Seattle, WA: 206-521-5676 Olympia, WA: 360-236-8748 Portland/Salem, OR: 503-768-9742 Info@SolutionsNW.com
The Importance of Disability Management Consulting

The Importance of Disability Management Consulting

The Importance of Disability Management Consulting

Did you know that about 61 million Americans live with a disability? With so many people in the United States suffering from a disability, you may end up hiring someone that has a disability. Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

In this situation, you need to know what you are legally responsible to provide as an employer. Also, you may need some help to get a better idea of how to efficiently run this work environment. 

If this is the case with your company, then disability management consulting is what you need. 

What is disability management? How will your company make it work? 

This is your guide. 

Knowing ADA Requirements 

The first thing that you should do is familiarize yourself with ADA requirements. For those of you that do not know, this is the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

This act helps give people with disabilities not only more rights in the workplace, but in public businesses in general. 

An example could be having access to proper toilets. Every business of a certain size has to have at least one handicap accessible bathroom. If you are using porta potties for an outdoor event, at least 5% of them need to have that handicap access. 

However, this is not limited to just toilets. Public businesses may be required to install ramps to fit the needs of those with a disability. 

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonNow, let’s take this need to an office. Wider spaces may need to be arranged to allow open access to someone with a disability. 

On top of this, if someone requires a service dog to get around, then a business has to comply with that. Also, access to things to enhance communication such as closed caption may be of use as well. 

Disability Management

Now that we have discussed the requirements of certain businesses to be accommodating, let’s dive into disability management. When a business hires someone with a disability, they cannot fire a person for that reason. If they do, it can lead to a discrimination lawsuit. 

So, there needs to be solutions and active efforts made to accommodate the person that has a disability. One way that you can do this is by assigning jobs that may be easier for that person to do. 

For example, if someone is in a wheelchair, have them do a job like data entry that does not force them to leave the computer much. Or, if someone has difficulty hearing, perhaps do not put them on customer service or sales calls. 

Related article: “Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term

Get Disability Management Consulting

These are a few things that you need to be aware of in the workplace. Your business needs to accommodate not only customers coming in that might have a disability, but also potential employees as well. If you do, you can create a more inclusive workspace and avoid a discrimination lawsuit. 

To take a step in the right direction, your company may need disability management consulting.  If you need expert consultation, contact one of our vocational experts today to get one-on-one assistance. 

At Solutions Northwest Inc., our vocational experts are involved in  ADA Accommodations , personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law.

Contact us today to make an appointment.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA.

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

3 Tips to Comply with ADA Requirements in The Workplace

3 Tips to Comply with ADA Requirements in The Workplace

3 Tips to Comply with ADA Requirements in The Workplace

3 Tips to Comply with ADA Requirements in The WorkplaceContact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

1 in 4 Americans lives with some type of disability according to the CDC.

As an employer, human resource manager, or business owner – it is your job to ensure all employees are equally accommodated.

This is important because failing to properly accommodate for disabilities can be illegal due to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

But how do you go about making sure you’re in compliance with all requirements? Read on to learn tips from our ADA Experts on complying with ADA in the workplace.

1. Understand that each worker has a unique set of needs

The first step in tackling ADA accommodations in the workplace is to understand that each worker will have a unique set of needs. In this case, simply treating every employee the same doesn’t equate to equal access and opportunity.

Even when it comes to disabled workers, you mustn’t treat them all the same – not all disabled workers have the same disabilities, and many disabilities exist along a spectrum.

2. Educate yourself on ADA Accommodations best practices

According to the EEOC, a reasonable ADA accommodation is:

“Any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities.”

There are some obvious physical accommodations for things like ramps and widening restroom entrances for wheelchairs. And there are also digital accommodations for things like screen readers or magnification for the visually impaired and subtitles for the deaf.

3. Hire a specialist for ADA Accommodations

When assessing and implementing ADA accommodations for the workplace, it is highly recommended to use an ADA specialist. An ADA accommodations specialist will have more knowledge in workplace safety compliance law and ADA regulations than internal staff or other non-specialists.
Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington
An ADA accommodations specialist knows how to gather information about specific problems and communicate with employees in order to deliver the best solution.

