2024 Division of Workers' Compensation Annual Report (Text Version)

The 2024 Division of Workers' Compensation Annual Report is displayed below in a text-only version for ease of accessibility. A PDF version is also available.

The figures in this report are Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024) unless otherwise noted.

Table of Contents

Organizational Chart

  • Michael L. Parson, Governor
    • Anna S. Hui, Director, Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DOLIR)
    • Benjamin J. Qualls, Acting Director, Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC)
      • Administration
        • Kalee Baker, Benefits Administration
        • Kate Lange, Case Management
        • Amber Bauer, Enterprise Functions
        • Anthony Ferrell, Fraud & Noncompliance
        • BJ Tripp, Self-Insurance
        • Amanda Kremer, Workers' Safety
      • Adjudication
        • Carl Strange, Chief ALJ, Southern Adjudication Region (Joplin, Springfield, Cape Girardeau)
        • Hannelore Fischer, Chief ALJ, North Central Adjudication Region (Jefferson City)
        • Angela Heffner, Chief ALJ, Western Adjudication Region (Kansas City, St. Joseph)
        • Jason Tilley, Chief ALJ, Eastern Region (St. Louis, St. Charles)

Department & Division Leadership

DIVISION OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

The Division of Workers’ Compensation ensures that an employee who suffers a work-related accident, injury, or occupational disease receives medical treatment and other benefits they are entitled to such as disability payments. Options to resolve disputes between injured employees and the employers/insurers, and/or the Second Injury Fund (SIF), including adjudication services, are provided through adjudication offices. The Division regulates individual employers and groups/trusts authorized to self-insure and investigates allegations of workers’ compensation fraud and noncompliance. The Division also authorizes payments and benefits from the SIF and administers the Line of Duty and Tort Victims’ Compensation Programs.

Anna S. Hui

Department of Labor & Industrial Relations Director

Anna Hui was appointed Director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in March of 2017 and confirmed by the Senate in January 2018, making her the first American of Asian descent to serve in the governor’s cabinet in Missouri history. During her career, she served as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and as Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Labor. Anna is the current Board President of the International Association of Industrial Accidents Boards and Commissions. She has also served as the President of the National Association of Government Labor Officials (NAGLO) 2018-2020 and Board President of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) 2019-2020. She received a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, an M.S.M. and an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).

Benjamin J. Qualls

Division of Workers' Compensation Acting Director

Ben Qualls joined the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) in 2004, holding various roles before moving up to a Senior Research/Data Analyst role supporting both the statewide COVID Fusion cell response effort and DWC Modernization Project. He became Deputy Director of DWC in June of 2022 and is currently serving dual roles as Acting Division Director and Deputy Division Director, as of November of 2024. Ben holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Banking and a Minor in Economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia, as well as industry certifications Professional Scrum Master I – PSM I and Professional Scrum Product Owner I – PSPO I (issued by Scrum.org), Certified Change Practitioner (issued by Prosci, Inc.) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Claims Professional (issued by IAIABC).

Assessments & Expenditures

Workers' Compensation Administrative Fund Tax & Surcharge

Missouri imposes a workers’ compensation administrative tax on all workers’ compensation insurance carriers and self-insured employers and an administrative surcharge on every workers’ compensation deductible plan policyholder. Section 287.690 RSMo authorizes the imposition of an administrative tax not to exceed 2.0% and §287.716 authorizes an administrative surcharge at the same rate as the administrative tax. Administrative tax and administrative surcharge revenues fund administration of the workers‘ compensation law.

The Division is modernizing its legacy system, a mix of in-house, custom-developed applications limited in the ability to handle advancements in technology, legislative mandates, and the changing needs of DWC stakeholders. The new system, Work Comp Connect, will have self-service options for injured workers, attorneys, healthcare providers, self-insured companies, employers, carriers and third party administrators.

