Workers' Compensation Symposium

Host
LHA Trust Funds

Speaker: Shane Larson
Chief Executive Officer, Inseer

Explore how LHA is leveraging Inseer's AI-powered ergonomic software to complete rapid, video-based risk assessments. By converting video into precise biomechanical risk scores, Inseer identifies high exposure hospital tasks and provides intervention recommendations before they become costly MSD claims.

We will discuss how to move beyond subjective reporting to implement targeted, data-backed interventions. The result is a proactive risk-management strategy that will help reduce claim volume and injury severity, shorten the RTW cycle, and minimize workers' compensation exposure.

Objectives
Describe how AI-enabled, video-based ergonomic assessments convert job task footage into objective biomechanical risk scores to identify high‑risk hospital activities.

Use data-driven ergonomic insights to move beyond subjective injury reporting and prioritize targeted interventions that address root causes of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk.

Integrate AI-powered ergonomic assessment findings into existing safety and risk‑management programs to reduce claim frequency and severity, improve return‑to‑work outcomes, and lower workers’ compensation exposure.

Speaker: Michael Hiott
National Healthcare Manager, New Pig

Slip, trip, and fall incidents remain one of the most common—and costly—risks facing healthcare organizations. In this can’t-miss session, discover how leading facilities are turning everyday hazards in operating rooms, corridors, and entryways into opportunities for stronger safety and better outcomes.

Gain practical insights into the real causes of falls—from irrigation fluid in surgical settings to overlooked floor hazards—and learn how proactive safety programs can reduce injuries, control costs, and strengthen compliance.

Walk away with proven strategies, real-world examples, and innovative solutions—including absorbent matting systems designed to improve traction, simplify cleanup, and support safer care environments across Louisiana healthcare facilities.

Objectives
Understand the true scope and impact of slip, trip, and fall risks in healthcare settings.

Identify the key factors that contribute to incidents, including floor conditions, contaminants, and human behavior.

Gain actionable strategies to prevent injuries through proactive safety programs and practical solutions.

Speakers
Jaime Mendoza, OTR, CHT
Clinical Director, LaBorde Therapy Center

Caroline Blackman PT, DP
Physical Therapist, LaBorde Therapy Center

We will highlight the critical role early physical therapy intervention can play as a first line of care in improving outcomes while reducing overall healthcare costs. This presentation explores how timely access to physical therapy can shorten recovery time, reduce reliance on unnecessary imaging or surgical interventions, and support a faster, safer return to work.

Participants will also gain insight into the purpose and value of Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), including how these assessments provide objective data to guide work-related decisions, job matching, and return-to-work planning. Additionally, the session underscores the advanced training of physical therapists in pain management and their ability to identify red flags, enabling them to distinguish between musculoskeletal conditions and more serious health concerns.

Objectives
Describe how early physical therapy intervention as a first line of care can reduce overall costs by shortening recovery time, minimizing unnecessary imaging or surgeries, and supporting a faster, safer return to work.

Explain the purpose and value of a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), including what it measures and how the objective data gathered guides work related decision making, job matching, and return to work planning.

Recognize the education and clinical training of physical therapists in pain management and screening for red flags and understand how this expertise helps distinguish musculoskeletal pain from more serious conditions, improving safety and care efficiency.

Speakers
Alecia Roy, BSN, RN, CCM, WRP
Medical Case Manager, Integrix

Mona Davie Elder
Vocational Consultant, Integrix

Explore the often-overlooked psychological and emotional factors that can significantly impact the return-to-work process in workers’ compensation cases. Process the importance of maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with injured workers and their attorneys, particularly when individuals feel they are unable to return to work.

Attendees will gain insight into the complexities of the job search process within workers’ compensation, including common barriers that can challenge progress, and strategies to support injured workers while preserving their self-worth, dignity, and motivation. The session also highlights the critical role of job analysis in determining realistic return-to-work opportunities, including evaluating the potential for returning to the employer of injury whenever feasible.

Objectives
Maintaining a working relationship with the injured worker and attorney in the vocational process when the injured worker does not feel they are capable of working.

The job search process in workers' compensation cases and barriers associated while maintaining the injured workers' self-worth and respect.

The importance of job analysis in the vocational process and the prospect of returning to work with the employer of injury when possible.

Speaker: Emily Jordan, MBA
Human Resources Business Partner, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center

We explore how generational differences shape workplace behaviors, communication styles, and expectations—directly impacting safety, risk management, and workers’ compensation outcomes. This presentation helps attendees understand how generational differences can influence everything from incident reporting to engagement in return-to-work programs.

Participants will learn practical strategies to bridge generational gaps, foster effective communication, and build a culture where employees feel empowered to speak up about safety concerns. The session also addresses common challenges organizations face when managing transitional duty, return-to-work processes, and workers’ compensation claims across a multigenerational workforce.

Objectives
Recognize generational differences and their impact on workplace safety and risk management.

Apply effective communication and engagement strategies to foster a “speak-up” culture across multiple generations.

Identify and address generational challenges in transitional duty, return-to-work processes, and workers’ compensation claim management.

Speaker: DeShea Richardson
Attorney, Harrison & Richardson Attorneys at Law

We will discuss the complex intersection of workers’ compensation and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), equipping attendees with the knowledge needed to navigate high-risk employment decisions. The session focuses on identifying key legal obligations and compliance considerations, particularly under Louisiana workers’ compensation law and the ADA, and how factors such as disability status, age, and medical restrictions influence decision-making.

Participants will explore practical frameworks for evaluating when to pursue return-to-work options versus when separation may be appropriate and legally defensible. The presentation also emphasizes best practices for documentation and managing fact-specific scenarios.

Objectives
Identify legal obligations and risk triggers
Participants will be able to distinguish the key compliance requirements under Louisiana workers’ compensation law and the ADA, including how age, disability status, and medical restrictions affect employment decisions for retirement-eligible employees.

Apply decision-making frameworks for return-to-work vs. separation
Participants will be able to evaluate when modified duty, reasonable accommodation, or continued leave is required versus when termination may be legally defensible, using fact-specific scenarios and documentation best practices.

Implement defensible, ADA-compliant employment actions
Participants will be able to structure and document the interactive process, assess undue hardship, and execute return-to-work or termination decisions in a way that minimizes exposure to discrimination and retaliation claims.