how to reach us
Customer Service
303.361.4000 or 800.873.7242
Spanish Customer Service
303.361.4005 or 888.243.1124
Fax Number
303.361.5000 or 888.329.2251
Claims Reporting Fax Number
888.329.2251
It’s been six months since I joined Pinnacol,
and each month I’m learning more about the
many services we offer to help you, our valued
policyholders. As summer approaches, I’m
proud to announce that we will again be hosting
our annual Risk Management Symposiums.
These free educational events give you the
opportunity to participate in high-quality
courses that provide tools to help you manage
all aspects of your workers’ compensation
policy and keep your employees safe. To make
attendance convenient, we’re again holding symposiums in Denver and Grand
Junction and this year are adding Colorado Springs to the schedule.
Another way we educate you is by offering free resources — everything from
online webinars to sample policies. This issue of Focus is filled with useful
guides and safety tips, including a step-by-step article on how to prepare a
claim. For more information about the symposiums and our resources, visit
Pinnacol.com.
My message to you in the last issue of Focus mentioned our desire for your
feedback. To make that process even easier for you, we’ve created a new email
address — [email protected] — where you can send us questions
and ideas or just tell us what’s on your mind. We are continually re-evaluating
our services and looking to offer new ones, and your input will help shape our
thinking about how to best meet your needs today and in the months and years
ahead.
On behalf of everyone at Pinnacol, I want to thank you for your business. We
value our partnership with you and look forward to working together to make
Colorado the best place to live, work and grow a business.
Fraud Hotline
303.361.4800 or 800.873.1888
Safety On Call
303.361.4700 or 888.501.4752
Services for the Hearing Impaired
800.659.2656
Report Workplace Injuries
Pinnacol.com
Phil Kalin
>>
Safety On Call Hotline
Call Pinnacol’s free Safety On Call
hotline for answers to your safety
questions. Safety consultants are
available Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MST) to help with any
safety issues or questions, including:
ƒƒAnswering questions regarding
regulations, recordkeeping, injury
trends, etc.
ƒƒProviding suggestions on how to
reduce work-related accidents.
ƒƒRecommending resources
to assist in developing loss
prevention and safety programs.
ƒƒDirecting callers to our free and
low-cost safety training materials,
services and resources.
Remember, Pinnacol is here to help.
Safety consultants can be reached at
303.361.4700 or 888.501.4752.
2014 q2 focus
How to Prepare for a Claim
As a caring employer, you want to provide the safest possible
working environment for your employees. Unfortunately, despite
your best intentions, employees sometimes get injured on the
job. Planning ahead is crucial to effective claims management.
Clear, easy-to-understand procedures can alleviate concerns and
ensure that claims are handled in a fair and expedient manner.
Good claims procedures may also reduce your claims costs.
So, how can you prepare for a claim?
Create a Return-to-Work Program
One key component to good claims management is having
a return-to-work program in place that offers modified duty
tasks that injured workers can perform while recovering from
their injuries. Before an injury ever occurs, you should create a
modified duty task list. This is a list of less physically demanding
but helpful tasks that an injured employee can perform. Pinnacol
has a variety of return-to-work resources available to you,
including industry-specific sample modified duty task lists. You
can also call 303.361.4000 to get assistance from one of our
return-to-work specialists.
Designate Your Providers
Before an injury occurs, you need to choose designated
medical providers who will provide expert care for your injured
workers when the time comes. Pinnacol makes it simple! We
developed an occupational health network called SelectNet,
which comprises comprised of providers who have met our
strict criteria for providing high-quality, cost-effective care that
emphasizes return-to-work programs and speedy recovery. Our
online SelectNet provider directory helps you find providers
throughout Colorado quickly and easily by location. Currently,
Colorado law requires that you have a minimum of two
designated medical providers. Starting in April 2015, this number
will be bumped up to four, and we will be sure to let you know
what action items you will have as policyholders.
We recommend that you get to know your designated medical
providers and keep in touch with them. Communication is the
key to an effective relationship between the employers and the
medical providers. Visit them at their office, invite them to tour
your facility and arrange for them to fax work status reports to
you following each medical appointment.
Once you’ve selected your designated medical providers,
notify your employees who they are and have copies of a
Designated Provider List Notification Letter readily available to
give employees when an injury occurs. Please note that even if
you notify employees in advance who your designated medical
providers are, you must provide the Designated Provider List
Notification Letter at the time of an injury (which is available on
Pinnacol.com).
Educate Your Staff
Not only must you, as an employer, know what to do in the
event of an injury, but your managers, supervisors, foremen and
employees should also understand your claims management
procedures.