Work Comp Connect will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1 includes efficiencies in docket scheduling and hearing notification for adjudication offices and Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. The division will also migrate to EDI 3.1 accepting both First Reports of Injury Filed (FROI) and Subsequent Report of Injury (SROI) reporting.

Each year, the DWC Director estimates the amount of revenue required to administer the workers’ compensation program and determines the rate for the following calendar year. If the estimated available balance of the fund on Dec. 31 of the year the tax rate determination is made falls below 110% of the previous year’s expenses plus any additional revenue required due to new statutory requirements given the division by the general assembly, the Director shall impose a tax not to exceed 2.0%. For calendar year 2025, the administrative tax and surcharge will be 1.5%

  • 2024: 1.5% Tax & Surcharge WC Assessment Rate
  • 2025: 1.5% Tax & Surcharge WC Assessment Rate

Cash Balance (Jan. 1, 2024): $19,032,929

Revenue:

  • Tax & Surcharge Collections: $29,162,312
  • Interest: $682,961
  • Miscellaneous Receipts: $123,069
  • Total Revenue: $29,968,341

Expenditures:

  • Administrative Costs: $25,047,645
  • Total Expenditures: $25,047,645

Cash Balance (Dec. 31, 2024): $23,953,625

Second Injury Fund Surcharge & Supplemental Surcharge

Section 287.715 RSMo, authorizes the imposition of a Second Injury Fund (SIF) Surcharge that shall not exceed 3.0%. Section 287.715.6, RSMo, (Supp. 2023) authorizes the imposition of a SIF supplemental surcharge not to exceed 1% through calendar year 2026.

The revenue generated by the SIF surcharge and the SIF supplemental surcharge is used to pay benefit and expense liabilities of the fund. For calendar year 2025, the SIF surcharge will be 3.0% and the SIF supplemental surcharge will not be required and set at 0.0%.

Second Injury Fund Balance and Expenditures

Cash Balance (Jan. 1, 2024): $54,357,373

Revenue:

  • Surcharge Collections: $57,477,082
  • Interest: $1,875,308
  • Miscellaneous Receipts: $99,368
  • Total Revenue: $59,451,758

Expenditures:

  • Benefit Disbursements: $60,199,231
  • Administrative Costs: $5,516,803
  • Total Expenditures: $65,716,034

Cash Balance (Dec. 31, 2024): $48,093,098

  • 2024
    • 3% Surcharge SIF Assessment Rate
    • 0% Supplemental Surcharge SIF Assessment Rate
  • 2025
    • 3% Surcharge SIF Assessment Rate
    • 0% Supplemental Surcharge SIF Assessment Rate

Modernization Project

During 2024, the Division worked closely with Objectstream, Inc. (Phase 1 implementation) and CSG Independent Verfication & Validation (IV&V) advisor, making significant progress on Work Comp Connect (WCC) in Analysis and Design as well as Application Development. After rejoining the team in September, Verisk (EDI 3.1 implementation) has supported the EDI upgrade. 

Within the WCC application, design completion is occurring for all business areas. Over the year, design for Case Management, Medical Fee Dispute, Adjudication, Benefits Administration, and Order Entry was completed. In addition, design is complete for Master Data Management, Operational Data Store, and Data Bridging and Synchronization. Due to the complexities involved in the design of Case Management and Adjudication, and the delays associated with the EDI 3.1 Implementation Vendor procurement, the Go-Live date for Phase 1 was adjusted to Dec. 16, 2025. 

In April, Objectstream began application development using an Agile framework, completing work in iterations (sprints). Each sprint consists of 1) development, 2) demo and release and 3) testing. Testing early and fixing defects will occur prior to System Integration Testing (SIT), where the primary focus will be testing of end-to-end scenarios. Sprints for Self-service Portal, Enterprise Functions, Case Management, and Medical Fee Dispute have been completed. Sprints for Adjudication and Benefit Administration will be released before the end of the year 2025. Several sprints have also been completed for Master Data Management and Data Migration.

