Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Risk ......Use an indoor extension cord in...

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ISSUE 6| VOLUME 5 | NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Risk Management 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399 IN THIS ISSUE: INTERAGENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL QUARTERLY MEETINGS: THE YEAR IN REVIEW 1 OREGON RELEASES NATIONAL STUDY ON WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RATES 2 SAFETY AND LOSS PREVENTION VIDEO SPOTLIGHT - OFFICER PATRICK SMITH 3 EXTENSION CORD SAFETY: HOLIDAY DO’S AND DON’TS 3 EBOLA: WHAT SAFETY COORDINATORS NEED TO KNOW 4 ONLINE SAFETY AND LOSS PREVENTION COURSES 5 HOLIDAY TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS 5 EDUCATION & PREPARATION CAN REDUCE DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING 6 CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS POSTER 7 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES 2014 SAFETY FAIR 8 HOLIDAY SAFETY CROSSWORD PUZZLE 10 AMERISYS: A LOOK AT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CHALLENGES, AND THE FUTURE: PART 2 11 CROSSWORD ANSWERS 12 December marks the perfect opportunity to take a moment to look back and review the various safety concerns, issues, and training topics discussed during the 2014 Interagency Advisory Council (IAC) quarterly meetings. As outlined in Section 284.50(2), Florida Statutes, the purpose of IAC quarterly meetings is to discuss safety problems within state government and to attempt to find solutions to correct these problems. During the February meeting, the Division of Risk Management (The Division) provided agency and university safety coordinators with a high-level overview of the Division’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2013/2014 operations. Some of the key program highlights mentioned from the presentation included the following: Workers’ compensation claims and claim cost were decreasing. Liability claim costs were $1.5 million higher in FY 2012/2013 than compared to FY 2011/2012. Property claim costs were $676,178 higher in FY 2012/2013 than compared to FY 2011/2012. The agency review process was standardized to increase reporting consistency. The Division also reported on the Division’s FY 2013/2014 goals, which included the following: Expanding agency reviews to include all coverage lines after the first cycle of reviews. Updating the State Loss Prevention Standards. Transitioning to a new insurance management system (IMS) called OrigamiRisk. Cyber liability was the topic of discussion for the May 2014 IAC quarterly meeting. During the meeting, safety coordinators received training on the different cyber risk exposures related to the use of cell phones, credit cards, and computers. The presentation also informed safety coordinators on strategies to prevent a cyber attack. Some tips from the presentation included knowing your exposure and where you data exist, educating employees on cyber basics, and knowing privacy rules and regulations. During the August 2014 IAC meeting, safety coordinators received information on the upcoming transition from STARS to OrigamiRisk. OrigamiRisk is one of the most innovative and easiest to use systems in the industry. This new IMS will be more user friendly for agency and university safety coordinators, workers’ compensation coordinators, and other risk management professionals, and will feature real-time information and configurable screen layouts, added reminders, and customizable templates. During the August IAC meeting, safety coordinators also had a chance to hear a presentation titled, Reliably Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Implications for Treatment, Outcomes, and Preventive Strategies. Continued on next page

Transcript of Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Risk ......Use an indoor extension cord in...

Page 1: Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Risk ......Use an indoor extension cord in outdoor environments. Attempt to plug extension cords into one another. Overload cords.

ISSUE 6| VOLUME 5 | NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

IN THIS ISSUE:

► INTERAGENCY ADVISORY

COUNCIL QUARTERLY

MEETINGS: THE YEAR IN

REVIEW

1

► OREGON RELEASES

NATIONAL STUDY ON

WORKERS’

