10 Ways to Bring Down North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Costs In 2010 (Part 2)
As we’ve discussed in our previous blog posts on North Carolina workers’ compensation costs, our state is at a crossroads. 2010 could be the year in which we turn the economy around and help workers become healthier. Or it could be the year in which our problems get worse, and our employment and disability rates break the back of the state’s economy. Given what’s at stake, here are five more potential solutions to our skyrocketing compensation costs.
6. Adapt quickly to the realities of the new healthcare bill.
Assuming that President Obama’s healthcare bill passes through Congress, North Carolinians should expect significant and far reaching changes throughout the healthcare system and general economy. While it’s too early to say what kind of an effect this bill will ultimately have on the job force — and, indirectly, on North Carolina workers’ compensation benefits — it’s not too early to prepare. Policymakers from both sides of the aisle should come together to discuss state-specific problems and solutions resulting from this bill.
7. Workers need to get more fresh air.
Numerous independent studies show that indoor air pollution is a growing problem. In some buildings, indoor air pollution can be ten times worse than outdoor air pollution. Toxic molds, particulate matter, dust, debris, and bacteria in ventilation systems can wear down the workforce. Even if an employee doesn’t get specifically sick or hurt from breathing in bad air, he or she can be slowed and prevented from working at optimal capacity. By instituting a program educating people about the benefits of breaks and fresh air, perhaps we can improve respiratory health.
8. More sleep for workers.
As any doctor will tell you, it’s important to get a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, with the state’s economy in shambles and unemployment rates climbing, more and more North Carolinians are sacrificing sleep to work more hours and longer shifts. While this might pay off in the short term, in the long run, it’s bound to have ill effects. Sleep is restorative. Without sleep, we become inattentive, irritable, less able to communicate with our peers and coworkers, and at greater risk for heart disease and obesity.
9. Technological innovations.
We do live in 2010 — and the technology sector is booming. Improved computer software, ergonomic furniture designs, and other engineering solutions to common workplace problems abound. By implementing these technologies broadly, we can likely cut down on injuries and thus indirectly improve the North Carolina workers’ compensation benefit system.
10. More humor at work.
Coworkers who laugh together and smile at one another not only enjoy their work more but also get into fewer accidents and take fewer sick days. And employers and employees who strive to make the workday more fun see significant benefits — not just in terms of quality of life but also in terms of bottom line budget numbers.
To discover effective and efficient help with your North Carolina workers’ compensation problems, connect today with an attorney to protect your rights and your benefits.
More Web Resources:
Dangers of Indoor Air Pollution
Importance of Sleep to Workers
