Top 5 Claim Drivers of the AAHA Business Insurance Program
The Hartford analyzed over 2,600 workers’ compensation, property, and general liability claims submitted by participants in the AAHA Business Insurance Program. Consider the top claim drivers noted in the analysis and then review your hospital’s safety program. Are you susceptible to these risks?
#1 Most Frequent Claim: Injury from Animals
Injuries from animal contact caused 85% of the workers’ compensation claims and accounted for a total incurred loss of $2,480,829. To protect your employees and your hospital from these types of injuries, provide animal restraint and bite prevention training to all employees. Formal training should be documented and should be provided regularly: upon employment, annually, and following any accidents. Fundamental training elements include written program requirements, restraint techniques, restraint device storage, restraint device inspections, processes to communicate patients with aggressive history, and sedation procedures.
#1 Most Costly Workers' Compensation Claim: Injury from Lifting
While ergonomic injuries only account for 4% of the workers’ compensation claims, they account for more than 50% of incident severity and approximately $1,000,000 in total incurred loss. As a comparison, the average workers’ compensation claim caused by a patient bite or scratch is $1,123, and the average claim caused by lifting objects or patients is $81,704. Your hospital should provide ergonomics training to employees upon hiring and annually thereafter. Does your hospital use lift tables? Lift tables in exam rooms reduce the need for lifting and allow workstation adjustability for employees of different heights, which will help reduce awkward postures and bending, lessening the risk of injury.
#1 Most Frequent and Costly General Liability Claim: Slips, trips, and falls
More than half of the general liability claims analyzed were from slip and fall injuries to veterinary clients, vendors, and visitors. To prevent injuries, implement these precautions:
• Post signs to move carefully on stairs, in hallways, aisles, and work areas
• Sustain proper housekeeping
• Clean up spills immediately
• Maintain proper lighting
#1 Most Frequent Property Claim: Burglary and Theft
Burglary was the top cause of the program’s property claims. Does your hospital have a burglary alarm system? This should include contacts for all exterior doors, detection systems for windows, skylights, and any other potential entry points. Have the installer test the system periodically. Also, fit exit doors with deadbolt locks. To reduce the risk of theft, consider garnering employee drug testing, pre-employment history, and references prior to employment. Lock drugs and medical equipment inside cabinets and limit accessibility of keys—including premise keys—to permitted individuals.
#1 Most Costly Property Claim: Fire
The most expensive property claims were due to fire. To protect your hospital from risk of fire damage, consider installing fire sprinkler protection or heat and smoke detection. Store flammable or combustible liquids in safety cabinets, along with other combustible items like cloth and paper. To reduce the risk of an electrical fire, confirm that all electrical installations are installed in accordance with the National Electric Code. For clinics in older buildings, Thermoscan or Infrared testing of switchgear, circuit breaker panels, and transformers is recommended to ensure equipment is properly working. Also, prohibit using multiple plug devices in a single outlet to prevent a circuit overload from occurring.