Ultimately, investing in an ADA accommodations specialist will lead to a safer and more productive workplace – which will pay off in the long run.

Stay Proactive About ADA Accommodations at Work

Managing ADA Accommodations and staying in compliance with the law can be tricky, especially if the stakes are high.

Having an ADA Accommodations Specialist help you with employees that have different needs will ensure everyone stays happy and safe and that all employees with disabilities are accommodated.

Are you interested in learning more about  ADA Accommodations Specialists or other helpful solutions for your business?  Consider contacting Solutions Northwest Inc., and we can help you. Our vocational experts are involved in  ADA Accommodations Specialist, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law.

If you need our guidance, our legal experts are ready to guide you through the process.

Contact us today to make an appointment.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA.

 

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

2 Types of Disability Leave Services

2 Types of Disability Leave Services

What does your company know about disability leave services? You can read about some of the available options here and see how they work from the vocational experts at Solutions Northwest Inc.

There are 18.5 million disabled people in today’s workforce. As a business owner, manager, or HR professional, you more than likely have run into a disability or reasonable accommodation request from an employee. Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

So, what exactly is disability leave? And what are you required to do as a business owner or manager? Keep reading to learn more about disability leave services and how to manage them for your employees. 

What is Disability Leave? 

Employees who have a disability and need to take leave from work can based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires that employers provide reasonable accommodations for employees. This includes employee disability leave. 

The ADA defines a “disability” as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This also includes the ability to perform such major life activities or in the workforce.

Disability Leave for Workers

There are two types of leave for employee disability claims. They are as follows: 

  • Short-Term Disability Leave – Short-term disability leave is a benefit that employers have to provide to their employees. It’s a type of insurance that covers income and health benefits if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury.

    The employer has to provide this benefit to maintain compliance with the law. They also want their employees’ well-being, so they offer this benefit to keep them safe.

  • Long-Term Disability Leave – Long-term disability leave is a type of insurance that employers have to pay for to provide their employees with financial protection. It provides the employee who is unable to work due to an illness or injury with income while they are out of work.

    Employers usually offer long-term disability as a supplement to short-term disability. Short-term disability only provides income for a maximum of six months. This type of leave is usually offered as part of an employee’s benefits package. It may also be a part of the employer’s group health insurance plan.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonDisability Leave Management 

Managing disability leave for employees is a time-consuming and expensive process.

Employers that have more than 50 employees have to pay their employees on disability leave regular wages. Employers must also keep paying their insurance premiums while they are on disability leave.

Some employers decide to offer a reduced work schedule during the time of their employee’s disability. This is a good option for employers as it doesn’t require them to hire a new person or pay overtime when the disabled employee returns to work.

Learn More About Disability Leave Services

This article covered disability leave services that businesses have to provide employees. We hope you have a better understanding of the types of leave you have to offer employees. If you need expert consultation on ADA accommodations or disability leave, contact one of our vocational experts today to get one-on-one assistance. 

At Solutions Northwest Inc., our vocational experts are involved in  ADA Accommodations , personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law.

Contact us today to make an appointment.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA.

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term Disability

Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term Disability

Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term Disability

Disability Leave Services: Short Term vs Long Term DisabilityContact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

Should you provide short-term disability or long-term disability leave services to your employees? State and federal laws may require that you provide these services, so it’s important to understand the difference between the two before making a decision.

Both short-term disability and long-term disability have their benefits. In this blog post, our vocational experts will help you learn about them, so you can make an informed decision for your company. So, let’s get started!

What are Disability Leave Services?

Disability leave services allow employees to take paid or unpaid leave if they are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. Short-term disability and long-term disability are the two most common types of disability leave services. While they both provide similar benefits, there are some key differences between them.

The main difference between short-term disability and long-term disability is the length of time that they provide coverage. Short-term disability typically covers disabilities that last for a few weeks or months, while long-term disability covers disabilities that last for a year or more.

Short-term disability is typically used to cover work-related disabilities, while long-term disability is typically used to cover disabilities that are not work-related.

How Does it Benefit the Employer to Provide Disability Leave Services? 

There are several benefits to providing disability leave services to your employees. It shows that you care about your employees and their well-being. Providing these services can help reduce absenteeism and employee turnover.

