Workers’ Compensation

April 11, 2023

How Does Nebraska Bill 272 Affect Workers’ Compensation

Tom Champoux, President and Risk Consultant, provided testimony in opposition to LB 272 on behalf of Nebraskans for Workers' Compensation Equity and Fairness and the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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.
February 25, 2021

OSHA Electronic Reports are Due March 2

March 2 - Employers subject to the electronic reporting requirement must submit their electronic reports using the ITA.
February 12, 2021

6 Work Comp Trends to Monitor in 2021

To ensure a successful program, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest workers’ compensation trends. Here are 6 workers’ compensation trends to watch in 2021.
July 22, 2020

COVID-19 and Workers’ Compensation

Three frequently asked questions on the impact of COVID-19 and Work Comp.
March 15, 2019

The Daunting Challenge of Maintaining A Drug-Free Workplace

With a national opioid crisis that defies holistic solutions, the legalization of medicinal marijuana in more than 30 states and recreational marijuana in 10 states, increases in deadly overdoses in the workplace, changing state laws, confusion over OSHA’s anti-retaliatory drug testing rule, and concerns about medical privacy, no employer should think they are immune to the problem. In fact, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), 15.6% of American workers live with a substance disorder and The Hartford reports that 64% of HR professionals are ill-prepared to help a worker with an opioid addiction. These factors, coupled with a tight labor market and low unemployment, have led some employers to soften zero-tolerance policies for jobs where safety is not critical and there is a low risk of injury or error. The decision to relax zero-tolerance policies requires buy-in from company leadership and supervisors as well as serious evaluation of the consequences. Although the legalization of marijuana exponentially increases the complexity […]
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 […]
June 2, 2016

Are Your Work Comp Claims Properly Monitored?

March 16, 2016

Major Issues Facing the Workers’ Compensation Industry

Each year, the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. publishes a report that examines some of the major issues affecting the industry. It is a compilation of articles by industry specialists that offer valuable insights into Workers’ Compensation issues facing employers and other stakeholders. Here is a brief overview of what you will find: I. Industry Outlook An article by Stephen J. Klingel, CPCU, WCP, president and chief executive officer of NCCI is cautious about expressing a positive industry outlook for the months ahead. “While most indicators show continued improvement, it’s important to note that the combined ratio remains too high, and achieving an adequate return remains a challenge. These factors, along with the overhanging shadow of the potential loss of the terrorism backstop, add a note of caution to what might otherwise be a relatively optimistic outlook.” Peter M. Burton, CPCU, AU NCCI Senior Division Executive, State Relations gives a snapshot view of the legislative and regulatory outlook for […]