Residential contractors and other Massachusetts businesses face a potential 19.3% workers' compensation rate increase. The Massachusetts Workers Compensation Bureau is seeking this increase to be effective in September of 2012. Here is an excerpt from an article from www.workerscompensation.com
Boston, MA (WorkersCompensation.com) - In accordance with the authority granted to the Commissioner of Insurance (“Commissioner”) under M. G. L. c. 152, §53A, a hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 30, 2012, at the Division of Insurance (“Division”), 1000 Washington Street, Boston, MA, to consider the request of the Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts (“WCRIB”), an unincorporated association licensed as a rating organization pursuant to G. L. c. 152 §52C, for a general revision of workers’ compensation insurance risks and premiums to be effective September 1, 2012. The WCRIB is requesting a statewide average rate increase of 19.3 percent.
Here is the link to the full article. 
http://www.workerscompensation.com/compnewsnetwork/news/ma-ic-hold-wcrib-hearing.html
Keeping Workers' Compensations Down; Your customized EH & Safety Manual
One important way to keep workers' compensation rates in check is to make sure you have a strong safety program in place with the right safety manual and training program. Your program should address some the following OSHA Standards and requirements;
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Demolition
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Electrical Safety
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Excavations & Trenching
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Fall Protection
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Fire Protection
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Hazard Communication (HazCom)
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Lockout / Tagout
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Material Handling, Hoists & Rigging
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Respirators
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Scaffolds, Lifts, Ladders & Stairways
- Signs
- Lead in Construction
- Record keeping
Other important measures are;
- A document describing the organizations commitment to safety
- Accountability measures
- Training program on all required standards that includes documentation of the training.
- Code of conduct requirements for management, employees and sub contractors.
Check out the EH & S Safety Manual page for more information on how you can get started on your safety program.
