CHICO/SAN FRANCISCO – State Compensation Insurance Fund is presenting a free, half-day seminar on two topics: “Office Ergonomics” and “How to Save Costs on a Claim” in Chico on October 2. The topics are designed for employers, supervisors, and safety directors to help them minimize the risk of employees developing ergonomic-related injuries, as well as handle claims properly if any injuries do occur.

Featured speakers will be State Fund ergonomics, underwriting, and loss control specialists. During the first portion of the seminar, Ergonomics Consultant Jeff Tiedeman will explain many of the ergonomic challenges specific to the office environment, to help employers understand risk factors and how to minimize them.

The second portion of the seminar is a joint presentation by State Fund Redding District Underwriting Manager Kyle Westphal and Claims Manager Dennis Corp, who will provide suggestions on how employers can be prepared to handle work-related injuries to reduce claims costs. Employers’ responsibilities in the event of a work-related injury and how to ensure injured employees receive prompt medical care will be highlighted. Basic claims principles, legalities associated with a claim, and how to save costs on a claim will also be addressed.

Ergonomics is the study of problems and the solutions associated with the interaction of the physical demands of work and the individual capabilities and limitations of the human body. Understanding and applying ergonomic principles in the workplace can increase job productivity and may reduce musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) disabilities. This seminar is designed to help attendees understand how to:

• Reduce rgonomic risk factors in the office.
• Implement effective changes.
• Increase employee satisfaction and productivity.
• Consider the pros and cons of various types of office ergonomic equipment.

The joint presentation on reducing claims costs will cover:

• The definition of a work-related injury.
• Explanation of the burden of proof.
• The life of a workers' compensation claim.
• The use and life of a claim summary.
• What to do when an injury occurs.
• How to handle work-related injuries (forms, reporting, time lines, doctors, and so forth)
• How to ensure that employees receive prompt medical care.
• Knowing your role and responsibilities as employer, supervisor, or safety director.
• Learning how to provide assistance and be a resource.

The seminar will take place October 2, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., at the University of Phoenix, 500 Orient Street, in Chico. On-site registration and complimentary continental breakfast will begin at 8:00 a.m. Free parking is available.

Advanced registration is encouraged online, or by e-mail (mnechelberger@scif.com), phone (call Mishele Echelberger at (530) 223-7138), or fax (Attention: Mishele Echelberger (530) 223-7166).

The Chico seminar is part of a series of educational programs State Fund is holding throughout the state to help employers create safe workplaces. State Fund has the largest safety and health services program among California workers’ compensation insurance carriers.

Additional seminars in this series of educational programs are also available.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Established by the California Legislature in 1914, San Francisco-based State Compensation Insurance Fund is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public enterprise that provides workers’ compensation insurance coverage to employers.