Calendar of Events

Presented by Brian Darnell, Risk Consultant
HUB International CFR and
Brian Merrell, OK Service Manager
PartnerSource

The September Learning Lab will focus on two timely and relevant Workers' Compensation topics - Best Practices and the New Oklahoma Option for Workers' Compensation.

Brian Darnell will discuss the WC Best Practices and will break down the many steps a company can take to build a solid risk management plan for handling WC issues and for lowering the total cost of risk.  This will include a Soft Tissue Management Strategy (muscle injury) that will decrease fraudulent claims and reduce the cost of legitimate claims.  The average soft tissue claim in Oklahoma costs approximately $28,000 and is completely subjective.  How can you avoid getting taken to the cleaners on such a costly claim?  You better have a Soft Tissue Management Strategy in place.

Brian Merrell will share information on the Oklahoma Option.  The OK Option became a reality via SB 1062 and incorporation into Title 85A of the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Act.  It is also referred to as the Oklahoma Opt-Out, Oklahoma Nonsubscription and Oklahoma Workers Comp Alternative.  All Oklahoma employers can now apply to the Oklahoma Insurance Department for "Qualified Employer" status and elect to be exempt from the state's Workers' Compensation system.

As of February 1, 2014, Oklahoma law provides an employer a choice between a reformed "administrative" Workers' Compensation system and an "Option" to provide benefits outside of the Workers' Compensation system for all on-the-job injuries.  The Option combines attractive elements from successful Workers' Compensation programs and Texas Nonsubscription.  Be prepared when management asks, "What do you know about the Oklahoma Work Comp Option?" or "Is the Oklahoma Option right for us?"

At this lab you will learn:

• What is Oklahoma's new alternative to Workers' Comp
• A road map for W.C. best practices
• What is a Soft Tissue Management Strategy? and how to manage claims to avoid WC fraud
• How to analyze your total WC costs
  

After spending several years in technology, sales and banking, Brian Darnell moved into the HR service realm.  Brian focuses on building partnerships to understand the needs of HR leaders and business owners in order to generate solutions utilizing technology, 3rd party resources and good old fashion listening.  He has handled Work Comp coverage for several of Oklahoma's top employers and is a trusted advisor to small and large businesses alike.  Finding new and creative ways to lower the total cost of risk, regardless of industry, has driven Brian to find success for his clients.

Brian obtained a B.S. in Marketing from Wichita State University, past board member for ASTD, and has been a TAHRA and SHRM supporter for the last 5 years.

With over 18 years of experience in financial risk analysis and dispute resolution, Brian Merrell applies his wealth of experience working closely with both employers and employees to bring our Oklahoma clients the best support possible.  After serving on the risk management team for two of Oklahoma's largest employers in the food production industry, Brian possesses an unparalleled understanding of the claims system and boasts an impressive track record of demonstrated cost-savings for his clients.  He holds a reputation for limiting clients' exposure to losses and lowering employer and employee liability (or lowering risk costs). 

Brian received his B.S. in Business Administration from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.