Ark. Workers’ Comp Conference to Aid Business Leaders

Untangling the conflicting information businesses receive from various sources will be a goal of the 18th Annual Workers’ Compensation Commission Educational Conference, scheduled this year from Oct. 12-14 in Little Rock.

Businesses and their insurance agents are invited by the commission to attend the three-day session and find answers to their questions about workers’ compensation.

A big draw for businesses owners will be a “Commission Shoptalk.” Employers and their representatives can meet the commissioners and division heads and get face-to-face help with all the confusing directions they sometimes receive outside the AWCC.

Dr. Michael Lack, MD, will speak on how people being tested for drugs “Beat the Tests.” Since employees who test positive for drugs after an accident are usually ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits, this should be another attraction for business leaders.

Still another attraction for employers will be presentations on health and fitness. Most insurance companies today teach their insureds that healthier employees are less likely to suffer incapacitating on-the-job injuries.

Dr. Joe Thompson, MD, will make a presentation on “A Healthier Arkansas,” and a panel discussion will consider “Wellness Programs: Return on Investment.” Speaking will be representatives of L’Oreal, JB Hunt, and TrestleTree.

Through Sept. 19, registration is $225 per person, $300 afterwards. There is a $500 exhibitor registration fee. Information and online registration is at www.awcc.state.ar.us. For more information, contact AWCC’s Alice Jones, special projects coordinator, at ajones@awcc.state.ar.us or (501) 682-2692 or (800) 622-4472.

This conference will be at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Little Rock, which is offering a $91 room rate, single or double, for those using conference code WOR. The hotel can be contacted at www.littlerock.doubletree.com, (501) 372-4371 or (800) 222-TREE.