Of course, the first priority when an employee is injured is to get
him or her medical treatment. If it’s an emergency, staff should
take the injured worker to the hospital or call 911 immediately. If it
isn’t an emergency, staff should notify your company’s workers’
comp contact person. That person should give your employee a
copy of your Designated Provider List Notification Letter and take
him or her to the doctor for nonemergency care. You should also
give the employee an “Injured on the Job” pamphlet that explains
the workers’ compensation process. This can be ordered from
the Resources, Order Materials section on Pinnacol.com.
Make sure to report the injury to Pinnacol within 24 hours of the
incident. Investigate the accident as soon as possible using an
accident investigation report. Have your employee fill out the
report as well. This form is also available on Pinnacol.com.
Last but not least, keep a supply of get-well cards to send
to injured employees. Your concern and compassion will be
appreciated, and these small gestures will help you maintain
positive relationships throughout their recovery. These can be
ordered at no cost from the Resources, Order Materials section
on Pinnacol.com.
legislative update
policyholder information
2014 Legislative Wrap-Up
Classification Codes Affect Premiums
The 2014 session of the Colorado Legislature adjourned last week,
and Pinnacol was involved in discussions throughout the session
regarding bills that would impact the cost and quality of workers’
compensation coverage in the state.
Last quarter we reviewed how premiums — the
amount you pay for workers’ compensation
insurance — are based on your experience modifier
(e-mod) rates determined by the National Council on
Compensation Insurance (NCCI) and classification
codes also assigned by NCCI.
Of particular note are two bills that will have a direct impact on
workers’ compensation:
HB14-1383 Workers’ Comp Physician Choice
This bill will increase the number of medical providers an employer
must designate from two to four. It creates more choice for injured
workers while maintaining for policyholders the important first opportunity
to designate providers who best understand the needs of their business.
Pinnacol was neutral on the bill because, while Pinnacol did not seek
any changes to the workers’ comp system, we believe the bill can be
implemented, will not drive up medical costs for our policyholders and
will maintain quality medical care and access for injured workers.
The bill passed both the House and Senate and has been signed
by the governor. It will become effective in April 2015. We will
follow up with additional information over the next few months
about how we will be implementing this change.
SB14-191 Workers’ Comp Procedures
Summary: The bill addresses several technical areas in the
workers’ compensation system, including:
ƒƒClarification that relevant evidence can be considered along
with the state’s medical treatment guidelines when determining
reasonableness of treatment for injured workers.
ƒƒPermitting the development of rules for electronic filing of
settlement documents.
ƒƒRaising the cap for lump-sum payments and adjusting them
for average weekly wages.
Communicate and Collaborate
Every year, parties with an interest in the workers’ compensation
system in the state identify noncontroversial elements of
the system’s statute that need minor technical corrections.
Stakeholders include the Colorado Self Insurers Association,
Pinnacol and the Workers’ Compensation Education Association.
SB14-191 is the result of this year’s review process. As there are
no material changes to the statute that could negatively affect our
policyholders, we took a neutral position on the bill.
One of the most important factors in claims management
is regular communication between you, your employee,
the designated medical provider and your Pinnacol claims
representative. This collaboration will provide the best outcome:
a speedy recovery and prompt return to work for your employee.
The bill passed both the House and Senate and has been signed
by the governor. Find out all of Pinnacol’s positions on 2014
legislation at cqrcengage.com/pinnacol. You can subscribe
on the site to receive updates on workers’ comp issues as they
evolve, as well as timely industry-related issues.
What we did not cover was how classification codes
are determined for businesses and industries (e.g.,
painting, retail), and why. Classification codes are
assigned to all employers to arrange organizations into
groups or categories with similar workplace exposures
or hazards to help determine workers’ comp rates.
Let’s look at a small construction contractor with
an owner (who has elected to reject workers’ comp
coverage, as allowed) and one employee, a secretary.
The owner wants the secretary covered but desires
a policy only using classification code 8810, “clerical
office employees.”
According to NCCI, Pinnacol must classify the policy
— and set premium — according to the business type
and all risks associated with that business type. In
this case, the correct classification for this residential
builder would be 5645, “carpentry-detached one or
two family dwellings.” That’s because the primary
hazards of the business are not in the office but on the
job site; the nature of the business is not clerical but
building homes.
NCCI business classification codes are designed
to best describe businesses — as well as the risks
associated with those businesses — as a whole. In order
to write a policy and determine a premium that reflects
those overall risks, the proper business code must be
used to protect both the policyholder and Pinnacol.
pinnacol information
Pinnacol’s Grand Junction Branch
Office Has Moved
Pinnacol’s Grand Junction Branch Office has moved.
Please note the address for the new office:
744 Horizon Court, Suite 100
Grand Junction, CO 81506
2014 q2 focus
president’s message
feature article
Education and Feedback
q2 2014
>>
focus is published quarterly
for Pinnacol policyholders.
