LAUSR

This study demonstrated that insurer onsite risk control (RC) consultation services can control or reduce workers’ compensation lost-time claim frequency and costs for serviced employers. Insurers and occupational clinicians can further collaborate to improve workplace conditions through injury prevention, accommodation and post-injury stay-at-work or return-to-work programs. Objective This study evaluated the impact of a state workers’ compensation (WC) insurer’s onsite risk control (RC) services on insured employers’ WC claim frequency and cost. Methods We used two methods to model 2004 to 2017 claims data from 4606 employers that received RC visits over time and compare this claims experience to matching employers that did not receive RC services. Results Relative total WC claim rates increased slightly after RC services, while relative lost-time claims rates either remained similar or decreased and WC cost rates decreased. The impact of RC services on reducing WC costs was cumulative up to the fourth visit but diminished thereafter. Conclusions The insurer RC consultation program was effective in reducing WC cost rates for serviced employers. This is consistent with other research conducted on insurer RC services and related regulatory visits.