Additionally, DWC kicked-off requirements analysis activities for Phase 2. The initial business areas of focus are Line of Duty Claims and Tort Victims’ Claims, followed by Second Injury Fund. 

A Modernization Program update was provided during the 29th DWC Educational Seminar. The Division presented on the need for modernization, work accomplished, a general outline of system capabilities, and an estimated timeline for completion and Phase 1 Go-Live. DWC also hosted a Work Comp Connect booth, where attendees were able to see demos of the WCC system and assess the capabilities that will be available.

Organizational Change Management (OCM) continued to be an important focus area for the team. Activities included distributing a regular newsletter for internal stakeholders, providing a quarterly update for external stakeholders, and conducting quarterly town hall meetings. The OCM Team administered a survey to internal stakeholders. The survey’s results will be used to guide future activities for a smooth transition to the new system.

Enterprise Functions

The Enterprise Functions Unit supports functions Division-wide by providing data analytics, statistical reporting, program management, training, and process improvement. The Unit assists in distributing mail, account administration, equipment management, and technical assistance for the Division. The Unit aids the other Division Units by helping develop ways to monitor and track their statutory requirements under Chapter 287. Specifically, the Unit completes the Division‘s Annual Report and is also in charge of organizational change management as the Division progresses with its Modernization project.

Case Management

Injury Processing

The Case Management Unit processes paper and electronic filings made by external parties, including documents initially filed at each of the Division‘s eight Adjudication offices. This unit‘s functions include claims processing, case review, paper imaging, document management and EDI monitoring.

First Reports of Injury (FROI)

Calendar YearFROIs Filed
202191,855
202291,681
202390,041
202490,815

First Reports of Injury Filed by County

CountyCount
Adair304
Andrew44
Atchison43
Audrain381
Barry408
Barton90
Bates109
Benton92
Bollinger47
Boone2,840
Buchanan1,765
Butler571
Caldwell60
Callaway722
Camden552
Cape Girardeau1,099
Carroll58
Carter22
Cass1,204
Cedar111
Chariton36
Christian619
Clark45
Clay5,156
Clinton261
Cole1,337
Cooper212
Crawford193
Dade43
Dallas97
Daviess31
Dekalb30
Dent212
Douglas41
Dunklin179
Franklin1,527
Gasconade126
Gentry43
Greene5,829
Grundy84
Harrison91
Henry344
Hickory21
Holt24
Howard63
Howell498
Iron108
Jackson11,874
Jasper2,831
Jefferson1,412
Johnson520
Knox25
Laclede615
Lafayette348
Lawrence285
Lewis83
Lincoln549
Linn162
Livingston215
Macon149
Madison126
Maries69
Marion562
Mcdonald210
Mercer10
Miller360
Mississippi176
Moniteau128
Monroe80
Montgomery91
Morgan113
New Madrid131
Newton345
Nodaway252
Oregon60
Osage123
Ozark30
Pemiscot84
Perry343
Pettis672
Phelps619
Pike272
Platte1,975
Polk296
Pulaski403
Putnam25
Ralls31
Randolph388
Ray123
Reynolds55
Ripley61
Saline349
Schuyler16
Scotland25
Scott657
Shannon42
Shelby48
St Charles6,443
St Clair50
St Francois987
St Louis City5,943
St Louis Co17,149
Ste Genevieve212
Stoddard193
Stone183
Sullivan67
Taney1,183
Texas323
Vernon240
Warren292
Washington208
Wayne69
Webster379
Worth4
Wright191

First Reports of Injury Filed by Body Part

Body PartReports
Head10,453
Neck1,232
Upper extremities32,882
Trunk11,827
Lower extremities17,576
Multiple body systems16,845

First Reports of Injury Filed by Age Group

Age GroupCount
10-1527
16-193,271
20-2922,716
30-3919,840
40-4916,471
50-5915,954
60-6910,461
70-791,861
80-89191
90-9910
Unknown13