Pinnacol’s mission is to provide
assured protection to Colorado
employers and their greatest
asset — their employees.
how to reach us
Customer Service
303.361.4000 or 800.873.7242
Spanish Customer Service
303.361.4005 or 888.243.1124
Fax Number
303.361.5000 or 888.329.2251
Claims Reporting Fax Number
888.329.2251
It’s been six months since I joined Pinnacol,
and each month I’m learning more about the
many services we offer to help you, our valued
policyholders. As summer approaches, I’m
proud to announce that we will again be hosting
our annual Risk Management Symposiums.
These free educational events give you the
opportunity to participate in high-quality
courses that provide tools to help you manage
all aspects of your workers’ compensation
policy and keep your employees safe. To make
attendance convenient, we’re again holding symposiums in Denver and Grand
Junction and this year are adding Colorado Springs to the schedule.
Another way we educate you is by offering free resources — everything from
online webinars to sample policies. This issue of Focus is filled with useful
guides and safety tips, including a step-by-step article on how to prepare a
claim. For more information about the symposiums and our resources, visit
Pinnacol.com.
My message to you in the last issue of Focus mentioned our desire for your
feedback. To make that process even easier for you, we’ve created a new email
address — [email protected] — where you can send us questions
and ideas or just tell us what’s on your mind. We are continually re-evaluating
our services and looking to offer new ones, and your input will help shape our
thinking about how to best meet your needs today and in the months and years
ahead.
On behalf of everyone at Pinnacol, I want to thank you for your business. We
value our partnership with you and look forward to working together to make
Colorado the best place to live, work and grow a business.
Fraud Hotline
303.361.4800 or 800.873.1888
Safety On Call
303.361.4700 or 888.501.4752
Services for the Hearing Impaired
800.659.2656
Report Workplace Injuries
Pinnacol.com
Phil Kalin
>>
Safety On Call Hotline
Call Pinnacol’s free Safety On Call
hotline for answers to your safety
questions. Safety consultants are
available Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MST) to help with any
safety issues or questions, including:
ƒƒAnswering questions regarding
regulations, recordkeeping, injury
trends, etc.
ƒƒProviding suggestions on how to
reduce work-related accidents.
ƒƒRecommending resources
to assist in developing loss
prevention and safety programs.
ƒƒDirecting callers to our free and
low-cost safety training materials,
services and resources.
Remember, Pinnacol is here to help.
Safety consultants can be reached at
303.361.4700 or 888.501.4752.
2014 q2 focus
How to Prepare for a Claim
As a caring employer, you want to provide the safest possible
working environment for your employees. Unfortunately, despite
your best intentions, employees sometimes get injured on the
job. Planning ahead is crucial to effective claims management.
Clear, easy-to-understand procedures can alleviate concerns and
ensure that claims are handled in a fair and expedient manner.
Good claims procedures may also reduce your claims costs.
So, how can you prepare for a claim?
Create a Return-to-Work Program
One key component to good claims management is having
a return-to-work program in place that offers modified duty
tasks that injured workers can perform while recovering from
their injuries. Before an injury ever occurs, you should create a
modified duty task list. This is a list of less physically demanding
but helpful tasks that an injured employee can perform. Pinnacol
has a variety of return-to-work resources available to you,
including industry-specific sample modified duty task lists. You
can also call 303.361.4000 to get assistance from one of our
return-to-work specialists.
Designate Your Providers
Before an injury occurs, you need to choose designated
medical providers who will provide expert care for your injured
workers when the time comes. Pinnacol makes it simple! We
developed an occupational health network called SelectNet,
which comprises comprised of providers who have met our
strict criteria for providing high-quality, cost-effective care that
emphasizes return-to-work programs and speedy recovery. Our
online SelectNet provider directory helps you find providers
throughout Colorado quickly and easily by location. Currently,
Colorado law requires that you have a minimum of two
designated medical providers. Starting in April 2015, this number
will be bumped up to four, and we will be sure to let you know
what action items you will have as policyholders.
We recommend that you get to know your designated medical
providers and keep in touch with them. Communication is the
key to an effective relationship between the employers and the
medical providers. Visit them at their office, invite them to tour
your facility and arrange for them to fax work status reports to
you following each medical appointment.
Once you’ve selected your designated medical providers,
notify your employees who they are and have copies of a
Designated Provider List Notification Letter readily available to
give employees when an injury occurs. Please note that even if
you notify employees in advance who your designated medical
providers are, you must provide the Designated Provider List
Notification Letter at the time of an injury (which is available on
Pinnacol.com).
Educate Your Staff
Not only must you, as an employer, know what to do in the
event of an injury, but your managers, supervisors, foremen and
employees should also understand your claims management
procedures.
