Episodes
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Whether your front line workers, the CEO, or someone in between, you have a job to do. That job is never more important than when there is pressure to achieve a result. That's because you're often counted on meeting that pressure and getting the job done.
Yet, we've all seen it. Professional athletes falling short at the most critical times. Co-workers being unable to do the simplest things because the "pressure got to them."
How you deal with pressure can not only determine your own success and mental health, but also the success of the organization that counts on you.
Drawing on my experience in workers compensation, professional football, and as a mental performance coach, I'll discuss the common situations that cause us pressure and 4 things you can do to overcome it.
Want to get in touch with me directly?
Go to https://workerscompsimplified.com/Click the "contact an expert button"Tell me what's on your mind or how I can help.Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
WCB is making horrible decisions on the simplest of claims. Bosses that don't support you or understand what you need to get the job done. Tools and resources that are needed seem to never be available or are "not in the budget."
This is just some of things we're going to discuss, but is quickly becoming the reasons more and more health and safety professionals are feeling burned out.
Come join me on this discussion and perhaps even feel free to weigh in!
Do you have any thoughts or questions you want answered? Perhaps featured on a future episode?
Go to workerscompsimplified.comClick the "contact and expert" buttonLeave your comment / questionContact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
Missing episodes?
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Why would someone withhold information from a co-worker. Why would a department that relies on the sharing of information do the exact opposite?
In this episode I discuss what is information hoarding, some of the reasons people will do this, and what I think is the remedy to this terrible disease.
Have a question you want featured on the Workers Comp Simplified Podcast?
Go to workerscompsimplified.comClick the "contact an expert" buttonSend the question / message!Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
Back by popular demand, I open up the mail bag from listeners and answer some of their biggest worries and concerns when it comes to WCB claims.
Today we focus on two key areas. Using surveillance in WCB claim and managing an angry workforce.
Why are your employees angry? How does having a WCB claim complicate things. More importantly, how can you help an angry worker buy in to the program again after suffering a WCB claim. I share the 3 areas I focus on that's helped me turn around not only the worker, but entire organizations and how they manage angry workers.
Have a question you want answered?
Go to workerscompsimplified.comClick the "contact an expert" buttonWrite your question and hit sendMake sure you subscribe to this episode to hear your question get answered on future episodes!
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
I've worked with some great people over the years. Many you could easily make a dream team of health and safety, HR professionals. Then again, there have been times where the team was not so great. Times where I could have done a better job.
In today's episode, we discuss why team dynamics are so important and how to determine if you're being a good teammate. How to rally others around you as it relates to WCB claims.
Enjoy!
Think you have a question that is worth noting on the Monthly Mail Bag episode?
Go to workerscompsimplified.com and click the âcontact an expert buttonâ you never know. It could be featured in our next episode!
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
You don't work in WCB claims without wanting to freak out on someone at least once. Decisions don't go your way. People not listening. Bosses who don't give a care. Workers that won't cooperate. Seems like any side of the fence you sit on, there is problems to be had. These problems sometimes lead to anger, frustration, and anxiety for all involved.
In this episode we dig deeper into the causes of these emotions as they relate to WCB claims and what you can do to keep control when all you want to do is lose control.
Have a question you want featured on an episode?
Go to workerscompsimplified.com and click the âcontact an expert buttonâ you never know. It could be featured in our next episode!
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
When WCB claims happen, it can affect an workers ability to earn an income and a company to turn a profit.
BUT...
People want to believe WCB is about more than the money. Perhaps it is.
In this episode I'll discuss my thoughts on this polarizing topic and go over some special scenarios sent to us by YOU! The Simplifier Community.
I will dissect the real life scenario and how it impacts both worker and employer. Letting you decide...
Is WCB claims management all about the money?
You be the judge.
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
The popularity of the Workers Comp Simplified Podcast is growing! Thanks to you what started off as a resource for the Simplifier community has now resulted in dozens of emails asking questions about WCB claims management and appeals.
Well in this episode, Iâve selected the most commonâŠand perhaps odd questions sent in from listeners just like you. With it I answer pressing questions to help you better manage and understand the workers compensation system.
