Things you should know

Rating bureaus transitioning to three decimals for loss costs and rates

To achieve more precision in pricing, many workers' compensation rating bureaus are beginning to transition to three decimal places in their calculations and tables. As loss costs continue to decrease and payrolls rise, trend results in some class codes are being mathematically constrained by the two-decimal point approach. The change to three decimals can slightly affect the calculated premiums for employers, especially in situations with low loss costs.

Another study links temperature to comp claim frequency

Claim frequency increases modestly but consistently as temperatures climb, according to a new study by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). Starting around 50 degrees, there is about a one percent increase in injuries for every five-degree increase in temperature. Other findings include - more injuries on days when the high temperature is around freezing, precipitation leads to high claim frequency on freezing days, but lessens frequency on warm or hot days, and frequency is lowest on days between 40-60 degrees.

CMS releases updated Section 111 NGHP User Guide

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released an updated Section 111 NGHP User Guide (Version 7.7, October 7, 2024) regarding Section 111 reporting related to non-group health plans (NGHPs) - liability, no-fault and workers' compensation.

Using technology to address crane hazards: New report from NSC

The National Safety Council (NSC) has published a new report highlighting technology solutions that have the potential to reduce the risk of injury and death when working in and around cranes. Potential Technology Solutions to Address Hazards in the Crane Industry identifies 13 technologies with the potential to eliminate or mitigate risks within the crane industry.

Free calculator aimed at helping make the case for worker health programs

A new, free online tool is intended to help safety professionals make a stronger business case for employer investment in safety, health, and wellness programs. The Health Risk Calculator determines how employee health is associated with workers' compensation costs, as well as an organization's risk.

EPA updates resources on bilingual pesticide labeling

The Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 requires pesticide manufacturers to translate safety and health information on product labels into Spanish by December 29, 2025. EPA's resources include Spanish translation guides and information on compliance deadlines and exceptions.

App that tracks wildfire smoke and activity gets an update

To help protect workers from wildfire smoke, the EPA and U.S. Forest Service have updated the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map mobile app. Additions include air quality monitoring information on coarse particle pollution and ozone, as well as info on individual fire activity, when available.

Long-COVID educational pamphlet

The New York State Insurance Fund, the state's largest not-for-profit workers' compensation insurer, has published a pamphlet about Long-COVID and the strategies to support workers who have or care for someone with the condition.

CSB addresses simultaneous operations in new video on deadly chemical release

A new video from the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) addresses the events that triggered a November 2020 deadly chemical release at the Wacker Polysilicon North American facility in Charleston, TN.

New video from NATE: pre-job planning

The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association explores updates to the American National Standards Institute / American Society of Safety Professionals A10.48-2023 voluntary standard covering pre-job planning in a new video.

State News

California

• The Workers' Compensation Institute (CWCI) reported that a nearly eightfold increase in migraine drug prescriptions coincided with the emergence of several high-cost drugs that are not included in the state's formulary. The migraine drugs' share of the workers comp drug spend rose from 0.6% in 2018 to 4.7 percent last year, even though migraine drugs represented only 0.7 percent of prescriptions filled.
• The CWCI reports declines in opioid use among injured workers exceeded the decline among the overall population from 2017 to 2023.
• The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau has released a report on long-COVID claims.

Massachusetts

• The maximum weekly work comp rate increased moderately to the state'saverage weekly wage (SAWW) - $1,829.13 from $1,796.72. The minimum rate is $365.83.

Minnesota

• The September/October issue of Compact, the quarterly publication of the Department of Labor and Industry's Workers' Compensation Division is available. It includes information on rulemaking, new benefits, provider fee levels, trends, and more.

New York

• Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a 22 percent drop in the workers comp assessment rate from 9.2 percent in 2024 to 7.1 percent effective January 1, 2025.
• The New York City Department of Buildings released a safety advisory on excavation and trench work.