New Hampshire Office of Cost Containment - Concord, NH

New Hampshire Office of Cost Containment

State Employee Risk Management and Safety

The New Hampshire Office of Cost Containment, operating under the Department of Administrative Services, serves as the central hub for managing workers' compensation and unemployment compensation for the State of New Hampshire government workforce. This agency is distinct from public unemployment offices; its primary mission is to manage the self-funded insurance programs for state employees and agencies. The office focuses on reducing the financial impact of workplace injuries and unemployment claims through strategic risk management, rigorous claims oversight, and the implementation of robust safety protocols across all state departments. By overseeing the State Employee Workers' Compensation Program, the office ensures that injured state workers receive appropriate medical care and wage replacement while facilitating safe and timely return-to-work initiatives.

• Workers' Compensation Administration: Manages claims adjudication, medical case management, and benefit distribution for state employees injured on the job.
• Loss Control and Safety: Develops and enforces safety standards, conducts workplace inspections, and supports departmental safety committees to prevent accidents.
• Unemployment Compensation: Administers the state's reimbursement program for unemployment benefits, ensuring fiscal responsibility and verifying claim validity for former state employees.
• Return-to-Work Programs: Coordinates transitional duty assignments to help injured employees reintegrate into the workforce safely and effectively.

Statutory Authority and Functions

Authorized by New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) Chapter 21-I, the Office of Cost Containment plays a critical role in the state's internal governance. The unit works closely with the Division of Risk and Benefits to analyze data, identify accident trends, and implement corrective measures that protect both state assets and the health of the public workforce. The office also provides training and guidance to human resources supervisors across state agencies regarding injury reporting (such as the Employer's First Report of Injury) and compliance with Department of Labor regulations. Through its proactive approach to loss prevention and claims management, the agency strives to minimize the burden on New Hampshire taxpayers while maintaining a safe working environment for thousands of public servants.