In some cases, you may be able to return the employee to work within the state-prescribed waiting period and take advantage of the medical-only discount. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the waiting period is three days. In South Dakota, the waiting period is seven days.

If time off exceeds the waiting period, work with the treating doctor to minimize the payment of wage-loss benefits. Offer the employee a temporary position at a reduced wage if necessary.

Report claims right away
If you don't have all the information, report what you have and call back later with the rest. If you smell something fishy about a claimed injury, call your claims representative.

Set an example with every claim
It influences how other workers expect they'll be treated if injured and whether they think they'd need outside legal help.

Analyze your losses
Use loss history reports to spot your problems and opportunities and to see where to invest your loss control resources.

Fire up your loss prevention program
Your safety committee is the spark plug. Educate your employees. Influence their behavior. Evaluate their workspaces.

Learn from the past
When an injury happens, look for causes. Take steps to address them.

Invest in education for your employees
Think of it as part of your injury prevention program.

Develop a wellness program
Encouraging healthy lifestyles can also raise productivity.

Make good employee practices a priority
Tune in to employee concerns. Deal with performance problems promptly and separately from workers' compensation issues.

Use the resources SFM makes available
For listings of resources on preventing injuries and working with injured employees, see the "Resource catalog" tab above. Resources are available at no charge to you as an SFM policyholder.