Things you should know

Heat-related injuries double when temps rise to 80-85 degrees

In a recent webinar the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) shared research on the connection between high heat and workplace injuries. Heat-related workplace injuries double when temperatures rise to just 80 or 85 degrees Fahrenheit and increase more than sevenfold when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Men and young workers are at greatest risk. More information.

NSC and AIHA offering webinar series on heat

The National Safety Council (NSC) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) are offering a three-part webinar series that will explore the risk factors of heat stress, importance of proactive mitigation, emerging technologies, and common barriers employers face. To register.

Sun Life and Travelers release reports on claim trends in comp

Sun Life: High-cost health claims (over $1M) jumped 29 percent in the past year and 61 percent over four years, with cancer leading the surge and nearly 90 percent of self-funded employers hit by catastrophic expenses. There are also more severe claims with costs over $3M. Full report.

Travelers: First-year employees accounted for approximately 36 percent of injuries and 34 percent of overall claim costs during the last five years, both up 2 percent from the previous five years. From 2020 through 2024, employees missed an average of 80 workdays per injury - an increase of more than seven days compared to the previous five-year period. Injured employees aged 60 and above were out of work for nearly 97 days, an increase of 14 days from pre-pandemic years. Full report, which includes industry data.

CPWR fact sheet on cut-off saws in construction

The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), with support from NIOSH's National Occupational Research Agenda Construction Sector Council's Struck-By Work Group, developed the resource for the frequently used tool after analyzing OSHA fatality inspection data. The fact sheet includes best practices for the safe use of cut-off saws.

WCMSA life expectancy table

CMS is now using CDC's "Table 1: Life Table for the total population: United States, 2022" for the Workers' Compensation Medicare Set Aside life expectancy calculations.

Study finds worksite health centers yield significant ROI

Having an employer-sponsored health clinic at or near the workplace results in fewer missed workdays, increased productivity, and significant healthcare savings for employers, a recent research review shows. The biggest factors on ROI included larger company size, greater use of services and longer duration of health center operations.

NTSB releases Safer Seas Digest 2024

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released Safer Seas Digest 2024, summarizing critical findings and safety lessons from 34 major marine casualties investigated in 2023. The annual report aims to improve marine safety practices.

COVID court decisions

In Mehmedovic et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc. et al., the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that families of four Tyson Foods Inc. meat processing workers who died in 2020 after contracting COVID-19 during a workplace outbreak can sue plant officials but not the company. While the worker comp law bars tort claims against employers, it allows tort claims against executives and supervisors when there is sufficient evidence for gross negligence.

In Brittany Foster v. Primecare Medical of West Virginia, Inc., the state Supreme Court overturned the Court of Appeals. It ruled that a nurse contracted COVID-19 in her work treating patients in prison, establishing compensability for an illness that resulted in a 15-day hospital stay and Long-COVID. It said the appeals court relied too heavily on a risk assessment study of her job vis-a-vis outside risks, rather than the medical facts.

NOAA predicts above-normal hurricane season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts higher-than-average hurricane activity this year in the Atlantic basin, with as many as five storms potentially becoming major hurricanes.

The forecast of a 60 percent chance of an "above-normal" Atlantic hurricane season includes:

• 13 to 19 named storms (39 mph winds or higher)
• Six to 10 hurricanes (74 mph winds or higher)
• Three to five major hurricanes (111 mph winds or higher)

OSHA stresses the need for employers to have a comprehensive evacuation plan.

State News

California

• Effective July 1, 2025, domestic workers performing household tasks permanently or temporarily will fall under the state's occupational health and safety standards. Excluded are domestic service workers directly employed by private individuals in their own residences to perform "ordinary domestic household tasks" and those working under publicly funded programs or in family daycare homes.
• A report from the Workers' Compensation Institute (CWCI) shows cases of long COVID account for a disproportionate share of costs among claims for COVID-19.
• CWCI reports that Independent Reviews are trending up, but denials remain close to 90 percent.
• CWCI is holding its annual case law program Sept. 9. More information.

Massachusetts

• The Division of Insurance (DOI) is eliminating outdated requirements, such as mandating paper filings and submissions on computer discs, and virtual hearings will allow interested parties to participate in matters regarding rate filings.

Minnesota

• Governor Tim Walz signed legislation May 22, enacting statutory amendments recommended by the Workers'Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) during the 2025 legislative session. WCAC is a statutory council comprised of representatives from business and organized labor. For a summary and full text of the changes.
• The June issue of Compact, the quarterly electronic publication of the Department of Labor and Industry's Workers' Compensation Division, includes information on law changes, staff updates, events and training, data and reports, provider participation lists, and more.
• Campus Connect newsletter includes information on updates to registration of workers' compensation rehabilitation providers, change of QRC links for general users, and other helpful information regarding workers comp.

Virginia

• Effective July 1, hospitals are required to establish a workplace violence incident reporting system to document, track, and analyze any incident of workplace violence reported.

Wisconsin

• Governor Evers signed Assembly Bill 269, which addresses benefits for gig workers, such as Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash drivers. The bill specifies the conditions that must be met for such workers to maintain independent contractor status. It also establishes a system where companies can contribute to a portable benefits account for their drivers, which can be used for health insurance, retirement savings, and other benefits.