COMPENSATION RATES

2

► SAFETY AND LOSS

PREVENTION VIDEO

SPOTLIGHT - OFFICER

PATRICK SMITH

3

► EXTENSION CORD

SAFETY: HOLIDAY DO’S

AND DON’TS

3

► EBOLA: WHAT SAFETY

COORDINATORS NEED TO

KNOW

4

► ONLINE SAFETY AND

LOSS PREVENTION

COURSES

5

► HOLIDAY TRAVEL

SAFETY TIPS 5

► EDUCATION &

PREPARATION CAN

REDUCE DANGERS OF

CARBON MONOXIDE

POISONING

6

► CARBON MONOXIDE

KILLS POSTER 7

► FLORIDA DEPARTMENT

OF AGRICULTURE &

CONSUMER SERVICES

2014 SAFETY FAIR

8

► HOLIDAY SAFETY

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 10

► AMERISYS: A LOOK AT

THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS,

CHALLENGES, AND THE

FUTURE: PART 2

11

► CROSSWORD ANSWERS 12

December marks the perfect opportunity to take a moment to look back and review the various

safety concerns, issues, and training topics discussed during the 2014 Interagency Advisory

Council (IAC) quarterly meetings. As outlined in Section 284.50(2), Florida Statutes, the

purpose of IAC quarterly meetings is to discuss safety problems within state government and to

attempt to find solutions to correct these problems.

During the February meeting, the Division of Risk Management (The Division) provided

agency and university safety coordinators with a high-level overview of the Division’s Fiscal

Year (FY) 2013/2014 operations.

Some of the key program highlights mentioned from the presentation included the

following:

Workers’ compensation claims and claim cost were

decreasing.

Liability claim costs were $1.5 million higher in FY

2012/2013 than compared to FY 2011/2012.

Property claim costs were $676,178 higher in FY

2012/2013 than compared to FY 2011/2012.

The agency review process was standardized to increase

reporting consistency.

The Division also reported on the Division’s FY 2013/2014 goals, which included the

following:

Expanding agency reviews to include all coverage lines

after the first cycle of reviews.

Updating the State Loss Prevention Standards.

Transitioning to a new insurance management system

(IMS) called OrigamiRisk.

Cyber liability was the topic of discussion for the May 2014 IAC quarterly meeting. During the

meeting, safety coordinators received training on the different cyber risk exposures related to the

use of cell phones, credit cards, and computers. The presentation also informed safety

coordinators on strategies to prevent a cyber attack. Some tips from the presentation included

knowing your exposure and where you data exist, educating employees on cyber basics, and

knowing privacy rules and regulations.

During the August 2014 IAC meeting, safety coordinators received information on the

upcoming transition from STARS to OrigamiRisk. OrigamiRisk is one of the most innovative

and easiest to use systems in the industry. This new IMS will be more user friendly for agency

and university safety coordinators, workers’ compensation coordinators, and other risk

management professionals, and will feature real-time information and configurable screen

layouts, added reminders, and customizable templates. During the August IAC meeting, safety

coordinators also had a chance to hear a presentation titled, Reliably Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome: Implications for Treatment, Outcomes, and Preventive Strategies.

Continued on next page

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P A G E 2

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

SAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOKSAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOK

P A G E 2

During the last IAC quarterly meeting that was held

on November 13, safety coordinators learned how

to respond to an active-shooter incident and how to

identify potential escape routes. In addition, safety

coordinators learned important information on

recognizing potential workplace violence

indicators, and ways to prevent an active shooter

from entering into a hiding place.

Various training presentations from the 2014 IAC

quarterly meetings can be downloaded from the

Department of Financial Services website by

clicking the following link:

2014 IAC Training Presentations.

If you have a safety concern you would like

discussed at an upcoming 2015 IAC meeting, please contact the Division of Risk Management,

State of Florida Loss Prevention Program at the following link:

[email protected].

N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

“If a cluttered desk

is a sign of a

cluttered mind, of

what, then, is an

empty desk a sign

of?”

~Albert Einstein

In October 2014, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS)

released in a national study on workers’ compensation rates. The study, done every two years

since 1986, ranks all 50 states and Washington, D.C. based on rates that were in effect

January 1 of each year the study is released.

