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

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

The Role of a Vocational Expert: What Every Business Needs to Know

The Role of a Vocational Expert: What Every Business Needs to Know

The Role of a Vocational Expert: What Every Business Needs to Know

The Role of a Vocational Expert: What Every Business Needs to KnowContact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

Accidents of any kind are complicated for everyone involved. When it’s a workplace accident, the process during and after the accident can be difficult to navigate as an employer.

Lasting workplace injuries can affect an employee’s ability to return to work and you may be liable for a payout to help cover their disability expenses if they cannot. You will need to be able to prove that the injured employee can continue working in the same or new position.

The first thing you should do is hire a vocational expert if you do not already retain the service of one. Vocational experts have experience analyzing injuries and workplace environments and deciding on compatibility.

Read on to learn what a vocational consultant can do for you.

What is a Vocational Expert?

When people suffer permanent disability, it can be hard for them to go back to work, or find jobs that they can do. Many people may take it upon themselves to receive a financial settlement where they sustained their injuries. In disability trials, a vocational expert witness is an excellent resource to give a professional assessment of the capabilities of the injured worker.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle WashingtonVocational experts also examine job sites to determine if the injured worker can continue in their previous role. They can also make recommendations for new positions. In some cases, they may also make suggestions for improvements or ADA accommodations that employers can add that will allow employees to continue to work.

Assessing an Employee’s Ability to Work

At disability trials, an employee will have the opportunity to go into detail about their injury and disability. Once that’s done, a vocational expert will be given the chance to render their vocational evaluation.

The judge will ask the vocational expert their thoughts about whether the employee will be able to continue their job. If the expert finds that the employee can continue in their old job, the employee’s claim is denied.

However, if the vocational expert determines that they cannot continue their job, the judge will ask the expert if they believe there are other jobs they can do. An evaluation of your job site can help inform the expert’s decision. If they find that job site improvements will help the employee, they will make these suggestions during the trial.

If a vocational expert finds that there is work an employee can do with their disability, their claim will be dismissed.

Opposing Counsel’s Cross-Examination

Once the vocational expert renders their forensic vocational evaluation, the employee’s counsel will have the chance to ask their questions. The goal of opposing counsel will be to discredit the suggestions the expert gives. They will try to create hypothetical situations that could impact their client’s disability.

If the expert can find solutions to meet the employee’s needs, it reduces the chances of the employee winning their case.

Stay-At-Work Solutions for Your Business

If you have a pending disability lawsuit, a vocational expert can be a great aid to help make your workplace more accommodating. Expert vocational testimony can help by providing their experience on an employee’s ability to work.

If you need the services of a vocational expert, worker compensation, family law, or personal injury, contact Solutions Northwest Inc. – we have a team of vocational experts and consultants who are qualified to render expert advice. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

At Solutions Northwest Inc., our vocational experts are involved in  ADA Accommodations , 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

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

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

3 Situations When an ADA Accommodations Consultant Will Help Your Business

3 Situations When an ADA Accommodations Consultant Will Help Your Business

3 Situations When an ADA Accommodations Consultant Will Help Your Business

3 Situations When an ADA Accommodations Consultant Will Help Your Business Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington

Did you know that over 19% of people in the United States who have one or more disabilities are employed?

It’s important that employees with disabilities can thrive in every part of your business. Not only is it the right thing to do, but there’s also a legal precedent. The last thing you’d want is to face one or more lawsuits due to a major oversight in ADA accommodations.

Are you wondering if it’s worth consulting with a professional ADA Accommodations Expert? Keep reading to learn all about 3 common situations when you will likely need to hire an ADA accommodations consultant.

1. Your Building Is Old

Over time, a building can fall out of step with workplace adjustments. This is especially true if you have a building that’s already quite old. Laws and regulations relating to ADA accommodations have evolved with the times. Even a building that’s a couple of decades old could end up having major holes in its design from a disability support standpoint.

An ADA accommodations consultant can assess the property inside and out and let you know what needs improvement.

2. You’re Expanding Your Buildings

As a business grows, so does its infrastructure. Over time, you may want to expand parts of your brick-and-mortar business or even build a whole new structure in another location.

Before you even place a brick, it’s crucial to consult with an ADA Accommodations Specialist who can ensure your new structures are inclusive. If even one part of a new structure doesn’t meet ADA guidelines, for instance, that can erase your hard work on the rest of your business. It can also affect the image of your brand as a whole.

Contact Vocational Consultants for Assessments on Worker Compensation Seattle Washington3. You’re Unfamiliar With the Latest Accommodation Laws and Regulations

Even the most knowledgeable attorney can easily fall behind in terms of accommodation laws and regulations. This is due to the fact that there are so many laws and regulations in general. From taxes to copyright, it can sometimes feel impossible to keep up with it all.

Being unfamiliar with the types of disabilities out there can also limit your capacity to help.

Instead of learning the hard way about a new regulation, you can always rely on the expertise of an ADA accommodations consultant. After all, it’s their job to remain informed on the latest updates even if they were mandated only a week ago. That way, you can make reasonable adjustments as soon as possible.

Are You Ready to Speak With an ADA Accommodations Consultant?

Now that you’ve learned about a few common situations when you need an ADA accommodations consultant, you can ensure that your whole business is inclusive rather than exclusive. The last thing you’d want is to deal with legal repercussions.

At Solutions Northwest Inc., we offer a wide range of solutions relating to vocational and forensic consulting, ergonomics, and much more. For 25 years, our customers have come to rely on our tried and true expertise.

If you have questions about our high-quality services, then feel free to set up a consultation that suits your schedule. We look forward to working with 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

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Contact our Vocational Consultants

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