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

4 Types of Workers Compensation

4 Types of Workers Compensation

4 Types of Workers Compensation

Vocational Expert Tips: 4 Types of Workers CompensationContact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

This year, about 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries were reported in the US. 15% of workplace injuries are in manufacturing. Meanwhile, the construction industry has the highest on-the-job fatality rates.

One of the reasons most states across the US require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance is to provide important protections for employees who get injured or become ill on the job.

Workers’ compensation provides several types of coverage for employees if they need it. Read on to learn more about the types of workers’ compensation coverage and for tips from our vocational experts.

1. Workplace Medical Care

Workers’ compensation insurance should cover the related medical expenses if an employee gets injured on the job and needs medical care.

The employee needs to inform their boss of the injury or illness, and the employer files a claim with their workers’ compensation insurer. The worker would seek medical treatment.

Often for worker’s compensation, the insurance company will ask the injured party to see a specific medical provider if the injury isn’t emergent.

Medical care coverage includes things like:

  • Hospital and emergency room visits
  • Doctor’s appointments
  • Medications
  • Therapy and rehabilitation
  • Recovery equipment

If the original injury creates other medical issues resulting from the original injury, workers’ compensation should also cover that care.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington2. Workplace Disability

When a worker gets injured and unable to return to work, they may need disability. The disability part of workers’ compensation allows workers to be compensated for the lost wages while out on disability.

There are several types of disability, depending on the circumstances.

          • Temporary total disability means the worker is injured badly enough that they must be off work for a period of time, but they expect to make a full recovery. Once healed, they can return to work without any limitations.
          • Temporary partial disability means the worker can work but less. Perhaps they work fewer hours and with fewer demands while their injury heals.
          • Permanent total disability means the injury is so significant that the worker will never return to work.
          • Finally, permanent partial disability means the worker can return to work once healed but will never be able to perform their previous job.

Employees may need to participate in a forensic vocational evaluation to define their level of disability.

3. Worker Rehabilitation

Often employees who are injured on the job need rehabilitation care. This might include treatments like physical therapy or occupational therapy.

The employee may need an employability assessment to determine their ability to function on the job.

If it’s likely that the employee can’t return to their previous job ever because of the impact of the injury, they might also need a vocational evaluation. This would help to define what they can do.

4. Employee Death Benefits and Funeral Expenses

If a worker loses their life on the job, workers’ compensation insurance will also pay for funeral expenses for the deceased’s family.

Many policies also provide death benefits in the form of lost wages. There are caps or limits on these, depending on the policy.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation for Your Workplace

Workers’ compensation provides essential protections for workers in case of injury. It helps to avoid litigation by ensuring the worker has medical coverage and lost wages.

If you have an injured employee who needs an employability assessment in Washington state, we can help. Contact us today so we can help with the vocational counseling and evaluations your injured worker needs.

Solutions Norhtwest Inc. is involved in personal injury, workers’ compensation, ergonomics, family law, and more.

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

Workers Compensation: What Every Workplace Needs to Know

Workers Compensation: What Every Workplace Needs to Know

Workers Compensation: What Every Workplace Needs to Know

Workers Compensation: A Guide From Vocational ExpertsContact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

Can you believe that there were almost 3 million workplace injuries and illnesses reported in the private industry last year?

It’s an unfortunate fact that many cases not only need forensic vocational evaluation but also workers compensation. Whether you’re an attorney, risk manager, or HR professional, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with workers comp. That way, you can make the most informed decisions possible.

Are you wondering what it entails? Keep reading to learn all about workers compensation.

What is Workers Compensation?

Workers comp is a program mandated by the government. It allows an employee to receive a certain amount of benefits after they’ve suffered an illness or injury on the job.

You could view workers comp as a type of disability safety net for employees. Knowing that they have access to healthcare and money in the event of an emergency can go a long way toward instilling peace of mind.

If there’s any cash involved, it’s often only partial coverage of the salary that the employee would have earned had they been able to go to work as usual.

How Does Workers Comp Work? Are There Consultants for Advice?

It’s important to emphasize that most workers compensation deals only cover relevant medical costs. The medical bills must be associated with the workplace injury or illness that occurred while they were working on the job.

This prevents someone from taking advantage of the program. For instance, they wouldn’t be able to treat a chronic issue that stemmed from an unrelated incident.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonOne important facet of workers comp is that it waives an employee’s right to sue if they accept it. This allows both the employee and the employer to be protected.

The exact rules and regulations surrounding workers compensation depend on the state you live in. Anyone who lives in Washington state, for example, should seek out an employability assessment in Washington state. That way, you can get the most accurate information and make a decision that’s informed.

Take Advantage of Expert Vocational Testimony

If you’ve never heard this before, it’s enough to know that it’s a type of employability assessment. While workers compensation is a necessary component of the private and public industries, that doesn’t mean you can’t assess various risks ahead of time. This will ensure that your client or company is as protected as possible.

A proper vocational evaluation and expert vocational testimony would involve medical file reviews, job analysis, vocational interest, earning capacity analysis, and much more.

Stay Proactive About Workers Compensation

Now that you’ve learned about workers compensation from our vocational experts, you can make more informed decisions as an attorney, risk manager, or HR professional. That way, you can prepare your client or employee and make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

If you need a vocational expert or consultant who is familiar with Washington and Oregon workers compensation rules and regulations, look no further than our qualified team at Solutions Northwest Inc. – we can offer you valuable vocational evaluations and much more.

Contact us today to chat with our Vocational Experts to see what we can do for you!

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

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

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