How to choose the right accident prevention mutual?

Being part of a prevention mutual group means, as the name suggests, committing to focus on prevention, rehabilitation and return to work, by joining forces with a group of employers. The aim is to benefit from a CNESST rate reduction that reflects the group’s efforts.

You want to join a prevention mutual group? Or is your mutual group due for renewal soon, and you’d like to analyze its current performance?

Here are a few basic points to consider:

What is the mutual’s payroll?

Being part of a mutual with a small payroll increases the risk of significant rate variations. Why such variations? Because the reduced number of members, which implies a smaller payroll, does not allow us to cushion the impact of a serious accident within the group of mutualized employers.

Mutual performance based on past experience

Since the CNESST uses reference periods of several years when calculating contribution rates, it’s best to look at the savings achieved over a long period. We recommend looking at the mutual’s performance over a ten-year period, or failing that, at least six years.

Is the mutual’s membership diversified?

Which employers belong to the mutual? Which classification unit do they belong to? Generally speaking, for better performance, it’s better to have a diversified group.

What services are available and provided by the mutual?
For similar services, management fees may vary up or down, depending on the mutual. Do you have a defense fund that includes medical and legal expertise? Is it unlimited or limited? How often does the preventionist visit? Find out what services are included in the annual fee.

Do the services offered precisely meet your needs?

When an injury occurs, the manager usually helps the company to manage it proactively to ensure a speedy return to work. How far does this support go? If an injury requires medical expertise or legal fees, who will pay these expenses? For some mutual insurers, it’s the defense fund that pays these costs.

What about the manager’s accessibility and reputation?

Is the resource person responsible for the management and strategic direction of the mutual’s services accessible to members? In addition, is he or she known and recognized for his or her experience in the field of OHS? Two important points to check if you want to join a mutual or change supplier.

Are you interested but don’t know where to start?

Whether or not you’re a member of a mutual insurance company, we can guide you through the process. As a first step, we offer you a free analysis of your CNESST file to determine how much you could save by joining a DR Conseils mutual. There is no obligation on your part.

For more information, please contact Jean-François Brochu, Business Development Manager, at jfbrochu@drconseils.com or by telephone at 1 833 853-8683.