Think you have a question that is worth noting on the Monthly Mail Bag episode?
Go to workerscompsimplified.com and click the âcontact an expert buttonâ you never know. It could be featured in our next episode!
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
A common phone call I get is to let me know a worker has reported symptoms that could be work related, but they also have a pre-existing condition. How should you respond to this?
In this episode I share the biggest mistake employers make when facing a pre-existing condition and how you can avoid it to save thousands of dollars on WCB premiums.
In addition, we'll discuss should you manage the claim, how best to do so, and get rid of the myths that could hurt you.
Other things we'll discuss are:
2:30: What is a pre-existing condition?
4:40: How should you deal with a pre-existing condition?
12:10 Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
16:21: Responding to different scenarios
18:05: The processResources discussed in this episode:
WCB Online courses for employers:
https://courses.wcbconsulting.ca/Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
The WCB system was never perfectâŠbut it didnât have to be. It was just supposed to hold on to its promise which is to take care of injured workers in the most cost-effective way for the employer.
More and more evidence is coming up and it has a lot of people asking questions.
Well Simplifiers Iâm pissed and so are many of you.
When I reflected on the past year, and replayed the conversations with folks just like you, it makes sense why we canât help but wonder why the WCB system is so messed up and is there any way to change it.
In an emotionally charged discussion I delve deeper into:
Why the WCB system is broken, Who needs to fix it, How to fix it,and how to protect you, your company, and your employees.
Timeline:
1:18 - Intro to why I have beef with the WCB system
5:18 - Getting rid of common myths around the WCB system
10:49 - My grievance with the WCB system
11:32 â Trends in WCB decision making
12:33 â The #1 reason the system is broken
13:30 â The effects of a broken system
15:46 â When Workers Comp goes on strike!
17:02 â A reflection on the calls I get from you everyday
20:00 â Finding the answers
24:49 â What poor customer service looks like
28:05 â A new perspective
32:57 â Solutions
Change starts with you. Together we can make a difference.
Resources discussed in this episode:
WSIB Goes on Strike Blog:
https://workerscompsimplified.com/what-companies-in-ontario-need-to-know-about-the-wsib-strike/Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
The problem with WCB claims is they're unpredictable. They're unpredictable because they involve people. People with thoughts, feelings, and emotions that can change in an instant. This can cause a normal situation to become chaotic if you're not ready.
In this episode, I'm going to share the strategies I've used over the years to feel in control no matter how chaotic things may get on a WCB claim. Whether I'm managing or appealing a claim, it helps when you feel under control. It also helps in keeping things at work instead of bringing it home and taking it out on people you love.
In this episode you'll learn such things as:
How to deal with multiple incidents that happen in a short period of time
How to get control of the situation right nowThe key to getting control of "cluster" claimsHow to make decisions during chaosHow to get buy-in to the plan from people around youIf you've ever stressed about WCB claims, then this is an episode you can't miss!
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
It is said that "the devil is in the details" which is to say that something may seem simple, but it's the details that complicate things and cause problems.
This is exactly what we are talking about in this episode. Too often we are quick to avoid the details and just want to get the job done. A worker reports an injury and we ask 2-3 questions, have them fill out some paperwork and then we're done.
When someone reports a WCB claim to you, you want to get ALL the details to avoid the problems that come later on. You become a story teller, someone that influences other people. How can you influence them if your WCB investigation doesn't include a proper interview of witnesses and the injured worker?
Together we will walk the journey of a key part of the WCB story. You want to make sure to grab a pen and paper when listening to this episode!
ALSO...
As promised in the episode I offer an online course called:
How to Interview Workers in a WCB Claim
https://courses.wcbconsulting.ca/offers/ySxt3Fuv
For a 15% discount on the course check out the episode for the discount code!
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
Our minds donât come with an operation manual. We go through life dealing with positive and negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions. As health and safety staff, youâre often called upon to be there for the company and injured workers.
The stress and anxiety stay with us and follows us whether we are at work or at home. How then can we improve our mental health while meeting the ever-increasing demands at work?
Why not ask one of Canadaâs highest rated clinical psychologists?
I introduce to you Dr. Monica Vermani.