First Reports of Injury Filed by Industry (Top 10)

IndustryFrequency
Health Care And Social Assistance17,907
Manufacturing12,709
Retail Trade10,226
Public Administration8,895
Transportation And Warehousing6,073
Accommodation And Food Services5,274
Finance And Insurance5,055
Educational Services4,483
Construction3,982
Wholesale Trade3,562

Claims for Compensation

An employee may contact the Dispute Management Unit for assistance and/or file a Claim for Compensation with the Division if they believe they are not receiving benefits they are entitled to under the Workers‘ Compensation Law. An employee may opt to obtain legal representation to file a Claim for Compensation with the Division.

The filing of a Claim initiates a contested case proceeding where the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) has the authority to determine the issues in dispute. As of Dec. 31, 2024, a total of 23,719 Claims for Compensation were pending before the Division.

Claims for Compensation Filed by Year

YearClaims Filed
202112,670
202213,028
202312,997
202412,784

Claims for Compensation Filed by Body Part

Body PartClaims
Head33
Neck6
Upper extremities209
Trunk88
Lower extremities112
Multiple body systems12,336

Claims may be resolved through the issuance of an award, a compromise settlement, or a dismissal. Case resolution time frames vary based on multiple factors including body part injured, employment, disability plan, treatment plan and for each resolution type. Each adjudication office provides prehearing and mediation services throughout the life of a Claim.

Claims for Compensation by Industry (Top 10)

IndustryFrequency
Manufacturing2,292
Public Administration1,573
Health Care And Social Assistance1,364
Transportation And Warehousing1,213
Retail Trade1,066
Missing945
Construction774
Finance And Insurance551
Wholesale Trade526
Administrative And Support And Waste Management And Remediation Services522

Claims for Compensation Resolutions

YearDismissalsSettlementsAwards
20211,51610,601207
20221,35310,696190
20231,55711,540198
20241,64611,781247

Occupational Diseases

Section 287.067.1 RSMo defines an occupational disease (OD) as an identifiable disease arising with or without human fault out of and in the course of employment. To be compensable under Chapter 287, the occupational exposure must be the prevailing factor in causing both the resulting medical condition and disability. In 2024, 718 claims were filed for occupational diseases.

  • 718 total occupational disease claims

OD Claims by Industry (Top 10)

IndustryFrequency
Manufacturing217
Public Administration110
Missing106
Construction42
Transportation And Warehousing38
Health Care And Social Assistance33
Retail Trade29
Finance And Insurance24
Wholesale Trade20
Educational Services18

OD Claims by Nature of Injury (Top 10)

Nature of InjuryFrequency
All Other Occupational Disease Noc432
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome97
Mental Stress87
Respiratory Disorders25
Asbestosis21
Poisoning - Chemical15
Cancer12
Loss Of Hearing10
Dermatitis9
Mental Disorder6

OD Due to Toxic Exposure as Set Forth in §287.020.11 RSMo

  • 21 asbestosis
  • 5 mesothelioma
  • 1 silicosis

Workers' Compensation Primary Injury Funnel

Statistics below portray an injury’s resolution through the workers’ compensation process.

  • 90,815 First Reports of Injury
  • 16,381 settlements
  • 12,784 Claims for Compensation
  • 524 hearings
  • 222 awards

Customer Service

The Division is required to maintain a public information program that provides assistance to all parties including injured workers, employers, insurers, and lawyers. The Division’s Customer Service Representatives received a total of 17,547 calls in 2024 beyond those calls received by Docket Clerks in our Adjudication offices.

The Unit may also process requests for assistance coming through the Division’s website to include Sunshine Law requests, constituent requests from the legislature or Governor‘s office, and requests for Proof of Coverage.

