Long Covid Linked to Loss in Worker Productivity

• Long COVID is associated with substantial work productivity loss, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
• The study sought to evaluate the work productivity loss in people experiencing long COVID symptoms more than two years after infection.
• “Given the large number of individuals affected by long COVID, this has significant implications for healthcare systems, the workforce, and economies,” the authors said.
• The study included 906 participants, of whom 165 (18.7%) reported long COVID symptoms.
• The authors noted that most previous studies examining work outcomes among those with long COVID have focused on sick leaves and extended absences following infection, with less information on short-term absenteeism (missed workdays) and/or presenteeism (reduced productivity at work among individuals who have returned to work but continue to experience symptoms).
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Zurich Increases Occupational Accident Benefits for Independent Truckers

• Zurich North America said it has boosted benefit limits in its occupational accident insurance program available for independent contractors in the trucking industry.
• The insurer said the move is designed to address rising medical costs and other inflation.
• The increases include a 50% boost in the combined single program limit and Accident Medical Benefit limit.
• Also among the changes are up to a 60% increase in Temporary Total Disability and Continuous Total Disability limits.
• The company also said it is effecting “substantial increases in benefits for injury-related ambulance, dental and mental health expenses, as well as for truck payment,” without providing specifics.
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Oregon SAIF to Pay $50 Million Dividend

• Oregon’s SAIF has approved a $50 million dividend for policyholders, which it said makes for the 16th-consecutive year the not-for-profit insurer has returned money to its customers.
• The dividend will benefit 50,757 policyholders next month, calculated based on premiums for policies that ended in 2024.
• “This year we carefully considered the current economic uncertainty and the rising costs of medical care,” said SAIF president and CEO Chip Terhune. “Despite those challenges, our strong financial position, effective claims handling, and robust safety programs make this dividend possible. Our commitment to serving our customers will always be our top priority.”
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