NSW state-insurer icare says the number of active workers’ compensation insurance claims has continued to decline after rising last year amid a technology upgrade and an adjustment in weekly payments.

Active claims totalled 43,847 in January compared to 46,377 in December and down from a high of 48,041 last October.

Claim payments fell to $174 million from $216 million as a result of the lower numbers and seasonal closures of many businesses.

The 26-week return-to-work rate remained steady at 81%, while some 99% of liability decisions were made within seven days, with an average of four days.

The net promoter score slipped back to 13 in February after rising to 14 for the previous month.