Of course, the first priority when an employee is injured is to get
him or her medical treatment. If it’s an emergency, staff should
take the injured worker to the hospital or call 911 immediately. If it
isn’t an emergency, staff should notify your company’s workers’
comp contact person. That person should give your employee a
copy of your Designated Provider List Notification Letter and take
him or her to the doctor for nonemergency care. You should also
give the employee an “Injured on the Job” pamphlet that explains
the workers’ compensation process. This can be ordered from
the Resources, Order Materials section on Pinnacol.com.
Make sure to report the injury to Pinnacol within 24 hours of the
incident. Investigate the accident as soon as possible using an
accident investigation report. Have your employee fill out the
report as well. This form is also available on Pinnacol.com.
Last but not least, keep a supply of get-well cards to send
to injured employees. Your concern and compassion will be
appreciated, and these small gestures will help you maintain
positive relationships throughout their recovery. These can be
ordered at no cost from the Resources, Order Materials section
on Pinnacol.com.
legislative update
policyholder information
2014 Legislative Wrap-Up
Classification Codes Affect Premiums
The 2014 session of the Colorado Legislature adjourned last week,
and Pinnacol was involved in discussions throughout the session
regarding bills that would impact the cost and quality of workers’
compensation coverage in the state.
Last quarter we reviewed how premiums — the
amount you pay for workers’ compensation
insurance — are based on your experience modifier
(e-mod) rates determined by the National Council on
Compensation Insurance (NCCI) and classification
codes also assigned by NCCI.
Of particular note are two bills that will have a direct impact on
workers’ compensation:
HB14-1383 Workers’ Comp Physician Choice
This bill will increase the number of medical providers an employer
must designate from two to four. It creates more choice for injured
workers while maintaining for policyholders the important first opportunity
to designate providers who best understand the needs of their business.
Pinnacol was neutral on the bill because, while Pinnacol did not seek
any changes to the workers’ comp system, we believe the bill can be
implemented, will not drive up medical costs for our policyholders and
will maintain quality medical care and access for injured workers.
The bill passed both the House and Senate and has been signed
by the governor. It will become effective in April 2015. We will
follow up with additional information over the next few months
about how we will be implementing this change.
SB14-191 Workers’ Comp Procedures
Summary: The bill addresses several technical areas in the
workers’ compensation system, including:
ƒƒClarification that relevant evidence can be considered along
with the state’s medical treatment guidelines when determining
reasonableness of treatment for injured workers.
ƒƒPermitting the development of rules for electronic filing of
settlement documents.
ƒƒRaising the cap for lump-sum payments and adjusting them
for average weekly wages.
Communicate and Collaborate
Every year, parties with an interest in the workers’ compensation
system in the state identify noncontroversial elements of
the system’s statute that need minor technical corrections.
Stakeholders include the Colorado Self Insurers Association,
Pinnacol and the Workers’ Compensation Education Association.
SB14-191 is the result of this year’s review process. As there are
no material changes to the statute that could negatively affect our
policyholders, we took a neutral position on the bill.
One of the most important factors in claims management
is regular communication between you, your employee,
the designated medical provider and your Pinnacol claims
representative. This collaboration will provide the best outcome:
a speedy recovery and prompt return to work for your employee.
The bill passed both the House and Senate and has been signed
by the governor. Find out all of Pinnacol’s positions on 2014
legislation at cqrcengage.com/pinnacol. You can subscribe
on the site to receive updates on workers’ comp issues as they
evolve, as well as timely industry-related issues.
What we did not cover was how classification codes
are determined for businesses and industries (e.g.,
painting, retail), and why. Classification codes are
assigned to all employers to arrange organizations into
groups or categories with similar workplace exposures
or hazards to help determine workers’ comp rates.
Let’s look at a small construction contractor with
an owner (who has elected to reject workers’ comp
coverage, as allowed) and one employee, a secretary.
The owner wants the secretary covered but desires
a policy only using classification code 8810, “clerical
office employees.”
According to NCCI, Pinnacol must classify the policy
— and set premium — according to the business type
and all risks associated with that business type. In
this case, the correct classification for this residential
builder would be 5645, “carpentry-detached one or
two family dwellings.” That’s because the primary
hazards of the business are not in the office but on the
job site; the nature of the business is not clerical but
building homes.
NCCI business classification codes are designed
to best describe businesses — as well as the risks
associated with those businesses — as a whole. In order
to write a policy and determine a premium that reflects
those overall risks, the proper business code must be
used to protect both the policyholder and Pinnacol.
pinnacol information
Pinnacol’s Grand Junction Branch
Office Has Moved
Pinnacol’s Grand Junction Branch Office has moved.
Please note the address for the new office:
744 Horizon Court, Suite 100
Grand Junction, CO 81506
2014 q2 focus
president’s message
feature article
Education and Feedback
q2 2014
>>
focus is published quarterly
for Pinnacol policyholders.