According to the 2014 results, California came in with the highest rates, followed by

Connecticut and New Jersey. North Dakota had the lowest rates, holding its position from the

2012 study. The state of Florida ranked 28 in the study, a slight decrease from its ranking of

29 in the 2012 study.

Researchers used classification codes from the National Council on Compensation Insurance

(NCCI). Public insurance company workers’ compensation rates are based upon the

classification code assigned to each employee by job description. Because states have various

mixes of industries, rates were calculated for each state using a standard mix of the 50

industries (out of approximately 450) with the highest workers’ compensation claims costs in

Oregon. To control for differences in industry distributions, each state’s rates were weighted

by 2008-2010 Oregon payroll to obtain an average manual rate for that state. The researchers

also compared each state’s rates to the national median (midpoint) rate of $1.88 per $100 of

payroll. National premium rate indices ranged from a low of $.88 in North Dakota to a high

of $3.48 in California. Florida’s index rate for the 2014 study was $1.82 per $100 dollars of

payroll.

Florida’s ranking in the Oregon study shows that Florida’s workers’ compensation rates are

competitive compared to rates nationwide. To view Florida’s 2013 Workers’ Compensation

Annual Report, and to learn more about the availability and affordability of workers’

compensation coverage for Florida, visit: http://www.floir.com/Office/DataReports.aspx#rec

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P A G E 3

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

SAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOKSAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOK

N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 P A G E 3

Are employees at your agency or university planning to deck their offices or homes with festive

lights and decorations for the holiday season? If so, chances are they will end up using an

extension cord to help them get the job done. While extension cords are a convenient way to

supply power right where you need it, they can also create hazards if not used safely.

The holiday season is the perfect time to remind employees that correct use of extension cords is

an important component of electrical safety. The following are “Do’s and Don’ts” provided by the

National Safety Council for working safely with extension cords:

Do:

Check cords for damage before use.

Keep extension cords away from water.

Store extension cords indoors.

Use ground fault circuit interrupters in damp environments.

Only use extension cords temporarily; permanent wiring

should be installed for long-term use.

Don’t:

Use an indoor extension cord in outdoor environments.

Attempt to plug extension cords into one another.

Overload cords.

Drag an extension cord.

Place cords under rugs or carpets or in busy areas.

“Learning without

thought is labor lost,

and thought without

learning is perilous.”

~Confucius

Welcome to the Division of Risk Management’s video Safety Spotlight. In this issue’s

Safety Spotlight, we are pleased to feature Officer Patrick Smith with the Florida De-

partment of Law Enforcement, Capitol Police. To view the Safety Spotlight video, click

the video box below.

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P A G E 4

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

“If we did all of the

things we are

capable of doing,

we would literally

astonish ourselves.”

~Thomas A. Edison

P A G E 4

SAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOKSAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOK

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC), the 2014 Ebola epidemic is the deadliest Ebola

outbreak in history. Ebola is a dangerous hemorrhagic fever

transmitted through contact with body fluids of infected humans or

animals, the meat of infected animals, or items contaminated with

the virus such as needles or sheets. Symptoms of the disease include

fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting,

abdominal pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.

As of October 10, 2014, the World Health Organization has documented more than 8,399 probable or suspected cases of the

disease, with at least 4,033 of these cases proving fatal. World Health officials also caution that

this number could be much higher due to under reporting, and that the number of infections could

balloon to 18,391 by November 7. The West African nations of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone

are home to the vast majority of infections, with the CDC estimating that cases in Liberia are

doubling every 15-20 days and infections in Sierra Leone are doubling every 30-40 days.

The disease has additionally been confirmed in Nigeria, Senegal, Spain, and the United States. In

the U.S., the CDC has confirmed that Thomas Eric Duncan, the first documented case in the U.S.,

has succumbed to the Ebola virus, and two nurses who cared for Duncan were infected with the

disease through human-to-human transmission.