0:00 - Introduction
4:35 - Key note speeches
11:27 â Understanding your symptoms
15:53 â Explaining maladaptive behaviors and how they hurt us
17:05 â Challenging our mental health struggles
19:00 â How the past affects the future you
20:19 â How do I talk to someone I think needs help
24:50 â The impact of past psychological trauma
26:20 â How are physical symptoms related to psychological issues
31:56 â Talking mental health symptoms and seeking help
35:50 â Where you want your life to be?
40:25 â Being well adjusted to a sick society is unhealthy
49:15 â When you canât change your situation, you must change yourself
55:28 â 4 Levels of Energy and how stress happens
61:00 â Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
64:10 â Getting assistance with your corporate wellness program
68:00 â Dr. Vermani Book â A Deeper Wellness (Must read!)
72:00 â Final thoughts
Who is Dr. Monica Vermani?
Dr. Vermani specializes in the treatment of trauma, stress, mood, and anxiety disorders. She is also a speaker, author, and mental health advocate. In 25 years of private practice, Dr. Vermani has treated thousands of patients through Supportive Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Breath-Body-Mind (BBM) practices, and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). She is the author of A Deeper Wellness and The PCMAD (Primary Care Mood and Anxiety Diagnoses): The Development of a Diagnostic Tool to Detect Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Depression.
She is the founder of Start Living Corporate Wellness, which offers game-changing corporate wellness initiatives that address the underlying mental health issues that impact individuals and groups, with a dynamic suite of customizable training and support to help keep employees engaged, productive, happy, and whole.
Her latest book, A Deeper Wellness, and its companion A Deeper Wellness Life Lessons online mental health program provides the tools to create a deep, authentic sense of wellness and well-being, take readers through the same tried and true multi-disciplinary approach to treatment that has been successful in creating incremental, meaningful change for hundreds of patients and groups.
She is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today, and has shared her expertise in a wide variety of media outlets, including Forbes, Business Insider, Oprah Daily, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Martha Stewart, Menâs Health, The List, Yahoo!Life, Daily OM, Parade Magazine, POPSUGAR, Parade, Vitamin Shoppe, CNN, NBC, CTV, CITY TV, Global TV, HIVE, Hamilton Today With Scott Thompson, and Radio-Canada, The Globe and Mail, Shondaland, HuffPost, Well and Good, and Fast Company. You can watch Think About It!, Dr. Vermaniâs recent TedX UofT TedTalk about understanding and conquering negative thinking and self-limiting narratives and beliefs, is available to view on YouTube.
Check out her website, drmonicavermani.com where you can register for her upcoming masterclass on Conquering Negative Thinking!
Resources discussed in this episode:
FREE Mental Health Exercise: https://www.drmonicavermani.com/workers Dr. Vermani Website - https://www.drmonicavermani.com/Dr. Vermani Corporate Wellness Solutions - https://www.mvstartliving.com/Link to purchase book: A Deeper Wellness - Anxiety | Book A Deeper Wellness Authors Page | TorontoContact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
Youâve been notified of a WCB claimâŠbut it was reported late. Your team hasnât done their jobs properly and now youâre missing information. The claim has flown off the rails and this isnât the first time.
There already isnât enough time in the day to do everything you need to and now this! As the pressure mounts, itâs easy to point the fingers at the people you count onâŠbut are they truly the ones to blame? Could it be they are results of a broken system.
Time to roll up your sleeves and put your hands in the mud to uncover whatâs really going on. But where do you even begin?
In this episode, Anthony will discuss just that! Including:
where to focus your attention, what the symptoms of broken system look like, and what you can do to bring it back to health.BONUS: Also included in this episode are Anthonyâs tips to help make you the one person your team can rely on when they need you the most.
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A major incident just happened. Now what?
This is a question most companies end up asking.
As this episode was released on Halloween it only made sense for my guest and I to discuss the fears that our clients have shared with us over our careers and how we help manage them.
My guest is a former crown prosecutor turned company defender helping organizations after fatalities and OHS charges have been laid against your company.
We will look at how human behavior impacts how we react when we learn about an incident, what we should and should not do, as well as the resources available to help you survive.
