Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) Ergonomic Initiative
Thirty-five percent of reported work injuries in North Dakota are caused
by poor ergonomics—the interaction and fit between the worker and
his or her work environment. Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) launched
an ergonomic initiative and grant program, partnering with Altru Health
System, to help companies reduce costs and injuries by addressing their
ergonomic needs. WSI will provide financial assistance for ergonomic assessments
and future equipment needs upon approval. Altru Health System has the
certified professionals to assess your company's ergonomic consultation
needs. Our certified ergonomic specialist will come to your job site to
assess the workplace, equipment, job tasks and workers. The specialist
will provide your company with recommendations to correct any identified
risk factors and choose equipment in an effort to prevent injuries. Payment
for ergonomic consultation by Altru Health System specialist may be 75
percent paid by WSI and 25 percent paid by the employer.
Program Details
The purpose of the ergonomic initiative is to reduce or eliminate cumulative-type
injuries at the workplace. What typically begins as minor aches or pains,
if ignored, has the potential to develop into costly claims. Through the
ergonomic initiative program, WSI will be offering the employers of North
Dakota resources, as well as financial assistance, to address their ergonomic issues.
Three Main Components
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Provider network
- WSI has developed a network of providers throughout North Dakota, including
Altru Health System. This network is comprised of experienced healthcare
professionals, primarily occupational and physical therapists, well versed
in the field of ergonomics. Employers initiate the process by submitting
an Ergonomic Initiative Employer Application for consideration. WSI will
analyze claims trends (types of injuries, as well as frequency and severity)
to determine if the injuries are linked to ergonomic issues. Another factor
for consideration is the employee's level of exposure to potential injuries.
Upon WSI approval, the employer can contact Altru Health System to schedule
an ergonomic assessment.
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Financial assistance for provider services
- The fee charged by providers for these services may be paid 75 percent
by WSI and 25 percent paid by the employer. The amount of work and type
of services performed will vary with each employer, depending on their
needs. Some of the factors that will be considered will be the number
of employees, number of job classifications, type of work being performed
and claims history (frequency and severity). Onsite services may include:
Onsite ergonomic assessments by Altru Health System in which potential
or existing problems will be identified Ergonomic recommendations and
interventions Assistance with the selection of appropriate ergo equipment
Employer and employee ergo training A key component of this program is
onsite training by Altru Health System for employers and employees. By
providing the basic tools necessary to conduct ergonomic assessments;
they will be able to address some of these issues early on before they
become claims.
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Financial assistance for ergonomic equipment purchases
- As part of the ergonomic initiative, a grant program is available for those
employers who have participated in this program. If the assessments conducted
during the ergo initiative warrant ergonomic equipment purchases, employers
may be eligible for assistance with these purchases through the ergonomic
initiative grant program by WSI.
How to Apply
The employer must follow the following steps to be eligible for the Ergonomic
Initiative Grant Program.
-
The employer completes the Ergonomic Initiative Employer Application online
using WSI’s portal,
myWSI
- Access to the Ergonomic Initiative Employer Application is granted to your
organization’s myWSI Account Administrator.
-
If you do not have access to myWSI, contact your organization’s myWSI
Account Administrator or WSI’s Customer Service at
800-777-5033 or email
mywsi@nd.gov.
- WSI will approve or deny the application and the employer (all correspondence
will be through myWSI).
- If approved, WSI will provide the employer a list of providers to choose
from to conduct the on-site visit.
- The provider conducts the on-site visit and provides the employer with
a final assessment. The employer is now eligible to apply for financial
assistance.
- To apply for financial assistance, the employer must complete the Ergonomic
Grant Application.
-
Once WSI approves the grant application, and both parties sign the agreement,
then the employer may purchase the equipment.
- Equipment ordered, funds expended, or invoices dated prior to the agreement
effective date are not eligible for reimbursement under this program.
-
The employer must complete the Vendor (supplier or individual) On-Line
Registration in order to receive reimbursement.
-
If you have questions regarding registration, contact the State Procurement,
Vendor Registry Help Desk at
701-328-2773 or email
spovendor@nd.gov
- Once the employer receives the equipment, they are eligible to submit the
Ergonomic Grant Reimbursement Request form. The request must include the
invoice(s) and proof of payment.
For more information, please call Heidi Hagen Johnson in Employer Health
Solutions at
701.780.2450.