Ebola has remained in the news since the initial outbreak, and while it is extremely dangerous, it is

important to stress that it is relatively difficult to transmit compared to airborne illnesses such as

influenza. Additionally, Florida’s Governor Rick Scott and top-level state officials have been in

constant contact with the CDC, and have taken steps to ensure that if an outbreak does occur,

teams will be in place to deal with it quickly and efficiently.

There are a number of precautions that can minimize the danger of contracting Ebola. In the event

of an outbreak, frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer can limit the spread of the virus, and avoiding contact with the infected, the dead, or items that have come in contact with an Ebola

patient can prevent transmission.

As a safety coordinator, you can play a vital role in the effort to fight the illness. The single most

important thing that you can do is to make sure that your Continuity of Operations Plan is up to

date and has provisions for dealing with a situation such as an Ebola outbreak. Communication

with staff will be key in such a situation, and as a safety coordinator, it is your job to help keep

your employees informed and safe on the job. Work with your agency heads to develop specific

guidelines on what will be done in the event of an outbreak. While Ebola is a frightening reality,

proper communication, planning, and precautions can provide your agency with a great deal of

peace of mind.

Guidelines Aim to Protect Workers from Ebola

The International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization have

issued guidelines to help keep workers, especially healthcare workers, safe from

the Ebola virus. The groups offer tips for both workers and employers, including the following:

Health care workers should be briefed on the disease and how it is transmitted.

All staff handling suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola should wear special personal

protective equipment for working with biohazards.

Only workers on trained burial teams using heavy-duty protective equipment may handle

bodies or the bodily fluids of a victim of Ebola.

Workers have the right to remove themselves from a situation if they have reasonable

justification to believe that it presents an imminent and serious danger.

Ebola and post-traumatic stress disorder, if contracted through exposure on the job, are

considered occupational diseases.

The full list of guidelines is available at: Ebola Virus Disease: Occupational Safety and Health.

N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

What Safety Coordinators Need to Know

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P A G E 5

P A G E 5

With the holidays approaching, large numbers of people will be traveling to spend time with friends and family.

Keeping a few simple tips in mind can help keep your trips safe and keep you healthy.

► Plan ahead, and give yourself plenty of extra travel time to avoid the frantic rushing that can lead to mistakes

and accidents.

► If you drive to your destination, take frequent breaks along the way. If your trip will take more than a days

drive, make sure to plan your hotel stays ahead of time.

► If you plan on flying, bring your own blanket and pillows for use on the plane. Pack hand sanitizer in

Transportation Security Administration approved travel-sized bottles, and use it frequently.

► Consult your physician about getting a flu vaccination. The holidays are also

flu season, and while many Americans are on edge about the spread of

Ebola, influenza is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths per year, and

is statistically far more dangerous.

► Also, if you or someone in your family does become sick, stay home. While

missing out on seeing friends and family is always regrettable, traveling

while sick spreads germs and has the potential to put a damper on the

holidays for everyone with whom you come in contact.

SAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOKSAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOK

N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

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P A G E 6

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

“It’s human nature

to start taking things

for granted when

danger isn’t banging

loudly on the door.”

~David Hackworth

P A G E 6

SAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOKSAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOK

N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

While the Sunshine State is well known for its warm climate, colder weather is

just around the corner. Colder weather and the winter holidays are times for

celebration, but the season also brings with it an increased risk of the tragedy of

carbon monoxide poisoning; however, education and preparation can mitigate

the danger of the “silent killer.”

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is created most

frequently as a byproduct of combustion. On the jobsite, engines, generators,

and furnaces are notable sources of the potentially lethal gas, particularly when

used in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. At home, cold weather plays a larger

factor in carbon monoxide poisoning as more people turn to space heaters and

fireplaces in an effort to keep warm. If these heating methods are improperly

maintained or used incorrectly, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur.

The body’s red blood cells more readily absorb carbon monoxide than oxygen.

