Seattle, WA: 206-521-5676 Olympia, WA: 360-236-8748 Portland/Salem, OR: 503-768-9742 Info@SolutionsNW.com
Human Factors Theory and Workplace Safety

Human Factors Theory and Workplace Safety

Human Factors Theory and Workplace Safety

Human beings spend around a third of their lives at the workplace. So it is no surprise that almost seven million Americans get injured at work every year.Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

The economic impact on companies is enormous due to time lost in productivity. In fact, many of these workplace injuries may have been prevented if the correct precautions had been taken.

To prevent these workplace injuries, businesses will often consult with vocational experts that understand human factors theory and specialize in preventing workplace accidents.

What is Human Factors Theory?

Imagine you walk into a room, down the sidewalk, or interact with a piece of equipment. In each scenario, there are many things that dictate how you behave, how you think, and how the environment impacts you. 

Certain things about our human nature, abilities, and limitations, impact how we act and react. This is called human factors theory. We may not know it, but we are surprisingly predictable. 

Human factors encompass various fields, such as psychology, engineering, and biomechanics. Depending on the domain you are in, the definition might vary slightly.

A human factors expert will often look at different factors when examining how to make a workplace safer. These can include the job itself, the design of the workspace, and how well-suited a person is to carry out their function.

Some human factors which commonly cause workplace accidents or injuries are:

  • Impaired judgment 
  • Distraction
  • Forgetting an important task
  • Insufficient experience or skills
  • Personality mismatched to job
  • Workplace culture

This highlights the need for employee training, proper supervision, and regular inspections.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonThe Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace

Ergonomics is the answer to human factors problems in the workplace. It is a science that focuses on improving how employees interact with their environment.

An ergonomics expert will help create a safer working environment and reduce personal injuries such as back aches and wrist pain, burnout, or even slipping and falling at work.

Ergonomics ranges from the layout of a desk to the positioning of controls and protective measures. However, it also has a psychological aspect. High workload, long shifts, poor management, and lack of training can increase the risk of workplace injury.

In fact, even lighting, noise, and poor signage are all examples of poor workplace ergonomics.

Forensic Referral in Personal Injury Cases

When there has been an injury in the workplace, you will need the forensic services of a vocational expert.

Someone trained in human factors issues and ergonomics will be able to provide expert legal testimony about what contributed to a workplace accident and why the work environment led to the incident.

A vocational expert witness will provide an impartial analysis of how much an employee will lose in earnings from their injury and how bad their disability is.

Improve Workplace Safety with a Human Factors Expert

An expert in human factors theory can help you design your workplace to avoid injuries and keep employees happy. However, when a personal injury has occurred, they will also provide expert legal testimony to explain what happened.

If you are interested in hiring an expert, we invite you to contact our vocational and ergonomics experts at Solutions Norhtwest Inc. for advice or services. Our experts are involved in personal injury, workers’ compensation, ergonomics, 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

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

Employability Assessment for Workers Compensation in Washington State

Employability Assessment for Workers Compensation in Washington State

Employability Assessment for Workers Compensation in Washington State

Employability Assessment for Workers Compensation in Washington StateContact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

There were 2.7 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2020. With statistics like these, it doesn’t matter how many workplace safety measures you take, workplace injuries are bound to happen at some point.

With workplace injuries being somewhat inevitable, it is important to understand workers compensation policy isn’t uniform from state to state and Washington state has its own unique set of rules.

One of its biggest components is the employability assessment for Washington workers compensation claims. Don’t stress if you aren’t familiar with it, though. Read on to learn all about it and workers compensation in Washington state from the Vocational Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc.!

What is the Employability Assessment for Washington Workers Compensation Claims?

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is behind this vocational assessment. The goal is to determine an injured person’s ability to return to the workforce. If they aren’t ready to return to work, the vocational assessment also determines whether training will help them get back to work.

Injured employees meet with private vocational counselors as part of the process. The vocational counselor asks questions about their injury, work history, and educational background. The counselor also asks about pre-existing mental or physical conditions.

Ultimately, L&I seeks to get injured parties back to work as soon as possible. This assessment determines what each individual needs for that to happen. If you have an employee going through this process, they may ask you for information about their position to give to their counselor.

What Comes Out of the Vocational Assessment?

The end result is a report that gets sent to L&I. The report is a thorough documentation of an individual’s work and education history, and their ability to get back to work. The vocational counselor also provides information about potential jobs someone might qualify for.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonYour employee doesn’t have to complete the assessment process. If their physician clears them to return to work, then you can bring them back to work. As soon as they stop the process, they stop receiving medical and time-loss benefits.

