Virginia Senate Bill SB520

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 1/22/24

Caption

Workers' compensation; injuries caused by repetitive and sustained physical stressors.

Impact

The bill's provisions will significantly alter how workers' compensation cases involving physical stressors are handled in Virginia. By explicitly including repetitive and sustained physical stressors in the definition of occupational disease, it is expected that more workers will qualify for compensation. This could lead to an increase in claims related to conditions historically viewed as non-occupational. Stakeholders in the labor market, including employers and labor unions, will need to adjust their approaches to workplace ergonomics and employee health to mitigate potential liabilities stemming from these statutory changes.

Summary

SB520 introduces amendments to Virginia's workers' compensation laws, specifically addressing injuries caused by repetitive and sustained physical stressors. The bill defines 'occupational disease' to include diseases or injuries resulting from various physical stressors encountered in the workplace, such as repetitive motions and postures. This broadens the scope of what can be classified as an occupational disease, thus ensuring that employees suffering from these conditions will have access to benefits under workers' compensation. This legislative change is significant as it acknowledges modern workplace challenges and provides a safety net for affected workers.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for enhancing protections for workers, there are concerns regarding its implications for employers. Opponents argue that a broader definition of occupational disease might lead to an influx of claims, potentially increasing costs for businesses. This concern is particularly relevant for small businesses that may struggle to accommodate the financial impacts of heightened workers' compensation claims. Thus, discussions around SB520 have sparked a debate about balancing employee protections with the economic realities faced by employers.