The primary purpose of the ergonomic consultant is to assist in the return to work process by identifying the physical demands of a job as it relates to a particular worker's injury (diagnosis). Most often this entails analyzing the injured worker's regular duty job and one or more modified duty job options that can be offered to the employee. The ergonomic consultant provides this information to the claim representative, medical providers and employer.

As part of the site visit and report that is generated the ergonomic consultant may make administrative or engineering recommendations to the employer. Implementing these recommendations may increase the likelihood of securing a work release and/or increase the success of the injured worker's return to work.

Upon the injured worker's return to work the ergonomic consultant can also provide one-on-one training and education in safe work habits. Ergonomic services are also available to workers that have not lost any time from work but are receiving medical care for a work related injury.

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) provides assistance in reviewing situations where potential fraud has been identified. The definition of fraud is the "intentional misrepresentation of a material fact for personal gain".

The SIU unit is comprised of investigators who focus on both employee and employer fraud. In order to recognize potential fraud instances, the special investigator uses a thorough investigation procedure. This unit serves as an internal resource to assist several departments including Claims, Loss Prevention, Premium Audit and Underwriting.

An example of fraud includes one in which an injured employee is working while simultaneously collecting workers' compensation benefits and not reporting their earnings. Another example of a potential fraud situation is one in which the employer intentionally misclassifies their employees under incorrect class codes.

Cases that meet the criteria for fraud are referred to the RI Workers' Compensation Fraud Prevention and Compliance Unit. This Fraud Unit will then decide whether a referral to the Attorney General's office is warranted for possible criminal prosecution.

Should you have any suspicions about potential fraudulent claims, please feel free to contact us at (401) 825-2667 and ask to speak directly with the SIU.

The goal of Beacon Mutual's Claim Department is to return employees to work at their current employer. In some circumstances that is not possible. An injured worker may then be entitled to vocational services. Beacon Mutual offers vocational services to injured workers when it has been determined that they cannot return to their original job/employer. The vocational services offered may include an initial vocational evaluation, transferable skills analysis, testing, job seeking skills training including resume/application preparation, interviewing skills and job placement assistance.