NOVEMBER 2017Vol. 16, No. 6 • Bi-Monthly Issue

Risk & Safety Tips from theILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND

3333 Warrenville Rd.Lisle, Illinois 60532Cost Control Through Cooperation Since 1985

IPRF.com

ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND

ISSUES

What’s New with IPRFIPRF In-House Nurse, Susan DuteauIPRF Introduces PDA TechnologyIPRF on the RoadArbitration Process in Workers’ CompHot Topics • New IPRF EmailsAvoid Falls this WinterIPRF AnnouncementsIPRF Claims & Loss Control Directory

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Rock Cut State Park,Rock Cut State Park,Loves Park, IllinoisLoves Park, IllinoisRock Cut State Park,Loves Park, Illinois

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• Electronic/Video Job Function Analysis for IPRF Top Classifications• More Video Conferencing and Webinars• New and Improved IPRF Website2

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PARTNERSHIP WE’RE OUT & ABOUT

SOCIAL MEDIA

DEDICATEDCLAIM TEAMS

CAT RESOURCE GUIDE NEW EMAIL FOR ALL INSTRUCTIONALVIDEOS

CANCER PREVENTIONFOR FIRE INDUSTRY

TELEPHONIC CLAIMSREPORTING 24/7/365

IPRF CLAIM PORTAL (iCE) &

CLAIMVIEW

IPRF HEALTHNAVIGATOR

IPRF NEW MEMBERFORUM PORTAL

VIDEO CONFERENCECLAIM REVIEWS

MEMBERS RIGHT TOCHOOSE DEFENSE FIRM

IPRF IN-HOUSE NURSECASE MANAGER

IPRF Exclusive Discountsand Grant Plus

Reimbursements

IPRF will be attending over 20 events in 2018, and

supporting over 25 member associations.

Plus IPRF has partnered with CIRSA to share safety

training materials.

IPRF is committed to staying connected with staff,

members and brokers through social media channels.

IPRF Member Claim Teams consist of: Three Adjusters, a Medical Only Adjuster and

a Claims Assistant.

Catastrophic injuries are life changing for the injured

worker, their family and their co-workers.

IPRF Loss Control and Claims Representatives have

a new email address: sample@iprf.com

• Introduction to ClaimsServices

• Injury/Accident Investigation • Claim Reporting

Raise awareness and identify exposure prevention efforts to reduce the occupational

risk to cancer.

IPRF is committed to quick and accurate claims, and

has a new claims reporting service for our members.

A mobile portalfor injured workers.

Employers can report claims, view claim status,download OSHA reports

all in real-time.

IPRF emails a Health Navigator that gives employ-ees all the information they need to navigate their claim.

Have productive discussions about current issues and

other positive topics relating to workers’ compensation.

Reports discussed:• Open indemnity claims• Open old medical claims• Subrogation claims

IPRF members can select their own defense council. Subject to IPRF’s litigation

process and approval.

Our nurse case manager is in-house and works closely with our injured workers.

(see page 3)

www.IPRF.comFor more information on any of these new programs, please contact

Robert Buhs, IPRF Executive Director at rbuhs@iprf.com, or at (708) 429-6300

PLUS, MUCH,MUCH MORE!

WHAT’S NEW WITH

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INTRODUCING SUSAN DUTEAU – IPRF IN-HOUSE NURSEINTRODUCING SUSAN DUTEAU – IPRF IN-HOUSE NURSEIPRF is proud to welcome Susan Duteau to the IPRF family. Susan is our dedicated in-house nurse. Susan brings with her extensive nursing experience and a passion for helping others. She has been a nurse since 1988. She attended Gonzaga University, as well as the University of British Columbia (Canada), where she earned her degree in Chemistry. She then went on to Eastern Washington University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Susan began her non-nursing career in the medical field at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, however, her first nursing job was at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA. She began as a medical/surgical floor nurse where she remained for three years earning her stripes and later became a research nurse and bone marrow transplant nurse.

Further in her career, Susan moved to Scottsdale, AZ where she worked as a home health nurse for seven years and then began her own business doing nurse case management for a grocery change for approximately ten years. Upon moving to Illinois, Susan worked for Tristar handling municipality injuries.

