As we maintain cost records, we can see where our expenditures are occurring. This gives us further indication of the problem areas. We are learning how to budget our funds to provide for future outstanding reserves, basing our decisions on hard data about past and current outlays. When we discovered the frequency of back injuries and examined costs paid on those claims, we had data to support a request for a budget increase for safety training and new equipment. The payoff for these efforts should be a reduction in the number of claims filed.
Fewer claims mean less money spent and greater productivity.
Although worker safety takes place in the field and on the work site, it has to begin with effective administration. Employing good tools to help assemble the pieces allows the big picture to unfold almost on its own. Computer automation of our claims management has given our company the tools to stay competitive, even as we improve safety. To us, that's what the big picture is all about. Marty Currey is the administrative assistant at Adams and Smith, a specialty contractor in Orem, Utah.