Door and window businesses, like most others, need to have a comprehensive plan for mitigating risk. That includes injuries to workers. Most employers need to maintain workers’ compensation to help reduce overall costs should an employee be hurt on the job. Yet, those costs themselves can be high in some areas, especially if you’ve had a claim in the past. There are a few things you can do to reduce those costs.
Ways Door and Window Businesses Can Reduce Costs
At HFS Financial, we’re here to support you. Here are some strategies for reducing costs related to workers’ comp.
#1: Always start with a safe work environment
The best way to keep costs low is to follow all OHSH guidelines for worker safety. That means understanding and putting rules in place to keep teams safe and consistently monitoring employees to make sure such rules are applied. It’s easy enough for an employee to skip a harness “for a quick adjustment,” but that’s putting them and you at risk.
#2: Put an employee return-to-work program in place
This type of program helps door and window businesses to get employees back on the job sooner. It also helps increase employee morale as they feel supported as they return to work. At the same time, it reduces the length of time that claims remain open, reducing overall costs.
#3: Maintain a smart hiring protocol
Your hiring protocol is an important way to control workers’ comp costs. Is the prospective employee qualified to do the job? After offering an employee the position, request a pre-employment physical, especially for workers who will be climbing roof lines and using ladders. Use reference checks for potential employees to learn more about them, including their likelihood of being injured.
#4: Ensure employees receive timely care
When there is an accident or injury, get that employee into care as soon as possible, even if it seems like a minor incident. Doing so helps to reduce the risk of delayed claims. It can also mean a loss of productivity if that employee tries to work while hurt. That, too, can increase the risk of an additional accidents caused by their inability to function normally. The sooner they get help, the sooner they get back to work when they are well.
#5: Find ways to allow them to work
Getting employees back to work even on a reduced workload helps lower workers’ comp claims. Do what you can to get them back on the job, such as offering modified hours, changing their job responsibilities, or providing other supportive services. This allows them to work while they heal or rehab.
Let HFS Financial Ensure Your Clients Receive the Financing They Need
For door and window businesses, providing excellent service that keeps clients coming in helps ensure profitability while balancing workers’ comp costs. One way to do this is to offer contractor financing. HFS Financial can help! We offer door contractor financing as well as window contractor financing to support your clients’ needs. It’s fast and easy to help your clients get the funds they need for the next project. Encourage them to apply for a home improvement loan. With HFS Financial, “You Dream It, We Finance It.” Apply today or call 1-800-254-9560 to get started.