March 26, 2010

Minnesota conference to examine issues affecting state's workers' compensation system

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will sponsor its annual Workers' Compensation Policy Summit June 14 through 16, 2010, at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minn.

The two-and-a-half-day policy and education conference will feature multiple breakout sessions led by experts and stakeholders in workers' compensation and occupational safety and health. The conference will examine current issues that affect employers, employees, insurers, medical providers, legislators, attorneys and others who comprise Minnesota's workers' compensation system.

"Injury rates continue to fall, yet workers' compensation costs continue to rise in Minnesota and across the nation," said Commissioner Steve Sviggum, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. "This conference will bring interested parties together to find needed balance and new ways to benefit our two most important stakeholders:  the injured worker and the business that pays the premium."

In addition, participants can visit the vendor exhibit hall to learn about companies that offer assistance to workers' compensation stakeholders.

The conference registration fee is $99 for each participant, which includes all sessions, conference materials and meals. The fees charged are designed to cover the expenses of conducting the event. No taxpayer dollars will be used to fund this event. Attendees must make their own lodging reservations. Registration and conference information is online at www.dli.mn.gov/Summit.

New 'Governor's Award for Innovative Measures in Workers' Compensation'
DLI is seeking applicants for the "Governor's Award for Innovative Measures in Workers' Compensation," sponsored by the state's Workers' Compensation Advisory Council and DLI. The award will recognize three Minnesota employer-recipients that have implemented programs and strategies to make their workers' compensation system, management and approach stand out from the rest.

Winning employers will be recognized in June for their excellence and innovation in workers' compensation, during the Workers' Compensation Policy Summit. Applications are available at www.dli.mn.gov/Summit; completed applications must be submitted to DLI by April 30, 2010.

The Workers' Compensation Advisory Council advises the DLI commissioner about matters of workers' compensation and submits its recommendations for proposed changes to the workers' compensation statutes to the proper legislative committees.

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News media contact:
James Honerman
(651) 284-5313