Pinnacol’s mission is to provide
assured protection to Colorado
employers and their greatest
asset — their employees.
how to reach us
Customer Service
303.361.4000 or 800.873.7242
Spanish Customer Service
303.361.4005 or 888.243.1124
Fax Number
303.361.5000 or 888.329.2251
Claims Reporting Fax Number
888.329.2251
It’s been six months since I joined Pinnacol,
and each month I’m learning more about the
many services we offer to help you, our valued
policyholders. As summer approaches, I’m
proud to announce that we will again be hosting
our annual Risk Management Symposiums.
These free educational events give you the
opportunity to participate in high-quality
courses that provide tools to help you manage
all aspects of your workers’ compensation
policy and keep your employees safe. To make
attendance convenient, we’re again holding symposiums in Denver and Grand
Junction and this year are adding Colorado Springs to the schedule.
Another way we educate you is by offering free resources — everything from
online webinars to sample policies. This issue of Focus is filled with useful
guides and safety tips, including a step-by-step article on how to prepare a
claim. For more information about the symposiums and our resources, visit
Pinnacol.com.
My message to you in the last issue of Focus mentioned our desire for your
feedback. To make that process even easier for you, we’ve created a new email
address — [email protected] — where you can send us questions
and ideas or just tell us what’s on your mind. We are continually re-evaluating
our services and looking to offer new ones, and your input will help shape our
thinking about how to best meet your needs today and in the months and years
ahead.
On behalf of everyone at Pinnacol, I want to thank you for your business. We
value our partnership with you and look forward to working together to make
Colorado the best place to live, work and grow a business.
Fraud Hotline
303.361.4800 or 800.873.1888
Safety On Call
303.361.4700 or 888.501.4752
Services for the Hearing Impaired
800.659.2656
Report Workplace Injuries
Pinnacol.com
Phil Kalin
>>
Safety On Call Hotline
Call Pinnacol’s free Safety On Call
hotline for answers to your safety
questions. Safety consultants are
available Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MST) to help with any
safety issues or questions, including:
ƒƒAnswering questions regarding
regulations, recordkeeping, injury
trends, etc.
ƒƒProviding suggestions on how to
reduce work-related accidents.
ƒƒRecommending resources
to assist in developing loss
prevention and safety programs.
ƒƒDirecting callers to our free and
low-cost safety training materials,
services and resources.
Remember, Pinnacol is here to help.
Safety consultants can be reached at
303.361.4700 or 888.501.4752.
2014 q2 focus
How to Prepare for a Claim
As a caring employer, you want to provide the safest possible
working environment for your employees. Unfortunately, despite
your best intentions, employees sometimes get injured on the
job. Planning ahead is crucial to effective claims management.
Clear, easy-to-understand procedures can alleviate concerns and
ensure that claims are handled in a fair and expedient manner.
Good claims procedures may also reduce your claims costs.
So, how can you prepare for a claim?
Create a Return-to-Work Program
One key component to good claims management is having
a return-to-work program in place that offers modified duty
tasks that injured workers can perform while recovering from
their injuries. Before an injury ever occurs, you should create a
modified duty task list. This is a list of less physically demanding
but helpful tasks that an injured employee can perform. Pinnacol
has a variety of return-to-work resources available to you,
including industry-specific sample modified duty task lists. You
can also call 303.361.4000 to get assistance from one of our
return-to-work specialists.
Designate Your Providers
Before an injury occurs, you need to choose designated
medical providers who will provide expert care for your injured
workers when the time comes. Pinnacol makes it simple! We
developed an occupational health network called SelectNet,
which comprises comprised of providers who have met our
strict criteria for providing high-quality, cost-effective care that
emphasizes return-to-work programs and speedy recovery. Our
online SelectNet provider directory helps you find providers
throughout Colorado quickly and easily by location. Currently,
Colorado law requires that you have a minimum of two
designated medical providers. Starting in April 2015, this number
will be bumped up to four, and we will be sure to let you know
what action items you will have as policyholders.
We recommend that you get to know your designated medical
providers and keep in touch with them. Communication is the
key to an effective relationship between the employers and the
medical providers. Visit them at their office, invite them to tour
your facility and arrange for them to fax work status reports to
you following each medical appointment.
Once you’ve selected your designated medical providers,
notify your employees who they are and have copies of a
Designated Provider List Notification Letter readily available to
give employees when an injury occurs. Please note that even if
you notify employees in advance who your designated medical
providers are, you must provide the Designated Provider List
Notification Letter at the time of an injury (which is available on
Pinnacol.com).
Educate Your Staff
Not only must you, as an employer, know what to do in the
event of an injury, but your managers, supervisors, foremen and
employees should also understand your claims management
procedures.
