Workforce Wellness to host HRA, HSA, & Employee Wellness Seminar: Understanding Employee Health Options
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2010
Contact: Jessica Chabot
Director of Client Services
Millennium Integrated Marketing
jchabot@mill-im.com
603-792-2200 ext. 203
Workforce Wellness to host HRA, HSA, & Employee Wellness Seminar:
Understanding Employee Health Options
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a complimentary seminar entitled: HRA, HSA, & Employee Wellness: Understanding Employee Health Options at The Scott Lawson Companies’ headquarters in Concord, New Hampshire on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 9:00am.
William Bald of Melcher & Prescott and Jennessa Bissonnette of Workforce Wellness will discuss how Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) work, what makes them different, and how an employee wellness program can benefit your workplace. This presentation is free for all attendees courtesy of The Scott Lawson Companies, and a complimentary breakfast will also be provided.
To reserve your space today, contact Jennessa Bissonnette at jbissonnette@slgl.com or call (603) 228-0500 no later than February 12, 2010.
Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies, states: “This seminar will be extremely helpful in identifying how wellness programs directly affect a business’ bottom line. Workforce Wellness is dedicated to helping New Hampshire businesses determine wellness goals for their employees to achieve a healthier way of life.”
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
###
Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, Hosts Third Annual Breakfast of Champions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2010
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Integrated Marketing
jchabot@mill-im.com
603-792-2200 ext. 203
Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, Hosts Third Annual Breakfast of Chanpions
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, is pleased to announce that it will host its 3rd Annual Breakfast of Champions to honor Wellness Program participants who made considerable lifestyle changes to improve their overall health in 2009. The Wellness Champions are nominated by their peers and will be acknowledged at their place of employment and at the 3rd Annual Breakfast of Champions, which will be held at The Scott Lawson Companies’ headquarters in Concord, NH on February 5, 2010 at 8:00am.
A total of 20 Wellness Program participants were selected as Wellness Champions for 2009. Noteworthy Wellness Champions include: David Ellison of Fitzwilliam, who lost 40 pounds and lowered his cholesterol; Judy Bernier of Jaffrey, Chris Garland of Acton, Emily Savoie of Nashua, and Debra Epling of Rochester, who all quit smoking; and Norm Fletcher of Manchester, who has recently completed a marathon.
Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies, states: “We are very proud of all our Wellness Program participants, and are particularly pleased to have the opportunity to honor these extraordinary Wellness Champions at our 3rd Annual Breakfast of Champions celebration. These individuals have shown remarkable commitment to improving their overall wellness, and we commend them for their hard work and dedication in achieving a healthier way of life.”
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
###
Consider Your Bottom Line: Mock OSHA Inspections
An article by Human Resource Executive addresses a subject near and dear to our hearts. With a democratic administration increasing DOL spending, the promise of a larger, revitalized OSHA is starting to become a reality. The article sites the record fine levied against BP last October ($87M), the increased staffing across all divisions, and some new regulatory priorities. But what is perhaps most important about this story is the new found reluctance of OSHA to negotiate with those they cite. The article indicates that OSHA has gone on record stating that the number of “unclassified” violations will be granted much less frequently.
It has really always been “too late” to avoid a compliance issue once OSHA knocks on your door and issues a citation. Now, the downside to an OSHA citation is more severe, and less likely to be negotiated the other way. We’ve always been advocates of “mock” OSHA inspections/audits, and this article clearly describes their use and subsequent benefit in the currently climate. What the article doesn’t so much mention however is the bottom line cost impact of performing a mock inspection to avoid a citation. It’s simple: Mock inspections are cheap; OSHA inspections are expensive, and regardless of which one you perform, you’ve got to fix whatever problems are found anyway.
In today’s economy, I’d rather incur the costs I can control, in order to avoid the ones that I can’t…
Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, offers First Aid and CPR Class at Affordable Price
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2009
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Advertising
jchabot@millennium-advertising.com
603-226-7444 ext. 203
Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, offers
First Aid and CPR Class at Affordable Price
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Workforce Wellness, a subsidiary of The Scott Lawson Companies, is pleased to offer an affordable First Aid and CPR class to local businesses. Workforce Wellness is offering a rate of $50 per person at the Scott Lawson Companies’ headquarters on August 19th, 2009 from 8:00am -5:00pm.
