Workers' Comp

Early Mental Health Support Can Cut Workers’ Comp Claim Duration by 70%: Sedgwick

Although mental health claims make up less than 2% of workers’ comp cases, they can triple claim duration, but early behavioral health intervention offers a powerful solution, dramatically improving recovery timelines and return-to-work outcomes.

Fall Protection Remains a Top Priority for the Construction Industry: Nationwide

COVID-19 Infection Compensable for Essential Utility Worker

Workers’ Comp ERP Changes Reinforce the Value of Proactive Risk Mitigation

Empowering Frontline Risk Professionals to Address Compliance Challenges

Recently in Workers' Comp

Insights From a Veteran Claims Manager

A 40-year industry veteran offers a reminder that the injured worker must be kept at the forefront of the workers’ comp system.

Light Duty Programs May Extend to Pregnant Workers

Employers may be legally required to open their workers’ comp light duty programs to pregnant workers.

Sub-par Compliance With Opioid Guidelines

Physicians are not monitoring their patients’ opioid prescriptions closely enough, but PBMs can push guideline adherence.

Fate of Two Comp Alternatives Lies With Courts

In the first two states to wrestle with questions of allowing employers to opt out of the federal workers comp system, uphill battles remain.

Risks of Hearing Loss Remain Flat, With Exceptions

The risk of workplace hearing loss has remained steady for decades, but more needs to be done in high-risk industries such as construction and mining.

Can Injured Temp Sue Second Employer for Negligence?

An employer seeks immunity from tort liability after a temporary employee blames his injury on the company’s negligence.

Regulatory Review

A round-up of nationwide regulatory changes affecting the workers’ compensation industry.

Seatbelt Noncompliance Linked to Other Unsafe Actions

The CDC is calling on employers and government agencies to address the lagging level of seat belt compliance among truck drivers.

Want Better Outcomes? Use the Right Tools for the Job

Liberty Mutual’s new medical director says experience plus the rights tools equal superior claims outcomes.

Workers’ Comp Docket

Significant workers’ comp legal decisions from around the country.

Solid Substance Abuse Program Can Combat Legal, Safety Issues

Organizations need to develop and implement clear and defensible substance abuse programs to keep abusers from putting themselves and others at risk.

Closed Formulary Warrants Careful Consideration

California lawmakers are being cautioned to proceed carefully before instituting a closed pharmaceutical formulary.

Compounds Drove Drug Spend in 2014

A new report says health care payers last year confronted a “seismic change” in the pharmacy landscape in 2014.

Short-Acting Opioids Decrease Risk of Overdose

A new study concludes that injured workers are at significantly higher risk for unintentional overdose when prescribed long-acting opioids.

Study: Costs Vary Widely for Hospital Outpatient Surgeries

A WCRI study shows that states with cost-to-charge ratio fee regulations or fixed fee schedules see lower payments and slower growth of increased payments compared to other states.

Early Case Management Speeds RTW, Report Says

According to a recent study, early case management was found to be a critical element of a successful RTW outcome.

Experts: Treat Addiction to Mitigate Opioid Crisis

A new study says the focus needs to change from addressing the nonmedical use of painkillers to preventing and treating addiction.

Regulatory Review

A round-up of nationwide regulatory changes affecting the workers’ compensation industry.

ACA Could Drive Claims to Workers’ Comp

Accountable care organizations have financial incentives to classify injuries as work-related.

Developing a Loss Prevention Program

Management commitment to a loss control program is a fundamental element.