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The following is a brief overview of recommended steps to be considered prior, during and after a plant closing. The purpose is to create a plan of action to be implemented by the workers compensation insurance carrier and the insured plant management team to control claim frequency and severity in the final days of the operation.

Recommended Plan of Action:


1. Monthly Loss Control Service Schedule - The insurance carrier's Loss Control/Risk Control/Engineering Department should place the plant to be closed on a monthly service schedule until closing is completed. Emphasis will be on plant safety inspections and on follow-up to the completion of any recommendations issued.
   
   
2. Industrial Hygiene Surveys - Conduct noise, air sampling and ergonomics surveys as required.
   
   
3. Loss Review - Conduct a review of prior WC losses to identify specific areas of the plant where claims frequency / severity problems are an issue. Focus Loss Control service and documentation efforts on these areas.
   
   
4. Plant Floor Plan and Operations - Obtain a blueprint of the plant and document the actual layout of machinery and operations. This should be supplemented by color photographs and/or video.
   
   
5. Job Descriptions - Obtain a written job description, job standards, average production (including any production incentives) for each work station accompanied by color photographs or video as required.
   
   
6. Claims Review - Review prior claims to identify any issues with open claims, anticipate any potential claimants and identify specific areas of the plant that have had claims issues.
   
   
7. Plant Claims Coordinator - The plant should designate one of their on-site employees to be the WC claims coordinator to obtain claims information which is shared with the insurance carrier claims adjuster(s) assigned to their account. Prompt notice of loss is critical.
   
   This information should include:
   
   
   • First Report of Injury
     
   • Photographs (when relevant)
     
   • Witness List
     
   • Any Red Flag indicators
     
   • Prior claim history of claimant
     
   
   
8. Medical Experts - Assemble a team of medical experts to handle anticipated claims such as a hearing loss specialist, a hand specialist for expected carpal tunnel syndrome claims, a specialist to handle respiratory claims, etc. Prompt treatment and reporting by the treating physician is important.
   
   
9. Legal Counsel - Review with staff counsel to identify selected attorneys as needed. Advise of any special claims handling agreements regarding litigation cases.
   
   
10. SIU - Coordinate claims investigations / surveillance with the insurance carrier's Special Investigations Unit.
    

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