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workers compensation

California, are Workers’ Comp Rates Too High?

Most of us would probably answer “yes” to that question. But it might help to put things in perspective by pointing out that the average rate per $100 of payroll has fallen from $6.11 in 2004 to $2.44 in 2010: Meanwhile, claims costs have increased 50% in that same period: Another summary shows the statewide insurer combined ratio year by year. You can see that the ratios have risen sharply in each of the past four years, reaching levels of significant unprofitability in 2008 and 2009 (the most recent years available): Industry combined ratios are revealing unsustainable trends. Combined ratios climbed… Read More »California, are Workers’ Comp Rates Too High?

What is Return to Work Program

Numerous studies have shown that injured employees recover faster when they return to work. In addition, their return can decrease claims expenses, limit downtime, and eliminate the need for additional staff. A well-planned Return to Work (RTW) program can help bring your injured employee safely back to work as early as possible in a modified or transitional position. You gradually adjust the transitional job to accommodate the employee’s improving physical condition until they can return to their usual duties. You reduce your costs. Your employee can return to a self-supporting status. Everybody benefits.  Doesn’t that make good sense? If you have… Read More »What is Return to Work Program

How to verify Employers Insurance in California

The California Office of Administrative Law has approved new regulations for creating a Web site that will allow people to verify employers have workers’ compensation insurance coverage, and for employers to dispute with the rating organization or the employer’s insurance company incorrect information displayed on the Web site. Policy numbers will not be disclosed on the Web site. The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau will create the Web site. The regulations will take effect on March 12. Check back later for the website address.  

Workers Comp Guide For Business Owners

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has introduced an e-learning guide designed to clarify and simplify workers’ compensation insurance. The Hartford developed the new online resource for business owners and others involved in buying workers’ compensation coverage as part of the company’s focus on the protection and planning needs of small businesses.

Noncompliance with OSHA Citations

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration in late December arrested two St. Louis, Mo., employers for failing to comply with court sanctions enforcing OSHA citations. Brian A., former owner of Andre Tuckpointing and Brickwork, and Regina S., owner of Andre Stone & Mason Work Inc., the successor company to Andre Tuckpointing and Brickwork, were arrested after repeatedly failing to comply with OSHA final orders. OSHA said A. and S.  failed to comply with sanctions ordered by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, following the court’s initial ruling of contempt against them in January 2010. OSHA issued… Read More »Noncompliance with OSHA Citations

AB 2774 – California OSHA Law

AB 2774 became law in California on Jan. 1, 2011. It’s one of the most important pieces of occupational safety and health legislation since Cal/OSHA came into existence. What does AB 2774 do? It provides the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) with a series of steps that must be completed to establish a serious violation. And if the steps are followed, employers will face major fines that are more likely to stick—and stick without reduction. This isn’t an additional hurdle for DOSH to surmount. In fact, the law was essentially written by DOSH to make it easier for… Read More »AB 2774 – California OSHA Law

How to Self-Insure in Texas

Under Texas law, certain large, private companies can self-insure for workers’ compensation claims, while retaining the protection of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act for the company and for its employees. To qualify, a company must have a minimum workers’ compensation insurance unmodified manual premium of $500,000 and meet other requirements subject to annual review: Be a private employer with operations in Texas; Have an estimated unmodified manual insurance premium of at least $500,000 in Texas, or at least $10,000,000 nationwide; Present audited financial statements; Possess qualifying Credit/Debt ratings:Dun & Bradstreet – 3A1 or better or Standard & Poor’s – BBB… Read More »How to Self-Insure in Texas

New CEO at California State Fund

California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund has named Tom D. Clark as its chief operating officer. Clark, who assumes his new role on December 1, will replace Harrison D. Jerome, who retires at the end of the year. Clark, a 30-year veteran of the workers’ compensation insurance carrier, will oversee marketing, safety, and field operations, as well as purchasing inhis new role. He has extensive experience in claims, all aspects of customer service, regional management in Stockton and Sacramento, and marketing. He most recently served as State Fund’s president of field operations and has helped solidify business relations with insurance brokers… Read More »New CEO at California State Fund

Invest in Security Cameras

Authorities say a central New York convenience store’s surveillance cameras caught a man purposely pouring soda on the floor and then faking a fall so he could file an insurance claim against the business. Insurance fraud investigators say the store’s security videotape shows Barnes pouring soda on the floor. Officials say “injured” filed a claim with the stores insurer and later withdrew the claim. Paperless Comment: all business owners, are encouraged to install security cameras, and it doesn’t cost much these days. Those cameras can be setup to record only when there is movement detected. With development of technology, 24/7 access via internet… Read More »Invest in Security Cameras

Maine Court: You’ve got to be kidding me…

Maine’s supreme court says a workers’ compensation beneficiary isn’t eligible for additional benefits for a car crash that happened with on a way to a mediation meeting. Kurt F., an employee, was injured on the job in 1987, 1997 and again 2007, and he was traveling to a mediation hearing on those injuries when he was involved in a car crash. In a 4-2 ruling, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court found that the employer cannot be made responsible for the injuries en route to the hearing in Lewiston. Justice Ellen G. wrote that injuries occurring during travel to mediation or… Read More »Maine Court: You’ve got to be kidding me…