1. Presented by Curt Svalstad, Director of Risk Services Iowa Municipalities Workers’ Compensation Association Administered by: www.imwca.org

2. Questions for consideration Do you have a good working relationship with your city’s agent? Do you know who your workers’ compensation carrier/company is? Do you know what your experience modification factor (EMF) is? Do you know how your EMF is derived?

3. Experience Modification Factor A formula that compares your payroll and claims by class code and then compares your entity’s experience (the result of the previous comparison) to your expected experience based on that of all other employers in the state. The resulting modifier adjusts your standard premium higher or lower according to your loss experience. The modifier for the next coverage year is based on the insured’s loss experience of the last 3 completed years.

4. EMF Illustration Standard Premium Experience Modification Factor Modified Premium $50,000X1.20=$60,000 $50,000X0.80=$40,000

5. Controlling your EMF Two basic ways: By preventing injuries/accidents from occurring By containing claim costs once an injury occurs

6. Preventing Injuries/Accidents Make safety a priority – get everyone’s buy-in Form a Safety Committee Create an accident investigation team Set safety performance goals Develop written safety programs and train employees Incorporate a disciplinary policy for unsafe behavior Communicate frequently with employees about safety Perform pre-employment, post-job-offer physicals and background checks

7. Containing Claim Costs Report claims to your carrier immediately! Implement a designated physician program Have written, detailed job descriptions Implement a return-to-work program Have accident investigation team complete their investigation and report to Safety Committee Stay in contact with the claims examiner Stay in contact with the treating physician Stay in contact with the injured employee

12. Curt Svalstad, Director of Risk Services curtsvalstad@iowaleague.org Iowa Municipalities Workers’ Compensation Association Administered by: www.imwca.org