If one of your employees is injured while on the job, it is to your benefit to act promptly by documenting the location and reasons for the injury and to provide prompt medical care for the injured worker from a health care provider authorized by you. Timely action is the key not only to getting the employee medical care and back to work, but also to saving on the cost of workers compensation.

Most work related injuries are handled routinely. If the injured employee thinks he or she has not received all the benefits due, or he or she has not received any benefits for a work-related injury, the employee may be inclined to take action to resolve any issues that have arisen. It is important for the employer to notify its insurance company or administrator if self-insured as soon as the employer is notified of the injury. Getting prompt medical attention for the injured employee and getting the injured worker well and back to work can develop trust between the employee and employer as well as avoid any administrative proceedings that can be costly. If one of your employees is injured on the job, follow these steps:

• Notify your insurance company or the administrator if you are self-insured as soon as you are made aware of the injury. Prompt reporting is the key. It is also important for you to maintain contact with your injured employee to see if he or she is getting the medical care necessary to treat the injury and temporary benefits if off work because of the injury. Showing you care about the employee's condition and that you want the employee to get well and return to work creates a favorable relationship and may be instrumental in getting that employee well and back to work sooner.

• If a dispute does arise and you or the insurance company cannot resolve the problem with a phone call, call the Division of Workers' Compensation's employer toll-free information line at (888) 837-6069 to discuss your problem with an information specialist. The information specialist can provide information or refer you to someone who can provide assistance.

• If a problem cannot be resolved you may wish to take advantage of the dispute management service provided by the Division of Workers' Compensation. This service is a voluntary informal process to assist the parties (employee and employer/insurer) reach a resolution to the problem. Dispute Management is designed to quickly resolve the problems involving medical treatment or temporary total disability.

• You may also request a conference at the appropriate local office with a judge if your problem involves an issue concerning the degree of permanent disability or any other issue with your employee's workers' compensation benefits. To schedule a conference, call the local adjudication office in the area where the injury occurred.