Advice to employers about workers' comp fraud

• Become engaged in the handling of a workers' comp claim. Don't just say, “My insurance company will handle it,” and then complain about it later.

• Establish an evidence-collection protocol for times when it's possible a worker wasn't injured on the job or wasn't injured at all.

• Keep video from surveillance cameras after a worker reports an injury. Send the video to your insurance company.

• Collect statements from co-workers after a worker reports an injury.

• Take photographs of the work area where the worker claims he was hurt.

• Ask for a drug and alcohol test if there is reason to believe a worker was under the influence when injured.

• Review travel claims if a worker reports being hurt on a business trip. Check for alcohol purchases on meal receipts.