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NCCI filing on expiration of COVID-related rules

NCCI issued a new filing to all their states which places an expiration date on the special rules that were created in 2020. If approved by the state these rules will no longer apply for policies effective on or after 7/1/23:

  1. The rules allowing for the exclusion of paid furlough pay because of government shutdowns will be removed. The impact of this is likely to be minimal because government shutdowns no longer exist.
  2. The rules excluding paid virus claims from the experience mod will be removed. For policies effective on or after 7/1/23, any paid virus claims will be included on the experience mod.

This change is not retroactive. This only impacts payroll and claims for policies effective on or after 7/1/23.



Psychosocial issues related to injuries in construction often overlooked

A recent post in a CDC blog notes that psychological issues are often overlooked as factors in the high injury rates in construction. "Working conditions such as high demands, low control over work tasks, lack of support from a supervisor or coworkers, and job dissatisfaction are all examples of negative psychosocial factors that can cause adverse health effects," the authors wrote.



Mental health resources and training 'underutilized' in civil construction industry: report

Leaders and workers in the civil construction industry lack training and resources on addressing and promoting mental health, according to a recent report published by Dodge Data & Analytics. Just 15 percent of the contractors indicated their organizations offer training for leadership on the importance of mental health, manager/supervisor training on addressing mental health issues, and recognizing warning signs for suicide.



NCCI report addresses labor market and impact of immigration

NCCI's newly released Quarterly Economics Briefing - Q4 2022 addresses the critical issues impacting the US labor market and the impact of immigration on the reduced labor force.



New resources from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)



NSC releases free first aid mobile app

The National Safety Council (NSC) has launched an app, The First Aid, CPR & AED Reference Guide, designed to help save lives by providing timely and proper medical assistance.



Positive drug tests up for commercial vehicle drivers

Commercial drivers tested positive for delta-9 THC, the ingredient in cannabis that causes a psychotropic 'high,' 40,916 times in 2022, up from 29,511 in 2020 and 31,085 in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse December 2022 report. Commercial drivers tested positive for cocaine 10,953 times in 2022 and methamphetamine 5,569 times.



New safety video shows dangers of having passengers on forklifts

A forklift safety video produced by the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia details an incident in which a young worker at a rebar manufacturing facility was seriously injured after falling off and being run over by a forklift while riding on the side of the equipment.



Mercer report on COVID-19 paid leave requirements

Fewer states and localities have requirements that employers give paid leave to workers, but some still do. Mercer provides an update.



New research on importance of EHS software, mobile applications

A report from the NSC Work to Zero initiative outlines how employers can use environment, health, and safety software and mobile applications to enhance their safety operations to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.



Role of workplace in substance abuse recovery issues

A recent NIOSH blog addresses how a workplace can expose employees to risk factors for substance misuse and substance use disorder (SUD), provides examples of workplace recovery support, and what steps employers can take to promote SUD recovery efforts.



Unpredictable work schedules have negative affect on service sector workers and families

A recent report authored by researchers at The Shift Project, based at the Harvard Kennedy School at the request of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), titled "Working in the Service Sector in Michigan," sheds light on the adverse effects of unpredictable scheduling practices in the workplace.



Long COVID reduces workforce participation

A survey-based study of more than 15,000 people with prior COVID-19, published in JAMA Network Open, found that those with self-reported long COVID symptoms were more likely to be unemployed or experiencing cognitive symptoms that interfere with the ability to work. The author previously reported that about one million individuals aren't in the workforce "at any given time" because of related symptoms.



Roughly half of U.S. employees shift back to the workplace

For the first time since the pandemic shutdowns, the business consultancy Kastle has reported that 50 percent or more workers in the U.S. have returned to the office.Tuesday is the busiest day of the week for office occupancy, while everybody tends to disappear on Fridays.



High BMI levels increase costs and levels of disability

According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open higher body mass index or BMI levels could directly contribute to higher costs and levels of disability for musculoskeletal disorders, as well as productivity losses.



Third edition of Safety Professionals Handbook published

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) published the third edition of the "Safety Professionals Handbook," which present the latest research, ideas, and practical applications in occupational and environmental health and safety.



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