Workers Compensation Specialist

The Workers' Compensation Specialist manages a high volume of workers' compensation claims for our Milwaukee manufacturing operations, from first report of injury through closure. This role is the central point of contact for injured employees, supervisors, the insurance carrier/TPA, and medical providers. You will keep claims moving, meet Wisconsin reporting deadlines, and drive early return-to-work to control lost time and cost in a fast-paced production environment.

The Specialist implements a consistent process for recording, investigating, and reporting claims in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and prepares and submits required reporting and documentation to OSHA, state and local agencies, and other entities. The role monitors all claims and liaises with employees, managers, insurance representatives, medical staff, and attorneys, keeping involved parties informed of case status, hearing notifications, outcomes, return-to-work details, and restrictions. The Specialist also reviews the overall claim portfolio periodically to identify trends, stays current on workers' compensation reporting laws and regulations, and may support injury-prevention programs and worker accommodation’s.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage an active caseload of 75+ claims, with new injuries reported daily across multiple shifts.
• Complete and submit first reports of injury via the carrier website /TPA
• Collaborate with the Safety Team to Investigate incidents: gather employee, supervisor, and witness statements, photos, and job-task details.
• Track each claim through treatment, work status, lost time, and closure, with proactive follow-up on open items.
• Partner with production supervisors to identify and place employees in modified/transitional duty.
• Obtain and review work-status reports and restrictions from occupational health clinics and treating providers.
• Maintain regular, empathetic communication with injured employees on benefits, expectations, and next steps.
• Coordinate with adjusters on compensability, reserves, indemnity and medical payments, and settlement activity.
• Flag high-cost, litigated, or potentially fraudulent claims and escalate to the Total Rewards Manager.
• Ensure compliance with the Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Act (Chapter 102), DWD requirements, and federal OSHA recordkeeping.
• Maintain OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 logs and submit electronic injury and illness data as required to third party provider.
• Support FMLA, ADA accommodation, and short-term disability coordination where they overlap with worker’s compensation claims.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports on open claims, lost-time days, claim costs, and experience modification (EMR) drivers.
• Analyze injury trends by department, shift, and cause (e.g., strains, machine-related, cuts, material handling) and share findings with Safety and Operations.
• Support safety committee meetings, post-incident reviews, and injury-prevention initiatives.
• Keep claim files accurate, complete, and audit ready.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of workers' compensation claims handling or administration, preferably in a high-volume setting.
• Working knowledge of Wisconsin workers' compensation rules and OSHA recordkeeping.
• Ability to prioritize and manage claim activity with competing daily deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable working with hourly production employees and supervisors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and claims software.
• High attention to detail and strict confidentiality with medical and personal information.
• Transportation to travel to other manufacturing facilities within a few miles of main location.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in HR, business, risk management, or a related field.
• Industry credentials such as WCCP, AIC, or a Wisconsin adjuster license.
• Experience in manufacturing, metal fabrication, machining, or other industrial environments.
• Experience running modified-duty and return-to-work programs.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and occupational health providers in the Milwaukee area.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based with regular walks through production areas, which require safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe footwear. Fast-paced, with daily deadlines. Occasional after-hours availability for serious incidents. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and use a computer.