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Some changes are taking place to the Workers Compensation Pool.

These modifications are necessary due to several factors:

• Increased cost of managing claims
• Increase in the number of claims
• The known fact that cost is going to continue to rise

These changes started with the addition of Suzanne Reister as Program Manager. Suzanne will work as the liaison among the districts, employees and third party administrator. The next plan of attack is to implement a strong Return to Work Program. Over the next couple of months a team from the ESD will be in your district explaining and promoting this program. Our goal is to make this an easy to use process that is supported by all superintendents and personnel. We have also added Paula Vanderpool to the program as Suzanne's assistant. She will be working with the Hearing Conservation Program, putting together an Accident Prevention Program, training out in districts, as well as assisting Suzanne with Workers' Compensation.

Benefits to a Return to Work Program:

• Studies show that injured workers recover more quickly and with less impairment when they return to work as soon as possible after their injury
• An employee is less likely to become treatment dependent and more likely to feel valued and self confident after returning to work
• The cost associated with medical treatment and temporary wage replacement is minimized
• There is an overall claim cost reduction
• Should result in controlling your workers compensation insurance premiums