How can you Reduce Workers Compensation Claims in the Future?

The best way to prevent workers compensation claims in the future is a solid workplace safety plan. That means creating a safe working space and ensuring all of your employees are properly trained.

For example, ergonomics training helps prevent long-term injuries like musculoskeletal disorders. It helps you design ergonomic workstations that provide comfort and prevent injury. Being mindful of how injuries occur is key.

If you don’t already have a safety plan in place, then now is the time to get it started!

Is Your Business Prepared for Workers Compensation Assessments?

The employability assessment for Washington workers compensation claims is one of the biggest components of the workers compensation process. As an employer, it’s important to know how the process works so you can help guide injured employees and make informed employment decisions. In the meantime, you can enact safety measures to prevent further injuries.

Are you looking for an agency with a proven ability to help understand vocational evaluations as well as how to maintain a safe and healthy workplace? You’ve come to the right place! contact Solutions Northwest today to learn how we can help you!

Our experts are knowledgeable about ADA accommodation issues, disability and injury management, and workers’ compensation. We are happy to assist you!

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

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Contact our Vocational Consultants

3 Ways to Win a Personal Injury Earning Capacity Claim

3 Ways to Win a Personal Injury Earning Capacity Claim

3 Ways to Win a Personal Injury Earning Capacity Claim

Did you know the average American switches jobs about every 4 years? Career changes happen even more often in the younger generation. One reason why employees swap jobs, though, is due to personal injuries.Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

Has an employee accident left you with no choice but to lose an employee? As an HR professional or management (human resources), you need to understand what will happen if an employee wants to seek out a personal injury claim.

First, the employee may seek out a personal injury vocational evaluation. From there, they could seek out a personal injury earning capacity claim.

That’s a lot to take in, but we’ll unpack it all below. Read on to learn more about how to cope with a personal injury that might lead to an employee claim.

1. Document the Workplace Accident

Immediately after the workplace accident, you might not realize the gravity of the situation. In fact, the employee might attempt to downplay any injury or they may not understand how it could impact their future, yet.

Regardless, you need to understand your employee’s legal rights.

Often, personal injury accidents lead to significant losses. As an HR professional, you need to make an official report with details about what happened.

Human resources must also ensure that reasonable steps are taken to secure the scene. This protects employees, customers, and your business from further liability.

2. Get an Expert Vocational Evaluation

If an employee sustains serious injuries, then it’s time to get an evaluation. For this step, you’ll want to bring in vocational experts to help.

Vocational experts will need to consider a multitude of factors and how they’ll impact your employee’s vocation. They’ll need to assess their physical and cognitive ability to work. This process is lengthy and in-depth.

Once put into a digestible format by an expert, this vocational evaluation will prove invaluable. It will show how the employee’s earning capacity has changed.

The vocational expert will also help you create a safer work environment moving forward.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington3. Contact Your Lawyer

Your next step in the process should be contacting or hiring a business personal injury lawyer who can help. A qualified injury attorney will look over your evaluation and take on your case from there.

They’ll help you understand your legal rights and options. They’ll also help defend your business.

If an employee seeks out a personal injury claim, your business lawyer will help you file paperwork, negotiate, and more.

Navigating a Personal Injury Vocational Evaluation and Claim

Getting justice is far easier in concept than in reality.

This is never more true than when an employee suffers a significant personal injury at work. Getting your employee a personal injury vocational evaluation is only one step of the process.

You’ll need to do a lot to protect your business as an HR representative.

You don’t have to do this alone.  Instead, you can work with our vocational experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. We have extensive experience helping HR professionals and businesses in situations like yours.

Contact us today to receive the evaluation your client needs!

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.

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

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Contact our Vocational Consultants

The Value of Vocational Assessments for Rehabilitation Counselors

The Value of Vocational Assessments for Rehabilitation Counselors

The Value of Vocational Assessments for Rehabilitation Counselors

The Value of Vocational Assessments for Rehabilitation Counselors Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

What if you could improve the success of a client or employee? Would you use a tool to mitigate the risk factors of hiring unfit workers? Can you assess an individual’s ability in various meaningful and relevant categories? These are the characteristics of a vocational assessment.

Vocational testing means achieving the best possible outcomes for clients and employees. It is a vital step in assisting rehabilitation counselors to set goals for their clients. These vocational assessments provide unmatched insight when it comes to employability.

Read on to discover the need for vocational assessments and what they mean for employers.

Role of the Rehabilitation Counselor

A rehabilitation counselor assists individuals who suffer from mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. Connecting workers with opportunities that match their abilities is their goal.

Rehabilitation counselors may serve people after a personal injury.  Some have filed a workers’ compensation claim. Other individuals may need ADA accommodations.

