ICW Group Insurance Cos. launched a nurse triage hotline for its workers’ compensation policyholders that it said will give injured workers immediate, around-the-clock access to English- and Spanish-speaking nurses who specialize in treating non-emergency workplace injuries.

Nurses will use clinical guidelines to assess injuries and provide recommendations on the types of medical care an employee needs, ICW Group said in a statement.

“When a workplace injury occurs, the initial response is critical to make sure an employee’s injury is properly addressed,” said Amanda Granger, senior vice president, work comp claims. “This initial assessment not only provides immediate care and treatment guidance for employees, but it also provides cost savings to the employer by mitigating unnecessary emergency room expenses and preventing minor injuries from turning into major claims.”

In addition to taking care of the injured worker, ICW Group said the hotline can also streamline the claims process.

Within 15 minutes of calling the nurse triage hotline, policyholders will receive a detailed summary of the injured worker’s visit, and a claim will be opened.

The hotline also offers the ability to share pictures of cuts and burns to allow a nurse to determine if a visit to the doctor is needed or if the injury can be self-treated.