Things you should know

Study: Correlation between heat index exceeding 90° F and comp claim costs for lost wages

A recent study of North Carolina workers by the Natural Resources Defense Council shows the longer the heat index remains above 90° F, the more employers may pay in workers' compensation costs for missed workdays. The study focused on four industries - agriculture, construction and erection, cartage and trucking, and commercial enterprises. The correlation "was notably strong" in cartage and trucking.

New app focuses on disaster response and cleanup safety

The National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training partnered with CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training to develop the Disaster Tools app, which provides centralized, on-the-go access to health and safety training tools for workers involved in disaster response and cleanup activities. The app is available for download on Apple iOS and Android devices. A user guide walks users through the download process.

New video spotlights harness inspection safety

A damaged harness can be the difference between a near-miss incident and a catastrophic fall when working at height. The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association has published a video tutorial to help guide workers through the inspection process, from reviewing the manufacturer's instructions to inspecting the straps and stitching, checking the deployment indicators, and examining buckles and grommets.

Study: Construction workers at significant risk of developing occupational lung disease

A lung disease that involves a restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) due to exposure to hazardous materials is putting construction workers at risk according to a study published by the American Journal of Industrial Medicine. The researchers discovered that 28.6 percent of 18,145 participating construction workers developed RSP. Results showed those with RSP were at an increased risk of all-cause death, and death from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and lung cancer.

Workers were classified into 16 different construction trade groups. Asbestos workers had the highest prevalence of RSP at 35.3 percent, followed by teamsters (truck drivers) at 32.9 percent, and boilermakers ranked third at 31.2 percent.

NIOSH releases dump truck safety guidance

Newly released guidance from NIOSH focuses on protecting workers who operate dump trucks or work nearby in the construction and extraction industries and outlines the steps to take when planning and preparing a construction project. It also includes additional guidance on the use of new technologies, training, and personal protective equipment.

NIOSH document on self-escape plans for underground coal miners

A new NIOSH document offers guidance on nine core competency areas and related training topics to help underground coal miners be prepared for emergency escape.

Studies on drug trends in workers comp

While opioids continue to decline in comp, prescriptions to manage opioid dependency and possible overdose were up 11 percent in 2022, according to a report released by Enlyte LLC. An examination of workers compensation pharmacy data showed a 1.06 percent increase in drug prices for injured workers between May 2020 and May 2023, according to a white paper released by MyMatrixx. The increases are far below the inflation rate. Specialty drugs account for 0.7 percent of volume but seven percent of cost.

Study: Telehealth's effectiveness in reducing costs depends on type of disease

A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that telehealth did not reduce costs or the number of future visits for patients with circulatory, respiratory, or infectious diseases. Telehealth tools were effective at treating behavioral health conditions, metabolic disorders, dermatology, and musculoskeletal disorders.

State News

California

• The workers comp benchmark rate is $1.46 per $100 of payroll, a decline of 2.6 percent from last year and lower than the WCRIB recommended rate, reports the Department of Insurance (CDI). The new rate will go into effect in September 2023.
• The WCRIB released an update on the impact of COVID on workers comp claims and the prevalence of Long-COVID.
• Part III of the Workers' Compensation Institute's (CWCI) research series on low-volume/high-cost drugs used to treat injured workers highlights three musculoskeletal drugs and three ulcer drugs.

Florida

• A new law, SB170, is designed to ensure that state law pre-empts city and county ordinances, including minimum wage and workplace health and safety rules. It takes effect Oct.1.

Georgia

• House Bill 383, known as the Safer Hospitals Act, increases the penalties for assaults against healthcare workers on the job and allows hospitals to establish their police force, known as "peace officers."

Massachusetts

• The City of Boston adopted a new construction safety ordinance, which goes into effect December 2. The three key elements are detailed site safety plan requirements, free training and education, and ramped-up enforcement. The city is planning quarterly orientation sessions for contractors to learn about the ordinance, available resources, and how to comply.

Minnesota

• The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) announced that its compliance, records, and training officers changed the method of sending requests for information to claims administrators July 17. Requests no longer will be sent through Work Comp Campus but will be sent directly via encrypted email.
• The DLI reminds interested parties that several legislative changes to workers compensation laws went into effect Aug. 1, 2023. Legislative summary.

Missouri

• Gov. Parsons signed Senate Bill 24, which significantly expands workers comp benefits for first responders with PTSD.

New York

• The Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) posted guidance on disputing telehealth payments. Services should be reimbursed unless they are explicitly precluded by regulation, such as an initial visit with a provider or visits to assess permanent impairment.
• The WCB announced that it will stop accepting discs of video evidence and will require submissions on USB flash drives.