NCCI’s Kipust Talks Trends at AIS

Orlando, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) -- Anyone who's followed NCCI's work over the years knows that workers' compensation claims frequency has seen a decades-long decline but as Sandra Kipust explained at the Annual Insights Symposium on Tuesday, trends can differ by industry.

Speaking of industries, what's noticeable across certain fields? Here are some highlights from Kipust's presentation.

Construction

While the pandemic had a noticeable downward impact on frequency in many fields, construction wasn't one of them. The construction injury saw frequency trends during the COVID era that were similar to the years leading up to the pandemic. In the post-pandemic era, the biggest driver of frequency in construction has continued to be slips, falls, and strain injuries.

From a money perspective, not surprisingly, construction has also held the top spot as having the highest premiums.

Combined Office

And speaking of top spots, the "combined office" category, which covers what the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics includes under information, financial, and professional and business services, has had the highest payroll growth.

But frequency in this group has plunged recently, particularly during the pandemic and beyond, as not surprisingly, the combined office segment lends itself to remote-friendly work.

"Working remotely lowers frequency," Kipust said. "Significantly."

Leisure & Hospitality

What's driving frequency decreases in hospitality? Technology.

"If you've gone out to eat lately, chances are you've paid the bill with a mobile card processor at your table," Kipust explained. "That means less walking for servers, reducing risks of injury."

Additionally, automation in hospitality has similarly made work safer for the industry.

Manufacturing

Although there are big headlines about bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., those changes haven't happened yet, and frequency in manufacturing has dropped thanks to flattening employment growth.

"Less churn in the labor market aids in decreasing frequency," Kipust said.

Transportation

Similar trends have hit the transportation industry, particularly in 2024, which saw a decrease in labor turnover, again promoting a lower-claims environment.

Education

When it comes to the education sector, NCCI's data covers private schools that don't self-insure. To no one's surprise, education workers were safest at work while the pandemic was happening and school was virtual, with a significant rise in frequency over the past few years.

What are the biggest injuries happening to school workers?

"We've seen a glaring increase in 'struck by' injuries," Kipust said. "It was increasing prior to the pandemic and it continues to increase now."

And what do those "struck by" injuries look like?

"It's kicking, stabbing, and biting by students," Kipust said. "There's been a significant increase in workplace violence in private education."

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