Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify inconsistencies in the U.S. workers' compensation system and understand why state workers' compensation programs lack federal oversight with regard to establishing consistent policy reforms and program management. Each state program is managed within each state policy resulting in inconsistent management of work-related injuries and illnesses. Literature Review. Lack of consistent state workers' compensation program policy reforms and program management have made it difficult to establish best practices for the management of work-related injuries or illnesses. Hazardous working conditions caused serious workplace injuries and illnesses over a century ago when businesses operated under a scientific management approach. With the adoption of state workers' compensation programs to protect injured workers and businesses shifting toward a New Public Management approach, policy reform has stalled. There is inconsistent management of state workers' compensation programs or reforms. Methodology. This is a longitudinal study with data collected from various sources that are used to track state workers' compensation information. These data were used by the data that are required by each state's reporting requirements, which are inconsistent nationally. Data reported and collected are aggregate data compiled from various sources. Findings. The questions raised in this study identify inconsistencies within the U.S. workers' compensation programs. State programs have inconsistent practices in managing work-related injuries and illnesses that are similar in nature resulting in inconsistent costs and medical practices within the United States. Conclusions and Recommendations. The results of this study conclude that there are substantial inconsistencies with workers' compensation program policies and legislation within the United States. To establish a forum with oversight to standardize a national program is recommended in order to establish national best practices.