Of course, the first priority when an employee is injured is to get
him or her medical treatment. If it’s an emergency, staff should
take the injured worker to the hospital or call 911 immediately. If it
isn’t an emergency, staff should notify your company’s workers’
comp contact person. That person should give your employee a
copy of your Designated Provider List Notification Letter and take
him or her to the doctor for nonemergency care. You should also
give the employee an “Injured on the Job” pamphlet that explains
the workers’ compensation process. This can be ordered from
the Resources, Order Materials section on Pinnacol.com.
Make sure to report the injury to Pinnacol within 24 hours of the
incident. Investigate the accident as soon as possible using an
accident investigation report. Have your employee fill out the
report as well. This form is also available on Pinnacol.com.
Last but not least, keep a supply of get-well cards to send
to injured employees. Your concern and compassion will be
appreciated, and these small gestures will help you maintain
positive relationships throughout their recovery. These can be
ordered at no cost from the Resources, Order Materials section
on Pinnacol.com.
legislative update
policyholder information
2014 Legislative Wrap-Up
Classification Codes Affect Premiums
The 2014 session of the Colorado Legislature adjourned last week,
and Pinnacol was involved in discussions throughout the session
regarding bills that would impact the cost and quality of workers’
compensation coverage in the state.
Last quarter we reviewed how premiums — the
amount you pay for workers’ compensation
insurance — are based on your experience modifier
(e-mod) rates determined by the National Council on
Compensation Insurance (NCCI) and classification
codes also assigned by NCCI.
Of particular note are two bills that will have a direct impact on
workers’ compensation:
HB14-1383 Workers’ Comp Physician Choice
This bill will increase the number of medical providers an employer
must designate from two to four. It creates more choice for injured
workers while maintaining for policyholders the important first opportunity
to designate providers who best understand the needs of their business.
Pinnacol was neutral on the bill because, while Pinnacol did not seek
any changes to the workers’ comp system, we believe the bill can be
implemented, will not drive up medical costs for our policyholders and
will maintain quality medical care and access for injured workers.
The bill passed both the House and Senate and has been signed
by the governor. It will become effective in April 2015. We will
follow up with additional information over the next few months
about how we will be implementing this change.
SB14-191 Workers’ Comp Procedures
Summary: The bill addresses several technical areas in the
workers’ compensation system, including:
ƒƒClarification that relevant evidence can be considered along
with the state’s medical treatment guidelines when determining
reasonableness of treatment for injured workers.
ƒƒPermitting the development of rules for electronic filing of
settlement documents.
ƒƒRaising the cap for lump-sum payments and adjusting them
for average weekly wages.
Communicate and Collaborate
Every year, parties with an interest in the workers’ compensation
system in the state identify noncontroversial elements of
the system’s statute that need minor technical corrections.
Stakeholders include the Colorado Self Insurers Association,
Pinnacol and the Workers’ Compensation Education Association.
SB14-191 is the result of this year’s review process. As there are
no material changes to the statute that could negatively affect our
policyholders, we took a neutral position on the bill.
One of the most important factors in claims management
is regular communication between you, your employee,
the designated medical provider and your Pinnacol claims
representative. This collaboration will provide the best outcome:
a speedy recovery and prompt return to work for your employee.
The bill passed both the House and Senate and has been signed
by the governor. Find out all of Pinnacol’s positions on 2014
legislation at cqrcengage.com/pinnacol. You can subscribe
on the site to receive updates on workers’ comp issues as they
evolve, as well as timely industry-related issues.
What we did not cover was how classification codes
are determined for businesses and industries (e.g.,
painting, retail), and why. Classification codes are
assigned to all employers to arrange organizations into
groups or categories with similar workplace exposures
or hazards to help determine workers’ comp rates.
Let’s look at a small construction contractor with
an owner (who has elected to reject workers’ comp
coverage, as allowed) and one employee, a secretary.
The owner wants the secretary covered but desires
a policy only using classification code 8810, “clerical
office employees.”
According to NCCI, Pinnacol must classify the policy
— and set premium — according to the business type
and all risks associated with that business type. In
this case, the correct classification for this residential
builder would be 5645, “carpentry-detached one or
two family dwellings.” That’s because the primary
hazards of the business are not in the office but on the
job site; the nature of the business is not clerical but
building homes.
NCCI business classification codes are designed
to best describe businesses — as well as the risks
associated with those businesses — as a whole. In order
to write a policy and determine a premium that reflects
those overall risks, the proper business code must be
used to protect both the policyholder and Pinnacol.
pinnacol information
Pinnacol’s Grand Junction Branch
Office Has Moved
Pinnacol’s Grand Junction Branch Office has moved.