A rehabilitation counselor tests the skills and abilities of workers. They must have a complete picture of the abilities of their clients.

How Vocational Assessments Help

A vocational assessment is a tool that measures an individual’s employability. The assessment will generally test someone in areas that include:

  • Interests
  • Abilities
  • Medical information
  • Psychosocial factors
  • Education
  • Prior experience

A vocational assessment evaluation shows particular attributes of an applicant. Results convey far more than a resume or traditional interview. Rehabilitation counselors should use this information to suggest appropriate employment Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washingtonopportunities. They may also make suggestions for training and development.

Who Benefits From Vocational Assessments

Employers and workers alike stand to gain from a meaningful vocational assessment. A diagnostic test guarantees that workers will find roles where their success is more likely. This means the likelihood of continued employment.

Employers assume less risk knowing that the individual is fit for the job. They can have confidence that the worker will perform the tasks of their position.

Rehabilitation counselors strive to make the best decisions for their clients. The decision-making process improves with the help of a vocational legal expert.

What This Means in the Workplace

A vocational assessment can determine if individuals are fit to return to work.  In a case of personal injury, assessments screen for physical abilities and limitations. After a long-term disability employees can also undergo a vocational assessment.  This will aid in guiding their return.

Insight into workers’ compensation is an essential function of vocational assessments. The results will offer a clear, forthright view of:

          • The extent of injuries
          • Potential recovery time
          • Limitations and outlook on job performance

Individuals with special needs are often placed in particular work environments based on the results of a vocational assessment. An ADA accommodations specialist can analyze results to help ensure a business is equipping its employees with the proper ADA accommodations and services.

Allow Vocational Assessments to Work for You

Do you feel that a vocational assessment is suitable for your situation? Solutions Northwest Inc. offers expert guidance and vocational rehabilitation experience. Our vocational experts are involved in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law. Reach out to us with any of your vocational evaluation needs.

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

The Importance of Getting a Personal Injury Vocational Evaluation

The Importance of Getting a Personal Injury Vocational Evaluation

The Importance of Getting a Personal Injury Vocational Evaluation

Has your company been hit with a personal injury case? The average payout to settle those types of cases is $52,900. Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

Did you know that you can lower your exposure to high settlements through a personal injury vocational evaluation? Vocational testing comes with many benefits. The main one is the ability to find out what your employee’s personal injury earning capacity is. Next, we’ll explore some of the benefits of this type of professional evaluation. 

Why is a Vocational Injury Evaluation Important?

A major part of any personal injury claim involves determining post-earning capacity. These steps happen before a court case begins. This information is critical for determining the size of monetary judgments or settlements.

The information gathered by a vocational injury evaluator is allowed in court. Is your company trying to assess the earnings capacity of an employee?

Without the help of an evaluator, the information you gather may not be credible in court.  

What is a Personal Injury Vocational Evaluator?

A vocational evaluator undergoes specialized training. The training allows him or her to assess the plaintiff’s ability to resume work. 

A vocational expert may have a degree in vocational rehabilitation. Or they may have studied psychology, counseling, or vocational evaluation. 

Beyond college-level training, some vocational evaluators go on to earn certifications. These might include Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (CVE) or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Some vocational experts also testify as a vocational expert witness.

The vocational evaluations often determine what suitable jobs or career paths are suitable for the worker. In some cases, the worker may not be able to return to work at all or can only do so when special accommodations are made. 

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonWhat Happens During a Personal Injury Vocational Evaluation?

Every personal injury vocational evaluation is unique. In general, the process involves an initial interview with the injured party. Then there is an interview with the physician who treated the injured individual.

During the clinical interview, the vocational evaluator gathers biographical information. This can include work and medical history and other data.

The evaluator may also collect information on the injured party’s vocational goals. Or info on current physical limitations.  

If the injured individual is the defendant, the vocational evaluator may have to rely on court documents. Or the evaluator may read interviews conducted by an expert who works for the plaintiff. 

The evaluator conducts vocational analysis. They may include what’s known as a transferable skills analysis. The evaluator may conduct a market survey. The final step involves the creation of an evaluation report that can be used in court.  

Protect Your Business from Personal Injury Lawsuits

Is your company facing a personal injury lawsuit? You need to understand how the personal injury vocational evaluation works. The information from the vocational evaluations determines the outcomes of monetary awards or settlements. 

Our practitioners at Solutions Northwest, Inc. understand injury prevention and intervention principles. To schedule your meeting, contact us today to see how our company can be of help to you.

Our vocational experts are involved in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family law and can provide vocational expert witness testimony.

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

Pin It on Pinterest