In areas with high levels of the gas, this can lead to a buildup in the blood

which crowds out oxygen. The resulting lack of oxygen can damage cells and

eventually lead to death. According to the Mayo Clinic, warning signs for

carbon monoxide poisoning include:

Headache

Nausea

Weakness

Vomiting

Confusion

Loss of consciousness

Because these symptoms are very similar to

those of other illnesses, and because of the potential loss of consciousness that

comes with the condition, a person with carbon monoxide poisoning may not

know they have been affected until it is too late. If you believe that you or

someone near you is experiencing symptoms, get outside to fresh air as quickly

as possible, and call 911 for emergency care.

Fortunately, there are simple precautions that

can reduce the danger posed by carbon

monoxide. In the workplace, providing proper

ventilation and employing respirators in tight

workspaces can prevent exposure. At home,

consider installing carbon monoxide detectors,

particularly near sleeping areas. Additionally, it

is important to make sure that space heaters,

fireplaces, ovens, and other appliances are

maintained and fueled properly. With proper

planning, your winter can be safe, warm, and

carbon monoxide-free.

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Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

P A G E 7 N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

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P A G E 8

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

P A G E 8

SAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOKSAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOK

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) hosted its 11th

annual Safety, Health, and Wellness Fair in October 2014. In previous years, this event was

one full day; however, this year it was amped up to a week-long event that was expanded to

include workshops, supervisor software training, lunch-and-learn sessions, and flu shots for

all FDACS employees. The annual 5K Walk/Run Race commenced the Safety, Health, and

Wellness Fair, where runners sported pink and grey t-shirts that displayed the theme, "Safety

Brings You Home" on Monday, October 27, 2014. More than 150 employees attended the

daily workshops that encompassed safety at work and home, and 34 employees were certified

in CPR. Highlights from the event, which organizers say was an overwhelming success, are

included below.

N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

“One travels more

usefully when alone,

because he reflects

more. ”

~Thomas Jefferson

The 5K Walk/Run Race

was a course that steered

runners throughout the

scenic Conner Complex

campus. This runner is

featured as she crosses

the finish line.

FDACS’s Assistant Commissioner

Michael Joyner announced the 5K

Walk/Run Race winners for the

kickoff of the Safety, Health, and

Wellness Fair 2014. The winners

pictured are for the 50-59 age

category. Deputy Commissioner Dr.

Lisa Conti (female winner) and

Scott Lindsay (male winner).

The Personal Protective

Equipment and Pumpkin Carving

session resulted in this Fresh

From Florida display of pumpkin

décor. The workshop

encompassed proper laboratory

attire and safety practices in the

laboratory while crafting jack-o-

lanterns. A prize went to the

winner of the best decorated

pumpkin.

Continued on next page

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P A G E 9

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

P A G E 9

SAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOKSAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOK

N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

“If at first you do

succeed, try not to

look too surprised. ”

~Unknown

An All Terrain Vehicle

Safety workshop was

offered during Safety,

Health, and Wellness Fair

2014. More than 150

employees attended

workshops during this

week-long event.

Day 1 of "Safety Brings

You Home" included the 5K

Walk/Run Race, followed

by informative booth

renderings with

vendors. Pictured are

members of the State of

Florida Fire Marshal’s

office, who are teaching

participants how to properly

extinguish a fire.

Pictured (left to right) are

Personal Protective Equipment

Instructor Christopher Green

and workshop attendees: Leslie

Thimmes, Karen Sampson, and

LaSharontè D. Williams. Their

decorative pumpkins were

created while exercising proper

cutting, spraying, and other

safety techniques.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

(CPR), a lifesaving technique

useful in many emergencies, such

as heart attack or near-drowning,

and Automated External

Defibrillator training and

certification workshops were

popular events with FDACS

employees. Pictured are Terra

Matthews and Jennifer Dobbs,

who are learning infant and adult

CPR techniques.

