The preferred and most effective method of reporting a workplace injury is by telephone. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, policyholders can talk to our Customer Service Department by dialing 866.45BRICK, selecting "policyholder" and option 1.

It is through this method that reporting has gotten easier and faster. Using advanced software developed by our own in-house technology staff, our customer service representatives can quickly enter necessary data that streamlines the claims process.

First mentioned in our Dec. 28 issue of InSights, these new screens allow our customer service representatives to obtain all necessary information in about 15 minutes. The information gathered during this phone call not only meets BrickStreet's needs on required information, but also those of the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner and the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) as well.

The basic data needed when reporting an injury is as follows:

• Policy Number
• Injured Worker's Name
• Injured Worker's Social Security Number
• Injured Worker's Address
• Inured Worker's Wage Information
• Injured Worker's Date of Hire
• Date of Injury

Reporting injuries early helps everyone involved. It helps the policyholder by keeping claims costs and, ultimately, premiums down. It helps the injured worker by allowing the claims adjuster to make faster rulings, getting them the medical care they need in order to return to work. It helps BrickStreet by knowing how to react and who we need to involve in the 360° team approach. Finally, it helps the system in general by cutting down on potential problems associated with unmanaged claims.