While Employers throughout southwest Oklahoma expressed a great deal of optimism that the workers' compensation reform bill passed in 2005 would eventually have positive effects on their business, e-Synchronist data research indicates that business owners are still very worried about the high cost of workers compensation rates.  Touted as a model for the country to follow, proponents of the bill said it would be six months to a year before employers would know the effect ofthe legislation on their insurance rates.

 

"Still waiting," was the common remar heard from industry.  Because of these concerns, SOIC has elected to include workers' compensation s one of the eight priorty issues.

 

Goal: To assist business and industry identify effective practices to reduce their workers' compensatiton rates.

• Create a task force to continue research.
• Identify problems and create ways employers are reducing costs.
• Develop and carry out educational assistance for employers.
• Work with state legislators to effect needed changes.