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P A G E 1 0 N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

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P A G E 1 1

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

P A G E 1 1

SAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOKSAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOK

By Cheryl Gulasa, RN, CPHM, CCM

Vice President, AmeriSys

In October 2013, AmeriSys was awarded the contract for handling the workers’ compensation medical

case management for the state of Florida. In the second article of our three-part series, Cheryl Gulasa,

Registered Nurse and Vice President of AmeriSys, discusses the challenges AmeriSys has faced over

the last 12 months.

“AmeriSys has experience with the implementation of medical case management programs for

governmental entities, but with the implementation of any new program, especially one the size of the

state of Florida, challenges are to be expected.

We formulated a team of approximately 70 qualified staff members in about six weeks, 90 percent of

whom were new to AmeriSys, selected from approximately 150 interviews. We received information

on more than 4,500 claims for which “rapid assessments” had to be completed prior to going live. We

also started accepting the new reports of injury on January 1, 2014, at midnight. While that in itself

was a monumental task, following are a few of the challenges we have faced since the inception of the

program.

Staffing the account with the required amount of qualified registered nurses has plagued this program.

Our nation, for the past several years, has faced a significant nursing shortage. We narrow that field

down even further by requiring necessary workers’ compensation experience of our case management

staff. There are 46 registered nurses in total employed by the AmeriSys state of Florida program.

They all come from different backgrounds and have various experience levels. Our program not only

has contractual obligations, but also the AmeriSys high standards of quality to maintain. While we

have implemented extensive training and educational programs, including the use of mentors and

preceptors, some nurses may find opportunities elsewhere that better suit their skill set. As we enter

into the fourth quarter of the first year, it is our hope that we now have in place a stable team who

shares our vision of excellence for the state of Florida program.

The assigning of the appropriate location codes on the First Report of Injury (FROI) is the

responsibility of the AmeriSys intake staff. Staying current on these location codes is a daunting task

shared by AmeriSys, the Division of Risk Management (DRM), and the agencies and universities.

These location codes are essential in identifying the employer’s address and assigning the proper

claim number. The challenge begins when the caller is not aware of the current location code for his/

her department. This requires a correction on the FROI, resubmission of the FROI to the Division of

Workers’ Compensation, and causes a change in the claim number, which is communicated to DRM.

There are currently 1,497 location codes and we are required to enter the very specific code under the

hierarchy level for the department and, in some cases, the position under that department number.

Having the correct location code at the time the claim is reported would be extremely helpful.

Examples are shown below:

Another challenge is ensuring receipt of the DWC-25 in 72 hours, as it is outlined in Statute 440. The

DWC-25 contains important information regarding the injured employee’s work status. This critical

information is necessary to maintain a stable workers’ compensation program. Is the injured

employee able to work? To what capacity can he/she work? Does he/she need to be completely taken

out of work due to the work injury, and if so, for how long?

N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Continued on next page

Level B 1500 - DEPT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

Level C 1502 - CFO & DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION

Level C 1503 - UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

Level C 1504 - STATE FIRE MARSHAL

Level C 1505 - CONSUMER SERVICES

Level D 1521 - TREASURY PROGRAM

Level D 1522 - QPD BOARD

Level C 1525 - ACCOUNTING & AUDITING

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P A G E 1 2

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

P A G E 1 2

SAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOKSAFETY & LOSS PREVENTION OUTLOOK

“I only wish I could

write with both hands,

so as not to forget one

thing while I am saying

another.”

~Saint Teresa of Avila

Agencies are dependent on the appropriate amount of staff members to function properly.

Educating our treating physicians as to the importance of the receipt of this information in the

proper time frame is the responsibility of our nurse case-managers and our contract manager.

These are a few of the challenges the AmeriSys team has faced this year. We are committed

to working through these and any additional challenges that are presented to us, so we can

maintain a quality workers’ compensation program. While we recognize that achieving

perfection when dealing with human factors is extremely difficult, we continue to strive for

excellence.”

