Frequently Asked Questions
1. What would be the purpose for the new organization?
The new organization would provide an unrestricted forum for the exchange of information among those involved in the administration and operation of programs covering work-related injuries and illnesses throughout the world. The intent is to utilize the current state of electronic technology (i.e., the Internet) to collect and share information concerning work injury programs in foreign countries.
The information base would begin with a website on the Internet. Once electronic links via the Internet have been established with the individual country program administrators, it would be possible to begin to share experience and knowledge concerning developing issues. Stated differently, the purpose would be to facilitate the use of current technology to improve the manner in which we obtain and share information regarding work injury programs worldwide.
2. What type of information would be available?
There is essentially no limit as to the type and amount of information that could be made available. We begin from the point where there is very little that program administrators and others know about the work injury programs in other countries. At the same time, all of these countries – both developed and developing – are facing similar concerns regarding injury types and outcomes. The shift toward a "global economy" also prompts the need for more information relative to individual country programs.
One approach is to begin with a summary profile for each country that would include:
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What employees are covered by the program;·
How does an employer obtain coverage;·
What are the type, amount and duration of income replacement benefits;·
How is medical protection provided;·
How would an injury to an employees from another country be covered; and,·
Other unique program aspects
The Internet website would establish electronic links with the office of each program administrator and could be expanded to include links to other representatives in the country including attorneys, insurance carriers, brokers, and others engaged in the program. Ultimately, the organization could be a forum for the sharing of research among participating members. There is presently no effective forum for the dissemination of this type of study and analysis. One could envision information being available covering such issues as:
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Injury prevention in the workplace;·
Return to work programs;·
Data collection strategies and outcome measures;·
Dispute resolution techniques; and·
Other similar issues peculiar to work injury programs.
3. Who would be members of this organization?
This would be a non-profit organization. Membership would be intended to be open to anyone having a role or interest in the work injury program. Membership would thus include program administrators, policymakers, employers, insurance carriers, labor representatives, attorneys, researchers, and others associated with the program. It is important not to exclude anyone from this information exchange forum.
4. How would the organization be governed?
While membership is intended to represent the broad spectrum of interests, the governing body would be made up solely of program administrators. This is viewed as necessary to ensure that the basic intent of the organization remains consistent with and focused on the information needs of program administrators.
I would initially propose that the governing body be composed of representatives of each of the countries that express interest in forming the organization. I have identified approximately 80 countries that I will direct this information to and expect only a portion of those to respond with either the ability or interest to participate at this time. As technology moves forward, I would expect more countries to express an interest in participating.
Ultimately, I would envision the governing body to be made up of two or three representatives from each of the major world sectors (e.g., Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, etc.). This would serve to provide a proper balance between the interests of the developed and the developing nations.
5. How would the organization be financed?
Issues of funding are critically important to an organization in the initial stages of development. Because this proposal relies heavily on information and technology, significant "start up" costs would be associated with obtaining computer equipment, locating and hiring a programmer, and setting up and maintaining the website. Rather than looking to the program administrators for financial assistance in this area, the idea is to seek "seed money" from employers, insurers, grant proposals and other sources to cover expenses during the first two to three years.
Once the initial "start up" costs have been addressed, a budget committee working with the governing board would establish future financing strategies. At no time is the intent to place the cost of the organization with the program administrators. Rather, the costs could be borne by those insurers, brokers, attorneys and others who would be linked to the system via the Internet and who would be potential beneficiaries of this expanded information base.
6. Are any other organizations serving a similar function?
Before embarking with this proposal, I searched various sources and the Internet to identify any other organizations or websites that are providing a similar service. To my knowledge there is no existing organization or website that is devoted to the development and exchange of information concerning work injury programs around the world.
I am familiar with the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) which is a possible forum for this proposal. I have been associated with the IAIABC for more than twenty years, and even though it is been suggested on many occasions that the IAIABC expand their efforts to reflect the interests of foreign countries, very little has been done outside of the United States. I believe that an organization built upon a foundation of international interests is more likely to achieve the objective of what is being described here.
7. Where would the organization be located?
With the present state of electronic technology, the actual physical location of the organization is not important. With the ability to link with and communicate through computers, the physical location could be anywhere in the world.
I have established a temporary website that could at least function as a starting point. This website is www.wipaw.org. This website could be later moved or renamed if another more appropriate name or location is identified. In the meantime, the website does include the capability for receiving message or comments, or for engaging in a dialog concerning work injury topics.
8. What is the next step?
The next step is to determine the level of interest on the part of program administrators in a proposal of this type. I have attempted to describe a facility that would be designed primarily for use by program administrators, policymakers, researchers and others interested in learning more about work injury issues throughout the world. Through a facility of this type, it would be possible to exchange knowledge and experience. As technology continues to expand, it seems that this is an opportune time to establish a facility of this type.
I would ask that each recipient of this material respond with his or her reaction to the proposal. Responses can be directed to my attention via mail, facsimile or e-mail as provided for in the cover letter.