At the 2015 National Council of Self-Insurers Conference, Robert Minor from Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease presented a session discussing the federal government’s intrusion into state workers’ compensation issues. The first federal intrusion into workers’ compensation issues started with the Mine Safety Act in 1968. Shortly thereafter, in 1970, the federal government established OSHA to […]

At the 2015 National Council of Self-Insurers Annual Conference, a panel discussed the challenges of managing claims in a diverse workforce. The panels were: Michele Adams – Walt Disney World Resorts Loyd Hudson – American Electric Power Max Koonce – Walmart Disney has a diverse workforce. In fact, employees at Disney World speak three primary […]

At the 2015 NCCI Annual Issues Symposium,  Kathy Antonello, Chief Actuary for NCCI presented their State of the Line review which provides an exclusive review of workers’ compensation trends, cost drivers, and the significant new developments shaping the industry.  2014 Property/Casualty (P/C) Industry Results: All P/C lines saw premium levels increase in 2014. The industry as a […]

Although Self-Insured Work Comp Groups (SIGs) have plenty of competition from traditional carriers, the real competition for larger “best-in-class” accounts are group captives. With minimum casualty premiums of only $150,000 for workers’ compensation, general liability and auto, group captives are having record growth that is impacting both SIGs and traditional carriers. A panel at the […]

Legalized marijuana is a key employment and risk management issue. Debate continues to heat up on this issue as more states move toward legalization. This RIMS 2015 session provided updates on the process as it relates to the workplace. Speakers included: Markie Davis, Risk Manager, State of Colorado Kevin Glennon, Vice President – Home Health […]

This innovative RIMS 2015 session explored a new era of technology emerging in heathcare – personalized medicine. It is expected to revolutionize healthcare and, thus, will become very useful in the workers’ compensation arena. Speakers included: Geralyn Datz, President, Southern Behavioral Medicine Associates PLLC Sonny Roshan, CEO, Chairman, Aeon Laboratories, LLC Kimberly George, Senior Vice […]

This RIMS 2015 panel, consisting of risk managers that represent some of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, addressed the latest and largest risk management issues facing the supermarket industry. Speakers included: Max Koonce, VP, Risk Management, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Lizabeth Christman, Vice President, Risk Management, Ahold USA, Inc. Dorina Hertner, Director, Corp. […]

The opening sesson at the 2015 WCRI conference focused on whether the ACA was leading to case shifting in workers’ compensation.  The speaker was Richard Victor, President & CEO of WCRI. One of the biggest concerns with regard to ACA’s impact on workers’ compensation is the risk of increase case shifting from group health to […]

This week we journey to Boston for the annual WCRI Conference.  Check back here later this week for postings on the great sessions we will be attending.  

At the New York Self-Insurers Association Annual Meeting, Christopher Whyland, Esq. presented on the 2014 workers’ compensation decisions of the Appellate Division, Third Department, heard in Albany, New York. In 2014, the Third Department issued decisions in 85 workers’ compensation cases. In 2014, the Board was reversed in only nine of the 85 decisions issued […]