Workers’ comp cases fell in the pandemic: The Hartford

Reports of occupational injuries that were expected during the COVID-19 pandemic have failed to materialize. The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., which handles about 1 million worker compensation and disability insurance claims a year, said the number of business customers seeking services to prevent work-from-home injuries jumped 200 percent in 18 months. A chief claims officer at the insurer says employees who would be unable to go to the office because of lower back aches or shoulder pains have instead, as remote employees, accommodated themselves at home and kept working. Hartford Courant [may require registration]

Homebuilder group lists things to remember when getting storm repairs made

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the Home Builder Association of Greater Baton Rouge encourages all residents to research contractors to avoid paying for substandard home repairs. Among other tips, residents should make sure the builder/remodeler has general liability insurance and sufficient workers’ compensation coverage. The Advocate

Hundreds of Honolulu fire, EMS and police personnel apply for vaccine exemption

Nearly 300 Honolulu Police Department officers and civilian employees and 100 firemen have applied for a religious or medical exemption from the city’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement. There are more than 350 employees out on extended leave for workers’ compensation, family leave and other reasons, who will be expected to complete their digital attestation forms when they return to work. Police1

St. Lawrence County, New York risk manager visiting municipalities

The risk manager for the St. Lawrence County, New York self-insurance plan, which administers the workers’ compensation program for the county, is visiting the village of Massena to look for any safety or liability issues and answer questions about workers’ comp claims. NNY360