We are increasingly finding situations where we need to engage the specialist assistance of our preferred investigators, Insight Intelligence, to minimise the business and financial impacts of workers compensation claims.

Inevitably due to circumstances in the workplace, launching an investigation to gather documented evidence from a claimant, witnesses or employer is required to assist in determining appropriate liability or actions required. Investigations can be either factual or surveillance in nature.

Often ABILITY GROUP's claim management process will anticipate such needs and proactively recommend investing in investigations to  accelerate outcomes and assist with aspects like determining liability, return to work, functional capability and cost minimisation.

Managing Director, Mario Bekes, and the Insight Intelligence team have specialist experience in all facets of workers' compensation investigations and kindly provide the following information:

Factual Investigations

Regardless of whether the investigation is internal or external, the purpose of the investigation is not just collecting evidence and reach a conclusion, but to create a better workplace practice, to implement procedures or to review current policies and procedures.

The employer should record in the company logbook (most probably this may be an incident/hazard notification) at the workplace.

Documenting information is vital to reducing time and costs for both the employer and employee. Once engaged, our lead investigator requests the initial recordings of the incident or accident to begin the investigation. This will speed up the process and reduce the investigation costs. These documents are later used as annexures together with the Report.

Interviews are approached with sensitivity and professionalism, recognising that employees may feel stressed, to ensure a thorough and fair outcome.

Surveillance Investigation

Collecting evidence on a person of interest requires a clear objective agreed upon by the employer, agency, or insurer. A defined purpose allows the investigator to plan effectively, minimise time and cost, and secure documented evidence. Ability Group ensures every surveillance investigation begins with a clear objective.

So how can internal or external investigation be of benefit to an organisation?

• Ensure that supervisors, managers, employees comply with company policies and procedures, legislation/acts
• Reducing claims costs and resulting increases in workers compensation premiums
• Demonstration to staff of determination of commitment to fair and objective investigation/treatment