Studies show that the first 10 days after a workplace injury are critical to getting a worker well and back on the job in a timely manner. As an employer, you have important responsibilities that can reduce the cost and confusion that can result from an injury at work.

1. Send the injured person to the healthcare provider of your choice. For a list of providers who participate in our managed care program, click here or call 1-800-MEMIC WC or (207)791-3560. Call the provider to alert them of the arrival of your injured employee and provide a brief description of the employee's job.
2. Accompany the injured person to the healthcare facility. You or a supervisor must get involved from the moment an injury is reported. Tell the employee and the provider of your desire to be involved in the recovery and his or her return to work.
3. Get all the facts. Every workplace injury is serious. Document how and why the injury occurred by talking with the injured person and all who witnessed the accident. Immediately institute appropriate safety precautions.
4. Stay involved. Talk with the injured person about his or her condition, functional capacity and your desire to have them back at work. Open communications help all involved.
5. Contact Maine Employers' Mutual. You can report your workers' compensation claim here at memic.com or by calling 1-800- MEMICWC. While we recommend filing the claim on the internet or by telephone, you can also complete and mail a First Report of Injury form within 24 hours of your knowledge of the injury to: Claim Department, P.O. Box 3606, Portland, Maine 04104.
6. Identify return-to-work options. Work with your employee and the healthcare provider to find light or alternative duties that will get the person back on the job as soon as appropriate. Prepare a written plan for their return-to-work and share it with the employee, healthcare provider and supervisor.
7. Practice full disclosure. Inform your employee of all his/her rights and benefits under the workers' compensation system and encourage them to contact our Claim Department if they need additional assistance. Good information avoids conflict.
8. Follow procedures. Submit a "Wage Statement" as soon as possible if the injured employee is going to be out of work for at least seven days.