  • 17,547 customer service calls received

Medical Fee Dispute

The Medical Fee Dispute Program allows health care providers to file an application for reimbursement of disputed, outstanding charges and fees relating to treatment and services provided to injured employees. In 2024, the Unit processed 77 applications for direct payment and 2,284 applications for payment of additional reimbursement. The Medical Fee Dispute Program received 248 applications for “reasonableness” disputes, defined as under $1,000, during the calendar year 2024. Requests for an Administrative Ruling were submitted in 16 cases.

Medical Fee Dispute Documents Processed

  • 2,284 applications for payment of additional reimbursement
  • 248 "reasonableness" dispute applications <$1,000
  • 77 applications processed for direct payment
  • 16 requests for administrative rulings submitted

Fatalities

An employer must report fatalities to the Division through the filing of a FROI within 30 days. A Claim for Compensation may be filed by other parties to the Claim. The injury may or may not be determined to be a compensable injury that caused the death of the injured worker. An ALJ has jurisdiction to determine compensability of an injury resulting in death based upon evidence presented.

CausesFatalitiesPercent
Other-Miscellaneous1818.37%
Unknown1313.27%
Fall, Slip, Trip, Noc66.12%
Motor Vehicle, Noc66.12%
Mv Collision With Another Vehicle66.12%
Cumulative, Noc55.10%
Mv Collision With Fixed Object44.08%
Strain Or Injury, Noc44.08%
Struck By Falling Or Flying Object44.08%
Absorption, Ingestion, Inhalation, Noc33.06%

Fatalities by Age Group

Age GroupTotal
16-193
20-299
30-3919
40-4919
50-5923
60-6921
70-793
80-891
90-990
Unknown0
Total98

Fatalities by Industry (Top 10)

Age GroupTotal
16-193
20-299
30-3919
40-4919
50-5923
60-6921
70-793
80-891
90-990
Unknown0
Total98

Adjudication

The Division’s statutory responsibility to adjudicate and resolve disputes under the law is fulfilled by the four Chief Administrative Law Judges with oversight of eight physical adjudication offices in four Adjudication Regions spread throughout the State of Missouri. The Administrative Law Judges, Court Reporters and Docket Clerks provide services to the parties to a Claim or case.

The Division is able to place voluntary settlement conferences, mediations, hardship hearings and dismissal settings on their dockets to be held by phone, virtually and in person. The prehearing status calls are required by the Administrative Law Judges during the life of a Claim.

YearDismissalsSettlementsAwards
20173,99118,944510
20185,47418,880454
20195,82119,337408
20205,21617,530275
20215,52415,862292
20225,02015,923263
20234,93516,600246
20245,29716,638291

4-Region Adjudication Office Map

  • WESTERN REGION - Chief ALJ: Angie Heffner
    • Kansas City
      • Kenneth Cain
      • Emily Fowler
      • Lawrence Rebman
      • Mark Siedlik
      • Kevin Thomas
    • St. Joseph
      • Ryan Asbridge
  • NORTH/CENTRAL REGION - Chief ALJ: Hannelore Fischer
    • Jefferson City
      • Bruce Farmer
      • Melodie Powell
  • SOUTHERN REGION - Chief ALJ: Carl Strange
    • Cape Girardeau
      • Maureen Byrne
      • Amy Young
    • Joplin
      • Karen Fisher
    • Springfield
      • Skyler Burks
      • Kevin Elmer
  • EASTERN REGION - Chief ALJ: Jason Tilley
    • St. Louis
      • Karla Boresi
      • Suzette Flowers
      • Kathleen Hart
      • Joseph Keaveny
      • John Ottenad
      • Cole Rosenblum
    • St. Charles
      • Melissa Gilliam
      • Edwin Kohner

Docket Settings

LOCAL OFFICECONFERENCESDISMISSALSMEDIATIONSPREHEARINGSHARDSHIP HEARINGSFINAL HEARINGSTOTAL
Cape Girardeau761529642,7239294,538
Jefferson City9831439231,2387233,317
Joplin267262406342141,183
Kansas City9781,4301,930837662285,469
Springfield8384518312,3698334,530
St. Charles3061881,0553,7279285,313
St. Joseph3021327940500918
St. Louis2,4297564,15518,497916926,015
Grand Total6,8643,17810,17730,43011052451,283

Benefits Administration Unit

The Benefits Administration Unit is responsible for tasks associated with the Second Injury Fund, Dispute Management, the Line of Duty Compensation Fund, and the Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund.

