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Fee schedules seem to be a key factor in holding down hospital outpatient/ambulatory surgical center costs in the workers' comp system. At least, that notion is indicated in a new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

Overexertion -- injuries caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing -- cost businesses nearly $13 billion in 2009. It was the top ranked injury category in the latest Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index.

The Workers' Compensation Division proposed rules regarding medical fee and payment, medical services, and managed care organizations.

Reimbursements for repackaged or relabeled prescription drugs add an estimated $62 million in annual costs to Florida's workers' comp system, according to NCCI. With that in mind, lawmakers are considering legislation that would close what supporters call a legal loophole that allows for the higher prices, possibly reducing system costs by 2.5 percent.

The aging workforce may be less problematic for the workers' comp system than was previously thought. While older workers incur higher overall costs than younger workers, a new report from NCCI suggests the difference is not so dramatic.

The Workers' Compensation Division revised the administrative cost factor to 16.60 percent for 2012.

Property/casualty CEOs and analysts have high hopes about 2012 except for the workers' comp line.

An inspection program focusing on federal agencies has been continued and updated. OSHA announced its new directive for the Federal Agency Targeting Inspection Program, continuing the program at least through FY 2012.

The Division of Workers' Compensation adjusted the pathology and clinical laboratory portion and the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies portion of the official medical fee schedules.

The federal health program established to provide medical evaluation and treatment for eligible responders and survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks has been on the books for a year.

The Department of Labor and Industries proposed rules regarding the new stay-at-work program established by the legislature.

Coworkers who are a party to workplace accidents would be protected from personal lawsuits under legislation introduced in the Missouri Senate. The reform legislation also would restore workers' comp as the exclusive remedy for workplace accidents.

More maritime workers are now excluded from coverage under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Regulations pertaining to workers in the recreational vessel industry take effect Jan. 30.

The Workers' Compensation Division revised the administrative cost factor to 16.60 percent for 2012.

Occupational noise induced hearing loss results from continuous or intermittent noise exposure and duration and develops slowly over several years.