National benefit programs, impact

At the same time, these programs will help employers avoid the substantial cost impacts and business disruptions that accompany occupational injuries, illnesses and deaths. One widely-cited source regarding estimates of the magnitude of these costs is the Liberty Mutual Research Institute, which reports the direct cost of the most disabling workplace injuries in 2008 to be 53 billion (Liberty Mutual Research Institute 2010). Another source, the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), estimates the annual workers compensation benefits paid for all compensable injuries and illnesses in 2009 at 58 billion (National Academy of Social Insurance 2011). NASI further reports the total costs paid by employers for workers compensation increased from 60 billion in 2000 to 74 billion in 2009. 

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