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Workers' comp loss costs may increase by 10.4 percent if the Insurance Department approves a request by the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board. The department is holding a hearing later this month to consider the proposal.

The Workers' Compensation Court found an error in the diagnosis-related group inpatient hospital fee schedule that went into effect on Jan. 1.

Supporters estimate businesses in Illinois will save more than $500,000, thanks to reforms to the workers' comp system. Other business advocates say the changes approved by the legislature are a good start but don't quite go far enough to significantly lower costs to employers.

The Workers' Compensation Court announced the multiple injury trust fund assessment rate.

With jurisdictions struggling to hold down medical costs in the workers' comp system, most have adopted some sort of containment strategies. A new report shows side-by-side comparisons of what each state is doing.

The federal government is looking for better ways to find the right fit between workers and their work environments. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is using the latest technology to help design safer tools, equipment, and machines.

The Workers' Compensation Commission issued an advisory regarding update reports and questions concerning form filings.

The Workers' Compensation Commission revised its form for employers requesting a hearing.

Encouraging traveling employees to exercise more and eat healthier may help reduce workers' comp and other health-related costs, suggests a new study.

"You are hereby notified that the Mine Safety and Health Administration has determined that a Pattern of Violations exists at the Apache Mine," begins a letter to the New West Virginia Mining Co. It is one of two companies to be the first in the history of the Mine Act to be subject to the full effect of enforcement action for pattern of violations.

More drivers of commercial vehicles are wearing seat belts these days, according to a new study.

With just days remaining in a special session, state lawmakers were at odds over whether to include lump-sum settlements in the workers' comp system. Members of the state Senate had approved the idea while the House favored other ways to curb costs.

"My feeling is that physician dispensing should be entirely eliminated, either by state regulation and/or by workers' comp payers requiring that contracted physicians -- directly or via networks -- agree not to dispense medications at all," said Dr. Jacob Lazarovic. The senior vice president and chief medical officer for third-party administrator Broadspire commented following the adoption of legislation in Florida.

North Carolina has had no limit on the amount of time injured workers may receive benefits. A proposal being considered would limit temporary total disability benefits to 500 weeks -- or just shy of 10 years.

State lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on what to do about the soon-to-be-insolvent Second Injury Fund. The 2011 legislative session came and went with the fund on the brink of insolvency, according to Attorney General Chris Koster.

A new rule is aimed at preventing more than 300 injuries annually in shipyards. OSHA said the final rule covers all employers with employees engaged in shipbuilding, ship repair, or shipbreaking and will apply on vessels, vessel sections, and at landside operations.