In her spare time, Susan enjoys running marathons and spending time with her family. We are delighted that Susan has decided to bring her talents to IPRF and we know that our members will find her resourceful, knowledgeable and an asset to our team.

This article was written by Robert Brummell, Senior Claims and Loss Control Manager. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Robert at rbrummell@iprf.com or call (630) 649-6071.

IPRF ON THE ROAD!

September

• Illinois Fire Chiefs Association VCO Conference (Break Sponsor)

• Law Enforcement Administrative Professionals (LEAP) Conference, Naperville (Sponsor/Exhibitor)

October

• Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois Conference, Tinley Park (Exhibitor)

• Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Conference, Peoria (Gold Trumpet Sponsor and Monday Night Football Party Sponsor)

Look for IPRF at these upcoming events:

• Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Installation Luncheon, December 7th, Addison

• IFSAP Annual Awards Luncheon, December 15th, Elk Grove Village

IPRF had the privilegeof participating inseveral conferencesover the last few monthsthroughout Illinois.

GO GREENGO GREENGO GREENwith with ACH PaymentsACH Paymentswith ACH Payments

Contact IPRF at1-800-289-4773 or emailGreg Palumbo at gpalumbo@iprf.com

Pay your invoice online - no checks, no stamps, no fuss!

IPRF is proud to announce that we are partnering with GENEX Services to provide our members with a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) data bank. This tool will provide a bio-mechanical description of the essential job functions and the physical demands required to perform them. The PDA will help in determining causation, medical treatment plans, return to work options, and job accommodations.

The physical demands analysis will define the physical abilities nec-essary to perform the essential functions. GENEX Services will visit the job sites to observe, qualify, and quantify the essential functions, as well as interview supervisors and employees regarding job tasks. Digital pictures and video will be taken. The videos can be edited to highlight the physical demands of each job task. They will then be saved in a digital format for viewing and cataloging. They will also be used to assist with return to work assessments. We will be able to have the treating doctors, independent medical evaluation doctors and therapists review them and address functional capabilities for a successful return to work.

This article was written by Elena Lumbreras, IPRF Unit Claims Supervisor. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Elena at elumbreras @iprf.com or call (630) 649-6051.

IPRF INTRODUCESPHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSIS

(PDA) TECHNOLOGY

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In Illinois, employees that sustain injuries while performing the duties called for by the terms of their employment, or who suffer from occupational diseases as a result of satisfaction of their employment tasks, are entitled to avail themselves of the system of benefits known as “workers' compensation.” Similar to civil lawsuits where a party files a complaint for redress of personal injuries sustained in a motor-vehicle accident, or a slip-and-fall, injured employees can file claims with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (“Commission”) to recover benefits from their employer.

Once employees have filed claims with the Commission, the employees are tasked with the burden of proving their eligibility for benefits. Common obstacles to eligibility include jurisdiction (Does the Commission have the authority to render a ruling in a particular instance?), employment (Did the employer-employee relationship exist on the date of the incident?), accident or exposure in the course of employment (Was the claimant injured in the performance of her duties?), connection (Is the injury related to the claimant's duties?) and notice (Did the claimant give notice to the employer within the time-limits specified by law?).

If claimants can clear the procedural obstacles identified above, then their claims proceed down a path toward an arbitration hearing, which is similar to, but less formal than a trial. During the time-period between the filing of a claim and the arbitration hearing, the parties will exchange records related to the employment of the claimant and the injuries sustained. They may take depositions, and the parties may even discuss resolving the claim amicably via settlement.

However, if the case is not resolved via settlement, or dismissed, the parties will, eventually, arrive at an arbitration hearing. The arbitration hearing is an adversarial proceeding wherein an independent third party, known as an arbitrator, will make a decision about the claim. During the arbitration hearing, the claimant will attempt to prove entitlement to workers' compensation benefits, while the employer will do the opposite.

