H-2A Workers’ Compensation Rules: A Critical Compliance Guide for Farmers
- Farmers employing H-2A guest workers must provide workers’ compensation insurance to comply with federal Department of Labor regulations.
- Unlike standard state exemptions for small agricultural operations, the federal H-2A program mandates coverage for all participants regardless of payroll size.
- Failure to maintain an active policy can lead to severe fines, back-pay liabilities, and permanent debarment from the program.
- Proper documentation is essential for ensuring legal protection.
CompSource Reorganization Plan Faces Legal Roadblock Over Policyholder Rights
- Oklahoma’s Insurance Commissioner approved CompSource Mutual’s plan to reorganize into a mutual holding company, but a district judge has temporarily halted the move.
- Opponents argue the shift from a policyholder-owned mutual to a stock-issuing holding company could dilute ownership interests and divert millions in cash reserves.
- CompSource maintains the structure is necessary for modernization and expansion into new states.
- The dispute is likely headed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court as policyholders demand greater transparency regarding the company’s valuation.
Rising Workplace Assaults Drive Surge in High-Severity Claims
- Nonfatal workplace assaults increased 62% over the last decade, according to new data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance.
- This trend disproportionately impacts healthcare and service workers, leading to a significant rise in “days away from work” claims.
- While typical injuries are decreasing, violent incidents often result in outsized medical costs and long-term disability.
- Insurers now face escalating severity for these unpredictable risks.