Worker's comp made simple
By CHANSE WATSON
Managing Editor
OSBURN — Getting hurt on the job has unfortunately been a fairly common occurrence throughout the Silver Valley’s history. With mining being its No. 1 career field for decades, it makes sense that some injuries have been accrued.
For 40 years now, the Rehabilitation Division of the Idaho Industrial Commission has been an available resource for those who have suffered on-the-job injuries by helping them apply and navigate the world of worker’s compensation.
But as with any other government program or department, sometimes things can get complicated. Because of this, many as a rule steer clear of working with the state in an attempt to avoid a massive headache.
Former President Ronald Regan did famously say that he believed, “the nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”
Desiree Harrison, a consultant with the rehab division, is very familiar with this quote and wants to assure those who agree with it that her division does not fall under what “The Gipper” was referring to.
“We are not the machine. We are not ‘the state,” Harrison said. “We are the oil and the cogs that keep things going smoothly.”
The ICC as a whole oversees insurance and benefits for worker’s compensation in the state of Idaho. Comparatively, Harrison says that she and other consultants that specifically work with the rehab division are neutral parties that support medical recovery while facilitating an early return to work.
“Basically, we help somebody get back to work, but still do what their doctor says. We follow along with them until either they’re at full capacity or they’re not able to go back to their previous position; (and) we help them find a new position.”
Based out of the Coeur d’Alene IIC office, Harrison has spent a lot of time in Shoshone County since she moved to North Idaho from Wenatchee, Wash., and was assigned to cover the area from Coeur d’Alene to the Montana state line.
“I have really enjoyed being out there and already feel like part of the community,” she said talking of the Silver Valley.
Since the Kellogg IIC office closed its doors last October, Harrison has been the point woman for worker’s compensation information in our area and has done her best to spread awareness. She handles a case load of roughly 40 to 50 people in the Silver Valley alone.
Unfortunately for her and those who may suffer an injury in the future, though, it appears that many still do not know about the rehab division or if they qualify for worker’s compensation. Harrison hopes to change this by informing the public that she is here to help and make the process as painless as possible.
“If there is an injury, the employee, the employer, the insurer, or the medical professional can submit to the rehab division,” she explained. “So its not like it has to go through this long process.”
Worker’s compensation can also be granted to a variety of different people in a variety of different professions.
“It isn’t just for miners, or just for loggers, or industry; it’s for anyone, volunteer or employee,” Harrison said. “Even people that work in Sunday School are covered. Boy Scouts walking around helping people do projects are covered. Girl Scouts walking down the street selling cookies are covered.”
In an effort to get the word out and bring people up to speed, the rehab division will be hosting an employer and HR manager specific meeting at 9 a.m. Feb. 14 at Silver Valley Assembly of God in Kellogg. This meeting will cover how worker’s compensation works, who can make referrals, who is covered and allow attendees to ask questions.
Harrison simply wants Silver Valley residents who have been injured on the job to know that help is available.
“We are very honored to work with the rehab division…it’s unlike anything else in the whole United States.”
The rehab division also plans to do an open community meeting in late spring.
If you or someone you know thinks that they may qualify for workers compensation, Harrison is happy to work with you or answer questions you may have. She can be reached by phone at 208-769-1452 or by email at Desiree.Harrison@iic.idaho.gov.