Second Injury Fund

The Second Injury Fund (SIF) liability is set forth in §287.220, RSMo. When the SIF statute is applicable, the employer is liable only for the amount of disability caused by the employee’s current or last injury, and the SIF is liable for the amount of the increase in disability caused by the synergistic effect of the two injuries. As a result, the SIF provides the employers with protection in hiring an employee who has a preexisting disability.

For Claims filed for injuries after Jan. 1, 2014 (or post-2014 injury), the employee has to prove that a qualifying preexisting disability, combined with the disability from the primary injury, results in permanent total disability. Claims for Compensation filed against the SIF are resolved by dismissal, settlement, or issuance of an award. All awards issued by ALJs are issued after a hearing and may determine whether the claimant is eligible for SIF benefits under the statute or is not eligible for SIF benefits based on the evidence presented at the hearing. All awards are subject to appeal as provided by law. As of Dec. 31, 2024, there were 9,871 open SIF claims pending before the Division.

Section 287.715 provides for the collection of an annual surcharge not to exceed three percent from every authorized self-insurer and every workers’ compensation policyholder insured in Missouri. To address the solvency issues facing the SIF, §287.715.6 authorizes the Division Director to collect a supplemental SIF surcharge not to exceed one percent through calendar year 2026.

Second Injury Fund Claims for Compensation Filed

YearSIF Claims
20212,787
20222,917
20233,162
20243,034

Second Injury Fund Resolutions

YearDismissalsSettlementsAwards
20214,13162194
20223,70852887
20233,58637362
20243,79425769

The charts below depict the aggregated payments made by benefit type and the number of recipients receiving said benefits, by calendar year.

PTD Lifetime

YearAmount PaidRecipients
2021$57,864,029.912,059
2022$56,445,459.492,020
2023$54,725,816.701,972
2024$52,881,083.211,940

PTD Lump Sum

YearAmount PaidRecipients
2021$9,548,932.09221
2022$8,143,800.00215
2023$8,871,972.55232
2024$6,709,501.73168

PPD

YearAmount PaidRecipients
2021$2,512,847.52406
2022$2,036,809.10321
2023$945,082.65151
2024$601,107.6197

The charts below depict the aggregated payments made by benefit type and the number of recipients receiving said benefits, by calendar year.

Death

YearAmount PaidRecipients
2021$140,733.588
2022$131,378.788
2023$123,628.447
2024$123,628.447

Rehabilitation

YearAmount PaidRecipients
2021$4,045.697
2022$800.001
2023$1,371.422
2024$3,074.276

Lost Wage

YearAmount PaidRecipients
2021$25,168.258
2022$26,187.306
2023$0.000
2024$28,035.433

Medical

YearBenefits PaidRecipients
2021$147,778.649
2022$193,679.439
2023$105,083.138
2024$175,246.595

Dispute Management

The Dispute Management Unit (DMU) program offers voluntary early intervention services to mediate disputes that arise between the parties after a workplace injury occurs and before a Claim for Compensation is filed. This process is designed to benefit all parties by allowing an exchange of information and records to resolve issues without incurring litigation costs. Agreements that are reached between the parties remain confidential.

Because Dispute Management is voluntary, when mediation is rejected or fails, the party originally requesting mediation services is advised that further adjudication steps are available including filing of a Claim and determination by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Once a written claim is filed, Dispute Management is no longer available to either party as the case has become a contested proceeding.

