NHADA Workers’ Compensation Trust (WCT) is dedicated to providing a quality product that is beneficial to our members and their employees. Workers’ compensation is a crucial aspect of employment that protects both employees and employers in the event of a work-related injury or illness. At NHADA WCT, we believe that the risk of injury can be reduced before the new hire actually begins work. We also believe that, in the unfortunate event of a work-related injury, the following steps can mitigate the expenses, directly and indirectly, associated with the injury.

Hiring:

• Conditional offer of employment
• Pre-placement drug test (THC optional)
• Second Injury Fund Form
• Managed Care Acknowledgment Form
• Advise the employee that all injuries must be reported and to whom they should be reported.
• Reach out to Deb Handrahan, Member Services Coordinator, with any questions or concerns at dhandrahan@nhada.com or (603) 224-2369.

Injury Reporting:

• Immediately after the injury, have the employee or manager call our Nurse Case Manager, Marta Silakka, at (800) 852-3372 before sending the injured employee for treatment.
• If it’s a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and then call our Nurse Case Manager.
• Complete a First Report of Injury online within five calendar days of the incident at www.nhada.com/our-solutions/workers-comp/report-an-injury.
• Have one or two additional people trained to complete the First Report of Injury. This will reduce the risk of going beyond the five-day statutory requirement. Prompt reporting of injuries is one of the keys to successful outcomes.
• Reach out to anyone at NHADA WCT with any concerns.

Post Injury:

• Review and send any medical forms related to the treatment to our Nurse Case Manager, Marta Silakka. The most secure way is to fax at (603) 224-8126.
• The NH Workers’ Compensation Statute requires employers with five or more employees to provide Temporary Alternate Duty to the injured employee. This helps employees stay engaged in the workplace and speeds their return to their regular job duties.
• If the injured employee is taken out of work completely, it’s crucial for employers to stay in touch with the employee and provide appropriate support. Caring and compassionate communication will go a long way in helping the injured employee feel valued and supported during their recovery process.
• Prepare for the employee’s return to work. Proactive and timely adjustments to the injured employee’s workstations or job duties are beneficial in ensuring their comfort and safety. Job Modification Reimbursement from the State of NH Department of Labor may be an option. Visit https://www.nh.gov/labor/workers-comp/cost-containment/job-modification.htm to read more about Job Modification Reimbursement.
• Reach out to Deb Handrahan, Member Services Coordinator with any questions or concerns at dhandrahan@nhada.com or (603) 224-2369.

Ongoing Training:

• Managers and supervisors should receive training on managed care requirements, injury reporting requirements, and the importance of notifying the Nurse Case Manager before sending an injured employee for treatment unless it’s a life-threatening emergency. Proper training can ensure that managers and supervisors are aware of their responsibilities and can help facilitate the workers’ compensation process for injured employees.
• Reach out to Deb Handrahan, Member Services Coordinator, with any questions or concerns. dhandrahan@nhada.com or (603) 224-2369.

By working together, we can navigate the workers’ compensation system effectively and ensure that injured workers receive the necessary care and support to return to work safely.