We've noticed worrying trend among some staffing firms, providing false information to workers' compensation insurance companies
At Timpl Staffing, we've noticed a worrying trend among some staffing firms. To reduce costs, they provide false information to workers' compensation insurance companies. This approach lowers their premium rates in the short term, but it's a risky strategy.
If an accident happens, the insurance might deny the claim because of this false information. This can lead to legal action against the manufacturer that uses the staffing firm, due to what's known as the dual employer clause. Additionally, wrong details about a company in the insurance system can damage that company's workers' compensation Experience Modification Rate (EMR). This rating affects insurance costs and the company's image.
This practice affects 3-10% difference in the markup quote staffing company provides to the employer
How do staffing Firms cut corners on Workers' Compensation costs?
- Misclassification of Job Roles: A staffing firm might incorrectly classify a high-risk job, such as a machine operator in a manufacturing setting, as a lower-risk administrative role. Since insurance premiums are partly based on the risk level of the job, misclassifying roles can unjustly lower the premiums.
- Underreporting Payroll: Workers' compensation premiums are calculated based on the total payroll. By underreporting the amount paid to employees, a staffing firm can reduce the base figure used to calculate its insurance premiums.
- Exaggerating Safety Measures: A staffing agency may claim that certain safety measures or programs are in place when they are not, or they may exaggerate the extent of these measures. This could lead to a lower risk assessment and thus lower premiums.
- Not Reporting All Claims: Staffing firms might avoid reporting smaller injuries or claims to the insurance company to keep their claim rate low, which can affect premium calculations.
What risks do employers face with staffing agencies cheating Workers' Comp?
- Legal and Financial Liability The insurer denies the claim due to fraudulent reporting. As a result, the client company may be held responsible for the injured worker's medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and any legal fees associated with the claim under dual employer clause.
- Increased Insurance Premiums A client company's future insurance premiums can be adversely affected. If the staffing agency's deception is uncovered, both the agency and the client company could face increased rates due to the perceived higher risk and loss of trust from the insurance provider.
- Damage to Reputation Association with unethical practices can tarnish the client company's reputation. Businesses in the manufacturing sector rely on their reputations for reliability and integrity. Being linked to a staffing firm that engages in fraudulent activities can harm the client's brand and deter potential business partners and customers.
- Operational Disruptions If an incident occurs and the staffing firm's deception comes to light, the ensuing legal and financial complications can disrupt the client company's operations. Resources may have to be diverted to address these issues, impacting productivity and operational efficiency.
- Compliance Risks Employers are expected to ensure their contractors, including staffing firms, comply with all relevant laws and regulations. If a client company is found to be complicit or even passively accepting of the staffing firm's misconduct, it could face regulatory penalties and compliance issues.
- Employee Morale and Retention The workers, who may be employees of the staffing firm but work at the client company, can suffer low morale if they discover their employer is engaging in unethical practices. This can lead to high turnover rates, which are costly and disruptive for both the staffing agency and the client company.
How Timpl Manages Workers' Compensation
Timpl Staffing commits to accurate reporting and comprehensive coverage for workers' compensation. Our process involves:
- Detailed risk assessment of clients' operations.
- Securing quotes based on complete transparency.
- Opting for coverage limits over $1 million.
- Undertaking additional insurance measures.
Conclusion: The value of ethical Workers’ Compensation practice
Yes, this means our prices are about 3-10% higher, but we believe this is a fair price for the added security and peace of mind it brings to our clients. Choosing a staffing firm like Timpl, which prioritizes honest workers' compensation practices, protects your company from unforeseen legal troubles and maintains your operational integrity.
|
Malpractice Area
|
Mark up difference
|
Risk
|
Timpl way
|
|
Categorize Staffing employee as 1099 instead of w2
|
7.65%
|
Subject to Internal Revenue Service audit – Subject to fines imposed. In the event of a safety accident, industrial accident insurance is not applicable to individual businesses (a lawsuit can be filed against the customer). Staffing employees cannot receive unemployment benefits
|
All employees w2
|
|
When registering for the workers compensation Insurance, to lower the premium rate, provide false information to insurance company
|
3-10%
|
In the event of a safety accident, the industrial accident insurance company rejects the claim due to false information (a lawsuit can be filed against the customer). Customer information is entered incorrectly in the industrial accident insurance company’s system, which will have a negative impact on the customer’s future industrial accident insurance.
|
We share the client’s business model with the insurance company before submitting a quote. We only submit bids to clients when clients approved by insurance company. In order to minimize customer risks, the work comp rate limit is raised above the legal limit (1 million) We also subscribe to separate special insurance
|
|
Systematic paperless Management of legal HR documents
|
2-3%
|
employees can file lawsuits due to document mismanagement including i9, tax related documents, also during an OSHA audit on workplace, client company is exposed to risk due to inadequacy safety training materials. Staffing staff may fail to submit appropriate or correct safety training materials. Since staffing company and client is dual employer, risk is carried over to the client also.
|
We implement top tier paperless document management system. Safety training materials can be submitted within 4 hours upon OSHA request. Every year, we invest $300,000 to strengthen compliance.
|
