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More than two-thirds of jurisdictions studied have combined ratios above 100 percent. That's not surprising given what's been happening in the workers' comp system, according to an actuary from the National Council on Compensation Insurance.

Allegations of underreporting workers' comp premiums to the tune of more than $2 billion against American International Group have ended with a settlement. The terms of the agreement allow all 51 insurance jurisdictions to share in the fines, taxes, and assessments against the insurance giant.

A bill to fund health care for emergency responders to the 9/11 terrorist attacks was approved by Congress and sent to President Obama, who is expected to sign it. House passage of H.R. 847, the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was the last action of the 111th Congress.

Looking for an inexpensive, green way to promote healthier lifestyles among your employees? Get them to ride bicycles to and from work, lunch, and meetings.

An estimated 20 deaths and 3,700 injuries requiring days away from work are attributed to fall hazards. OSHA is seeking public comment on a revised rule to prevent them.

California and Washington

Musculoskeletal disorders continue to be among the most significant occupational safety and health problems in the U.S. Safety experts say MSDs affect all industries, and the problem is increasingly on OSHA's radar, according to Jeremy Chingo-Harris, head of the American Society of Safety Engineers' ergonomic branch.

The number of workplace injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work decreased overall last year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the overall decrease was 9 percent while the total incidence rate decreased 5 percent to 117 cases per 10,000 full-time workers.

The escalating medical costs in the workers' comp system of late may be driving a change in some bad-faith claims, experts say. Increasingly, medical management issues are being named in these cases.

The head of a House subcommittee kicked off a hearing to explore the workers' comp system. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., said the session was prompted by some disturbing national trends and suggested further study might be warranted.

California and Nebraska

OSHA has released a bulletin to protect workers from the potential health risks from exposure to flavoring substances. A lung disease as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat have been associated with exposure.

The controversy surrounding new airport security measures could serve as a warning for employers to take some precautionary measures, several workers' comp attorneys advise. With lawsuits being filed and horror stories from offended passengers appearing on the Internet, it's likely just a matter of time before a disgruntled "road warrior" files a workers' comp claim.

Benchmarking your medical data based on International Classification of Disease-9 codes can be a thorny business. Since most workers' comp injuries ultimately have multiple codes, which one do you use as the primary code to get an accurate picture of the medical providers and networks doing the best job?

A few years ago, Delaware was third highest in a national ranking of workers' comp rates. Its rates now are almost in the bottom third, according to a biennial report issued by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.