It can also help improve morale and productivity. It also helps you attract and retain top talent, and comply with state and federal laws.

What is a Disability Management Consulting Service?

Disability management consulting is a service often offered by employee benefit consulting services. Disability management consultants help employers create and implement short-term Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washingtondisability and long-term disability leave policies. These services can help you determine which type of leave is right for your business.

Disability management consultants also help you create and implement policies that comply with state and federal laws. These disability leave management services can help you manage absences, reduce costs, improve productivity, and remain in compliance with local laws.

How Do I Implement Disability Leave Management?

Creating a short-term disability and long-term disability leave policy can be a complex process, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you will need to determine which type of leave is right for your business. You will also need to create a document that outlines your company’s short-term disability and long-term disability leave policies.

Next, you will need to train your managers and human resources staff on how to implement and enforce the policy. Finally, you will need to monitor and evaluate the policy on a regular basis to ensure that it is effective.

Contact Solutions Northwest Inc. for your Disability Management Consulting Service Needs!

Solutions Northwest Inc. is a leading consulting firm with expertise in injury prevention and intervention principles. We provide a wide range of services to help organizations manage leaves and accommodate employees with disabilities.

If you need help with disability leave management, please contact us today. Our team would be happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about implementing disability leave services in a way that benefits all.

At Solutions Northwest Inc., our vocational experts are involved in  ADA Accommodations , personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law.

Contact us today to make an appointment.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA.

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

Disability Leave Services: What to Know About Long-Term Disability

Disability Leave Services: What to Know About Long-Term Disability

Disability Leave Services: What to Know About Long-Term Disability

Disability Leave Services: What to Know About Long-Term DisabilityContact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

Did you know that around 61 million American adults have some type of disability? Disability can affect anyone at any time. That’s why many employees wish to get coverage.

If you’re an HR professional, attorney, or risk manager and want to learn more about long-term disability insurance and disability leave services, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, our vocational and disability management experts share everything you need to know about this type of insurance. Our vocational experts also explain how you can get in touch with our disability management consulting services for more detailed information and support.

What is Disability Leave?

An employee who is unable to execute the essential duties of their job due to a medical condition may be awarded disability leave.

Disability leave is a permitted leave of absence offered as a disability accommodation. It is not classified as accrued time off.

What is Long-Term Disability Insurance?

If an employee becomes disabled and cannot work, long-term disability insurance is helpful. It’s a policy that pays the policyholder direct monthly benefits to replace a portion of their wages.

Workplace disability insurance covers critical illnesses and injuries that prevent someone from working. It also covers long-term disabilities that prevent employees from ever working again.

Long-term disability insurance is a wise investment for healthy adults. It may be obtained as an individual or as a group.

How Does Long-Term Disability Work?

Generally, long-term disability insurance functions similarly to other types of workplace insurance.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonPolicyholders pay the premiums, usually every month. In exchange, an insurance provider promises a client long-term disability compensation. This is if an employee experiences a serious sickness or injury that keeps them from working.

How Long Does Long-Term Disability Last?

As long as premiums get paid on time and in full, long-term disability coverage will remain in effect.

The benefit period of a policy determines how long long-term disability benefits will last. For example, the benefit term could be for a specific number of weeks, months, or years, or it could be until a particular age.

Benefit periods for long-term disability insurance policies typically range from two to ten years or up to retirement age.

Is Long-Term Disability Insurance Worth it for your Business?

Anywhere, at any time, there is a chance of a significant workplace accident or workplace injury. Waiting until an employee becomes disabled will make it impossible to obtain coverage.

Because of this, believing “it won’t happen to me” is the worst thing one can do.

Furthermore, there is a significant financial incentive for creating a strategy right now. Like most types of health insurance, long-term disability insurance grows more expensive as an employee ages.

Because of this, it makes sense to lock in a cheaper rate when an employee is young.

Consider Our Disability Leave Management Services

Now that you know more about what long-term disability insurance entails, check out our disability leave management services at SolutionsNW.com! Our vocational consultants can help you navigate any confusion you may have on this topic.

To learn more about our disability management services, contact our professionals today.

