10/16/2026 - Sold-Out NYS Workers' Compensation Board Conference Commemorates 25th Anniversary of 9/11, Highlights Game-Changing System ImprovementsSold-Out NYS Workers’[...]

Press Releases

Event Featured Expert Panel Discussion on World Trade Workers' Compensation Claims and Industry Response

New Lookback Report Released: Workers' Compensation & World Trade Center - 25 Years Later

Occupational Medicine Expert Dr. Jacqueline Moline Presented with Frances Perkins Award

October 16, 2026

Albany, NY - October 16, 2026 - The New York State Workers' Compensation Board (Board) today convened a landmark conference to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks and highlight critical legislative and operational improvements made to the workers' compensation system.

The sold-out event, held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, was geared toward professionals across the workers' compensation landscape. Attendees received vital updates on key Board programs and participated in multiple Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit-bearing sessions.

The conference featured:

• A panel discussion with World Trade Center (WTC) advocates and experts reflecting on the response to 9/11.
• An address by Board Chair Freida D. Foster on the enduring resilience of New York's workers' compensation system and public servants.
• A presentation by Executive Director Steven Scotti on the Board's modernization efforts and significant system improvements enacted with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Dr. Jacqueline Moline, Professor of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention and Internal Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, was honored with the Board's Frances Perkins Award. The award recognizes Dr. Moline for embodying the spirit of Frances Perkins and making a positive impact on the New York State workers' compensation system.

In conjunction with the Conference, the Board released a new lookback report, Workers' Compensation & World Trade Center: 25 Years Later, which details WTC-related workers' compensation claim activity and trends since September 11, 2001.

"Twenty-five years after September 11, we continue to honor the courage of those who answered the call and recognize the unique challenges still facing the World Trade Center community," said Board Chair Freida D. Foster. "Behind every claim is a person, a family, and a story. This conference highlights how much we've accomplished to ensure that those affected receive the care, benefits, and support they need. Today we proudly honor the resilience of our public servants and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of employers and employees."

"Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the Board is undergoing a historic modernization effort to deliver a faster, more efficient system for New York's workforce," said Executive Director Steven Scotti. "This conference was a wonderful opportunity to share these critical advancements and demonstrate how the Board is truly living up to our new motto: 'Serving New York. Supporting You.'"

For more information on the conference, or to view/download the presentations, please visit the Board's 2026 Workers' Compensation Conference website. Additional photos and videos will follow.

Workers' compensation is insurance that provides lost wage benefits and/or medical care for work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits are available to every eligible worker in New York State, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The Workers' Compensation Board oversees the administration of workers' compensation, disability benefits, and Paid Family Leave in New York State. Its mission is to protect the rights of employees and employers by ensuring the proper delivery of benefits and by promoting compliance with the law. Learn more at www.wcb.ny.gov.