Sponsored by the Florida State University School of Law
in partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Institute
Monday, August 20, 2018
1:00 – 4:40 pm
Hall of Cities – Los Angeles
Convention Level
At last year’s conference, attendees were first introduced to this newest opportunity for non-lawyers seeking to advance their post-graduate education in support of their current job or possible future opportunities. The master’s degree with a focus on risk management is similar to a MBA degree but provides education on “real life” legal issues that many are involved with on a daily basis. This new innovative and cutting-edge degree program allows students to obtain their master’s degree on-line at times convenient for them without having to quit their jobs or attending classes at possibly remote locations. This program presents an update on the JM degree charter class and is intended for interested persons to obtain a better understanding of what this new program consists of. It also allows potential “students” to participate in educational sessions that are representative of the curriculum resulting in the JM degree. Whether or not you register for the JM degree, this session will provide valuable tools for all interest groups dealing with workers’ compensation issues with an understanding of what other laws are affected resulting in potential increased liabilities.
Moderator:
Chris Mandel, RIMS-CRMP
Senior Vice President
Strategic Solutions, Director of Sedgwick Institute
Nashville, TN
1:00 – 1:30 pm
Juris Master’s Update
Speaker:
Erin O’Hara O’Connor
Dean and McKenzie Professor of Law
Florida State University, College of Law
Tallahassee, FL
After the first year of existence, the FSU Dean of the Law School will provide a “report card” of how this degree program is progressing. Questions will be answered and suggestions taken on subjects to be included in the future curriculum. The purpose of this program is to provide meaningful educational offerings that really will make a difference in how job responsibilities are performed while recognizing graduates who successfully complete the program with an academic degree from an outstanding law school. For more information see: http://www.law.fsu.edu/academic-programs/juris-master-online-program.
Moderator:
Chris Mandel, RIMS-CRMP
Senior Vice President
Strategic Solutions, Director of Sedgwick Institute
Nashville, TN
So you think you know workers’ compensation and understand your legal responsibilities by simply understanding the workers’ compensation law, regardless of which state law is of concern. Well, think again! Workers’ compensation issues have far-reaching consequences that affect potential liabilities under statutory provisions potentially far more serious than just paying for lost wages and medical care for injuries to your employees. These sessions are intended to provide participants with just a small sample of the types of concerns that risk managers, HR professionals, and employers must be aware of when dealing with a workers’ compensation claim.
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Dealing with Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Lost Wages and Compliance with the Wage and Hour Laws
Speaker:
Melissa O. Hanson
Professor, Florida State University College of Law
Tallahassee, FL
Oftentimes, trying to establish the amount of compensation an injured worker receives in workers’ compensation benefits is dependent upon the amount of wages the injured worker made pre-accident. This information is usually provided by the employer with little thought of the format it is prepared in or without consideration of the possible consequences of being in violation of the Wage and Hour provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This “Wage and Hour 101” presentation is designed to educate interested persons on this frequently misunderstood law, potential liabilities for violations, and how to recognize/identify potential issues before they become a major problem or an opportunity to create additional opportunities.
2:30 – 2:40 pm
Break
2:40 – 3:40 pm
Investigating Incidents in the Workplace
Speaker:
Salomon Laguerre, Attorney
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Atlanta, GA
Investigating workplace incidents, regardless of purpose, is an art to be developed after a full understanding of potential liability consequences for improper conduct. Whether you are investigating an on-the-job accident, investigating allegations of misconduct for possible disciplinary actions, or concerned about overall workplace safety, there is a right way and a wrong way. A complete understanding of the “wrong way” and consequences under state and federal law, is something that must be comprehended and appropriately dealt with. Regardless of the fact that you are honestly trying to in good faith reach some conclusions, there are hurdles that must be dealt with, understanding that you might be justified in making an investigation but subjected to possible unexpected and unforeseen liabilities.
3:40 – 4:40 pm
Enterprise Risk Management: Managing Risk for Organizational Success
Speaker:
Chris Mandel, RIMS-CRMP
Senior Vice President Strategic Solutions, Director of Sedgwick Institute
Nashville, TN
This former president and board director of RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society) presents his own unique approach to the risk manager’s responsibility in understanding the “big picture” of risk management as an integral part of an employer’s business plan. Whether you are a small or large employer, a thorough, thoughtful risk management strategy is necessary. It’s effective execution will improve the chances of success by connecting risk to strategy and enabling the tactics that address both the exposures to loss and the opportunity for value creation, both of which should garner the risk leader’s focused attention.