New York State Workers Compensation Board
10/24/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/24/2024 14:47
10/24/2024 - NYS Workers' Compensation Board Highlights Critical System Information at 2024 Conference
October 24, 2024
Sold-out event featured keynote address by Workers' Compensation Research Institute and presentation of the Frances Perkins Award to the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition
The New York State Workers' Compensation Board hosted a successful 2024 Workers' Compensation conference on October 18 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. Approximately 250 people attended the sold-out event, which featured programs across a range of topics, from guidance for health care providers and recent legal updates, to support services for injured workers and system improvements that have brought more efficiency to the claims-filing process.
Board Chair Clarissa Rodriguez said: "At the Board, we believe that educating the public about their rights and responsibilities under the law is critical to our mission. We are truly grateful for everyone who attended this important gathering of stakeholders which will become a staple going forward. We all play an integral role in protecting the rights of injured workers and employers, as well as the health care providers who help workers recover and return to work. I hope all those who attended left as I did, feeling even more inspired to continue making the workers' compensation system better for all New Yorkers."
Geared toward to anyone with a professional interest in workers' compensation, the full-day conference provided critical information on key programs at the Board as well as multiple Continuing Legal Education and Continuing Medical Education credit-bearing opportunities.
Kathy Fisher, director of external relations for the Workers' Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), delivered the keynote address. Fisher shared some of WCRI's latest research on workers' compensation trends, including a recent study that surveyed 31 states including New York, as well as changes in the medical labor force.
Executive Director Steven Scotti said: "The Conference provided an important opportunity for the Board to share the many improvements we've made in recent years and demonstrate our continuing commitment to the success of New York State's workers' compensation system. As we work toward fulfilling our mission of protecting the rights of employees and employers by ensuring the proper delivery of benefits and promoting compliance with the law, we will continue making the system more efficient, and more transparent, so we can better serve the needs of all New Yorkers."
In addition to the educational programs offered throughout the day, the Board presented its Frances Perkins Award to the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition for serving with distinction, embodying the Frances Perkins spirit, and making a positive impact on the New York State workers' compensation system. The Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition consists of more than 200 organizations and individuals who work to memorialize and honor the 146 people whose deaths were caused by the tragic 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
The Coalition's efforts to educate people about the fire - including the 2023 installation of a permanent memorial in New York City - were highlighted among their many activities to keep the need for workplace safety top of mind, for both workers and employers.
The Coalition's president, Mary Anne Trasciatti, accepted the award and delivered a moving speech about how the fire, and the resulting outrage, led to critical workplace reforms.
"It is an awful tragedy that destroyed lives, wreaked havoc upon families and communities, saddened and infuriated workers, horrified and embarrassed politicians, and steeled the determination of good people-people like Frances Perkins, for whom this award is named-to do what they could to ensure that nothing like it ever happened again," said Trasciatti.
For more information on the conference, or to view/download the presentations shared throughout the day, please visit the Board's 2024 Workers' Compensation Conference website. Additional photos and videos will be added soon.
Workers' compensation is insurance that provides lost wage benefits and/or medical care for work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits are available to every eligible worker in New York State, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The Workers' Compensation Board oversees the administration of workers' compensation, disability benefits, and Paid Family Leave in New York State. Its mission is to protect the rights of employees and employers by ensuring the proper delivery of benefits and by promoting compliance with the law. Learn more at www.wcb.ny.gov.