Youâll be amazed at how my guest takes you behind the scenes of an OHS incident and what he wants you to know but canât always say.
Promising to be a fun spin on a scary topic, get ready to take control of what scares you with this episode!
2:06 â Introduction of special guest
7:45 - What scares a lawyer?
9:39 â What alleviates a clientâs fear?
11:25 â WCB decision doesnât go your wayâŠnow what?
13:55 â Controlling your fear with evidence
18:05 â Why you call an OHS lawyer
20:40 â A lawyerâs guide to getting rid of fear after an incident
25:09 â Why youâre making the incident worse
28:40 â What stops a company from getting help?
34:01 â Financial incentives to getting help
37:46 â How to know what WCB / OHS is thinking
39:07 â Rules to surviving a major incident
46:57 â What questions should you ask someone who is going to help you
51:45 â How to convince my boss to get on board
55:25 â Top Gun Series
60:00 â Learning to address your own fears
About Christopher Spasoff
Christopher Spasoff is one of only a handful of lawyers with experience on both sides of the OH&S regulatory regime, having spent time as both an OH&S Crown Prosecutor and OH&S Defence Lawyer. Donât let the suit and tie fool you though. Sure, he knows his way around the courtroom, but itâs his experience in the field - ranging from the design and implementation of risk management plans, to boots-on-the-ground attendance at incident sites and active participation in the response, investigation, and preventative efforts that follow â that allows him to really understand the intangibles in this area.
Often sought out for his practical, easy-to-understand advice and common sense approach to problem solving, Christopher left the Crown in May 2014 to establish F2 LEGAL COUNSEL, where he now practices exclusively in the area of occupational health and safety.
Resources discussed in this episode:
https://f2legal.com/Top Gun of Safety Professional Series - https://f2legal.com/top-guns-of-safety-seriesContact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
A workers compensation appeal can be emotional and stressful. The decisions that are made on a WCB claim can affect so many people. What happens if you don't agree with a WCB decision? Is there something you can do?
Absolutely!
In this episode I'm going to share the first thing I do when I am thinking about appealing a workers comp claim.
This one act not only saves me time and reduces my stress...it gives me the information I need to make a really compelling case!
â
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
One of the biggest mistakes companies make with WCB claims is related to documentation. They often miss key information that can make a difference on a claim. This is often because of a poor WCB claim package. A set of documents that should be used each time someone reports an injury to protect your company from inflated claims costs.
In this episode I go over what a WCB claims package is, how to develop and then implement it in your company. This one episode can save you hours in unnecessary paperwork!
â
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
Seriously! What was WCB smoking when they made that decision? In this episode, Anthony Butkovic will discuss the 3 things WCB uses to make a decision on a claim. More importantly, what things you can do to help you control and influence a WCB claim decision.
Forget WCB lawyers. Forget what you think you don't know. If you want to appeal a WCB claim or question a WCB decision, then you MUST understand these 3 elements.
â
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
There is a catch phrase called âjourney to zero.â It means a companyâs dedication to zero lost time claims. That somehow this means they are safe. In this disruptive episode, I challenge the thought that lost time claims should be used as a measure of health and safety. More importantly, I discuss a better way to manage WCB lost time claims while ACTUALLY become more safe as a company.
When I launched my blog on this very topic, it ignited a heated debate on social media. Now I am brining the discussion to my podcast to let you decide who's right.
â
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified -
In this very first episode of Workers Comp Simplified Podcast youâll be introduced to your host and sought after WCB expert Anthony Butkovic. How he went from WCB case manager, to professional football coach, and now WCB expert for many of Canadaâs companies.
Heâll introduce you to the things that led him to create Canadaâs best WCB training programs for health and safety personnel and corporations. Youâll go behind the scenes and see how companies have been able to save millions of dollars using his employer focused WCB programs.
In addition, heâll go over the lessons he learned in professional sports that have helped companies improve their culture, build better safety teams, and truly take care of injured workers. The resultâŠhappier workforces that increase profits for companies.
â
Contact Anthony Butkovic | Workers Comp Simplified:
Website: WorkersCompSimplified.comLinkedIn: Workers Comp SimplifiedYouTube: Workers Comp Simplified - Show more
