Workers’ Compensation Policy Review

 Summary of the Contents – September/October 2005

Information and data on workers’ compensation programs in the U.S. and Canada are found in a bewildering array of sources, in part because in both countries the programs are largely operated by sub-national governments (i.e., states and provinces).  The first article by John Burton, “The Workers’ Compensation Policy Review Guide: A Catalogue of Data and Information Services” provides a directory to the sources of U.S. and Canadian national and multi-jurisdictional data and information for twelve topics (ranging from coverage of employees to benefits paid to workers to workers’ compensation costs for employers).  Because of the importance of this article, the September/October 2005 issue of the Workers’ Compensation Policy Review can be downloaded without charge from www.workerscompresources.com.

The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) is the source of the most comprehensive data on coverage, benefits, and costs in the U.S. workers’ compensation program.  John Burton analyzes some of the national data from the latest NASI annual report in the second article, “Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Costs in 2003.”  Both benefits paid to workers and costs for employers as a percent of payroll increased between 2000 and 2003 (the latest year with data).  Burton indicates it is not clear whether costs and benefits will continue to increase after 2003 because of several conflicting factors that occurred in 2004, including a substantial cut in workers’ compensation statutory benefits and the reemergence of escalating employer expenditures for group heath insurance.

“Ten Years’ Experience Utilizing an Integrated Workers’ Compensation Management System to Control Workers’ Compensation Costs,” an article by Edward J. Bernacki and Shan P. Tsai, is also included in the issue.  They describe an integrated workers’ compensation claims management system used by Johns Hopkins University and related entities.  The system involved a wide range of medical professionals and professionals from other disciplines.  The system was non-adversarial and emphasized goals such as prevention and return to work.  The results after ten years include significant reductions in the frequency of workplace injures and in the cost of workers’ compensation benefits.

Information on the Workers’ Compensation Policy Review

The Workers’ Compensation Policy Review is published six times a year.  Requests for a sample copy or for subscription information can be sent to WCPR, 56 Primrose Circle , Princeton , NJ 08540 -9416; by FAX to 732-274-0678; by e-mail to JBWCR@aol.com; or electronically by visiting the website: www.workerscompresources.com.