Please note the address for the new office:
744 Horizon Court, Suite 100
Grand Junction, CO 81506
2014 q2 focus
q2 2014
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
DENVER, CO
PERMIT NO. 680
community focus
7501 E. Lowry Blvd.
Denver, CO
Community Investment Pillars
As a company that has called Colorado home for nearly
100 years, Pinnacol Assurance is committed to supporting
the well-being and sustainability of the communities in
which our valued employees work and live. Colorado is
more than a place where we do business, it’s a place we
call home; a place we want to see grow and thrive.
Our community investment supports our mission: to
provide assured protection to Colorado employers and
their greatest asset — their employees. As a workers’
compensation insurer, Pinnacol’s work focuses on keeping
worksites safe, helping injured workers get back to work
and ensuring that Colorado has a robust business climate.
Our community investment pillars tie directly to that work.
ƒƒRehabilitative Health Services — Organizations that
provide services to those who are recovering from
physical injuries or living with ongoing disabilities.
ƒƒSafety and Prevention Services — Organizations that
promote and enhance worksite and employee safety.
ƒƒEconomic Development and Vitality — Support for
Colorado institutions that serve to promote and
enhance our economic climate by making Colorado a
great place to work and grow a thriving a business.
Do you have questions? Suggestions?
Want to receive Focus via email?
We want to hear from you!
[email protected]
Your Source for Colorado Workers’ Compensation Information
For more information about Pinnacol’s community
investment pillars, visit www.pinnacol.com/
community-relations or call 303.361.4783.
policyholder spotlight
We are pleased to recognize the following Pinnacol policyholders for their recent awards:
ƒƒAMI Mechanical – Member of the Year, Hispanic
Contractor Awards, Large Subcontractor of the Year
ƒƒBlack Roofing – 2013 Job of the Year Award, Colorado
Roofing Association
ƒƒCapital Roofing – Torch Awards for Ethics, Northern
Colorado and Wyoming 2014 Better Business Bureau,
25-50 employee category
ƒƒCentennial AG Supply – Best Practice in Safety Award,
Better Business Bureau Safety Group
ƒƒColumbine Label Company – Eugene Singer Award for
Management Excellence, Tag and Label Manufacturers
Institute, small company category
ƒƒMicrobial Research Inc. – Torch Awards for Ethics,
Northern Colorado and Wyoming 2014 Better Business
Bureau, 1-10 employee category
ƒƒRed Noland Auto Group – Colorado Springs Business
Journal Award, Community Giving
ƒƒSaunders Construction – Member of the Year,
Hispanic Contractor Awards, Large General Contractor
of the Year
policyholder training
ƒƒSky Blue Builders – Member of the Year, Hispanic
Contractor Awards, Small General Contractor of the
Year
ƒƒSouth Valley Drywall – Excellence in Ethics Award,
American Subcontractors Association
ƒƒThe Egg & I – Best Practice in Safety Award, Better
Business Bureau Safety Group
Has your organization recently received an award?
Share the good news and let us know! Email
[email protected] – we want to hear from you.
Register Now for Pinnacol’s Fifth Annual Risk Management Symposiums
Registration is now open for Pinnacol’s “Fundamentals
of Workers’ Comp” Risk Management Symposiums this
summer. This year, the symposiums will be held at three
different locations throughout Colorado. Free to Pinnacol
policyholders and agents, the symposiums offer expert
counsel and a variety of back-to-basics sessions to help
protect employees.
This year’s topics include:
ƒƒWorkers’ Comp 101 — What Is It and
Why Does My Organization Need It?
policyholder resources
2014 q2 focus
ƒƒDenver on Thursday, June 26, at The Inverness Hotel
and Conference Center
ƒƒGrand Junction on Wednesday, July 23, at the Two
Rivers Convention Center
ƒƒColorado Springs on Friday, Aug. 15, at Antlers Hilton
Colorado Springs
For complete course descriptions and to register, visit
www.pinnacol.com/employer/training. Remember,
space is limited, so register today!
in this issue
> 2014 Legislative Wrap-Up
> Policyholder Spotlight
>C
lassification Codes
Affect Premiums
ƒƒAccident Investigation
ƒƒEffective Safety Training
Focus Is Going Online - Sign Up Today!
We are excited to announce that we will be moving this
publication online. We will be sending a reminder as it gets
closer, but if you are not currently receiving emails from us,
sign up by sending an email to askpinnacol@pinnacol
to ensure you receive the next issue of Focus.
We look forward to seeing you in:
ƒƒReturn-to-Work Q&A
Just include your name, policy number and the name
of your organization. We will let you know when the
next issue is available.