During the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator will act as a judge and make decisions on the admissibility of evidence, the credibility of witnesses and, ultimately, will enter a ruling based on Illinois law, the rules of evidence,

precedent set by prior workers' compensation cases and rules governing practice before the Commission. After the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator will issue a decision within 60 days, wherein he or she will identify the amount of benefits to which the employee is entitled.

The arbitration process, in most cases, will take up to two years. And, generally, an arbitrator will not resolve a case until the employee has reached maximum medical improvement.

The arbitrator's decision can be appealed. If an arbitration decision is appealed, a panel of three commissioners reviews the arbitrator's decision as well as the evidence from the arbitration hearing. Both the claimant and the employer can submit written arguments during the appeals process, and often, the Commission will allow for a hearing wherein each party may make oral arguments about the propriety of the award. The Commission is required to render a decision within 60 days.

A decision rendered by the Commission is final for cases involving employees of the State of Illinois. In all other cases, either party may appeal to a circuit court of competent jurisdiction.

Oftentimes, litigants (in workers' compensation cases and civil matters) believe that once a claim is filed, there is no opportunity for resolution short of a decision by the tribunal with decision-making authority, such as the arbitrator. However, there is no restriction on trying to settle a workers' compensation claim. In fact, most workers' compensation cases are resolved through settlement. In workers' compensation matters, an agreement to resolve a case is referred to as a “settlement contract.”

By resolving a case via settlement, both parties avoid the uncertainty that comes with allowing a third party, the arbitrator, to render a decision. Settlement contracts in workers' compensation matters must be approved by the Commission. If a settlement is reached without the approval of the Commission, then the parties run the risk that the settlement does not fully resolve or close out the case. A settlement contract will fully resolve a case forever unless the settlement contract indicates otherwise.

This article was written by Craig Hasenbalg, IPRF legal counsel. For more information, please contact Craig at chasenbalg@ottosenbritz.com or call (630) 682-0085.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE ARBITRATION PROCESSIN WORKERS' COMPENSATION

Illinois Workers’Compensa�onCommission

OTTOSEN BRITZK E L L Y C O O P E R G I L B E R T & D I N O L F O , L T D .

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IPRF is your resource for current and relevant workers' compensation information from claims management and loss control to safety tips and industry best practices. To deliver the most current information in a timely manner we are pleased to announce that a HOT TOPICS section has been added to the IPRF homepage.

Visit the HOT TOPICS section today and you will find two comprehensive resource guides:

IPRF Cancer Prevention Guide

Firefighters are exposed to numerous dangers and risks within their profession. The short-term dangers and risk from these exposures such as burns and physical injuries are well known. Hazards associated with long-term health effects are becoming increasingly shared; with the risk of potential cancer exposure for firefighters being a particular concern. The purpose of this guide is to raise awareness and identify exposure prevention efforts to reduce the occupational risk to cancer. IPRF members will find information that can be used within their department to minimize exposures.

The document includes:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2. Cleaning and Decontamination 3. Personal Hygiene 4. Storage 5. Exercise and Detoxification 6. Medical Screening 7. Atmospheric Hazards 8. Resources

IPRF Catastrophe and Fatality and Resource Guide

When there is a catastrophe or fatal incident there are life changing events that effect the injured worker, their family and their co-workers. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the best resources to achieve the best outcome.

This document includes:

1. OSHA Reporting Requirements 2. Catastrophe Team Resource Kit 3. IPRF Catastrophe Team Guidelines 4. Best Practices in Catastrophic Claims Management

Bookmark the IPRF website and check HOT TOPICS often for new information at www.IPRF.com!

IPRF HOMEPAGE FEATURES HOT TOPICS

NEW EMAILS: @iprf.com

The IPRF Claims and Loss Team received new emails.

Their new emails are configured: First initial + Last Name @iprf.comPlease visit www.iprf.com/contact

for an updated directory!

“Did you happen to see that little noteI left about your evaluation?”