Line of Duty Compensation Fund

The Line of Duty Compensation Act provides for benefits, separate and apart from workers’ compensation death benefits, paid from the Line of Duty Compensation Fund to the survivors of certain individuals who are killed in the line of duty. These individuals include air ambulance pilots, air ambulance registered professional nurses, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and volunteer firefighters. Effective Aug. 28, 2018, the Missouri Legislature expanded the class of individuals who are entitled to line of duty benefits. There were 8 Line of Duty Claims received and 8 Line of Duty awards issued in 2024.

  • 8 Line of Duty claims received
  • 8 Line of Duty awards issued

Tort Victims' Compensation Fund

Chapter 537, RSMo., requires the Division of Workers’ Compensation to administer the Tort Victims‘ Compensation Fund which was created to support those injured due to another‘s negligence or recklessness who are unable to obtain full compensation for their injuries.

Awards are limited to $300,000, and payments are prorated based on monies appropriated by the legislature. Currently, the Division is unable to make any payments from the Fund pursuant to a court issued injunction.

Self-Insurance

The Division’s Self-Insurance Unit is responsible for authorizing and regulating all self-insured employers in Missouri. The Self-Insurance Unit oversees roughly 30% of the workers’ compensation insurance market (based on premium) as many employers utilize the option to self-insure their obligations. The Unit must ensure that all self-insured employers comply with Chapter 287, RSMo, and follow 8 CSR 50-3.010. The Unit’s primary functions consist of evaluating applications to self-insure submitted by employers and, providing oversight and assistance to current self-insured entities. Oversight requirements include filing timely self-insurer annual reports, posting appropriate levels of security, and complying and meeting claims best practices and safety obligations.

Self-Insurance Counts

  • 211 individual self-insurers
  • 20 group trusts
  • 2,441 individual member employers in group trusts
  • 710,453 covered self-insurer employees*
  • $36,075,450,100 covered self-insurer payroll*

*Numbers provided are based on counts as of January 1 of the indicated year.

Self-Insurers by Industry

IndustryCount
Services91
Manufacturing32
Public Administration21
Retail Trade19
Transportation & Public Utilities15
Wholesale Trade8
Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate5
Agriculture, Forestry, & Fish3
Construction3

Missouri Workers' Safety Program (MWSP)

The Missouri Workers’ Safety Program was created to help employers improve workplace safety and reduce workers’ compensation insurance costs. The Missouri Workers’ Safety Program offers free safety and health services to Missouri businesses. MWSP can answer safety and health questions, survey facilities to help identify hazards and safety violations, review or provide written safety programs, assist in accidentinvestigations, or help develop safety training programs. Workers’ Safety also works to ensure that Missouri businesses have access to individualized safety and health resources through their workers’ compensation insurance carrier and also maintains a list of certified safety consultants and engineers who can offer independent services.

Certifications Completed

  • 292 safety consultants or engineers
  • 156 physical rehabilitation facilities
  • 133 insurance carrier groups

Safety Audits Conducted

TypeCount
Rehabilitation Facilities15
Requests for Services4
Self-Insurance1
Total5

Fraud and Noncompliance

The Fraud and Noncompliance Unit promotes a safe, supportive, fair, and equitable work environment by preserving the integrity of Workers’ Compensation Law. The Unit investigates allegations of fraud and noncompliance and serves all stakeholders by providing education and awareness through outreach. The Fraud and Noncompliance Unit investigates all allegations of workers‘ compensation fraud and noncompliance with Chapter 287 RSMo.

Examples include employee misclassification, failure to ensure liability by not having workers‘ compensation insurance, preparing or providing invalid certificates of insurance, filing fraudulent claims, failure to report workplace injuries, and making false statements to obtain or deny a benefit. In 2025, the Unit will continue to monitor injury reporting data received by the Division to look for opportunities to improve timely reporting by stakeholders.

