Labor Management Safety Oversight Committee
The CAL SMACNA / SMWIA LMSOC Workers' Compensation ADR Program is overseen by the CAL SMACNA / SMWIA Labor Management Safety Oversight Committee (LMSOC). The LMSOC is comprised of a balanced board of union and management members, similar to the union health and welfare and pension plans.
Among other responsibilities, the LMSOC approves the lists of doctors and other vendors eligible to provide services to injured SMWIA members. Additionally, the LMSOC engages the services of the ombudsman, mediators, and arbitrators to assist in answering injured workers' questions and resolving disputes.
Office of the Ombudsman
Hopefully your workers’ compensation claim will go smoothly and you will be satisfied with the services you receive. However, if at any time you have an unresolved issue with the insurance claims adjuster, or if you do not feel comfortable with what is being done, or if you have a question about your ADR Program, simply contact the Office of the Ombudsman. The word "ombudsman" is Scandinavian in origin and generally means one who investigates complaints, reports findings, and helps to achieve fair settlements (AOE, 2019, para. 14).
Medical Care
Your alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program is designed to deliver high quality medical care and other workers' compensation benefits much faster, providing access to an impartial expert for information on issues that pertain to resolving your workers' compensation claim.
The LMSOC is very concerned that you obtain benefits for which you are entitled and that you receive the quality medical care which will assist in returning you to your employment at the earliest possible time.
Prior to sustaining an injury, you may pre-designate your own doctor to treat you in case of a work injury. If you become unhappy with the medical treatment you are receiving, contact your insurance claim adjuster directly or the Office of the Ombudsman because you may be able to change from one treating doctor to another under certain circumstances (AOE, 1999, p. 2; AOE, 2004, p. 9).
Need Help?
You may find general information by viewing answers to frequently asked questions. Specific information and forms pertaining to this ADR Program are available through online access. Also, you may contact the Office of the Ombudsman if you have any questions regarding your Workers' Compensation ADR Program, your medical services, or anything else related to your work injury claim.
References
American Ombudsman Enterprises. (1999). SMWIA local unions and the chapters of CAL SMACNA workers' compensation alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") agreement. Anaheim, CA: Author.
American Ombudsman Enterprises. (2004). Rules of the CAL SMACNA / SMWIA LMSOC workers' compensation alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program. Anaheim, CA: Author.
American Ombudsman Enterprises. (2019). Your collectively bargained workers' compensation alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program: CAL SMACNA / SMWIA LMSOC Workers' Compensation ADR Program [Brochure]. Anaheim, CA: Author.
