New York Compensation Managers, Inc. announced the development of its new program, Savings Happen Amongst Proactive Employers (SHAPE). The program is intended to be a simplified transitional return to work program.

Mark Balduzzi, NYCM Safety and Loss Control Specialist said in a statement, The most significant costs associated with workers compensation injuries are not insurable. Business interruption can drain resources and assets and negatively affect a companys bottom line.

The program calls for bringing injured workers back to their jobs before they are fully recovered from their injuries. Such workers would be given alternative work assignments if they are temporarily unable to performance certain tasks, or they could be given job modifications if they are able to do the same work with changes to meet their current restrictions.

Bringing employees back to work quickly reduces the amount of time lost and disability payments issued, NYCM said. These expenses account for more than half of work related injury claim costs and can be reduced by SHAPE, according to NYCM.

The program is intended to give employers a plan to take control over the return to work process for their employees. NYCM outlined several factors for success in the programs: employers must stay in constant contact with their transitioning workers and appoint an injury coordinator to ensure that proper restrictions are being observed to prevent further injury; employers are also charged with encouraging or requiring workers to follow up with their physicians every few weeks to check on their progress.

For additional information contact NYCM at 888-352-4456.