First Aid and CPR classes are also being offered at a summer discount onsite for groups of eight or more with discounted instructor fees and rates that are subject to class size and travel distance. Workforce Wellness is also offering discount opportunities on AED equipment and training.
Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies, states: “We view this as a great opportunity to offer affordable and effective First Aid and CPR training programs to benefit local businesses and ultimately the entire community.”
About Workforce Wellness
Workforce Wellness provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
###
Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company, Sponsors Gold Medal Recipient Judy Caron
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21st, 2009
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Integrated Marketing
jchabot@mill-im.com
603-226-7444 ext. 203
Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company
Sponsors Gold Medal Recipient Judy Caron
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Judy Caron, 61, of Concord won the gold medal in her age group at the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb, known as the toughest hillclimb in the world. Ms. Caron was sponsored by Workforce Wellness, a Scott Lawson Company.
With this victory, she has clinched the age group championship in the Bike Up the Mountain Points Series (BUMPS) consisting of eight hillclimb races across New England and New York.
“Ms. Caron’s achievements are remarkable. She is a dedicated and determined individual who seeks to live life to the fullest. We couldn’t be happier for her,” stated Scott Lawson, President of The Scott Lawson Companies.
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. is one of the leading worker health and safety, and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ compensation; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
###
Jennessa Bissonnette joins Workforce Wellness, a subsidiary of The Scott Lawson Companies, in the Client Services Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2009
Contact: Jessica Chabot, Director of Client Services
Millennium Integrated Marketing
jchabot@mill-im.com
877-873-7445 ext. 203
Jennessa Bissonnette joins Workforce Wellness, a subsidiary of The Scott Lawson Companies, in the Client Services Department
(Concord, New Hampshire) – Workforce Wellness, a subsidiary of The Scott Lawson Companies, is pleased to announce that Jennessa Bissonnette has joined Workforce Wellness in the Client Services department.
Jennessa brings over 13 years of experience in client relations, training, and marketing to her role with Workforce Wellness. Her primary focus is to support the employee wellness goals of NH businesses. Her extensive marketing and client services background includes customer relations, client communications, training, technical support, project management, and event planning.
Jennessa has also served on the NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation as a dedicated school liaison and team lead. She has worked for Cigna Healthcare as a Quality Assurance Analyst, Claim Processor, and Customer Service Representative. Jennessa graduated in 2008 from Franklin Pierce University with a degree in Marketing and is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University. Jennessa is a member of the Human Resources Association of Greater Concord.
Stephanie Ceccherini, Wellness Coordinator for Workforce Wellness, states: “We are very pleased to have Jennessa as the newest addition to our wellness team. She is knowledgeable and dedicated in the areas of wellness and client relations, making her a valuable asset as we continuously work to provide the highest level of service to all of our clients.”
About Workforce Wellness
Workforce Wellness provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
About The Scott Lawson Companies
The Scott Lawson Group, Ltd. (SLGL), Comp-SIGMA Ltd., and Workforce Wellness LLC are subsidiaries of The Scott Lawson Companies. SLGL is one of the leading worker health and safety and laboratory services firms in New England; Comp-SIGMA Ltd. is a third party administrator for workers’ comp; and Workforce Wellness LLC provides on-site wellness programs and health risk assessments that work to improve the health of employees and lower the cost of group health insurance.
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, The Scott Lawson Companies were founded by Scott Lawson in 1978 and have served nearly 5,000 customers nationwide. For more information, call 603-228-3610 or visit www.slgl.com.
###
How to Pick a TPA
Although I could easily answer this by saying: “Simple: just pick us”, I would imagine those of you listening to me might want a bit of justification. Mark Noonan has started a three part column (part 1) over at Risk & Insurance that will (hopefully) reinforce what I’d tell you about what we do, and why we’re the natural choice.
Mark makes mention of the “60% of costs these days are medical” issue, which represents a nationwide shift from almost the exact opposite (indemnity near 60% of total cost) a few decades ago. Wrapped up in this statistic somewhere is the actual cost differential from state to state. For instance, NH averages about 73% of claims costs in the medical category, while the average for the rest of New England is only around 49 (Data: NCCI NH State Advisory Forum 2009)
What this disparity means is that what TPAs may be used to in other parts of the country, or even right in our back yard isn’t what they would see here in NH. Mark does allude to the need for your TPA of choice to be familiar with the climate. I don’t think you can overemphasize this point enough when selecting a TPA here in NH.
