When a company decides to follow the right path for their workers, it can seem like a road that never ends. Taking the time to fully vet employees, train them and ensure safe working conditions takes a lot of energy out of everyone involved. It can seem easier to cut corners, which a lot of companies do despite all of the risks and warnings involved, but Missouri is proving to businesses everywhere exactly what the fruits of taking the extra precautions and doing the right thing can mean.
Governor Nixon announced that 2016 is expected to see a 2.4% loss in worker's comp claims as compared to 2015. Contracting is where they're likely to see the biggest drop at 4.9%. Missouri's earning a well-deserved reputation of having the skilled workers and safe conditions to make a significant difference in their numbers, and their rates are definitely showing their success as compared to their neighboring states. Missouri's economic growth is sure to be fueled by this change as employer's pay less for injuries and more for salaries, upgraded equipment and a larger workforce.
Ultimately, the regulation and final decisions comes down to the Division of Workers' Compensation in the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations working in tandem with the Department of Insurance. However, with the steady improvements that they've seen over 2015, there's every reason to believe that these rates will become in reality in just a few short months.
Hopefully this piece of news helps to inspire those states with more wide-spread problems to start to rethink their policies and analyze their processes. Besides it being costly and time-consuming to file claims, it also opens up a public relations nightmare if their practices start to result in workers becoming injured on the job. Families and individuals alike rely on these companies to provide them with the income and benefits to lead healthy and productive lives, but too much pressure or a lack of attention to detail can threaten the well-being for everyone involved. Thankfully, Missouri is a strong example of the many benefits of doing things right.