Manage Workers Compensation Costs by Offering Fitness Opportunities

​There is a lot of research that shows that healthy people can be more productive at work. According to the CDC, employees who have a healthy weight will only be absent for a few days. They also have lower absenteeism rates compared to those who are obese or overweight.

​This research should provide business owners enough reason to promote efforts to keep employees healthy. Healthy employees miss less work and are less likely to injure themselves on the job, which means a lower likelihood for Workers’ comp claims.

If you have a less-healthy workplace, it can be bad for your bottom line.

It is possible for unhealthy workers to cost you more. You may take certain steps that can help manage your costs. Whenever you involve obesity, workers' compensation claims may increase.

Claims in Workers' Compensation that include obese workers are higher by 81.3%.

The injury of obese employees on the job may miss 80% more work time. This may happen during recovery compared to non-obese employees.

There is a new wrinkle that can add to these numbers. AMA classifies obesity as a disease state. They cite it as a workplace illness that can lead to a claim for Workers' Compensation.

Research highlights the sedentary lifestyle of office workers as obesity's leading cause. The Workers’ Comp law may allow obese workers to get compensation for the increase in weight. It may be because they are sitting behind a desk the whole day.

Cut Workers’ Compensation Costs with Health Initiatives

Is a small-business owner capable of reducing Workers Comp costs? Can they avoid WC claims that have connections with obesity? It will be great if you start the implementation of some basic health initiatives. Even if you don't have a lot of money or a huge staff, you may still be able to offer some creative solutions.

1) Gym Memberships with Discounts

Negotiate with a nearby gym so you can get a business or group rate.

2) Flexible Work Hours

Encourage employees to work out or take walks during lunch break, before and after work. Be supportive of their health efforts. It can go a long way to encourage them to have a healthy behavior.

3) Healthy Options for Snacks

Make sure that the refrigerator at the office is full of water, fruits, and vegetables. It should not break the bank. These foods can prevent people from consuming high-calorie food that people tend to find in the vending machines.

4) Be More Active

Allow the company to sponsor an intramural team so that people will move around. You may also sponsor a dance class or local 5k. It can encourage your team to move and get your name out to the community.

Support your team in their efforts to build their health. Doing this can be beneficial for the company. It will allow you to foster communication and build relationships. Both of these are important so that employees will stay engaged. They can also cut carelessness and mindlessness. These may lead to injuries in the workplace.

At River Valley Insurance we take pride in making sure our clients are well protected at prices they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (616) 301-9500 or Click Here to request a free quote.