work comp

May 7, 2021

Benefits of a Stretch and Flex Program

Sprains, strains and musculoskeletal disorders can result from lifting injuries, being hit by fallen objects or even a simple misstep. Protect yourself and others from these painful injuries by always practicing safety on the job.
June 1, 2017

FMLA and Workers’ Compensation – Common Questions Answered

FMLA and Workers’ Compensation – Common Questions Answered The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state workers’ compensation laws may both cover an employee who suffers a serious health condition while on the job. The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued revised regulations that implement the FMLA. Though the interplay between the FMLA and workers’ compensation leaves was addressed within those regulations, a number of DOL letter rulings have also clarified the interaction of these laws. Does FMLA leave run concurrently with a workers’ compensation absence? The employee’s FMLA leave entitlement may run concurrently with a workers’ compensation absence when the injury is one that meets the criteria for a “serious health condition.” Thus, an employee could receive workers’ compensation benefits to replace lost wages, while at the same time having health benefits maintained under the FMLA. However, if appropriate, the employer must be sure to designate this leave as FMLA-qualifying leave and must give notice of the […]
January 13, 2016

Understanding Work Comp Can Help You Lower Costs

Control Workers’ Compensation Costs Understanding how it works could save you money: For many companies, workers’ compensation insurance is a necessary evil that is often ignored and left uncontrolled. It is viewed as a commodity which is a mistake. By ignoring this major business expense, you may experience increased premiums or the inability to obtain a policy from a standard carrier. The resulting financial impact on your business could include price increases to consumers, the inability to offer competitive wages, or a reduction in operations. To control your costs, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what workers’ compensation is and what role you play in the process. It also helps to work with a broker that has the knowledge, tools and resources to help you improve your work comp program. A No-Fault System Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system established under individual state law that provides medical and wage loss payment to employees injured in the course and […]
December 30, 2015

Current State Of The Work Comp Market: Turbulence

Every year, Stephen Klingel, president and CEO of the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (NCCI), chooses one word to define the current state of the workers’ compensation industry. This year, that word is Turbulence. It’s a word that does not emote confidence; rather, it conveys turmoil, unrest, and instability. Not comforting for employers. Speaking at NCCI’s 2015 Issues Symposium in May, Mr. Klingel noted: Lost time claims decreased an estimated 2% in 2014, which is a smaller decrease than the 2.9% reported in 2013. “Our industry runs in cycles.Watch for upward pressure on claim frequency from new workers in unfamiliar jobs.” The workers’ compensation sector should prepare for “difficult times” as “workplaces and the workforce evolve.” “We are going to see employee relationships with no defined workplace or work schedule. This will lead us to develop new definitions of injuries and complicate investigations into course and scope of employment. Determining whether a person is an employee or an independent […]
August 19, 2011

Big Changes Coming For Your Ex Mod Factor

NCCI has recently announced some news that will have an impact on how your NCCI experience modification factors are calculated. For the first time since 1993 NCCI will be adjusting the Spilt Point. Remember, the experience rating modification is affected by small losses more than by large ones because small losses are more frequent and predictable than large losses. The portions of all losses that are $5,000 (split point) or less, which are termed “primary losses”, have the greatest influence in determining the experience modification. Losses in excess of $5,000 go into the “excess losses”.     Every loss is divided into a primary and excess portion. Since small losses – those less than the split point – have NO excess value, primary losses work as an indicator of loss frequency. For example, three $3,000 losses yields $9,000 in primary and $0 in excess. Since large losses – those over the split point – always generate some excess value, they work as […]