The Risk and Insurance Management Society has issued a report examining recent changes to US state-based workers’ compensation schemes, including the option now available in some states for employers to opt out.

It covers opt-out developments in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and South Carolina, plus planning, application and implementation strategies for risk professionals who are considering opting out.

Report co-author Barry Dillard says as businesses continue to evolve, “the systems organisations use to protect their employees were bound to change as well”.

“Whether it’s assessing the value of adhering to a state-mandated workers’ compensation program, evaluating opting out or weighing the potential risks of something completely separate, risk professionals must first to do their homework,” Mr Dillard said.

The report also provides risk practitioners with a “roadmap” for the workers’ compensation regulatory landscape, and strategies for managing employee injuries.

It is available for members only here. The report will be made available to non-members in November.