Connecticut Occupational Diseases Show Big Jump in Latest Data
- Some 31,016 cases of work-related disease in Connecticut occurred in 2023, according to an annual report from the state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- Musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, accounted for almost half (49%) of workers’ comp reports and 26% of physician reports. Exposures to bloodborne pathogens made up 41% of physician reports and 22% of workers’ comp reports.
- Of the total cases, 7,100 were reported by either workers’ comp or physicians, while about 5,200 were reported via Workers’ Compensation First Reports of Injury.
- Of the remainder, 3,500 were estimated by the BLS/CTDOL annual survey and about 2,300 cases were reported by physicians through OIISS.
- The report is based on the most recent data available, from 2023, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics/Connecticut Department of Labor, Workers’ Compensation First Reports of Injury, and physician reports via the Occupational Illness and Injury Surveillance System.
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Opioids Utilization Trends Down in Latest Enlyte Report
- Enlyte reported sustained improvements in opioid management, with overall opioid utilization declining 5.5% and morphine equivalent dose (MED) per prescription dropping 3.0%.
- The second portion of the claims management technology firm’s 2025 Drug Trends Report, shows that the cost of prescriptions is increasing, primarily driven by three factors: high-cost topical agents that are almost exclusively obtained from out-of-network channels, increased utilization and spending within the migraine category, and rising trends in the average wholesale price for certain drug products, particularly brand medications.
- The percentage of injured employees using opioids decreased to 20.1%, and high-dose opioid prescriptions (MED >90mg) fell by 10.2%. Enlyte noted the achievements reflect the continued success of collaborative clinical programs between its Pharmacy Solutions and clients in promoting evidence-based pain management.
- Topical medications, while representing only 13.9% of out-of-network prescriptions, account for a disproportionate 40.2% of out-of-network spending.
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