Managing Workers Compensation Claims at Your Restaurant

Insurance Blog

Workplace injuries are common in the restaurant business. Employees may suffer injuries at the kitchen, when serving clients, and when providing catering services. In this excerpt, you will learn how to manage workers compensation claims at your establishment. 

Get a comprehensive cover. 

Compensation claims can easily bankrupt your business. As such, it is vital that you have workers compensation insurance. Most restaurant and café insurance covers have an element of workers compensation. However, you must consult with your insurance broker regarding the amount of cover provided and the terms of making claims. Providing false details regarding the number of employees in the workplace or their salaries could nullify the policy. Choose a cover that adapts to the changing business environment. For example, if you wish to limit or expand your operations, the insurance company should adjust your premiums. 

Minimise workplace hazards. 

The insurance company will increase your premiums if you make a lot of claims. This is because your business is considered risky. Below are a few ways to manage workplace hazards.

• Unscrupulous employees may intentionally injure themselves to get insurance compensation. As such, inform your employees of the cover's exemptions. For instance, the insurance company does not pay if the employee violates workplace policy or gets injured off working hours.
• To prevent slips, regularly clean spilled water and drinks on the restaurant's floor. Also, consider using rubber mats, anti-skid tape, and non-slip floor treatment.
• Your staff must have proper attire at all times. This includes gloves, and overalls to prevent burns, and proper shoes to avoid slips.
• Regularly inspect and maintain kitchen equipment to ensure it does not cause injury to employees.
• Train your employees on appropriate cutting and lifting techniques.  

Claims management. 

Once an employee gets injured, you should report the incident to the insurance company. You might require evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and hospital reports to ensure compensation for the injured employee. Cooperate with the insurance assessor during investigations. If you are required to testify during negotiations, avail yourself. 

Injury management. 

Consider having an injury management coordinator to ensure the welfare of injured employees. Your restaurant's injury management plan should be focused on promoting the employee's full recovery. As the employee recuperates, he or she should be in regular contact with his or her co-workers. Seek the doctor's opinion on whether the employee can resume his or her former duties. 

Restaurant owners should ensure that workers compensation insurance provides maximum cover against employee injuries. Besides, they should take measures to reduce workplace accidents, cooperate with the insurance company during claims assessment, and have an effective injury management plan. 

26 March 2019