N O V E M B E R — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

ACROSS 1. LIGHTS

3. CANDLES

5. NON-FLAMMABLE

7. SCREEN

9. FIRE RESISTANT

11. PRESENTS

13. TREE

15. HEATER

17. OUTLETS

DOWN 2. STOVE

4. HEATING EQUIPMENT

6. FIREPLACE

8. INCREASE

10. ELECTRIC CORD

**AmeriSys Introduction Webinar**

Claims Reporting: additional information

Report all claims to AmeriSys at1-800-455-2079.

In a medical emergency, transport the injured employee to the nearest medical facility or

call 911 for emergency assistance.

Following the arrangement of emergency medical treatment for the injured employee,

contact AmeriSys at 1-800-455-2079.

If the injury does not require emergency treatment, contact AmeriSys at 1-800-455-2079

immediately and prior to obtaining medical treatment.

AmeriSys will refer the injured employee to an appropriate medical provider from the

AmeriSys clinician panel. AmeriSys provides this service 24 hours a day, seven days a

week, 365 days a year.

By clicking the picture below, you will be redirected to the 31:05 minute webinar

introducing Amerisys, the medical case management company for the state of

Florida, that was presented December 10, 2013.

Page 13: Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Risk ......Use an indoor extension cord in outdoor environments. Attempt to plug extension cords into one another. Overload cords.

Florida Department of Financial Services

Division of Risk Management

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

Safety & Loss Prevention

Outlook Team:

Deidra Jones, CPM, PMP Managing Editor/Writer

Christia Nunnery Editor

Melanie Cowgill Design and Layout

William Butler Writer

Leah McPherson Writer

We look forward to your feedback

on how we can better serve you. To

submit story ideas, articles, and

other suggestions--or to be added

to our distribution list--please

contact us by clicking on the link

below:

State Loss Prevention Program

R. J. Castellanos, ARM, JD Division Director

Molly Merry, CPA Assistant Director

Shannon Segers, ARM-P Bureau Chief, Bureau of Risk Financing & Loss Prevention

Christia Nunnery (850) 413-4713

Administrator, Loss Prevention

Office of the Director (850) 413-4700

State of Florida Loss Prevention Program (850) 413-4756

Bureau of State Liability & Property

Claims (850) 413-3122

Bureau of State Employee Workers’

Compensation Claims (850) 413-3123

State Liability Claim Change Form (850) 413-4852

Safety Coordinator Appointment Form (850) 413-4756

Workers’ Compensation Claim Change Form (850) 413-4802

REFERENCES

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (n.d.)

floir.com, Industry Reports and Required Data

Reporting: Referenced 2014 from: http://

www.floir.com/Office/DataReports.aspx#rec

National Safety Council (n.d.) nsc.org: Safety &

Health Magazine: Extension Cord Safety: Do’s and

Don’ts: Referenced 2014 from: http://

viewer.zmags.com/publication/a0ada6ae#/

a0ada6ae/66

International Labour Organization (n.d.) ilo.org:

Ebola Virus Disease: Occupational Safety and

Health Referenced 2014 from: http://www.ilo.org/

safework/info/publications/WCMS_301830/lang--en/

index.htm

Occupational Safety & Health Association (n.d.)

osha.gov: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from: https://

www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/

carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf

20carbon.pdf

National Safety Council (n.d.) nsc.org: Carbon

Monoxide Kills Poster from: http://www.nsc.org/

members_get_more/Documents/Member%

20Appreciation%20Month%

202013/3359_MEM_2013_MAM_Poster%

20carbon.pdf

Alberta Emergency Management Agency (n.d.)

aema.alberta.ca: Holiday Fire Safety Crossword

from: http://aema.alberta.ca/documents/fco/

Holiday_Fire_Safety_Crossword_Puzzle.pdf

The Safety Outlook Newsletter is for

informational purposes only. The Department

of Financial Services does not endorse or

support any websites, products, brands, or

services referenced herein.

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