Conn. WCC Highlights Upgrades, Shortened Backlogs

Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission issued its annual report earlier this month. The Commission touted a number of accomplishments for the fiscal year 2012, including: providing more effective and efficient services; improved monitoring of hearing backlogs; and enhanced online capabilities.

The report said 62,671 illnesses and injuries were reported by employers and/or their insurance carriers during the fiscal year 2012. There were 53,874 informal hearings and 1,099 formal hearings during the past fiscal year.

“During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, the Commission moved aggressively to provide more effective and efficient service delivery. All duties and responsibilities continue to be executed effectively and punctually with fewer full-time employees than in the last several years,” according to the report.

The report stated continual monitoring of hearing backlogs at the eight district offices — and reassignment of resources to meet heavy workloads — have resulted in a major decrease in time between initial hearing request and the date the hearing is actually held. Hearing backlog is down dramatically for both informal and formal hearings, it stated. The Compensation Review Board continues to process cases expeditiously, according to the report. This year, new appeals numbered 100. Meanwhile, there were 98 dispositions, including 60 written opinions.

And to help monitor medical costs, the Commission reviews and approves applications for managed care plans. As of June 30, 2012, 3,561 employers and 576,757 employees have approved plans, the report noted. The report also stated that an increasing percentage of on-line reporting of workplace injuries has resulted in more accurate data at lower cost.

The Commission’s website has expanded vastly, the report stated, providing latest information on Commission’s resources and services including the law, CRB decisions and late-breaking news. And the Commission’s major forms are now available in fillable PDF format.

Also during the past year, the Commission continued major upgrades, affecting most of the Commission’s core functions, including claims processing, scheduling, and health and safety programs. Hearing notices are beginning to be sent by electronic mail to interested parties in hearings, thereby saving staff time and postage expenses.