Workers' Compensation

Workers' Compensation Has a Drug Problem- Summer 2009 - Vol. 21, No. 2 - available PDF file

It’s surprising to learn that the cost of prescription drugs consumes the largest portion of the workers’ compensation dollar—more than any other medical service.

Workers' Comp Steamrolls Industry - And You Thought Healthcare Insurance Was Out of Control! - Fall 2007-Vol.19, No.2 - available PDF file

For five consecutive years, workers’ compensation premiums for employers in the U.S. have risen at rates faster than employee benefits and medical care.

Use of the prescription pain medicine OxyContin in treating on-the-job injuries is coming under scrutiny as policy makers and insurers weigh the drug’s benefits against its potential misuse. This analysis explores the prolific use of the drug and the impact on workers’ comp claims.

A state report card published by the Work Loss Data Institute that rates the effectiveness of individual states and territories in limiting the number of workplace injuries and illnesses. The eight states and territories that flunked may be unexpected.

In the wake of September 11, workers’ compensation insurers are attempting to raise rates to cover future and potential losses from terrorist acts.

State-to-state comparison of worker compensation costs based on “Loss Cost”. Loss Cost represents the expected benefits that insurers pay per $100 of payroll.

National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) data on the most costly lost-time workers’ compensation claims by type of bodily injury. Head injuries lead the pack at $21,601 per claim.

The AM Best Company 1997 Annual Workers’ Compensation Insurance Market Annual Report states that workers compensation premiums continue to decline. Increased competition among insurance providers, large deductible policies, and state reform programs are the primary reasons. Presented is a state-by-state comparison of rate changes.

A state-by state ranking and comparison of 5 years’ data on workers compensation costs.

According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), the economic upturn has increased the level of worker’s compensation claims.

A 1994 state of Oregon study explores the difference between Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) perceptions and reality, citing data on the incidence of CTS by type of employment.

A state-by-state comparison of the percentage of companies in workers compensation assigned risk pool coverage.

As medical costs continue to rise, the emergence of HMO’s has allowed many companies to better control medical costs. However, a study suggests that HMO’s actually increase worker’s compensation costs due to their higher propensity to classify claims as compensable under workers compensation, since they make more money that way.

A state-by-state comparison of workers compensation cash indemnity and medical payments per employee

Workers' compensation costs are expensive and states want to launch reforms emulating Oregon’s cost improvement plan. Oregon’s focus: health and safety in the workplace, which brought about promising results and a 30% decline in worker’s compensation premiums.

The new syndrome is known as cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) attributable to jobs of a repetitive nature, such as data entry. As a result, CTD could escalate worker’s compensation claims and become a rallying cry for organized labor.

Having employees use seat belts is a low cost way to effect significant reductions in workers compensation claims. The 320,000+ on-the-job vehicle accidents annually account for over one third of all workers comp costs.