Things you should know
Return to work more likely with less-invasive back surgery
A recent study of 364 Ohio workers diagnosed with degenerative spinal stenosis who underwent back surgery found that those who underwent primary decompression, a surgical procedure to alleviate pain caused by pinched nerves, had higher return to work rates than those who had the more-invasive, more-expensive fusion surgery. The study was published in July's Spine medical journal.
Ohio adopts rule requiring initial conservative back treatment
The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation's new spinal fusion rule requires workers to first undergo at least 60 days of comprehensive conservative care, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care and rest, anti-inflammatories, ice and other non-surgical treatments before lumbar surgery. Conditions that require immediate intervention, such as spinal fractures, tumors, infections and functional neurological deficits, are exceptions to the rule.
DOL will again issue opinion letters on FMLA, FLSA and other laws
The U.S. Department of Labor will again issue opinion letters to assist employers and employees in interpreting laws like the FMLA and Fair Labor Standards Act. The DOL has established a new webpage to submit requests for opinion letters and to review old opinion letters.
New I-9s must be used beginning Sept. 18, 2017
USCIS released a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, on July 17. Employers can use this revised version or continue using Form I-9 with a revision date of 11/14/16 N through Sept. 17. On Sept. 18, employers must use the revised form with a revision date of 07/17/17 N. Employers must continue following existing storage and retention rules for any previously completed Form I-9. Changes to the form are considered minor.
Free safe driving kit from National Safety Council
The Safe Driving Kit, sponsored by Wheels, Inc., aims to create safer roads and protect employees through multi-media resources and engaging materials. The kit addresses the key contributors to car crashes, including distraction, alcohol, other drugs, fatigue and seatbelt use. It also brings attention to lifesaving technology that helps prevent crashes.
Workers' comp making more progress in reducing opioid prescriptions
According to research released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average days' supply per opioid prescription increased from 13 days in 2006 to almost 18 days in 2015. Meanwhile, nearly half of the states included in a study of opioid prescribing in workers' compensation cases have seen reductions in the frequency and strength of opioids given to injured workers, according to a study released in June by the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Workers Compensation Research Institute.
More than 1,000 unsafe CMVs pulled from service during 'Operation Airbrake'
Brake violations prompted the removal of 1,146 commercial motor vehicles from service as part of a recent unannounced, single-day inspection blitz across the United States and Canada on May 3. According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), 12 percent of CMVs inspected were taken out of service for brake violations, and 21 percent were removed for other violations.
More than half of workers aren't trained on first aid, CPR: survey
About 10,000 cardiac arrest situations occur in the workplace each year, yet only 45 percent of U.S. employees have been trained in first aid - and only 50 percent of workers know where to find an automated external defibrillator - according to the results of a survey recently conducted by the American Heart Association.
'Sleeping in' on weekends may be bad for your health: study
Going to bed later and waking up later on weekends than during the week - also known as social jet lag - may be linked to poor health and higher levels of sleepiness and fatigue, according to the preliminary results of a study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona. Results showed each hour of social jet lag was linked to an 11.1 percent increase in the chances of developing heart disease. In addition, participants who experienced social jet lag were 28.3 percent more likely to report their health as "fair/poor." The study abstract was published in an online supplement to the journal Sleep.
Safety measures lacking on plastic injection molding machines, peripheral equipment: study
Factories with plastic injection molding machines that interact with peripheral equipment - such as robots or conveyors - could do more to improve safety, Canadian scientific research organization IRSST concluded in a recent study. The study was published in May along with a technical guide.
State news
New rule requires preauthorization of all compounds, regardless of price - Florida
- To clear up a "misunderstanding" among stakeholders, the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation has clarified that all compounded drugs, regardless of cost, are now subject to preauthorization.
Legislators pass budget without workers' comp reform - Illinois
- While the state faces one of the highest workers' compensation insurance rates in the country, legislators were unable to reach a consensus on reforms.
Prescription drug monitoring program implemented - Missouri
- Missouri was the only state that lacked a prescription drug-monitoring program prior to last month when the governor signed an executive order directing the Department of Health and Senior Services to create a prescription drug-monitoring program.
Workers' comp rules tightened - Missouri
- The new legislation redefines "maximum medical improvement (MMI)" as the point when the condition of an injured employee can no longer improve, and bans any claims for benefits beyond that time period. It also puts more emphasis on the employee proving an employer discriminated against them after they filed a workers' compensation case.
4.5% decrease in workers' comp for businesses - New York
- The New York Department of Financial Services has approved the 4.5% workers compensation premium rate decrease recommended by the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board effective Oct. 1.