Five Things You Need to Know: 7/24, Tuesday Edition

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) -

1) CA: CWCI Releases New Data, Post-Formulary Implementation 

The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) has released new data compiled after the state’s implementation of a work comp formulary in 2018, according to a Business Wire press release. “…The CWCI analysis uses data from 141,643 pharmaceutical requests and UR decisions from the first five months of 2017 and 2018, and 58,604 IMR decisions from the first four months of those same two years to measure and compare pre- and post-formulary UR and IMR prescription drug outcomes,” per the release. “… (Some of) The findings show that the proportion of UR decisions involving prescription drug requests fell from 44.5 percent in the pre-formulary period to 40.7 percent in the first five months of 2018, a relative decline of 8.5 percent. At the same time, the percentage of UR decisions in which a prescription drug request was denied was unchanged at 14.6 percent, while 85.4 percent were either approved as submitted or approved with a modification.” First-year outcomes are scheduled to be measured in 2019. The analysis is available to CWCI members, and the report is available to purchase for $16.

2) OH: NIOSH Helps Identify Major Causes for Common Workplace Injuries

The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has published research conducted by  the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), utilizing machine learning to identify some of the causes for workplace hazards and injuries, according to an article in Claims Journal. “…According to the study’s lead author Alysha Meyers, Ph.D., NIOSH epidemiologist, researchers applied machine learning to identify the causes of work-related injuries using workers’ compensation records for approximately two thirds of Ohio workers,” per the article. “…More than 1.2 million Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation claims were analyzed from 2001 to 2011 representing more than 200 industries. The researchers ranked claims for musculoskeletal injuries that could have been prevented with workplace interventions to prevent ergonomic-related injuries, or slips, trips, and falls.”

3) WV: Three Foods Inc. Businesses Accused of Terminating Employee for Filing Work Comp Claim 

Charleston resident Jonathan M. Davis has filed a lawsuit against US Foods Inc., et al., alleging he was fired for filing a work comp claim, writes Philip Gonzales of the West Virginia Record. “…He alleges in 2013, 2015 and 2016, he was injured three times while working and filed a claim through the West Virginia Workers' Compensation. He alleges when he was released to work full duty in February 2017, the defendants failed to reinstate him and he was not rehired when he applied for his former position,” writes Gonzales. He requests trial-by-jury, damages, and court costs.

4) Japanese Co. Looks to Reward Non-Smoking Employees

A spokesperson for Piala Inc. in Japan told the Telegraph that after a company suggestion note was submitted, the marketing company decided to give non-smokers six extra days of vacation per year, writes Jesse Hicks of Tonic (VICE). With the breaks smokers took, non-smokers claimed they were working more. The decision was also made to encourage healthier habits, according to company administration. Other companies have put reward systems in place to deter workers from smoking as well. “…Ethics aside, Piala says employees are taking advantage of the new policy. According to a spokesman, at least a quarter of the company's 120 employees have used extra vacation days since the program was introduced and four people have quit smoking,” per the article.

5) IL-Based Insurance Co. Announces Service Additions

CNA, one of the biggest commercial insurance providers in the U.S., has announced an addition to its central quote system, which enables agents to quote a variety of coverages at the same time with the “Get a Quote” or “Quote Advantage” options on the app, according to a Market Watch press release (PR Newswire). CNA work comp policy services are available to small businesses with up to $10M in payrolls. “…CNA Workers' Compensation policyholders have access to services including medical bill review, return-to-work programs, 24/7 claim assistance and guidance on implementing health and safety programs within the workplace,” per the release.

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