Happy Thanksgiving

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AVOID FALLS THIS WINTERAs we approach winter and the inevitability of snow and ice, we urge you to give attention to the number one cause of employee injuries, SLIP-and-FALL. For the last three years these incidents have been the leading source of injuries for IPRF members from November through March. Over the last three winters, 899 incidents were reported. This is due partially to having to walk and work on ice and snow. The direct financial cost for these injuries, within the IPRF membership, has exceeded $11 million. Indirect costs such as overtime hours, lost productivity, and accident investigation are immeasurable. While we cannot prevent the occurrence of ice and snow in Illinois, we can do something to reduce accidents and minimize injuries.

Please keep the following in mind this winter:

PROPER CLOTHING INCLUDING FOOTWEAR – It all begins with what you wear.

• Wearing a heavy, bulky coat will keep you warm and cushion you if you fall.

• A bright scarf and gloves makes it easier for motorists to see you. Don't let your clothing block your vision.

• Wear gloves or mittens so you do not have to put your hands in your pockets. This aids balance and allows you to put your hands out if you do fall.

• Avoid shoes/boots with smooth soles. Rubber and neoprene soles with grooves provide better traction.

• A product such as YakTrax that goes on over your shoes/boots gives you added traction similar to putting chains on tires. There are a variety of such products available.

WHERE TO WALK – When possible, avoid ice-coated surfaces. Snow is less of a hazard. Cleared surfaces are obviously preferable. Walk on designated walk areas as much as possible. When walking on sloped areas, it may be better to walk on the grassy edge than on the slippery slope. If walking in or near motor vehicle traffic, keep an eye on moving vehicles. Walk against traffic so you can see vehicles approaching.

HOW TO WALK – Walk Like a Penguin!

• Keep your feet pointed out slightly to increase your center of gravity. Extend your arms to your sides for better balance. This means your hands cannot be in your pockets for warmth. That's why gloves or mittens are important.

• Walk flat-footed with knees 'loose'.

• Go slow. Sure it's cold and you want to get inside as quickly as you can, but you are more likely to slip and fall while walking too fast. Try to allow yourself more time to get to your destination so you don't have to hurry.

• It's best not to carry a heavy load in your hands, as that will affect your balance. Use a backpack or briefcase with a shoulder strap.

• Use extra care when entering or exiting vehicles. With only one foot on the ground, you have only half the traction.

• Give your full attention to where you walk. No smart phone use while walking please.

HOW TO FALL – Despite all care and precautions, you may still fall. In the event you find yourself falling, try to avoid landing on your knees, wrists or spine. Relax your muscles. You are likely to injure yourself less if you are relaxed when you hit the ground. If you fall backwards, tuck your chin down to avoid hitting your head with full force on the ground.

INDOOR SAFETY – Just because you made it safely to your destination, don't think you are ‘home free.’ If you wore traction devices, take them off before you walk on indoor surfaces. Remove ice and snow from your shoes/boots. Melting snow can lead to wet, slippery floors. Watch for wet floors, especially at entrances and exits.

MAINTENANCE EFFORTS – Whether the removal of snow and ice is the responsibility of an outside contractor or your employees, please remember the walks should be cleared and treated before work begins, during the period of precipitation and towards the end of the work day in order to minimize employees' exposure to hazardous walkways. Chemicals, such as calcium chloride, may be used to melt ice and snow. Sand may be used to increase traction.

Attention must be given to keeping the floors dry inside. This can be done by mopping, using fans or spreading rugs near doorways. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Mopping requires a lot of attention and manpower. Blowing warm air may not remove moisture fast enough. Rugs can get wet and need to be changed out when they do.

Gutters and drains should not empty onto walking surfaces, as water will re-freeze on cold pavement. This will create rather than remove a hazard. Have them deposit melted ice/snow onto non-walking areas such as grass, rocks or soil.

While Slip-and-Fall is the most frequent cause of injury, we have seen the number of incidents steadily decrease over the last three years. By continuing to give attention to this risk we hope to see this trend of decreasing injuries continue this winter. Please do your part to keep yourself and your co-workers safe this winter.

This article was written by Bill Bloch, IPRF Loss Control Consultant. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Bill at bbloch@iprf.com or call (217) 444-1220.