Trouble on the Horizon
So, I haven’t been in this industry for long enough to know what things looked like the last time the P/C Industry was faced with market changing factors. However, I’d like to think that based on what we’re looking at now, that there’s no choice but for the market to change. At this year’s National Workers’ Compensation and Disability Expo, in the Keynote, Robert Hartwig of the Insurance Information Institute (III) shared a lot of information that brought a few things into focus for me. Especially for small businesses, that don’t have the horsepower to run their own Risk Management operations, and rely heavily on the service delivered to them by carriers in the voluntary market.
The story goes something like this: There’s three major factors that Robert sees as looming over the P/C marketplace (specifically comp). He refers to them as Megatrends, and trust me when I tell you, he’s got the data to back these claims:
- The Obesity Epidemic
- The Aging Workforce
- Distracted Driving/Equipment Operation
So, if you’re even with me at this point, you’re likely familiar with the first two factors, and perhaps not so much with the third. Nonetheless, they all point to increased utilization of a Medical Care System that is seeing costs rise at an alarming rate. Of course it varies by State, but here in NH (the WORST CPI state in the country), you should be very concerned about this. Especially if you’re a P/C carrier, and you’ve seen your profits disappear by over 96% over the past two years.
What other kinds of pressures will carriers in the market be faced with (I’ve already referred to increased medical utilization):
- Cost Shifting from Health Insurance to WC
- Reduced Investment Income
- Reduced Revenue (premiums are tied to payroll remember…)
And then there’s this piece: if you’re an employer, you may not even be aware that change is a-comin’. In general, you may not even be aware of the impact of the actions you take (or don’t take) on your WC Carrier. It’s interesting perhaps then, that there is a general lack of concern for how injuries are paid for, especially where premiums keep going down and down and down, and then down some more. This “Third Party Payer Syndrome” only amplifies the medical utilization problem mentioned earlier.
It’s no surprise that large organizations with a well defined corporate culture are doing whatever they can to take control of “the situation”, before it takes control of them. But for the rest of us (the vast majority of us), what will be a shock is when many of the carriers in the voluntary market can’t bear the burden of all of the factors that are looming for them. We’ll be looking at each other in the blast zone, and wondering where things went wrong. Sound familiar?
Employee Flu Shot Programs
Why Should We Provide Flu Shots to Our Employees?
- 114,000 people are hospitalized every year in the U.S. due to complications of the flu
- 36,000 people die each year in the U.S. due to complications of the flu
- Vaccination results in 32-45% decrease in absenteeism
- Average sick day costs $200 in lost productivity per employee
- Non-immunized workers have a rate of absenteeism that is 36% higher than immunized workers
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent flu and the spread of infection
Is an Annual Flu Shot Needed?
A new vaccine is developed each year, specific to the three virus strands identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as most prevalent. These strands will account for 70-90% of influenza that year. Since the strands of virus change yearly, you must be vaccinated every year.
Worried About Side Effects?
Vaccine is created from an inactive form of the virus; you cannot get the flu from a flu shot!!! Common side effects include: soreness, swelling and redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and aches. Severe reactions are extremely rare. Flu shots are one of the safest, most effective vaccines.
The importance of how supervisors deal with injury and medical claims
Supervisors play an important role at the time of injury and when an injured employee returns to work. Generally, they are first to be notified of an injury. How they react can set the tone for the entire injury claim process. They also deal directly with the injured employee when they return to work.
When a supervisor receives an injury report, he/she should always respond positively and follow company reporting procedures. If possible, they should assist the injured employee to medical treatment. Their role at this time is to solve the problem and not to assign blame.
During the recovery process, the supervisor should maintain communication with the injured employee and keep informed about the employee’s progress. It is always important to separate personnel problems from the worker’s compensation incident. A supervisor should reassure the employee about their recovery and return to work and make sure to refer any employee questions about benefits to the company worker’s compensation liaison.
When the injured employee is released with a partial work capacity, the supervisor should be fully informed of the employee’s restrictions. Modified duties should be fully explained to the employee, with an emphasis on progression to full duty and hours. The supervisor can help the employee develop a commitment to this process. It is important to make sure the employee complies with medical restrictions and notifies the personnel manager of any change in duties. Supervisors should welcome injured employees back to work.
With the help of well-trained supervisors, return to work will be a positive situation and this will help to develop a culture of timely return to modified and full duty work. In this way supervisors can help reduce job loss due to injury.
Connect With Us
