Healthcare worker’s compensation claims are expected to fall in 2015, although workers compensation claim severity has been slowly increasing over the past ten years.
These are key findings of the second health care workers compensation barometer report from Aon Risk Solutions, the risk management business of Aon.
The report explores trends in frequency, severity and overall loss rates related to workers’ compensation for approximately 1,150 heath care facilities across the country. The 2014 report projects workers compensation loss rates will decrease one percent annually.
It also shows that frequency of workers’ compensation claims has been slowly and consistently decreasing at the same one percent level over the ten year experience period analyzed. Conversely, workers’ compensation claim severity within the health care industry has been slowly increasing at a rate of two percent per year over the same ten year period.
The report also analyzes survey data highlighting the specific concerns and issues that the health care industry currently faces. Patient management, including handling and lifting, has been identified as the number one concern by risk managers as it accounts for one third of all claims and has the highest average indemnity payment out of all causes of loss.
“Patient handling is clearly a leading concern in the health care industry; however, risks associated with emerging outbreaks, like Ebola, are driving new conversations in the boardroom,” said Barry Weiner, managing director and national senior care practice leader. “Risks, such as materials handling, used to be a small average indemnity paid relative to other causes of loss but the frequency of these types of claims appears to be on the rise.
“This report will continue to be a critical tool for organizations looking to measure and promote patient and employee safety. It helps health care leaders and risk managers to measure, maintain and reduce their workers’ compensation exposures against their industry and identify certain key areas for improvement and growth.”
Aon Risk Solutions, Risk Management, Barry Weiner, US