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DIRECTORYCLAIMS/LOSS CONTROL

3333 Warrenville Rd., Ste. 550, Lisle, IL 60532

Toll Free Phone: 1-888-532-6981Toll Free Fax: 1-888-223-1638

The information contained in this newsletter has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, and the editor has exercised reasonable care to assure its accuracy. However, the Illinois Public Risk Fund (IPRF) does not guarantee that the contents of this publication are correct, and the statements attributed to other sources do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of IPRF.

MANAGEMENT

CLAIMS REPORTING – claims@iprf.com(844) 522-6082 available 24/7/365

Robert Brummell Senior Claims/Loss Control P (630) 649-6071 rbrummell@iprf.com Manager F (217) 477-6862

Bob Buhs IPRF Executive Director P (630) 649-6039rbuhs@iprf.com F (708) 429-6488

• Rebecca Miranda, September 4• Ryan Evers, September 4

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Happy Birthday to IPRF Team Members

Anniversariesof IPRF Team Members

Thank you for your years of service to IPRF!

• David HunterEnjoy your retirement!

• Paul Boecker, September 30 – 21 Years

Carol Biagi Medical Only Representative P (630) 649-6060 cbiagi@iprf.com F (217) 477-7288

Paul Boecker Member Services Rep. P (630) 649-6053 pboecker@iprf.com F (217) 477-5912

Lisa Caron Claims Representative, P (630) 649-6067 lcaron@iprf.com Subrogation F (217) 477-7280

Araceli Cepeda Medical Only Representative P (630) 649-6065acepeda@iprf.com F (217) 477-6897

Susan Duteau Genex Nurse Case Manager P (630) 649-6063sduteau@iprf.com F (888) 223-1638

Ryan Evers Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6076 revers@iprf.com F (217) 477-5922

David Hunter Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6062 dhunter@iprf.com F (217) 477-6861

Dahlia Johnson Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6058 djohnson@iprf.com F (217) 477-5941

Elena Lumbreras Unit Claims Supervisor P (630) 649-6051 elumbreras@iprf.com F (217) 477-6382

Glenn Macey Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6057 gmacey@iprf.com F (217) 477-5939

Rebecca Miranda Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6059rmiranda@iprf.com F (217) 444-2735

Thalia Nevels Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6069 tnevels@iprf.com F (217) 477-7282

Angela Oliver Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6061aoliver@iprf.com F (217) 477-4909

Kevin O’Rourke Unit Claims Supervisor P (630) 649-6070 korourke@iprf.com F (217) 477-5906

Nancy Radzienta Med Only Representative P (630) 649-6068 nradzienta@iprf.com F (217) 477-7285

May Soo Hoo Unit Claims Clerk P (630) 649-6066 msoohoo@iprf.com F (217) 477-7287

Lisa Spangler Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6055lspangler@iprf.com F (217) 477-5929

Daniel Stella Unit Claims Supervisor P (630) 649-6072dstella@ F (217) 444-2876iprf.com

Jamie Suchy Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6074jsuchy@iprf.com F (217) 477-7273

Sherise Williams Claims Specialist P (630) 649-6064swilliams@ F (217) 444-2743iprf.com

Terry Bergertberger@iprf.com

Bill Blochbbloch@iprf.com

Brad Hoffmanbhoffman@iprf.com

Jim Patinojpatino@iprf.com

Donna Ryandryan@iprf.com

Jeff Swansonjswanson@iprf.com

P (630) 649-6081

P (217) 444-1220

P (618) 973-4595

P (630) 649-6078

P (630) 649-6082

P (630) 649-6182

LOSS CONTROLLoss Control Consultant

Loss Control Consultant

Loss Control Consultant

Loss Control Supervisor

Administrative Assistant

Loss Control Consultant

F (217) 477-7290

Back issues available online at:

www.IPRF.com

The IPRF is dedicated to its members and is alwaysworking toward higher levels of service.We need your input on: • Safety Concerns • Claims • Loss Control • Timeliness of Claims Processing • Helpfulness and Courtesy of Our Claims Team

How Can We Better Serve You?

Please contact Robert M. Buhs,IPRF Executive Director(708) 935-9979 or email: rbuhs@iprf.com