At Solutions Northwest Inc., our vocational experts are involved in  ADA Accommodations , personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law.

Contact us today to make an appointment.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

What to do After a Workplace Injury Occurs

What to do After a Workplace Injury Occurs

What to do After a Workplace Injury Occurs

What to do After a Workplace Injury OccursContact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

Unfortunately, there are nearly “3 million American workplace injuries each year.” While workplace injuries are unpleasant, not reporting injuries has extensive business consequences.

So, protect your business’s reputation and financial bottom by reading this workplace injury guide created with the help of the vocational experts at Solutions Northwest Inc.! Understanding these essential steps can not only protect your business but help prevent future workplace injuries. 

And if you’re an employer or Human Resources professional with previous experience on workplace injuries, we still highly recommend this guide. Learning new tips can help limit worker’s compensation claims and build your employee’s trust and loyalty.   

1) Attending to Workplace Injuries 

If a workplace injury occurs, the first step is to attend to your employee. It’s vital to assess whether the employee’s injuries are minor or significant. For example, if it’s a simple cut, perhaps no further medical assessment is necessary. 

However, never ignore extensive injuries! Remember, secondary injuries might go undiagnosed. In this case, your worker won’t be available, and you might face an expensive workplace injury lawsuit. 

Some severe post-workplace injuries, left unchecked or diagnosed, might even become fatal. Tragically, nearly “2 million people die annually from workplace injuries.”

Call for professional healthcare services if your medical assessment deduces the injury is serious. If instructed, take the injured employee to a competent medical care facility. 

2) Alert Management and Human Resources 

Contact management and your Human Resources (HR) service after attending to the wounded employee. Be sure to detail what happened, where the accident happened, and the employee’s condition. That way, management can enact safety protocols. 

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonThat way, all pertinent company officials are notified. In addition, you can visit our blog if you have questions about safety and effective vocational services. Or reach out to our experts directly at SolutionsNorthwest.com/Contact.

3) Block off the Scene of the Workplace Accident

To prevent additional workplace injuries, secure the area where the injury occurred. Also, preserving the scene enables officials like OSHA to investigate.

Furthermore, you can rely on vocational counseling and consulting companies to assess and prevent future workplace injury risks.  

4) Don’t Hesitate Reporting Workplace Injuries

Different states have different rules for reporting injuries. Timely reporting also involves interviewing witnesses. Keep in mind OSHA requires the workplace or Human Resources to report workplace injuries. 

For less severe workplace injuries, OSHA allows you to report them within 24 hours. The same is true if the employee is in the hospital. However, OSHA mandates a report “within eight hours for extreme workplace injuries like lost limbs or death.” 

5) Consider More Workplace Training 

After consulting with a vocational consultant about your safety protocols, consider renewing worker safety training as well. Unavailable employees cost your business in two ways. First, injured workers lead to worker’s comp and lost work productivity. 

Reeducating your employees on updated protocols can help prevent future workplace injuries. Offering incentives for safe work practices might also reduce workplace injuries.  

6) Keep in Touch with Your Injured Employee 

Boosting your employee’s morale during their injury can help your business down the right. If an employee feels that you care, they might go the extra mile when they return. Word may get around to the other employees to boost their workplace morale.

7) Schedule Your Employee’s Return to Work 

Depending on your employee’s work duties, you might have to ease them back into work. If they are nursing an extensive injury, consider a lighter job to get them back into the fold. You can transition them off worker’s compensation and into a stable working salary.    

Stay Proactive About Workplace Injuries

We hope this guide helped shed some light on what to do in the case of a workplace injury. At Solutions Northwest Inc., we pride ourselves on helping employers like you maintain safe workplaces. Our staff analyzes potential workplace injury risks, including workplace ergonomics. 

Contact us today to discuss how our vocational services can benefit your company. We also excel in worker’s compensation matters and personal injury matters.  

Contact Solutions Northwest Inc. to make an appointment! At Solutions Northwest Inc., we can help you find a vocational expert or give you general vocational consulting. Our vocational experts are involved in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law.

Subscribe to our blog for more work related tips from Solutions Northwest, Inc., experts available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, WA.

Contact the Vocational Consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

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