Employer FAQ: What is my Responsibility in Reporting Injuries?

We’re back this week with another FAQ in terms of workers compensation. At Wolpert Insurance, we make it a priority to be the point person when it comes to questions and concerns about Massachusetts workers compensation rules and regulations. This week, we will address the following question: What is my responsibility in reporting injuries? If it has come to your attention that an employee has been injured and/or files a work injury claim and he or she has been disabled for 5 full or partial calendar days, you must file an Employer’s First Report of Injury or Fatality Form – … Continue reading Employer FAQ: What is my Responsibility in Reporting Injuries?

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: A Change in the Experience Modification Rate Formula

If you were not aware, split point information has been updated. This week, our agency has the details. First, what is the split point? The split point is that point below which claims are applied dollar for dollar when calculating your experience. Above the split point, the claim is only counted at roughly 5-11% of the total claim (when applied in calculating experience.) This prevents large claims from having a severe impact. But since medical costs have risen significantly when the 5k point was established, the board has reassessed and said that the split point needs to better reflect these … Continue reading ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: A Change in the Experience Modification Rate Formula

Obama’s FY 2014 Budget and Misclassification

If you recall, our agency had written a blog focused on the misclassification of independent contractors and workers compensation. This week, we have some news regarding misclassification and the President’s FY 2014 budget. Recently, President Obama released his FY 2014 budget. Within, it includes a request that Congress continues to fund the federal government’s intensifying efforts to combat employee “misclassification” . It states on page 126: “When employees are misclassified as independent contractors, they are deprived of benefits and protections to which they are legally entitled, such as minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, and anti-discrimination protections. Misclassification, together with the … Continue reading Obama’s FY 2014 Budget and Misclassification

Massachusetts Laws: The Penalties of Passing on Workers Compensation

As an employer in the state of Massachusetts, workers compensation is a critical part of your business insurance package. If you took our workers compensation quiz last week, you now understand that this policy is MANDATORY. If employers DO decide to operate without this insurance, there will be consequences. There are a number of penalties that employers may face when they fail to obtain a workers’ compensation policy. Civil fines and/or criminal penalties may ensue. Consequences include: • Imprisonment • A STOP WORK order issued to the business • Civil fines that may be up to $250 a day • … Continue reading Massachusetts Laws: The Penalties of Passing on Workers Compensation