ƒƒManaging Change
ƒƒAnd more…
2014 RISK MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUMS
FUNDAMENTALS
OF WORKERS’ COMP
DENVER JUNE 26 | GRAND JUNCTION JULY 23 | COLORADO SPRINGS AUG. 15
How to Prepare for a Claim
What You and Your Employees Can Do
q2 2014
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
DENVER, CO
PERMIT NO. 680
community focus
7501 E. Lowry Blvd.
Denver, CO
Community Investment Pillars
As a company that has called Colorado home for nearly
100 years, Pinnacol Assurance is committed to supporting
the well-being and sustainability of the communities in
which our valued employees work and live. Colorado is
more than a place where we do business, it’s a place we
call home; a place we want to see grow and thrive.
Our community investment supports our mission: to
provide assured protection to Colorado employers and
their greatest asset — their employees. As a workers’
compensation insurer, Pinnacol’s work focuses on keeping
worksites safe, helping injured workers get back to work
and ensuring that Colorado has a robust business climate.
Our community investment pillars tie directly to that work.
ƒƒRehabilitative Health Services — Organizations that
provide services to those who are recovering from
physical injuries or living with ongoing disabilities.
ƒƒSafety and Prevention Services — Organizations that
promote and enhance worksite and employee safety.
ƒƒEconomic Development and Vitality — Support for
Colorado institutions that serve to promote and
enhance our economic climate by making Colorado a
great place to work and grow a thriving a business.
Do you have questions? Suggestions?
Want to receive Focus via email?
We want to hear from you!
[email protected]
Your Source for Colorado Workers’ Compensation Information
For more information about Pinnacol’s community
investment pillars, visit www.pinnacol.com/
community-relations or call 303.361.4783.
policyholder spotlight
We are pleased to recognize the following Pinnacol policyholders for their recent awards:
ƒƒAMI Mechanical – Member of the Year, Hispanic
Contractor Awards, Large Subcontractor of the Year
ƒƒBlack Roofing – 2013 Job of the Year Award, Colorado
Roofing Association
ƒƒCapital Roofing – Torch Awards for Ethics, Northern
Colorado and Wyoming 2014 Better Business Bureau,
25-50 employee category
ƒƒCentennial AG Supply – Best Practice in Safety Award,
Better Business Bureau Safety Group
ƒƒColumbine Label Company – Eugene Singer Award for
Management Excellence, Tag and Label Manufacturers
Institute, small company category
ƒƒMicrobial Research Inc. – Torch Awards for Ethics,
Northern Colorado and Wyoming 2014 Better Business
Bureau, 1-10 employee category
ƒƒRed Noland Auto Group – Colorado Springs Business
Journal Award, Community Giving
ƒƒSaunders Construction – Member of the Year,
Hispanic Contractor Awards, Large General Contractor
of the Year
policyholder training
ƒƒSky Blue Builders – Member of the Year, Hispanic
Contractor Awards, Small General Contractor of the
Year
ƒƒSouth Valley Drywall – Excellence in Ethics Award,
American Subcontractors Association
ƒƒThe Egg & I – Best Practice in Safety Award, Better
Business Bureau Safety Group
Has your organization recently received an award?
Share the good news and let us know! Email
[email protected] – we want to hear from you.
Register Now for Pinnacol’s Fifth Annual Risk Management Symposiums
Registration is now open for Pinnacol’s “Fundamentals
of Workers’ Comp” Risk Management Symposiums this
summer. This year, the symposiums will be held at three
different locations throughout Colorado. Free to Pinnacol
policyholders and agents, the symposiums offer expert
counsel and a variety of back-to-basics sessions to help
protect employees.
This year’s topics include:
ƒƒWorkers’ Comp 101 — What Is It and
Why Does My Organization Need It?
policyholder resources
2014 q2 focus
ƒƒDenver on Thursday, June 26, at The Inverness Hotel
and Conference Center
ƒƒGrand Junction on Wednesday, July 23, at the Two
Rivers Convention Center
ƒƒColorado Springs on Friday, Aug. 15, at Antlers Hilton
Colorado Springs
For complete course descriptions and to register, visit
www.pinnacol.com/employer/training. Remember,
space is limited, so register today!
in this issue
> 2014 Legislative Wrap-Up
> Policyholder Spotlight
>C
lassification Codes
Affect Premiums
ƒƒAccident Investigation
ƒƒEffective Safety Training
Focus Is Going Online - Sign Up Today!
We are excited to announce that we will be moving this
publication online. We will be sending a reminder as it gets
closer, but if you are not currently receiving emails from us,
sign up by sending an email to askpinnacol@pinnacol
to ensure you receive the next issue of Focus.
We look forward to seeing you in:
ƒƒReturn-to-Work Q&A
Just include your name, policy number and the name
of your organization. We will let you know when the
next issue is available.
ƒƒManaging Change
ƒƒAnd more…
2014 RISK MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUMS
FUNDAMENTALS
OF WORKERS’ COMP
DENVER JUNE 26 | GRAND JUNCTION JULY 23 | COLORADO SPRINGS AUG. 15
How to Prepare for a Claim
What You and Your Employees Can Do