  • 355 noncompliance investigations conducted
  • 116 fraud investigations conducted
  • 48 referrals to the attorney general's office

Employer Exemptions

The Employer Exemptions Program authorizes corporations who meet statutory officer and employee requirements the ability to exempt themselves from Missouri workers’ compensation laws. The Employer Exemptions Program also provides education to employers, employees, and other stakeholders regarding the requirements of businesses to insure their liability.

Religious Exceptions

The Religious Exception Program grants workers’ compensation exceptions to employees who are members of recognized religious entities that are conscientiously opposed to acceptance of public or private insurance benefits (as defined by federal law). Both the employer and employee must meet the statutory requirements. In 2024, the Unit granted 123 religious exceptions certificates from 25 separate employers; and 216 rescissions for employment separations.

  • 216 recissions granted for employment separations
  • 123 employees approved for religious exception certificates
  • 25 separate employers for the approved religious exceptions certificates

Penalties Received*

YearFraudNoncomplianceTotal
2021$55,490.81$213,356.33$268,847.14
2022$98,660.09$238,530.69$337,190.78
2023$8,428.36$76,572.17$85,000.53
2024$13,936.00$89,861.85$103,797.85

*Penalties received include those imposed in previous years. Many penalties are paid in monthly installments over several years.

Report fraud/noncompliance or request a presentation: 1-800-592-6003 or FraudAndNoncompliance@labor.mo.gov.

Missouri DWC Contacts

Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation

Central Office
P.O. Box 58
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0058
labor.mo.gov/dwc
(800) 775-2667

Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI)
Property and Casualty Section
P.O. Box 690
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0690
573-751-3365 or 800-726-7390
insurance.mo.gov

National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI)
901 Peninsula Corporate Circle
Boca Raton, FL 33487-1362
Customer Service: 800-622-4123
ncci.com 

Box Account Set-up
(800) 775-2667

Dispute Management
(800) 775-2667

Fraud and Noncompliance
(800) 592-6003

Case Management
(800) 775-2667

Line of Duty
573-751-7268

Medical Fee Dispute
(800) 775-2667

Physical Rehabilitation Benefits
573-751-7268

Physical Rehabilitation Facility Certification
573-526-4945

Records Requests
(800) 775-2667

Religious Exception
573-526-6630

Self-Insurance
573-526-3692

Second Injury Fund Benefits
573-526-3876

Second Injury Fund Surcharge
573-526-3543

Tort Victims’ Compensation
573-751-7268

Vocational Rehabilitation
573-751-7268

Workers’ Safety Program
573-526-5757

Adjudication Office Directory

WESTERN REGION

Kansas City
Phone: 816-889-2481
1410 Genessee St., Suite 210 Kansas City, MO 64102 KCDocketing@labor.mo.gov

St. Joseph
Phone: 816-387-2275
525 Jules St., Room 315 St. Joseph, MO 64501
STJoeDocketing@labor.mo.gov

EASTERN REGION

St. Louis
Phone: 314-340-6865
111 North 7th St., Room 250 St. Louis, MO 63101
STLDocketing@labor.mo.gov

St. Charles
Phone: 636-949-1999 3737 
Harry S. Truman Blvd., Suite 300 St. Charles, MO 63301 STCDocketing@labor.mo.gov

NORTH/CENTRAL REGION

Jefferson City
Phone: 573-751-4231
3315 West Truman Blvd. Jefferson City, MO 65109 JCDocketing@labor.mo.gov

SOUTHERN REGION

Cape Girardeau
Phone: 573-290-5757
3102 Blattner Dr., Suite 101 Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 CGDocketing@labor.mo.gov

Joplin
Phone: 417-629-3032 3311 Texas Ave. Joplin, MO 64804 JoplinDocketing@labor.mo.gov

Springfield
Phone: 417-888-4100
1736 E. Sunshine, Suite 610 Springfield, MO 65804 SGFDocketing@labor.mo.gov

Division of Workers' Compensation

P.O. Box 58
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0058
800-775-2667
workerscomp@labor.mo.gov
labor.mo.gov/dwc